$1,663,094Average Value$853Average Price per Sq Ft32Homes For Sale
Coastal town with rich history and oceanfront charm
Named for its crescent-shaped coastline at the precipice of the Pacific, Half Moon Bay is a historic seaside village on the San Francisco Peninsula with breathtaking views of the vast oceanic blue. Here, homebuyers can find charming homes and a laid-back downtown district steps away from picturesque sandy beaches.
Half Moon Bay has its origins as a 19th-century agricultural hamlet where farmers grazed cattle, oxen and horses. During the Prohibition era, it became a hub for rum runners who used the town’s frequent fog cover to move illicit booze up and down the coastline. These days, it’s a popular beach destination that offers an idyllic escape from bustling Bay Area cities. “Coming down the hill into Half Moon Bay on Highway 92, your worries just melt away. That sapphire blue is always sparkling out there. It’s a very laid-back lifestyle,” says Realtor Barbara LaVey of Coldwell Banker Realty, a longtime resident of the Bay Area coastline. “When you’re at the beach, you’ll see dolphins jumping in the waves. You’ll feel like you’re in Maui.”
Downtown Half Moon Bay comes alive with locals and visitors savoring its charm.
A mural in Half Moon Bay depicts a majestic wave, celebrating the surf culture.
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Pandemic-era demand drove up home prices in this beach town
A stroll through the residential streets of Half Moon Bay takes pedestrians by an eclectic mix of homes, ranging from tiny bungalows to traditional beach houses. Second-floor balconies have views of the rolling mountaintops east of the town. The housing stock is generally older, dating back to the early and mid-20th century, but many have been renovated with open floor plans and modern amenities like solar panels and electric-vehicle chargers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a surge of new residents moving to the area from nearby cities that caused an uptick in housing prices. “We had a huge influx of people during the pandemic who realized they could work remotely and live somewhere like this,” LaVey says. "It’s cooled off, but the prices are still higher than they’ve ever been." Home prices typically range from $1.2 million to upwards of $2 million.
Beautiful and well-kept yards are common in Half Moon Bay.
Many homes in Half Moon Bay have been renovated.
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Locally owned restaurants and shops line Main Street
For shops and dining, residents can head down to Half Moon Bay’s historic downtown district, where there are plenty of great restaurants and boutique storefronts. Make an evening of it at Pasta Moon, a local icon that serves up top-drawer Italian fare in a plush dining room with vaulted ceilings. The restaurant’s house-made pasta, hearty lasagna and locally sourced ingredients have earned high praise from Bay Area foodies. For a morning pastry and a cup of coffee, make a pit stop at Half Moon Bay Bakery, where customers can satisfy their sweet tooth with a braided donut or pick up a freshly baked loaf of bread. While downtown, folks should make sure to visit Coastside Books, an independent bookstore established in 1972 that's a perfect spot to spend the afternoon buried in a book.
At HMB Bakery, fresh bread entices, embodying Half Moon Bay's local flavors.
Book lovers in Half Moon Bay find literary treasures at the Coastside bookstore.
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Beaches, trails and parks offer scenic outdoor escapes
From the foamy waves crashing onto white beaches to nearby winding mountain trails, Half Moon Bay’s local parks and beaches are a major attraction for locals and visitors alike. Half Moon State Beach is a sprawling public beach that encompasses more than 4 miles of coastline. It’s near the lush woodlands of Montara Mountain, which feature interconnected trails that crisscross brushy hillsides with incredible views of the towns and seaside below. For surfing with a panoramic view of the coastline, take a day trip to Surfer’s Beach or Maverick’s Beach in neighboring El Granada. That said, the towering waves at Maverick’s should only be attempted by serious surfers. Residents of Half Moon Bay also have plenty of access to neighborhood parks and green spaces like Kehoe Park, Ocean View Park and the Half Moon Bay Skate Park, where visitors can relax in the outdoors.
Get an amazing view from the bottom or the top of the hill at Half Moon Bay State Beach.
One of many pieces of art at Ocean View Park.
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Local schools offer green initiatives and high ratings
Students attend schools in the Cabrillo Unified School District, which encompasses several coastal towns on the Peninsula. In 2023, the district was designated a California Green Ribbon School District honoree for its exemplary sustainable practices, such as building gardens at all its elementary school campuses and expanding its agricultural science programming. Within the town, students can attend Alvin Hatch Elementary School, Manuel Cunha Intermediate School and Half Moon Bay High School, which has an A rating from the online school-review site Niche.
Alvin S. Hatch Elementary School nurtures curiosity and exploration.
After school programs at Manuel F. Cunha Intermediate School are plentiful.
Half Moon Bay High School gets an A rating from Niche.
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Easy commute to major Bay Area cities and job centers
Located just 30 miles south of San Francisco and about 15 miles west of San Mateo and Redwood City, Half Moon Bay is only a short commute to many of the Bay Area’s major employment centers.
Written By
Tina Davis
Photography Contributed By
Eli Tye
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lucy Gillies,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Half Moon Bay, CA sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Half Moon Bay, CA over the last 12 months is $1,551,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This spacious coastal home in the gated community of Ocean Colony offers easy living with plenty of room to entertain and relax. With 3470 sq ft, this clean and bright 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home is a rare bargain. It features a large open living room with vaulted ceilings directly adjacent to the dining room and a cozy fireplace nook. A separate living space is currently used as a fun room
Welcome to 107 Carnoustie Dr, located in one of the premier neighborhoods in Ocean Colony, featuring views of golf course and pond. This home offers a luxury retreat with a thoughtful floorplan and energy efficiency with solar electricity. Lots of natural light in the kitchen & family room with high ceiling, complete with dining area, wet bar & fireplace, also formal Living & Dining Rm combo with
This home has been beautifully cared for, updated and move-in ready for its next owners. This 2-bed, 2-bath, 1440 sq ft home is situated on a large sun-soaked lot with an expansive deck to enjoy the warmth (southwest exposure). A side-by-side carport allows for ease and space. A storage shed and low maintenance, paved yard make the home perfect for both indoor & outdoor entertaining. Once inside
This spacious coastal home in the gated community of Ocean Colony offers easy living with plenty of room to entertain and relax. With 3470 sq ft, this clean and bright 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home is a rare bargain. It features a large open living room with vaulted ceilings directly adjacent to the dining room and a cozy fireplace nook. A separate living space is currently used as a fun room
Design Your Own Dream Home! Unique Opportunity: Purchase a westside residential lot situated close to downtown Half Moon Bay, offering convenient access to shopping, acclaimed restaurants, and just blocks from the beach and coastal trail. Prime Location: This level 5,000 sqft lot is surrounded by newer custom-built homes, providing a modern and upscale neighborhood feel. Enjoy easy access to
Enjoy ocean views from this grand, contemporary, Coastside home located in Miramar with a LEGAL IN-LAW for guests, short-term rental, or additional income to pay your mortgage. This stunning abode features 5 large bedrooms and 3 1/2 bathrooms providing ample space for everyone. Formal upstairs living room w/ vaulted ceilings, fireplace and access to the rear yard. The kitchen, also with high
Welcome to this newer (2024) corner home on an interior street. At the entrance you'll find a large Trex deck with enough space for a table and chairs to enjoy the sunshine. Upon entry, you're greeted with 9ft ceilings, recessed lighting, crown molding throughout, wide plank, waterproof LVP flooring, open-concept kitchen, dining area & living room with enough space for all your entertaining
Welcome to this Creekside Drive, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offering 1,440 square feet of living space. Entering through an enclosed porch providing protection from wind/rain and serves as a great place to watch the sunsets. An open-concept living and dining room with vaulted ceilings offers a great sense of space and loads of natural light. The kitchen is equipped with a gas range, microwave,
Live on prestigious Saint Andrews Rd, one of Ocean Colony's oldest and most desirable neighborhoods, where the homes are custom built and the lots are larger. Here's a beautifully updated colonial style home situated on a large almost 10,000sqft corner lot. As you enter this home, you'll be impressed with the 2 story entry, custom Murano lighting, wood stairway, wainscoting and detailed trim
Welcome to 107 Carnoustie Dr, located in one of the premier neighborhoods in Ocean Colony, featuring views of golf course and pond. This home offers a luxury retreat with a thoughtful floorplan and energy efficiency with solar electricity. Lots of natural light in the kitchen & family room with high ceiling, complete with dining area, wet bar & fireplace, also formal Living & Dining Rm combo with
Located in Half Moon Bay, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,310 sq ft of living space with a blend of carpet and hardwood flooring throughout. The kitchen is equipped with a 220-volt outlet, synthetic countertops, garbage disposal, built-in gas range with hood, electric self-cleaning oven, and refrigerator, providing a well-appointed cooking area. Enjoy the warmth of a wood-burning fireplace
Welcome to this exceptionally maintained and stylish lower level corner unit located in the desirable Ocean Corner complex in south Half Moon Bay. Bright family room includes a wood burning, gas starter, fireplace. Gorgeous kitchen upgrade has quartz counter-tops w/ dining "L", stainless steel fixtures and appliances. Access to the welcoming patio through at the dining area. With just a few
Beautifully designed coastal retreat offering a rare blend of sustainability, craftsmanship, and lifestyle. This eco-conscious 4 bed, 3 bath home features regionally sourced materials and a light-filled, open floor plan with soaring ceilings in the entry, living, and dining areas. The chefs kitchen is the heart of the home, showcasing a large island with seating, quartzite countertops, Spanish
Located in Half Moon Bay, this 1,400 sq. ft. home offers 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms pus a half bath within the Cabrillo Unified elementary school district. The kitchen features built-in gas oven range, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and a breakfast bar with a skylight, seamlessly connected to the family room. Flooring combines hardwood and carpet throughout. The
Mavericks Apartments offers luxury living on the coast. Located a short walk from Surfer's Beach in the El Grenada neighborhood of Half Moon Bay, these apartments offer high quality finishes, private balconies, access controlled parking and outdoor entertaining complete with gas BBQ and fireplace. Luxury Building• Entertain Outdoors - Gas BBQ, Seating, Fireplace• Access Controlled
The advertised rate of $6,140/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of June 1, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Property Id: 2444296Private entry, bottom floor of custom home. Fully furnished. All utilities, w/d, internet included.Driveway parking. Walking distance to beach and coffee shop. Available now!
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