1st St, Santa Cruz

It doesn't get much closer to the action than this - 1st street is practically on top of both the boardwalk and the beach, adjacent to both. While quieter in the winter, the action is really there in the summer time. The area is a blast to visit, but might get a little crowded to live in, particularly with the severely limited parking options.

There appear to be a few residences here (older homes that are surely rented by many), but living here kind of equates to living on top of a bar in New York City's East Village - it's a little dirty, you won't get much space, and you have to love it. The plus side is that even if the boardwalk doesn't float your boat, the beach is literally right there and the surf spots are right nearby. And of course, nothing here is too far from the downtown bar scene.

I wouldn't want to live here, but I can see why others would.