$900,248Average Value$505Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Mountains, redwoods and an historic inn
Brookdale Lodge sits along State Route 9 deep in the redwood and evergreen stands of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Built in 1922, it was once a high-profile resort where celebrities, foreign dignitaries and politicians once went to escape the summer heat and take in the cool mountain air. The inn may not have the celebrity cachet it did nearly a century ago, but it still serves as a beacon for people who want to venture off the beaten path. “Brookdale really came up around the lodge. It was — and still is — a quaint little place where people come for the beautiful redwood environment,” says Realtor Ben Franzosa of Compass Realty, a longtime resident of neighboring Ben Lomond.
Brookdale Lodge signage highlights this historic mountain inn.
A quiet forest creek flows near Brookdale’s redwood homes.
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Sprawling state parks
Brookdale is surrounded by thousands of acres of state parks. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California’s oldest state park, offers a maze of trails that crisscross its mountainous woodlands and redwood groves. The park was severely damaged by a major wildfire in 2020 that impacted around 97% of its 18,000 acres, but new plant life is blooming at a rapid pace. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is south Brookdale and features swimming holes, hiking trails and towering, old-growth redwood trees. Inside the park, visitors might see black squirrels, black-tailed deer, woodpeckers and banana slugs roaming their natural habitat. While Brookdale may feel landlocked, Santa Cruz’s beaches, surf breaks and cliffside overlooks are only 12 miles away.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park sits west of Brookdale.
The Santa Cruz Boardwalk offers ocean views just south of Brookdale.
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Homes nestled in deep green forestland
Country lanes with hairpin turns are carved into Brookdale’s rugged terrain. The streets are dotted with eclectic homes including mid-century-era cabins, Craftsman bungalows perched beneath towering pine groves and new builds on more than 10 acres of land. Living in Brookdale can pose some challenges: power, sewer and water outages can last longer because of its remote locale. But the tradeoff is more privacy. Residents wake up to the sound of birds chirping and squirrels darting across tree branches. In recent years, Brookdale and nearby communities have become a popular place for Silicon Valley commuters. “It’s a great outdoor environment to live in. The air is fresh, it’s less hectic, and you’re just over the hill from San Jose,” Franzosa says. Home prices range from around $600,000 to $1.2 million depending on the size and age of the home.
Ranch‑style homes appear throughout the Brookdale area.
A forest‑set home represents Brookdale’s rustic living.
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Shopping and dining in Boulder Creek
Brookdale has no shopping or dining, but Boulder Creek’s downtown district is only 2 miles north on Highway 9. It includes three blocks of independent eateries and mom-and-pop shops. Those in the mood for tacos can make a pit stop at Taqueria Los Gallos, while Japanese cuisine is on the menu at Tae’s Edo Sushi Bar. There’s also Scopazzi’s Restaurant and Lounge, an upscale Italian bistro in an historic lumberjack lodge. There are two locally owned grocery stores in Boulder Creek: Johnnie’s Super Market and Wild Roots Market. Wild Roots specializes in organic and locally sourced foods.
Johnnie’s Super Market in Boulder Creek is close to Brookdale.
Joe’s Bar in Boulder Creek is a local favorite close to Brookdale.
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Highly rated schools
Brookdale students attend the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District, rated one of Santa Cruz County’s best districts by Niche. Young learners go to Boulder Creek Elementary School, which earns a B-plus rating from Niche. It was recently updated with a new playground, science lab and computer lab. For sixth through eighth grade, students attend B-plus rated San Lorenzo Valley Middle School, while upperclassmen attend B-plus-rated San Lorenzo Valley High School.
The student to teacher ratio at Boulder Creek Elementary School is 22 to 1.
Students thrive at San Lorenzo Valley Middle School with diverse activities.
San Lorenzo Valley High School prepares students for success with comprehensive programs.
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Getting around Santa Cruz County
Commuters travel on State Route 9, a busy road that connects Brookdale with the city of Santa Cruz in the south and Saratoga in the north. It’s about 28 miles from Brookdale to downtown San Jose and 12 miles to the Santa Cruz boardwalk. The town is served by a Santa Cruz Metro bus line. The nearest hospital is Dominican Hospital, about 13 miles south in Santa Cruz.
Metro bus stops connect Brookdale with nearby Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz Metro bus service connects Brookdale to nearby towns.
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Wildfires and heavy rain
Brookdale is at risk for wildfires, which have become more frequent along the California coast as global temperatures have risen. In 2020, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire destroyed more than 900 homes in the area near Big Basin State Park. Heavy rains during the winter also pose risks for residents. The high volume of rainfall can cause road closures, power outages and can damage water systems and septic tanks.
Written By
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On average, homes in Brookdale, CA sell after 100 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Brookdale, CA over the last 12 months is $764,999, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Sunny, flat and private, this gated Brookdale retreat is ideally located just across from the historic Brookdale Lodge, tucked back off Highway 9 on a quiet private road. Set among majestic redwoods yet filled with natural light, the property offers a rare blend of privacy, usability, and versatility. The main residence features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, all on a single level, with a spacious
Brookdale Mountain Retreat with Redwood Privacy, Expansive Deck, and Access to San Lorenzo Valley Favorites Home feels different beneath the redwoods. That feeling begins the moment you arrive at this peaceful Brookdale retreat, where fresh air, wooded surroundings, and a slower pace create an immediate sense of calm. Large front-facing windows bring in natural light and frame the greenery,
Discover your own private gated sanctuary on this expansive 41+ acre parcel. With stunning ridge-to-ridge views and a glimpse of the ocean, this is the perfect canvas for building your dream estate among other million-dollar view properties. A newer 5th wheel with a porch and a generator and a un-permitted septic system is already in place, offering a comfortable on-site residence while you plan
Tucked among the redwoods and set back from the road, this remodeled mountain retreat offers privacy, charm, and a remarkable story. Originally built in 1905 by early Brookdale resident Virginia Garland Ballen, a naturalist, writer and contributor to the movement that helped preserve Big Basin Redwoods, this home was known as 'The Call of the Wild' where Virginia hosted gatherings of writers,
New Price, Home improvements since listing: Redwood privacy fence installed along street. New leach field, Private, corner lot w/ new fence at the top of a cul-de-sac street. Safe, friendly neighborhood w/ neighbors getting out for exercise in a Firewise community. Nestled among the redwoods, this freshly remodeled home offers tranquil views off the deck. Enjoy your morning coffee while taking in
Live amongst the Redwoods! Affordability and charm located in Ben Lomond. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath mobile home offers 500 square feet of living space with practical features, built-ins and ample storage. Enjoy the light and bright kitchen with newer appliances; a deep sink and plenty of storage. Vaulted ceilings in the living room with lots of windows bring the natural light in. Park rules: 2
56+ acres of TPZ land 5 minutes to town! Owned by the same family for over 50 years, this land is raw, untouched and ready for your own homestead, farm or retreat. Natural springs, pond, redwoods and ridge top views.
Resort-Style Living by the River! Welcome to this truly one-of-a-kind 2-bed,1-bath home offering 764 sqft of updated living space, set in a breathtaking riverfront setting. Step into a spacious living room filled w/ natural light from multiple windows & skylights, complemented by new flooring throughout. The living & dining area features charming wainscoting that flows seamlessly into the updated
Whether you're dreaming of weekend adventures or expanding your backyard playground, this versatile parcel in the heart of Brookdale offers endless possibilities. Hang a hammock beneath the redwoods, build a ropes course, create a hillside garden, raise chickens, or simply enjoy extra space to unwind in naturethis land invites imagination. The property features a mix of towering trees and
Tucked into the quiet embrace of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this rare 6-acre retreat feels like stepping into your own private sanctuary. As you arrive onto the property, the world softenssounds hush, light filters through the redwoods, and the forest opens into peaceful, inviting spaces that feel miles away from everyday life. Wander beneath towering trees, discover gentle clearings dappled with
Nestled in the scenic beauty of Brookdale 0 Western Dr offers just over an acre of gently sloped California terrain. With some road improvements and grading, this prime property holds the potential for building your ideal mountain retreat. Alternatively, transform it into a serene getaway, complete with private hiking and mountain biking trails for your personal enjoyment. Whether you're looking
Nestled beside a rustic bridge, this property offers a whimsical setting perfect for gathering with friends for a game of Pooh Sticks or simply enjoying the serenity of the river. This unique recreational parcel invites you to experience the timeless beauty of the redwoods in your own private retreat. While current building codes do not permit residential construction, the land is ideally suited
Welcome to 185 Sweetwater Lanea rare 1.29-acre parcel tucked into a peaceful Ben Lomond neighborhood. This blank canvas offers the opportunity to bring your vision to life in the Santa Cruz Mountains. With key infrastructure already in placeincluding an existing septic system with a concrete tank, power at the property line, and access to a shared well (the namesake Sweetwater)youll enjoy a head
Sunny, flat and private, this gated Brookdale retreat is ideally located just across from the historic Brookdale Lodge, tucked back off Highway 9 on a quiet private road. Set among majestic redwoods yet filled with natural light, the property offers a rare blend of privacy, usability, and versatility. The main residence features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, all on a single level, with a spacious
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