Watsonville is a thriving hub of the Central Coast
In 1837, the governor of Alta California, Juan B. Alvarado, awarded a Mexican land grant to a soldier named Sebastian Rodríguez.
That huge parcel of land, Rancho Bolsa del Pajaro, extended from Monterey Bay to present-day Watsonville, with the Pajaro River as its southern boundary.
Following the Mexican-American War in 1948, a treaty provided that all land grants would be honored. And, indeed, Rodríguez kept his land — but not without a legal fight.
In 1852, Judge John H. Watson put in his own claim for Rancho Bolsa del Pajaro. Courts ruled in favor of Rodríguez. The judge went on to serve in the California State Senate.
However, when the city was incorporated on March 30,1868, Watson’s legacy lived on as residents settled on Watsonville for the name. Perhaps it had a better ring to it than Rodríguezville.
Despite that odd bit of history, over the years this lush agricultural area has been stamped with the legacy of Latino descendents who helped weave a diverse fabric of diversity.
Living in Watsonville, California
Today it is considered the hub of the Central Coast of California. In fact, the Wall Street Journal pointed to the Watsonville area as one of the most desirable places in the U.S. to live and work in the publication’s annual “Top Emerging Housing Markets in the U.S.”
Today, agriculture and food processing remain the mainstay of the Pajaro Valley economic structure. Yet, in keeping with recent trends, a new breadth of opportunity has opened for residents and businesses, including light industry, manufacturing, tourism and service oriented businesses.
As the Bay Area becomes increasingly dense, discerning new homebuyers can look toward outlying communities like Watsonville for the following many reasons.
Its proximity to large job markets is a big reason. Only a short drive to Silicon Valley and the ongoing tech boom, Watsonville boasts a prime location to provide suburban living. Secondly, living in Watsonville puts residents mere minutes away from redwood forests, majestic mountains, beaches and more. What’s more, Watsonville boasts great weather that provides more opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Watsonville is a place like no other. And whether you grew up here, recently moved to the area or you’re just an occasional visitor, here are a few things that make it unique:
Nearly 100 years ago, Watsonville's nickname was “The Apple City” due to its abundance of orchards. Berries have stolen some of that spotlight in recent decades, though; it is estimated that Watsonville-based Driscoll's controls one-third of the U.S. berry market. Visitors can head to places such as Gizdich Ranch and pick their own apples and take home some of their famous pies.
Watsonville is surrounded by fertile agricultural land, and locals take pride in the many locally grown crops. You can sample some of these fresh fruits and vegetables at the Watsonville Certified Farmers' Market, which is held every Friday at City Plaza in downtown Watsonville.
If you're a fan of hiking and outdoor adventure, the Watsonville area has plenty to offer. Trails include Watsonville’s own Mount Madonna County Park and Forest of Nisene Marks State Park nearby.
The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, located in Watsonville, is home to the annual Santa Cruz County Fair, which features carnival rides, live music, livestock shows, and a variety of other activities.
The nearby fishing village of Moss Landing, just a few miles south of Watsonville, is a popular destination for whale-watching tours. You can see humpback whales, gray whales and other marine life up close on guided boat tours.
Watsonville is home to several beautiful parks, including Ramsay Park, which features a large playground, picnic areas and a pump track. The park is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors with friends and family.
If you’d like to call this thriving hub home, groundwork has begun on our 144-home Hillcrest Estate subdivision on an 11.27-acre hilltop between Ohlone Parkway and Walker Street above Watsonville Slough.
The ACT Team has opened an off-site sales office for presales. For a detailed homes availability list and floor plan options, register online here, or contact Andy Ardila at (415) 608-1003 or by email at act@compass.com.