$981,973Average Value$615Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Elie Karam
Video By
Anne Sheridan
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On average, homes in Ben Lomond, CA sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Ben Lomond, CA over the last 12 months is $967,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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