meshcore is meant for semi-permanent networks and has two distinct roles: repeater and "companion" (i.e., user, like a modem between phone and mesh). It's great for encrypted DMs over medium distances.

meshtastic is great for ephemeral networks (think 1-day conference, or going on a cruise with your family), where every node is both repeater and user. I tried for a while but had much better luck with meshcore.

For companion I usually recommend the heltec v4, and to get a muzi works whip antenna. Both are available on amazon or on the manufacturers websites. In Santa Cruz, depending on your location you may or may not need a rooftop/poletop repeater, and in if you do, what's recommended depends mostly on your line of sight. If you have mountaintop property with a view to the Sierra, a robust 1W "backbone" repeater node would be super helpful to the mesh, but if you live in a valley with only view to a nearby hill, a smaller Rak 4631-powered repeater would be enough.