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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Video By
Daric Clarke
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Coastal Hills just south of Aptos. Home has an elegant and classy style, single level, Ocean and Bay Views, on 4 acres behind a private security gate in Aptos Ridge Estates. Front Court Yard with morning sun and in back the home faces South West with lovely mountain and ocean views. This spacious 3,364 sq ft home features three bedrooms, two full & one half bathrooms, a primary bedroom with a
Charming Country Cottage with tranquil Valley Views, close to the beach & freeway. Located in sunny Larkin Valley, just south of Aptos. A much loved home for over 40 years. Large concrete patio surrounded by Wisteria, Roses, Blackberries and Apple & Plum trees. Enjoy your morning coffee on the valley view deck in the morning summer time sun. In the spring the yard comes alive with flowers and
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Trisha ChristensenChristie's International Real Estate Sereno
LAND OWNED, All AGE, RENTABLE MANUFACTURED HOME IN APTOS!! This 2 bed, 2 bath home features updated bathrooms, brand- new flooring, a resealed roof, and a spacious light filled layout, including a large primary bedroom. The sunny side yard and generous outdoor space surrounding the home offer room to relax, garden, or entertain. The fully fenced yard is a dream for pet owners, and the large front
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