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Ben Lomond

Ben Lomond

Located in Santa Cruz County

$997,184 Average Value
$630 Average Price per Sq Ft
14 Homes For Sale

Ben Lomond offers small-town living amid coastal redwood forests

Ben Lomond is a small community situated in the scenic slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The mountains are covered by towering redwoods and Douglas firs, and the community is just 12 miles from the Pacific shoreline. Outdoor activities are king here, with nearby state parks, hundreds of miles of hiking trails and an easy trek to Santa Cruz beaches. “We get a little more sunshine than towns like Felton and Boulder Creek, which are deep in the redwoods. Ben Lomond is unique because it’s in a wide, flat valley in the sand hills, so you get a microclimate that’s sunnier, but you’re surrounded by redwood-covered mountains,” says Daniel Oster, a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Realty and resident of Ben Lomond. “It’s a great spot for people who want to be in nature but not underneath the shroud of the redwoods.”

Ben Lomond is a quiet mountain community nestled in the scenic slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering forest views, outdoor escapes, and easy access to nearby beaches.
Ben Lomond is a quiet mountain community nestled in the scenic slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering forest views, outdoor escapes, and easy access to nearby beaches.
Just 12 miles from Ben Lomond, the Santa Cruz shoreline offers sandy beaches, boardwalk fun, and coastal views, making it a perfect weekend escape for mountain residents.
Just 12 miles from Ben Lomond, the Santa Cruz shoreline offers sandy beaches, boardwalk fun, and coastal views, making it a perfect weekend escape for mountain residents.
With nearby state parks and hundreds of miles of hiking trails, Ben Lomond offers easy access to shaded paths, redwood giants, and year-round outdoor adventures for all ages.
With nearby state parks and hundreds of miles of hiking trails, Ben Lomond offers easy access to shaded paths, redwood giants, and year-round outdoor adventures for all ages.
The redwood-lined ridges surrounding Ben Lomond showcase the lush, forested slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where outdoor adventure and peaceful seclusion go hand in hand.
The redwood-lined ridges surrounding Ben Lomond showcase the lush, forested slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where outdoor adventure and peaceful seclusion go hand in hand.
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Two sprawling state parks surround Ben Lomond

Ben Lomond is situated between the borders of Big Basin Redwoods State Park and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, both of which are massively popular destinations for locals and tourists alike. Both parks offer hikes through lush redwood forests, creeks that lead to rocky waterfalls and beautiful views of the Pacific. Big Basin is home to the largest grove of ancient coast redwoods outside of Northern California. Closer to home, Ben Lomond also has several community parks, including Highlands County Park and Ben Lomond County Park. And for those who prefer dipping their toes in the surf, Santa Cruz beaches and boardwalks are just a short drive away.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park near Ben Lomond features ancient redwoods, scenic trails, and educational exhibits that immerse visitors in coastal forest ecology.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park near Ben Lomond features ancient redwoods, scenic trails, and educational exhibits that immerse visitors in coastal forest ecology.
Surrounded by the forested charm of Ben Lomond, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park blends redwood majesty with educational stops like a tree ring timeline and nature center.
Surrounded by the forested charm of Ben Lomond, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park blends redwood majesty with educational stops like a tree ring timeline and nature center.
Located by Ben Lomond, Big Basin Redwoods State Park provides peaceful hikes through redwood canopies, with interpretive signs and fire recovery efforts enriching the journey.
Located by Ben Lomond, Big Basin Redwoods State Park provides peaceful hikes through redwood canopies, with interpretive signs and fire recovery efforts enriching the journey.
A fallen redwood dwarfs a lone hiker at Big Basin Redwoods State Park near Ben Lomond, showcasing the awe-inspiring scale of California’s ancient coastal giants.
A fallen redwood dwarfs a lone hiker at Big Basin Redwoods State Park near Ben Lomond, showcasing the awe-inspiring scale of California’s ancient coastal giants.
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Cabins and cottages are situated on wooded hillsides

Prospective homebuyers will find everything from modest ranch-style homes and cottages to luxurious cabins and Traditional houses. Many of these homes are tucked away in woodsy surroundings with plenty of privacy. “Ben Lomond is a little more suburban than Boulder Creek, but it’s still kind of country. The people who gravitate here love to be out in nature,” Oster says. The median price of a single-family home is about $915,000, putting it well below the median in nearby Silicon Valley. About 73% of residents are homeowners.

This Craftsman-style cabin in Ben Lomond features rich wood siding and a full wraparound porch.
This Craftsman-style cabin in Ben Lomond features rich wood siding and a full wraparound porch.
This refreshed Ranch-style home in Ben Lomond features crisp white siding, a welcoming front porch, and simple landscaping that complements its peaceful mountain setting.
This refreshed Ranch-style home in Ben Lomond features crisp white siding, a welcoming front porch, and simple landscaping that complements its peaceful mountain setting.
This Cottage-style home in Ben Lomond features arched windows, green siding, and a vibrant garden entry.
This Cottage-style home in Ben Lomond features arched windows, green siding, and a vibrant garden entry.
This split-level Traditional-style home in Ben Lomond features a spacious front deck, covered carport, and hillside views, blending suburban comfort with mountain tranquility.
This split-level Traditional-style home in Ben Lomond features a spacious front deck, covered carport, and hillside views, blending suburban comfort with mountain tranquility.
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Wildfires are possible in Ben Lomond

Ben Lomond is at an increased risk of wildfires because of its mountainous location. In 2020, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire destroyed more than 900 homes in the region, along with vast swaths of forestland in Big Basin State Park. “We got really lucky that it didn’t get to Ben Lomond,” Oster says.

Ben Lomond has a local grocer and a handful of independent shops and restaurants

A handful of shops, restaurants and dives are situated along state Route 9. Ben Lomond Market, a family-owned grocer, is a go-to for groceries, deli sandwiches and everyday goods. Every Saturday, there’s a farmers market in the parking lot. Across the street, Spanky’s Café brings a crowd for breakfast and lunch. Coffee, espresso and pastries are found at Coffee Nine, a local café established in 1998. For major grocery chains, big-box stores and late-night entertainment, residents usually make the trek to downtown Santa Cruz, about 10 miles away.

Ben Lomond Market is a beloved family-owned grocer known for fresh produce, deli sandwiches, and daily essentials just steps from the heart of the Ben Lomond community.
Ben Lomond Market is a beloved family-owned grocer known for fresh produce, deli sandwiches, and daily essentials just steps from the heart of the Ben Lomond community.
Shoppers at Ben Lomond Market browse a well-stocked deli and cheese case, a favorite local stop for fresh ingredients, specialty items, and everyday essentials.
Shoppers at Ben Lomond Market browse a well-stocked deli and cheese case, a favorite local stop for fresh ingredients, specialty items, and everyday essentials.
Coffee Nine in Ben Lomond has served fresh espresso, pastries, and community charm since 1998, making it a staple stop for locals and visitors alike.
Coffee Nine in Ben Lomond has served fresh espresso, pastries, and community charm since 1998, making it a staple stop for locals and visitors alike.
Spanky’s Café in Ben Lomond draws locals daily with hearty breakfasts, classic lunch plates, and a laid-back diner vibe that keeps regulars coming back.
Spanky’s Café in Ben Lomond draws locals daily with hearty breakfasts, classic lunch plates, and a laid-back diner vibe that keeps regulars coming back.
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Students attend well-rated public schools

Ben Lomond students attend schools in the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District, one of Santa Cruz County’s top-rated districts. San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School, a two-time winner of the California Distinguished Schools Award, earns a B-plus rating from Niche. Students move on to B-rated San Lorenzo Valley Middle School and A-minus-rated San Lorenzo Valley High School.

Located just outside Ben Lomond, San Lorenzo Valley Elementary pairs strong academics with outdoor classrooms, music, and art programs in a scenic forested environment.
Located just outside Ben Lomond, San Lorenzo Valley Elementary pairs strong academics with outdoor classrooms, music, and art programs in a scenic forested environment.
San Lorenzo Valley Middle School, just outside Ben Lomond, supports student growth with a range of electives and a focus on positive behavior interventions and supports.
San Lorenzo Valley Middle School, just outside Ben Lomond, supports student growth with a range of electives and a focus on positive behavior interventions and supports.
San Lorenzo Valley High School near Ben Lomond offers 15 AP courses and a 95% graduation rate, providing students with strong college prep in a scenic mountain setting.
San Lorenzo Valley High School near Ben Lomond offers 15 AP courses and a 95% graduation rate, providing students with strong college prep in a scenic mountain setting.
Near Ben Lomond, San Lorenzo Valley High School provides a comprehensive education with access to a performing arts center, athletic facilities, and a supportive community environment.
Near Ben Lomond, San Lorenzo Valley High School provides a comprehensive education with access to a performing arts center, athletic facilities, and a supportive community environment.
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State Route 9 is a commuting route to Santa Cruz and Silicon Valley

State Route 9 is the main road in and out of Ben Lomond. It connects the community with Santa Cruz in the south and Saratoga in the north. Silicon Valley tech companies are typically about 45 minutes to an hour away by car, depending on where they’re located. It’s about 35 miles to San Jose and roughly 30 miles to Cupertino. Ben Lomond is served by Santa Cruz Metro bus lines for those who prefer public transit. The nearest hospital is Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz.

Daniel Berti
Written By
Daniel Berti
Elie Karam
Photography Contributed By
Elie Karam
Anne Sheridan
Video By
Anne Sheridan

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Ben Lomond Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$1,050,000
Median Sale Price
$1,015,001
Median Single Family Sale Price
$949,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
49
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
11%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$630

Area Facts

Number of Homes
1,668
Number of Homes for Sale
14
Median Year Built
1962
Months of Supply
3.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,533
Significantly below the national average
1,929
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,911
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
400
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
12,196

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Nov 1
    Open Sat 12PM - 3PM

    345 Condor Ave, Ben Lomond, CA 95005

    $759,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 912 Sq Ft
    • 345 Condor Ave
    • New 20 hours ago

    Situated on a spacious lot on a quiet street in a welcoming neighborhood with beautiful curb appeal thanks to an inviting wrap-around porch, the perfect location to savor your morning coffee while watching the world slowly come to life with the gentle chirping of birds and soft sun rays illuminating the sky. Home chefs will love the ample storage thanks to custom-made cabinetry in the kitchen

    Pavlina&Tarantino Room Real Estate

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  • Saturday, Nov 1
    Open Sat 12PM - 3PM

    234 Caledonium Ave, Ben Lomond, CA 95005

    $559,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 762 Sq Ft
    • 234 Caledonium Ave
    • New 1 day ago

    Sunlit sanctuary meets mountain magic! This charming 1950's built cabin welcomes you with vaulted beam ceilings, genuine hardwood floors that glow in the natural light, and a park-like backyard framed by towering redwoods. Start your days on the covered front porch while the open living-dining flow invites cozy evenings and easy entertaining. Generous spaces invite you to move freely and soak in

    Bailey Copley Room Real Estate

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  • Sunday, Nov 2
    Open Sun 1PM - 4PM

    7415 Hihn Rd, Ben Lomond, CA 95005

    $1,450,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,934 Sq Ft
    • 7415 Hihn Rd
    • New 20 days ago

    Tucked into a close-in setting amidst one of SLV's most sought-after neighborhoods with full utilities on over an acre of sunny usable land, 7415 Hihn is a once-in-a-generation offering. Benefitting from decades of tireless customization, the home and its grounds are dialed-in with custom and practical features at every turn, like reclamation systems, solar power, zinc banded roofing with

    Datta Khalsa Main Street Realtors

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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

Ben Lomond Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,530
Median Age
47
Population Density
14 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.2%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$107,643
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$147,948

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.3%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
43.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14%
% Population in Labor Force
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
37°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

1 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

4 / 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.
Ben Lomond