$932,386Average Value$544Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes 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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/3
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.
1/2
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
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Alex Jacobsen
Video By
Jeffrey Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sirrom Alizem,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Brookdale, CA sell after 50 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 $795,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Iconic Riverfront Legacy Estate! Set along approximately 300 feet of picturesque river frontage with coveted historic damming rights, this rare waterfront property blends natural beauty, timeless character, and exceptional recreation. Enjoy your private sandy beach, launch a kayak from your shoreline, swim in the river, or relax on spacious decks immersed in nature. Evenings are best spent around
Don't miss 155 Estates Dr, recently updated with fresh interior paint and fresh exterior paint, enhancing its curb appeal. Inside, partial flooring replacement complements a cozy living space featuring a fireplace, while outside, a spacious deck connects to a fully fenced backyard. A convenient storage shed provides additional utility for exterior items. This home is a must-see for those seeking
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
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
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.
Where contemporary elegance meets mountain sophistication, this exceptional Boulder Creek retreat offers a rare blend of refined living and self-sufficient design. Perched above the tree line with ample sun exposure and a private redwood grove, the property commands fabulous views from its expansive 1,200 sq. ft. ipe ironwood deck.Upstairs living areas feature soaring vaulted open-beam ceilings,
Build your dream home on this beautiful Brookdale parcel, where many of the major improvements are already in place. The property now features public water, 120 sqft shed, an existing septic system, and a temporary power pole, making it an excellent opportunity to begin the next chapter. Set above the road for added privacy, the homesite enjoys peaceful views overlooking Clear Creek and is tucked
Experience the perfect blend of modern comfort and natural beauty in this completely remodeled 1 bedroom, 1.5-bath, 750 sq. ft. single-story mobile home that lives like a single-family home. Nestled among majestic redwoods, this one-of-a-kind retreat offers its own private driveway, plenty of space for gardening, and a rare private beach along the scenic San Lorenzo River! Step inside to discover
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
Allan FreibergDavid Lyng Real Estate
$1,757,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
3,083 Sq Ft
An enchanting riverside retreat awaits you in Brookdale. This multigenerational property, with its own private beach, is a dream. It includes a main house, an ADU complete with a kitchen and bathroom, a detached heated workshop, and a two-car garage. Theres plenty of whimsy outdoors and in. From the redwood fairy ring, ornate gazebo, and garden fountains to the custom interior and exterior
Discover your own private riverside escape. Once the site of a riverfront home, this property is now being offered as a private park, perfect for anyone seeking peace, privacy, and a direct connection to nature. Stairs lead from the road down to the river, where you'll find a level, usable area ideal for setting up a picnic table and chairs or use it as a quiet reading spot by the water. A
Incredible opportunity to be in the redwoods above the San Lorenzo river in your own little slice of paradise. Constant sound of water from the creek is very relaxing while sitting on the deck in the forest. House needs complete remodel and has an open layout with lots of natural light, waiting for your design. All beds are above garage area. 2 car garage, room to park out front, room on the side
Pictures show the unit as furnished but it will be rented unfurnished.Enjoy peaceful and serene living in this spacious home, surrounded by majestic redwoods, warm sunshine, and the soothing sound of the river below. The property offers a wonderful combination of privacy, comfortable indoor living, expansive outdoor space, and flexible bonus areas with plenty of room to spread
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
