Aptos Hills- Larkin Valley is conveniently located in the middle of everything. Situated between Aptos and Watsonville, as well as between the Santa Cruz mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this neighborhood puts the "central" in Central Coast. With a topography defined by sloping valleys, the neighborhood is abundant in relaxing parks as well as cozy dining spots and beautiful homes.
The scenic walkways at Rido Del Par State Park are close to Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley residents.
Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley is centrally located and close to beaches, dining, and more.
1/2
Parks and beaches within reach
Castro Adobe State Historic Park is one of the only two state parks in Santa Cruz County. Its adobe house, a long-standing property that endured the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake and since been restored, is open to the public. The park also often hosts programs. Scott County Park has a playground for the tots and picnic grounds and lawn areas for the whole family. Residents are also not too far from several local beaches when they live in Aptos Hills – Larkin Valley. Manresa State Beach, New Brighton State Beach and Sunset State Beach are each located within a ten-mile radius, offering multiple options to go swimming, surfing and fishing.
The well-equipped playground at Scott County Park is perfect for kids’ adventures in Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley.
Located within miles of Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, locals can enjoy a scenic trail down to the beach at Manresa Uplands State Beach & Campground.
1/2
Casual dining and local shops
At Churchill & Beers, diners can enjoy wood-fired pizzas and craft brews in a casual, no-frills dining space. El Vaquero Winery Tasting Room includes live music along with their tasting events. Lito’s Community Café & Market boasts a rustic cottage-like interior with painted floral walls and serves coffee, pastries and more. When shoppers need to stock up grocery items, they can head to local grocers Cactus Corner or Seascape Foods. Alladin Nursery & Gift Shop carries a large selection of both everyday and unusual plant varieties to brighten up living spaces and outdoor gardens.
Diners enjoy themselves at the bar of Churchill and Beers in Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley.
Find your next gift at Litos Community Market, a local favorite.
1/2
Country-living
Country-like living and coastal ranch aesthetics are on full display in the residential areas. Single-family homes come in designs like ranch-styles and Craftsmans, although the occasional Mediterranean can be spotted as well. Santa Cruz County resident and Room Real Estate Founder Jayson Madani talks about the beauty and diversity of the residential areas. "The houses I sold there are beautiful, and they're so different and eclectic. You can get a little mountain cabin, a unique dome house or an estate with ten acres and a pond on it. You can also get an A-frame, a ranch house, or an estate with a lake view,” he says. With many constructions dating back to the mid to late 1970s, home prices typically range from $900,000 to $2.9 million. On average, properties remain on the market for 27 days, a figure that is significantly lower than the national average of 42 days.
Horses graze outside charming ranch homes in Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley.
A unique home in Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley boasts its own vineyard.
1/2
Pajaro Valley Joint Unified District and the School of Rock
Students are served by the Pajaro Valley Joint Unified School District. From kindergarten to sixth grade, they can attend Valencia Elementary School, which received a B-minus rating from Niche. Aptos Junior High School teaches grades seven and eight and maintains a B-rating. Aptos High School has an A-minus and is home to two student-run rock bands, The Honeysmacks and The Shredders.
Students can engage in foundational learning and start their education at Valencia Elementary School.
Aptos Junior High School, covers 7th and 8th grade and earns a B rating from Niche.
In addition to providing a comprehensive education, Aptos High School has two student lead rock bands.
1/3
Nearby transportation and medical services
Aptos Hills - Larkin Valley is close by California 1, which drivers can use to get to nearby neighborhoods. They can also take this route to travel much of the Pacific coastline, whether going north or southbound. Those who frequently drive and commute should know Watsonville is roughly seven miles eastbound while Santa Cruz is about 13 miles westbound. The Watsonville Muni Airport is about six miles away, and the nearest hospital, Watsonville Community Hospital, is also about six miles out.
Photography Contributed By
Eli Tye
Video By
Daric Clarke
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shawndy Linquist,
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Gated Aptos Hills Retreat on 6+ Usable Acres with Views & Modern Upgrades Located on over six usable acres in the Aptos Hills, 688 Calabasas offers the perfect blend of privacy, functionality, and modern upgrades. Room for horses with trails nearby. Enjoy the hot tub, breathtaking views, over 2,800 sf of living space, and two car garage. The home features a newer roof, siding, modern windows, and
Gorgeous Coastal Retreat in the Aptos-Larkin Valley where luxury meets livability, this is the one you've been waiting for. Perched on a sun-drenched hillside just 8 minutes from charming Aptos Village, this move-in ready sanctuary delivers panoramic ocean and rolling hill views, refined finishes, and unmatched flexibility, all at a price that simply can't be beat in today's market. From the
Honey Hill is a 21+ acre estate in the Aptos Hills that combines privacy, scale, and proximity, set among the rolling landscapes of Larkin Valley with panoramic views and minutes to Aptos Village and the coast. Built in 2014, the 3,796 sq ft home is designed for both daily living and entertaining, with wraparound brick porches, high ceilings, abundant natural light, and seamless indoor outdoor
Welcome to the exclusive Mockingbird Ridge neighborhood, a stunning hilltop home with mountain views and ocean peeks. A beautifully landscaped front leads to the formal entry that opens to the living room with sweeping views, one of four cozy fireplaces. In the dining and kitchen, La Cantina doors bring the outside in. A wine bar with fridge, island for 10, and a chefs kitchen to delight any
Trisha ChristensenChristie's International Real Estate Sereno
Unique Investment & Landmark Property. Own a piece of California unlike any other. Imagine the possibilities: Family Compound, Retreat Center...or live there and enjoy ample rental income in addition to living on this fabulous property! Home to the Bamboo Giant Nursery, this 30+ acre estate features the largest public bamboo grove in the U.S., along with redwoods, hiking paths, sunny clearings,
Properties like this are hard to find. This exceptional 10+ acre parcel zoned Residential AG-RA offers versatility and is ready for your vision. Of the total acreage, approximately 7+ acres is flat and usable, a valuable feature in this market. Access is effortless with direct entry off Calabasas Road via an existing driveway, making development straightforward from day one. Serene mountain views
Elevated on a hill to maximize the spectacular OCEAN & COASTAL VIEWS! Welcome to this exquisite 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in the serene city of La Selva Beach. Spanning 3,000 square feet ON 5 Acres, this residence offers a harmonious blend of comfort and style. The kitchen is a culinary delight, featuring granite countertops, an island with sink, and top-of-the-line appliances including
Explore an exceptional opportunity within this prestigious gated community, offering a spacious 20+ acre parcel perfect for your dream home. Essential pre-build components such as Soil/Geology assessments, Septic & Environmental Health Services, and Grading approvals are ready for your plans. Infrastructure essentials include Electrical to the build site, an on-site well with holding tanks, and
A rare opportunity to own a stunning 3+ acre parcel of land located in the desirable Aptos Hills. This prime piece of real estate offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and provides the perfect canvas for building your dream home or creating a peaceful retreat. With its gently sloping terrain this property offers a perfect blend of privacy and natural beauty. Imagine waking up to the
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.