$726,137Average Value$552Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes For Sale
Mountain town near Silicon Valley
Boulder Creek is a rural, mountain town where the pace of life is decidedly slower than in nearby Silicon Valley. Billing itself as the gateway to Big Basin Redwoods State Park, this former logging village is surrounded by dense woodlands, steep hills and roadways with hairpin turns. “We’re an hour from Silicon Valley on a bad day, but you’re living in a completely different environment. There are no three-story buildings in downtown. It’s like going back in time,” says Realtor Suzanne Hood of Century 21, a longtime Boulder Creek resident.
The town’s main street is Central Avenue, a small-town business strip with boomtown style architecture, mom-and-pop shops and local restaurants. The surrounding forests are peppered with cozy cabins and renovated older homes. Its proximity to San Jose and Silicon Valley have made it increasingly popular with commuters, but the town’s remote location can come with unexpected challenges.
“Living up here is not for everybody. Winter can be really hard; on average, we get 60 inches of rain. The mountains wring out all the water and we send whatever’s left over the hill,” Hood says. “I mean, we’ve lost roads, water systems and power poles. So, if you can’t live without power, and you don’t know how to deal without having tap water, this isn’t the place for you to live. But in the summertime, it’s gorgeous. We put up with winter to live here in the summer.”
Visitors pause at Barbara Day Park along the San Lorenzo River.
Downtown Boulder Creek features local dining and boutique shopping.
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Community parks and outdoor recreation
Junction Park is a small community park with benches and picnic tables that overlooks a bubbling, rocky creek with a swimming hole. It’s a great spot to take a dip during the summertime. During the winter months, Boulder Creek Recreation Center offers a warm, dry place to get some exercise. Sprawling state parks offer ample opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming and sightseeing. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California’s oldest state park, has a labyrinth of trails that crisscross its mountainous woodlands. The park was charred by a major wildfire in 2020, but many of its redwoods survived and new plant life is blooming at a fast clip. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is south of Boulder Creek and features swimming holes, hiking trails and plenty of old-growth redwood trees.
Junction Park overlooks the San Lorenzo River and its swimming hole.
Barbara Day Park sign marks a quiet green space in Boulder Creek.
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Central Avenue shopping and dining
Boulder Creek’s downtown offers an eclectic mix of local eateries and independent shops. “The shops and restaurants in Boulder Creek are owned by local people that really care about the community. You’re not dealing with big corporate America here,” says Realtor Jayson Madani of Room Real Estate, who is a longtime resident of the area.
Joe’s Bar is a local institution — it’s dark wood paneling, low lighting, cold drinks and pool tables have made it a popular dive for locals and visitors. Authentic Mexican cuisine can be found at Taqueria Los Gallos, while those in the mood for Japanese might try Tae’s Edo Sushi Bar. Boulder Creek Pizza & Pub is a downhome pizza parlor that’s been running for over a decade. Upscale Italian is right around the corner at Scopazzi’s Restaurant and Lounge. The restaurant’s building traces its origins to the early 20th century when it was known as The Italia Hotel; at the time, it was frequented by early Hollywood stars like Peter Fonda and Slim Summerville.
There are two independent grocery stores on Central Avenue: Johnnie’s Super Market and Wild Roots Market, a grocer that specializes in local and organic foods. There are also small businesses up and down the strip, including a crystal shop, a hair salon and an art gallery.
IOOF Hall anchors historic shops on Boulder Creek’s Central Avenue.
Joe’s Bar is a longtime Boulder Creek hangout with pool tables and cold drinks.
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Events, celebrations and festivals
Boulder Creek residents celebrate the Fourth of July with a raucous parade on Central Avenue. During the fall and winter, kids trick-or-treat at downtown businesses on Halloween and gather for a holiday tree lighting during the first week of December. On Memorial Day weekend, hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors flock to the town for the annual Boulder Creek Art, Wine and Music Festival, a weekend-long event that’s gone on for over a century.
Less expensive than nearby Silicon Valley
Homes in the town are typically older, including many that were built in the early and mid-20th century. “Most of the homes were designed as cabins. In the early 1900s, people would come up here to get away from the heat of the cities. This was a place where people would come to get away from it all. In the 1970s, a lot of hippies moved here because of all the nature and because it was a little more remote,” Hood says. Residences are often cloaked from view by thick tree canopies and dense foliage, and many are located along narrow, wooded roads. Home prices are relatively affordable for this region — they typically range from around $600,000 to around $1.5 million, depending on size, acreage and condition.
A historic red cabin is common in Boulder Creek’s wooded hills.
Classic bungalow homes are shaded by towering redwoods in Boulder Creek.
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Highly rated schools
Boulder Creek students attend schools in the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District, which Niche rates as among the best in Santa Cruz County. Young learners go to Boulder Creek Elementary School, which earns a B-plus rating from Niche. The school is a few blocks from Central Avenue — it was recently updated with a new playground, science lab and computer lab. For sixth through eighth grade, students go to B-plus rated San Lorenzo Valley Middle School, while upperclassmen attend B-plus-rated San Lorenzo Valley High School.
Boulder Creek Elementary School serves local families near Central Avenue.
San Lorenzo Valley Middle School offers classes for grades six through eight.
San Lorenzo Valley High School provides STEM programs in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
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Getting around Santa Cruz County
Commuters travel on State Route 9, a busy road that connects Boulder Creek with the city of Santa Cruz in the south and Saratoga in the north. It’s about 28 miles from downtown San Jose and 14 miles from the Santa Cruz boardwalk. The town is served by Santa Cruz Metro bus lines for those who prefer public transit. The nearest hospital is Dominican Hospital, about 15 miles south of the town in Santa Cruz.
Sand volleyball matches are common at Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz Metro bus stop connects Boulder Creek to nearby cities.
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Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department protects the mountain town.
Wildfires and heavy rain
Boulder Creek is at an increased risk for wildfires. In 2020, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire destroyed more than 900 homes in the area. Boulder Creek was spared after volunteer fire fighters helped insulate the town from the worst of the fire. Wildfires are becoming more common along the California coast as global temperatures rise. Heavy rains during the winter also pose risks for Boulder Creek residents. The high volume of rainfall can cause road closures, power outages and damage water systems and septic tanks.
Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Becky Gaskill
Video By
Jeffrey Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sirrom Alizem,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Boulder Creek, CA sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Boulder Creek, CA over the last 12 months is $679,500, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Turnkey 2-bed, 2-bath townhome in Boulder Creek! Thoughtfully remodeled with jaw dropping views, this is luxury mountain living at an incredible value. Vaulted wood-plank ceilings with exposed beams, wood floors, and an open living space with wood-burning fireplace set the tone. The updated kitchen features two-tone cabinetry, butcher block island, stainless appliances, quartz countertops and
Cozy redwood cabin retreat! Ideal for a weekend getaway by the fireplace or as a full-time residence. Sitting along a scenic commute to the Silicon Valley corridor, this property offers peaceful mountain living with everyday convenience. Gravel drive with parking for three. Spacious concrete picnic area tucked beneath towering redwoods. The inviting front porch opens to a charming living space.
Welcome to your future dream home with this newly constructed 2,626 sf., 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom modern farm house displaying a grand front porch on a 13,721 lot in a popular Boulder Creek Golf Coarse neighborhood. Discover the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication as you enter this home with an open sunny floor plan, gas fireplace, French glass doors to side relaxation area, elegant bright
Nestled atop the serene Santa Cruz Mountains, 500 Hill House Road offers a rare combination of peace, privacy, and panoramic 270-degree views. This nearly 2.5-acre parcel is the crown jewel of Boulder Creek a fully pre-cleared, end-of-the-road retreat with over $160,000 in post-fire capital improvements already completed. Perched at the top of the hill, the property boasts an enormous, level
The seller is willing to buy down the rate to 5.5%. Experience luxury, space, and versatility in this palatial estate, which is ideal for multi-generational compound living thanks to an ADU and over 10 acres of serene privacy. The main home offers 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, highlighted by soaring 16-foot ceilings and expansive windows that fill the home with beautiful natural light while
Appraised for $1,215,000. Brand new construction! Watch video walk thru and 3D Tour. Just competed! Never lived in! Seller is licensed contractor and engineer. Beautiful Carmel Stone facade framed in the tall redwoods invokes a touch of Carmel and Boulder Creek styling. Custom amenities include a large open-concept gourmet kitchen, spacious living room with vaulted ceilings, bonus room, and an
This turnkey 3-bedroom, 2-bath home radiates warmth and character throughout. Oversized windows and a glass-paneled front door flood the interior with natural light, while the welcoming front porch offers the perfect spot to relax and take in the neighborhood. Inside, the open-concept main floor creates an effortless flow between living and entertaining spaces. The updated kitchen features
This charming 2-bedroom cottage & separate guest house is nestled in the desirable Forest Springs neighborhood. Imagine this: you wake up surrounded by nature, step out onto the large redwood deck to take in the fresh air & admire the stunning views. Sunlight filters its way through majestic redwood trees, & dew glistens off the trillium that has just begun to bloom. You are home. The main house
Turnkey 2-bed, 2-bath townhome in Boulder Creek! Thoughtfully remodeled with jaw dropping views, this is luxury mountain living at an incredible value. Vaulted wood-plank ceilings with exposed beams, wood floors, and an open living space with wood-burning fireplace set the tone. The updated kitchen features two-tone cabinetry, butcher block island, stainless appliances, quartz countertops and
Savor your morning coffee on the back deck while enjoying views of majestic redwoods in the peaceful Boulder Creek setting as you welcome the day. Charming and freshly remodeled, this 2-bedroom plus bonus room, 1-bath plus plumbing for 2nd bath, house boasts stunning handcrafted wood accents throughout. Enjoy cooking and entertaining in the kitchen with the Huge island/bar, and professional
Luxury Live Auction! Bidding to start from $888,520! Welcome to 230 Fern Rock Way, a modern mountain retreat where tranquility meets convenience. Newly built in 2025, this modern farmhouse masterpiece offers 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, and 3,365 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space, including a beautifully integrated attached ADU, ideal for guests, multigenerational living, or supplemental
Charming Boulder Creek retreat featuring 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, and a finished basement ideal for a playroom, office, or man-cave. Situated on a spacious 5,000 sq ft lot, this clean and well-maintained home offers flexible living space, outdoor enjoyment, and move-in ready condition. A rare opportunity to own a versatile mountain home close to town amenities.
Welcome to your peaceful retreat in the historic Bracken Brae community where you can enjoy exclusive trails & river beach access. Situated on a private road & backing to greenbelt, this 3 parcel property feels secluded & quiet. The reverse floor plan elevates the main living spaces to capture light, ridge view & treetop privacy. This 3 bed, 2 bath home greets you with a livingroom featuring
Rare opportunity to own approximately 0.26 acres of vacant land in the desirable Fallen Leaf area of Boulder Creek. Set among mature trees on a quiet street, this parcel offers a peaceful mountain setting with convenient road access and nearby established homes, making it well-suited for future development or long-term investment. The property features a gently varied landscape with usable areas
For decades, this 31-acre property has been a cherished recreational escape for one family, now it is ready for its next chapter. Located along scenic Deer Creek Road, the land offers a mix of sunny ridge tops, shady forest, and serene creek frontage. Per the owner, the property starts before the second bridge and both Deer Creek and Bear Creek flow on the property and typically run year round.
Property Id: 2343048Four bedroom two bath single-family home with large spacious yard. Attached to garage plenty of parking. Newly renovated.
$3,950 per month
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,388 Sq Ft
And for the qualified party who needs time to build their credit or savings, the owner will consider doing a Lease Option at $3,950 per month with an acceptable Option Fee to be negotiated upfront.Tucked at the quiet end of Logan Creek Road, this nearly 10 acre retreat on two parcels blends privacy, natural beauty, and the freedom to create your own homestead. The home sits on 2 parcels with 4
Charming downstairs apartment with two private entrances, a small private yard space, an elevated deck and a sunny 500sq ft outdoor living & recreation area in a very quiet neighborhood. Owner occupies main house upstairs.Tile & stone polymer composite flooring in all areas. Propane furnace available as well as a dedicated ductless HVAC system (mini split). Lighting with wifi or voice
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