Search for Your New Home

Aptos Blue provides 40 families with affordable rental homes in Santa Cruz County. Located near a major shopping center, public library, and public transportation lines, Aptos Blue residents live, work, and play in their neighborhood. The community marks one of the six sites re-zoned by the County with the goal to provide affordable housing. Five units are set aside for individuals and families with special needs. In addition to new construction, Aptos Blue includes the renovation of the historic Castro House. The house now provides a shared space for the residents including a community room, a common kitchen, an After School Program classroom, and a beautiful community garden outside.

Bienestar Plaza in Santa Cruz offers thoughtfully designed 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartment homes in a welcoming community setting. Each apartment features an all-electric kitchen, ample storage, and a private patio or balcony for relaxing outdoors. Residents enjoy the comfort of a secure building entrance and the convenience of assigned parking.

Community amenities include a spacious community room with kitchen, a learning center, and a multipurpose meeting room for gatherings and programs. The central courtyard provides BBQ areas and play structures, while the community garden offers a peaceful space to grow and connect.

Bienestar Plaza also provides residents with access to low-cost medical and dental care on-site, supporting overall well-being. Located near shopping, restaurants, and beautiful outdoor spaces like José Avenue County Park and Twin Lakes County Park, Bienestar Plaza combines comfort, convenience, and community in the heart of Santa Cruz.

Cienega Heights (formerly Pippin Phase II) is the result of a multi-jurisdictional effort to bring much-needed affordable housing to southern Santa Cruz County. This is the second phase of a three-phase development project to create affordable housing communities for residents with low incomes. Phase I, Pippin Orchards Apartments, completed construction in fall 2018 and provides 46 affordable apartments for families. Cienega Heights features 80 newly constructed apartment homes, including 39 that are designated for agricultural worker households. Cienega Heights overlooks a seasonal wetland with views of the Pajaro Hills to the east of Watsonville. The community is all-electric, with photovoltaic panels and water efficient irrigation systems. All residents of Cienega Heights have access to onsite amenities as well as a full suite of services programs, coordinated by MidPen Services. Grocery stores, shopping and bus lines are within walking distance of the community.

Nestled in the scenic hills of Scotts Valley, Emerald Hill offers spacious 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom townhomes in a peaceful residential setting surrounded by towering coastal redwoods and lush mature landscaping. The community’s hillside location provides beautiful views in every direction, creating a tranquil retreat while remaining close to everyday conveniences.

Residents enjoy thoughtfully designed amenities, including a community room with a kitchen, computer center, playground, on-site laundry facilities, and assigned parking. With shopping, dining, schools, and MacDorsa Park just minutes away, Emerald Hill combines natural beauty, comfort, and convenience in one welcoming community.

Whether you’re looking for room to grow, a connection to nature, or easy access to local services and recreation, Emerald Hill offers a comfortable place to call home in the heart of Scotts Valley.

Jardines del Valle was named by the residents who experienced the transformation of the property site into “Gardens of the Valley.” Before MidPen stepped in to create community improvements and maintain its affordable housing status, Jardines del Valle was Murphy’s Camp, one of California’s oldest and most dilapidated “bracero” camps for farm laborers. With a complete renovation to the property, Jardines del Valle became a vibrant affordable housing community with amenities that include a community room, computer center, children’s playground, barbecues, and a soccer field. MidPen Housing has won two national awards for its turnaround of Jardines del Valle: a Maxwell Award of Excellence from the FannieMae Foundation, and the National Tax Credit Excellence Award from the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition.

Jessie Street Terrace provides 50 affordable apartment homes and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness, including veterans. All residents are referred from the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz, the county’s SmartPath assessment system, or the Palo Alto VA, which covers Santa Cruz County.

On-site amenities include a community room with kitchen, laundry facilities, a computer room, outdoor terrace, landscaped garden area, secure bike parking, and meeting and services spaces. Residents of Jessie Street Terrace receive a suite of services, programs, and case management tailored to individual needs.

In response to a request from Santa Cruz County, MidPen Housing purchased a site that was once a dilapidated trailer park and transformed it into Parkhurst Terrace, a quality affordable housing community for 68 families. Completed in Dec. 2007, Parkhurst Terrace includes townhouses and flats, a community center, laundry facilities and several play areas. The youth of Parkhurst Terrace have access to after-school and summer programs and a computer lab. Adult residents benefit from on-site vocational and computer training, ESL classes, and health and wellness programs.

Pippin Orchards Apartments is the result of a multi-jurisdictional effort to bring much-needed affordable housing to southern Santa Cruz County. Pippin Orchards Apartments provides 46 affordable homes for families, including two units that are reserved for transition-aged-youth who have experienced homelessness, and six units that are reserved for residents with developmental disabilities. Those residents receive supportive services in collaboration with the San Andreas Regional Center and Housing Choices Coalition. All residents of Pippin Orchards have access to onsite amenities as well as a full suite of services and programs, coordinated by MidPen Services. Residents of Pippin Orchards enjoy a landscaped courtyard with a children’s playground. Other amenities include a computer lab, a community room with kitchen for community gatherings, and bicycle storage space. Once completed, the apartments overlook a seasonal wetland and have a view of the Pajaro Hills to the east of Watsonville.

San Andreas is an affordable housing community for farmworker families tucked away in the heart of Watsonville’s rich agricultural landscape. Mature landscaping and a quiet, rural atmosphere provide a sense of calm from the moment you arrive.

Offering a variety of spacious 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom apartment homes designed to meet the needs of individuals and families alike. Inside each unit, you’ll find a well-equipped all-electric kitchen, generous storage space, and your own private patio or balcony—perfect for relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

The community is designed with residents in mind, featuring assigned parking, on-site laundry facilities, a community garden, a playground, and even a soccer field for recreation. Host gatherings in the community room with a kitchen, or take advantage of the computer lab for school, work, or staying connected. Onsite services provided by trusted local agencies offer additional support, creating a truly resident-focused living experience.

When you’re ready to explore beyond your front door, you’ll find Sunset State Beach and the Pajaro River Picnic Area just a short drive away — perfect for weekend outings and family fun.

Schapiro Knolls is a beautifully maintained affordable housing community located in the heart of Watsonville offering spacious 1-bedroom apartments and 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom town homes. Each residence features a private patio or balcony, an in-unit washer and dryer, generous storage, and an attached single-car garage for added convenience.

Surrounded by mature landscaping and open green spaces, Schapiro Knolls provides a peaceful, family-friendly setting with a variety of community amenities. Residents enjoy access to a community room with kitchen, computer lab, fitness center, after-school program classroom, playground, BBQ area, and community garden. The property’s large outdoor spaces with walkways create a welcoming environment for recreation and relaxation.

Ideally situated within walking distance of Pinto Lake City Park, Schapiro Knolls also offers easy access to public transportation, shopping, and retail options, making it a convenient and comfortable place to call home.

Sparrow Terrace is a new affordable community in Watsonville. This innovative development was born out of a collaboration between MidPen Housing and Encompass Community Services in Watsonville, CA. Thirty-five of the apartment homes are set aside for farm-worker families, and six serve formerly homeless individuals.

This community offers studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartment homes with all-electric kitchens featuring refrigerators, oven/ranges, dishwashers in 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units, air conditioning, and extra storage. Shared amenities include a community room with kitchen, after school learning center, playground, on-site laundry facilities, secure bike storage, and a community garden.

Sparrow Terrace is complemented by a lush garden-style design with green spaces and a revitalized wetlands habitat, and is conveniently located near schools, shopping, retail, restaurants, and nearby Callaghan Park Cultural Center, and Arista Park.

In partnership with St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church and the County of Santa Cruz, MidPen Housing provides 40 low-income seniors, including senior veterans and frail elderly, with new, affordable apartment homes in the Live Oak neighborhood of Santa Cruz. Supportive services staff are onsite to help all residents access a wide range of programs and specific services will be provided in collaboration with the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System HUD-VASH Program and the Health Projects Center. Additional amenities at St. Stephens include private balconies, a community room with kitchen, computer lab, laundry room, fitness center and outdoor bocce ball court. St. Stephens Senior Housing began construction in spring 2016 and welcomed residents summer 2017.

Sunny Meadows is a welcoming affordable housing community offering spacious Studio, 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom apartment homes designed for comfort and convenience. Each home features all-electric kitchens, air conditioning, and assigned parking.

Residents enjoy a variety of community amenities, including a community room with kitchen, computer lab, after-school program classroom, laundry rooms, and beautifully landscaped courtyards with walking paths, BBQ, and patio areas. Families can take advantage of the vibrant after-school program for youth as well as family health and wellness services that promote a supportive and connected community.

Sunny Meadows is conveniently located near shopping, retail, restaurants, public transportation, and schools. Nearby Pinto Lake City Park offers opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. This gated community provides a safe and friendly environment where residents can relax, connect, and thrive.

Nestled in the charming community of Soquel, The Farm offers affordable spacious 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom townhomes designed for comfortable family living. Each home features in-unit laundry, abundant storage and closet space, and a private patio that extends your living area outdoors.

Residents enjoy beautifully landscaped courtyards, expansive green lawns, and inviting picnic areas that create a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. Community amenities include an on-site childcare facility, community center, community gardening space, and computer technology center, providing convenient resources for residents of all ages. Assigned parking adds everyday convenience.

Ideally located near shopping, dining, schools, and everyday services, The Farm also offers easy access to outdoor recreation at Farm Park and the stunning shores of New Brighton State Beach. Combining spacious homes, family-friendly amenities, and a desirable Soquel location, The Farm is a place where residents can truly feel at home.

Via del Mar is a key element of an overall downtown revitalization effort in Watsonville. While the local economy is dominated by agriculture, Watsonville’s location in Santa Cruz County and proximity to affluent communities has pushed rents up to levels that are unaffordable to many who work in the fields or service industry. The City of Watsonville leased the Via del Mar site from the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District and then sought MidPen to develop the affordable housing community with designated apartments for farmworker families. Via del Mar includes a child care center for residents and their neighbors, operated by the Head Start Program. It is also within walking distance to downtown and public transportation, shopping, social services, library, schools and other educational facilities and cultural venues.

Villas Del Paraiso in Watsonville, CA, is a vibrant affordable housing community designed to support farmworker families. Offering spacious 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom apartment homes, residents enjoy a welcoming environment surrounded by beautiful outdoor spaces and family-friendly amenities. The community features playgrounds, a soccer field, a basketball court, and a fishing dock on Pinto Lake, providing plenty of opportunities for recreation and connection.

Residents also have access to a community room with kitchen, computer lab, laundry facilities, and community gardens. Onsite services connect families with valuable community resources and social programs to support education, wellness, and economic stability. Conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, and public transportation, Villas Del Paraiso offers a well-rounded living experience in a peaceful lakeside setting.