Watsonville, CA

Watsonville, California

Introduction to Watsonville, California

Watsonville, California, in Santa Cruz county, is 15 miles E of Santa Cruz, California (center to center) and 30 miles S of San Jose, California. The city is situated in the Pajaro Valley. Watsonville is a major agriculture and food processing area. The municipality is surrounded by agricultural land. Strawberries, apples, raspberries, lettuce, artichokes, broccoli, brussels sprouts, blackberries, mushrooms and cut flowers are some of the primary crops. The Eastern Highlands are utilized for cattle grazing, timber production and includes vineyards and orchards.

Watsonville is home to the headquarters of Driscoll's Strawberries, West Marine, Sweet Darling Strawberries and Martinelli's, a prominent producer of sparkling apple cider. Light industry, manufacturing and the service industries are factors for the economy. The majority of the coast land bordering Watsonville is included in the Monterey Bay Sanctuary. The Santa Cruz Mountains can be seen from parts of the city.

Watsonville features cool winters and mild summers. Fog and low overcast are typical occurrences during the night and morning, particularly during the summer. The city has a very large Hispanic population and a sizeable Asian-American community. In 2008 Country Home Magazine placed Watsonville in the top ten "Best Places to live in America."

Watsonville History

The Costanoans were the original inhabitants. By 1847 there were a large number of cattle ranches. The city was incorporated in 1868. The municipality was named in tribute to Judge John Watson. It began to thrive after the railroad connected Watsonville with Santa Clara Valley in 1871. Watsonville is located near the epicenter of the powerful 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake which destroyed and damaged numerous building situated downtown. The earthquake caused a lot of destruction all over the region.

Watsonville Attractions

• The Henry J. Mello Performing Arts Center features a variety of musical productions, dramas and other events.
• Santa Cruz County Symphony.
• Monterey Bay Strawberry Festival features entertainment, crafts and strawberry treats.
• Pajaro Valley Arts Council.
• Santa Cruz County Fair features music, arts and crafts and entertainment for kids.
• California Pajarosa.
• Agricultural History Museum.
• Watsonville Fly-In & Air Show is a popular event and features antique airplanes, military planes and helicopters.
• Watsonville Speedway.
• Pajaro Valley Historical Association.
• Birding Festival.

Watsonville Activities

Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Manresa State, Sunset, Moss Landing State and Zmudowski State beaches are popular destinations. The Wetlands Nature Center is a noteworthy location. Mount Madonna County Park is enjoyed by residents and tourists. Visitors enjoy the local wineries including Alfaro Family Vineyard and Winery, Natal Vineyards and River Run Vintners. Golf enthusiasts enjoy playing at the nearby Springs Hills Golf Course. Families have fun at the close by Santa Cruz Beach & Boardwalk.

Watsonville Higher Education

The city is served by the nearby University of California at Santa Cruz, Cabrillo College and California State University at Monterey Bay.

High Points

Watsonville strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in California):

Category	Trophy
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. Peers)	Top 6%

Comparative Profile of Watsonville, CA

Comparing Watsonville to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in California (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Children Under 5 Years Old
Male Share of the Population
Racial Diversity
Senior Citizens
Female Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Age of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Median Family Income
People Above Poverty
People in Middle Class or Better
College Educated Adults

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Walking and Biking to Work
Public Transportation Use
Short Commute Times
Working at Home

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Affordability of Property Taxes
Housing Recently Built
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Affordability of Rents
People Living Alone

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

Watsonville Almanac

Watsonville Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Watsonville Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Watsonville, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Watsonville Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Watsonville Hospitals

WATSONVILLE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
(Proprietary)
75 NIELSON STREET
(831) 724-4741
Emergency Service: Yes

Starbucks in Watsonville

Watsonville High Schools (2004)

WATSONVILLE HIGH
250 E. BEACH ST.
831-728-6390
Serves 3,081 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 22.2

PACIFIC COAST CHARTER
440-G ARTHUR ROAD
831-786-2180
A charter school.
Serves 179 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 23.9

ACADEMIC/VOCATIONAL INSTITUTE
294 GREEN VALLEY RD
831-786-2100
A Non-traditional School
A charter school.
Serves 74 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 14.8

NEW SCHOOL
521 MAIN ST. SUITE W
831-761-6140
A Non-traditional School
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 50 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 55.6

Watsonville Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

CET-Watsonville

(List of All California Colleges)

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