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Aptos

Aptos

Located in Santa Cruz County

$1,362,464 Average Value
$872 Average Price per Sq Ft
57 Homes For Sale

From the Central Coast to the computer screen

When Microsoft typeface designer Steve Matteson was tasked with creating a "diverse and accessible" font for the new default in all Microsoft software, his mind drifted to Aptos, California. His nostalgic feeling for the Central Coast town's understated beauty would inspire a crisp, minimal design (in fact, it was that same font used to type the first draft of this article.) Many visitors flock to Aptos in the summer but its beauty is a year-round spectacle, thanks to its lovely weather, quaint local restaurants, beautiful parks and unique events.

Aptos houses sit near parks, schools and shopping.
Aptos houses sit near parks, schools and shopping.
Aptos Center anchors everyday stops for nearby residents.
Aptos Center anchors everyday stops for nearby residents.
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Parks for everyone

Residents have plenty of places to visit for a hike or take the bikes out for a spin. At Aptos Village County Park, picnickers can spread blankets on the lawn area or grill hot dogs and hamburgers at any of the park's several barbecues. Dogwalkers, soccer players and thrill-seeking bike jumpers are all welcome at Polo Grounds County Park. As folks walk along the 30 miles’ worth of trails at Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, they can take in the towering redwood trees and waterfalls adorning the area.

Forest of Nisene Marks offers redwood trails and seasonal waterfalls.
Forest of Nisene Marks offers redwood trails and seasonal waterfalls.
Aptos residents gather at Polo Grounds for open fields and play.
Aptos residents gather at Polo Grounds for open fields and play.
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Sips and shops in Aptos

At The Farm Bakery Café & Gifts, patrons can sample their signature fruit tarts or enjoy a cup of joe at the elegant wooden tables at Loft Coffee. Diners can also enjoy cocktails in a cozy 1930s cottage at The Hideout or craft wines and wood-fired pizza at neighborhood hangout Churchill & Beers. When shoppers need to restock their kitchens, they can pick up grocery staples at Safeway and New Leaf Community Markets. For a wide range of dining and shopping needs, the nearby Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center is home to 30 local and national businesses.

The Farm Bakery Café & Gifts is an Aptos favorite for fruit tarts.
The Farm Bakery Café & Gifts is an Aptos favorite for fruit tarts.
Churchill & Beers offers craft wines and wood‑fired pizza in Aptos.
Churchill & Beers offers craft wines and wood‑fired pizza in Aptos.
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Local history and small parades

There are several opportunities for residents to learn more about their neighborhood and their fellow community members. They can explore exhibits and attend events at the Aptos History Museum to learn more about Aptos's background. Every Fourth of July, they can join in or spectate at the World’s Shortest Parade. Traveling for about half a mile from Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center to the Bayview Hotel, the parade concludes with a big party in Aptos Village County Park.

Condos and contemporary homes

Neutral-toned condos and two-story contemporary homes can be found all over the residential areas of Aptos. Many of these single-family homes also boast interiors brightened by natural light, multi-car garages and some even have beach views. Homes can range between $700,000 for a one-bedroom condo and can go as high as $1.6 million for . Properties tend to remain on the market for about 44 days.

Neutral‑toned condos fit Aptos’s relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Neutral‑toned condos fit Aptos’s relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Aptos housing blends modern design with small‑town charm.
Aptos housing blends modern design with small‑town charm.
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Aptos-adjacent schools

Students may begin public education at Mar Vista Elementary School, which earned a B-minus rating from Niche. They can move on to Aptos Junior High School, which teaches grades 7-8 and holds a B-rating. Aptos High School maintains an A-minus and offers clubs in interests like theater production and robotics.

Mar Vista Elementary welcomes young learners in Aptos.
Mar Vista Elementary welcomes young learners in Aptos.
Aptos Junior High School serves grades 7–8 in the Aptos community.
Aptos Junior High School serves grades 7–8 in the Aptos community.
Aptos High School holds an A-minus and offers robotics and theater.
Aptos High School holds an A-minus and offers robotics and theater.
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Traveling around Aptos

There are several ways to get around in Aptos. Public bus routes wind throughout the neighborhood, and commuters can take California State Route 1, which runs along most of the Pacific coastline. Downtown Santa Cruz is only nine miles east of Aptos, while San Jose is 65 miles north. Air travelers should know Monterey Regional Airport is 35 miles to the south.

Julia Concepcion
Written By
Julia Concepcion
Luke Basinger
Photography Contributed By
Luke Basinger
Conar McDaniel
Video By
Conar McDaniel

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Luis Gallegos, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Aptos Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$1,385,000
Median Sale Price
$1,352,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,490,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$977,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$878,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
301
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$872

Area Facts

Number of Homes
8,716
Number of Homes for Sale
57
Median Year Built
1974
Months of Supply
2.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,849
On par with the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,582
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,268
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
775
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Feb 28
    Open Sat 1PM - 4PM

    522 Spruce St, Aptos, CA 95003

    $1,349,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,054 Sq Ft
    • 522 Spruce St
    • New 21 days ago

    Nestled in the seaside neighborhood of Seacliff, this charming and thoughtfully updated cottage offers the perfect blend of coastal character, modern comfort, and relaxed beachside living. Just moments from the shoreline, this inviting two-bedroom, two-bath residence captures the essence of a classic beach cottage while incorporating tasteful upgrades that make it ideal as a full-time home,

    Lauren Spencer Coldwell Banker Realty

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  • Sunday, Mar 1
    Open Sun 1PM - 3PM

    423 Hillcrest Dr, Aptos, CA 95003

    $1,795,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,437 Sq Ft
    • 423 Hillcrest Dr
    • New 7 days ago

    Mesmerizing ocean views welcome you to this exquisite Mediterranean-style home in the coveted Seacliff neighborhood of Aptos, just steps from Beachgate Path and the sandy shores of Seacliff State Beach. Freshly topped with a brand-new roof, this coastal gem embodies timeless elegance and modern comfort through premium, upgraded finishes throughout.This is prime walkable coastal living: you're

    Guy Chanda Chanda Realty

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  • Saturday, Feb 28
    Open Sat 1PM - 4PM

    532 Moonrise Ln, Aptos, CA 95003

    $2,600,000

    • 6 Beds
    • 4.5 Baths
    • 4,200 Sq Ft
    • 532 Moonrise Ln
    • New 14 days ago

    532 Moonrise Lane offers private country living with spectacular ocean views, just a few minutes drive to the new Aptos Village. This fully remodeled home features 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, including a ground-floor suite and a private 400 sq. ft. one-bedroom ADU, ideal for guests or potential rental income. Soaring ceilings in the living room fill the space with natural light and highlight

    Jayson Madani Room Real Estate

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Aptos Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
6,374
Median Age
49
Population Density
20 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
29.2%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$123,366
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$156,338

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.6%
College Graduates
50.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
22.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
23''
Average Winter Low Temperature
40°F
Average Summer High Temperature
73°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

12 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

1 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Aptos