$1,631,446Average Value$994Average Price per Sq Ft52Homes For Sale
Coastal living in Aptos
In the morning, Pacific mist gives way to Rio Del Mar’s sun-drenched bluffs, frothy waves crashing against the beaches and pelicans and seagulls swooping over the surf. For residents, the appeal is pretty straightforward: “I love being able to walk to the ocean every day,” says Raylene Mallon, a retiree who lives a few blocks from the beach.
Located in the town of Aptos, California, this coastal neighborhood is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the colossal redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains. While tourists gravitate to the Santa Cruz boardwalk or Capitola Village during the summer season, Rio Del Mar is more likely to bring locals and their families to the waterfront. “I see people every day that I grew up with, that I’ve known all my life. That’s the kind of community this is,” says Realtor Amy Jeske of Coldwell Banker, a longtime resident who grew up in the neighborhood.
Beaches, bluffs and redwoods
Rio Del Mar State Beach stretches along the coast beneath steep, seaside bluffs dotted with foliage and colorful wildflower blooms. Residents and visitors can be spotted swimming, fishing, walking and taking in the salty sea air on sunny days. With mild weather in the summer and winter temperatures that rarely dip below 40 degrees, people enjoy the beach all-year-round. “I love the beach in the winter. It’s so moody and romantic,” says Donna Kaelin, who lives in the neighborhood and walks along the beachfront every day.
Some beaches are a well-kept secret, like Hidden Beach Park. It’s only accessible via a dead-end, residential street with a small parking area. A short path leads visitors through a wooded gulley that opens onto a wide, sandy beach surrounded by steep, scrub-covered cliffs. Those looking for relaxation on dry land can book a tee time at Seascape Golf Club, a century-old course that winds across the coastal highlands. Just north of the neighborhood is The Forest of Nisene State Park, a dense woodland filled with deep-green redwood groves, chaparral and Douglas firs.
“Rio Del Mar is really unique because you can be in one of the most magnificent natural environments at The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, and in less than five minutes you can be walking on the beach,” Jeske says. “Having a state park in your backyard is amazing.”
Eclectic, hillside homes
Homes are situated along hillsides, beaches and narrow roads lined with palm trees, oaks, wildflowers and tropical vegetation. Architectural styles vary widely, and most of the homes date back to the mid-20th century. “These typically started off as smaller homes built in the 1930s, 40s and 50s. People were coming up from Modesto, Merced and Fresno to beat the heat and they built tiny little beach homes to come to on the weekends. Over time, they just kept adding on. My house has been added on to multiple times,” Jeske says. It’s typical for smaller, older homes to sell for between $1.2 million and $2 million, while larger, luxury homes with ocean views list for between $5 million and $10 million.
Shopping and dining in Rio Del Mar and Aptos
There’s a small commercial plaza at the corner of Aptos Beach Drive and Rio Del Mar Boulevard with two restaurants, a café and a corner market. With a view facing the beach, locals can sip coffee on the patio at Venus Pie Trap or sit down for dinner at Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen. Next door in Seacliff are local favorites like Manuel’s Mexican and Marianne’s Ice Cream. The nearest grocery stores are Safeway and New Leaf Community Markets.
Highly rated schools
Students in Rio Del Mar attend some of the highest rated schools in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. Young students attend Rio Del Mar Elementary School, a California Distinguished School that holds a B-plus rating from Niche, before moving on to B-rated Aptos Junior High School. Upperclassmen attend A-minus-rated Aptos High School. In 2024, the school district was recognized as one of the best in the country for music education by the NAMM Foundation, a nonprofit that helps fund school music programs.
Getting around Aptos and beyond
Rio Del Mar is bordered at its northern edge by State Route 1, a major regional commuter corridor. Traffic is typically heavy during rush hour as people leave and return for work. The neighborhood is served by several Santa Cruz Metro bus lines. Those in need of health care will find several small medical centers close by, including Sutter Health Palo Alto Medical in neighboring Capitola. The nearest large hospital is Watsonville Community Hospital, about 8 miles east of the neighborhood.
Need to know
Rio Del Mar is at an increased risk for flooding because of its proximity to the ocean. Several major storms have caused damages to beaches, infrastructure and some homes in recent years. People living at low elevations near the shoreline may be required to evacuate during severe weather events.
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
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Rio del Mar
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Rio del Mar Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Rio del Mar, Capitola sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Rio del Mar, Capitola over the last 12 months is $1,475,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this refined mid-century beach house with a modern touch, just steps from the sand, surf, and charm of Rio Del Mar Village. Designed with a reverse floor plan, the upstairs showcases open living and dining areas framed by walls of glass that fill the home with natural light and sweeping ocean views. A private bedroom suite on this level opens to two decks, one rooftop deck and the
A Stunning Residence - Modern Coastal Luxury - Inspiring Ocean Views - Direct access to the cliffs & path to La Selva Beach (aka Tressel Beach). Exclusive Trestle Beach Townhomes are located within the beautiful gated Los Barrancos community. This exquisitely updated two-story home features sweeping ocean views across the beautiful bluffs & the vast Monterey Bay This is where the sound of the
Tucked away along peaceful Aptos Creek, this Craftsman-inspired home feels like something out of a storybook. Thoughtfully remodeled by a stained glass artist, its filled with warmth, creativity, and charm at every turn. Inside, youll find 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2,226 sq. ft. of inviting living space. Beautiful stained glass windows, arched wood trims, and an antique oak fireplace surround add
Enjoy resort-style living in this fully renovated 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condominium, being sold fully furnished for a truly turnkey experience. Located on the first floor of the main building at Seascape Beach Resort in Aptos, this property offers convenient accessibility and a peaceful setting within the hotel. Step outside to your private balcony overlooking serene, mature trees - perfect for
Potential Seller Financing for this beautiful lot in Aptos is a rare chance to potentially create your dream home in a great location. It is in a peaceful neighborhood and receives plenty of natural light, giving a warm and welcoming feel to your future residence. Each morning, you can wake up to sunlight pouring in, energizing you for the day. The perfect location ensures a bright and cheerful
Just above Rio Del Mar Beach, 320 Cliff Drive captures the essence of Aptos where light, space, & ocean air shape the rhythm of daily life. With 3,356 sq ft of thoughtfully designed interiors & a generously sized lot, this home offers room to unwind & room to gather. The main living area is bright & open, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beautifully landscaped garden for a serene
Property Id: 2234219Welcome to this charming 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom single family home in the heart of Aptos. This vintage home features hardwood floors, a cozy fireplace, and off-street parking. With a convenient location and a rent of $4200, this property won't last long! Don't miss out on this opportunity to make this house your new home. Contact us today to schedule a viewing.
Aptos Beauty! Ready for move-in November 15! This elegant single story Country Club Park home offers a perfect blend of comfort and relaxed California living. Just a half mile from miles of pristine sandy beaches, and blocks from the highly regarded Rio Del Mar Elementary School, the location is both idyllic and convenient. The kitchen, dining, and living areas flow together providing for
Cozy Furnished Studio in Beautiful Aptos – Walk to the Beach!Enjoy the relaxed coastal lifestyle in this comfortable, fully furnished studio just 2 miles from Rio Del Mar Beach. Conveniently located near freeway access, this space is perfect for someone looking for a quiet, beachy retreat.What’s included:Queen-size bed for a great night’s sleepLarge L-shaped couch for lounging or
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