$729,116Average Value$533Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes 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
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an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Boulder Creek, CA sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Boulder Creek, CA over the last 12 months is $710,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Back on market through no fault of the home, buyers' circumstances changed. A private road and paved, circular driveway lead to this custom built retreat, thoughtfully designed and set on rolling acreage among the redwoods. Multiple levels and separate entrances offer flexibility and privacy, ideal for guests or extended family. Beneath a new roof, walls of windows wrap the great room in natural
Price Reduction! New septic tank & furnace recently installed. The interior features two separate living areas one on each floor each with its own kitchen, making the layout ideal for flexible living, guests and/or multi-generational use. The upstairs kitchen has been upgraded with modern finishes, a new dishwasher and flows effortlessly into the main living space. The downstairs kitchen has also
Located in Boulder Creek, this 1,760 sq. ft. home sits on a 9,801 sq. ft. lot within the San Lorenzo Valley Unified elementary school district. The residence features two bedrooms and two full bathrooms, with one bathroom offering a stall shower and the other a shower and tub combination. The kitchen includes modern appliances such as a dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, garbage disposal, and
Panoramic views of mountains and valleys possibly available from this near ridge top location above Boulder Creek. Two possible building sites. Water meter, electricity at street, previous soils report good, partially graded driveway and building site. Easy access via paved road.
Welcome to this sun-drenched mountain retreat, offering beautiful views, and a peaceful setting just minutes from downtown Boulder Creek. This home enjoys tons of natural light and boasts a thoughtful, spacious layout with scenic views from several rooms throughout. The living room is centered around a cozy fireplace, creating the perfect space to unwind in the evening. The large primary bedroom
Sunny, private mountain retreat just minutes from downtown Boulder Creek! Beautifully updated with a stunning new chefs kitchen, remodeled living space, soaring open-beam ceilings, and abundant natural light. Spacious primary suite with flexible living potential. Enjoy fenced garden beds, usable outdoor space, and a charming detached artist studio. Recent upgrades include a Generac whole-house
Opportunity awaits at 130 Grove St, a newly built mixed-use building offering the best of both worlds for investors, owner-users, and small business owners alike. Whether you're drawn to the commercial potential or the residential units above, this property delivers it all. Offered for sale in its entirety or as individual units, four separate APNs provide maximum optionality for buyers looking
Assumable FHA loan with a 3% interest rate! Trade the noise of the city for river days, starlit nights and the best of mountain living. With private access to the San Lorenzo River just steps away, this beautifully maintained home offers the perfect escape. Vaulted ceilings and natural light create an open, inviting space, while the redwood deck overlooks a meadow, providing the ultimate backdrop
Newly built from the ground up, this spectacular log cabin-style 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home offers stunning mountain views and a welcome escape from the daily grind. Reminiscent of a Tahoe lake house, it features engineered acacia floors and warm southern yellow pine walls throughout, Serrano multi-color matte slate tile in the bathrooms. The living room's double-height windows and ceilings
Bright and airy, this freshly upgraded home fills with beautiful natural light throughout the day. The kitchen is a true standout, featuring gorgeous green cabinetry, matching stainless steel appliances, a statement bay window, and an oversized sink. A sliding glass door opens from the kitchen directly to the deck, making al fresco dining and morning coffee outside a daily pleasure. Venture onto
First time on the market, this bespoke two-unit property spans 27+ beautiful acres and includes a 3 bed/3.5 bath modern farmhouse-style main home plus an attached 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom ADU. The property offers easy access to major commute routes and downtown Boulder Creek, including restaurants, grocery stores, and outdoor recreation such as hiking and mountain biking. A long stretch of private
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
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
Located in a quiet residential pocket next to the river in Boulder Creek this property offers friendly neighbors, quiet evenings away from the noise, yet minutes from hwy 9. For those who enjoy adventure, there are several trails to choose from within walking distance. The unit has newly renovated kitchen and access to your own personal laundry machines. Outdoor space for gardening and
Charming 1BR/1BA with Forest & River Views in Boulder CreekEnjoy beautiful forest and river views from this charming home with a peaceful setting for working from home. The updated interior features laminate flooring throughout, a remodeled kitchen with newer appliances, and an updated bathroom. Clean and move-in ready.Attached to the main house, this unit shares just one wall
1bd / 1ba duplex has its own driveway and ample parking. Fenced front and side yards, entire back yard is forested mountain. Spacious living room plus private bedroom, efficient kitchen, hall with linen closet, tiled bathroom with clawfoot tub and shower attachment. Easy walk to downtown Boulder Creek. Rent: $1,900.00Security Deposit: $1,900.00Water and Garbage Included in
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