Friday, May 28, 2010

Santa Cruz Named Number 2 "Recreation City" in U.S.


The rankings were announced Wednesday, April 21, when rain-soaked residents may have needed a reminder.

Santa Cruz is among the nation's top spots for recreation, according to a website for potential homebuyers.

No cities in the county made RelocateAmerica.com's "Top 100 Places To Live" list, but Santa Cruz placed second in a breakout category of "Top 10 Recreation Cities."

The only California city mentioned, Santa Cruz was brought to the company's attention by online users, who cited the area's numerous parks and beaches.

"Santa Cruz has great waves and great people," said Peter Shellenbarger, 25, a manager at O'Neill Surf Shop on Pacific Avenue who's lived in Santa Cruz for seven years.

He and others can spend their downtime surfing at Steamer's Lane, skateboarding at Derby Park or mountain biking around Wilder Ranch State Park, one of dozens in the county.

Boulder, Colo., was at the top of the list, compiled annually since 1998.

An editorial team reviews the submissions, interviewing residents and local leaders and considering economic data from the previous year.

The complete list can be viewed and communities nominated for next year's list by visiting www.relocateamerica.com.