$1,644,912Average Value$303Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes 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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Gary Palacios,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Seascape Park
Hidden Beach Park
Rio del Mar State Beach
Transit
Airport
Monterey Regional
44 min drive
Bus
Rio Del Mar Blvd & Sumner Ave
Bus
Rio Del Mar Blvd & Clubhouse Dr
Bus
Seascape Blvd & Dolphin Dr
Bus
Clubhouse Dr & Locke Dr
Bus
Seascape Blvd & Sumner Ave
Bus
Clubhouse Dr & St Andrews Dr
Bus
Rio Del Mar Blvd & Kingsbury Dr
Rio del Mar Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Rio del Mar, Capitola sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Rio del Mar, Capitola over the last 12 months is $410,000, up 52% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Dreaming of being just steps to the sand? Love a quiet community of beach goers? How about long walks on the beach where you can walk miles and miles with your dog? This could be just the place for you with Seascape golf course on one side and the big blue ocean on the other. This spacious 1,842 sq ft home offers three bedrooms, including a primary suite retreat, and two full bathrooms,
You know that perfect balance between historic charm and modern convenience? This renovated Rio cottage captures it, with Spanish-style character and thoughtful updates for todays living. Hop down to the beach, stroll the train tracks to Aptos Village, or enjoy your sunny courtyard where morning coffee feels like a mini vacation. The renovated kitchen is your daily hub with new appliances, great
Sun-filled and inviting, this charming home features soaring open beam ceilings, abundant windows, and a cozy wood-burning fireplace in the spacious living room. The open layout flows seamlessly into a dining area and sitting space, perfect for both casual living and entertaining. The kitchen is well-equipped with Corian solid surface counters, an abundance of cabinetry, and a center island with
Great opportunity to own an ocean view home in coveted Rio Del Mar! Tucked away on a quiet street, this adorable single-level beach bungalow is ready for it's new owner. Sitting on nearly an 8,000 square foot lot there is plenty of room and opportunity to expand, or love the one bedroom/one bathroom home just how it is. With large picture windows, hardwood flooring throughout, and a large back
Buying an artists home means stepping into something you can't recreate, a place where ocean views, rare craftsmanship, and distinctive design come together in one of Aptos' most sought after locations. This home truly captures what luxury coastal living should feel like. Every detail has been curated to serve the ocean views. Sculptural light fixtures throughout, and custom tile work you won't
Endless Potential with Ocean & Valley Views - Bring your vision to this rare fixer-upper opportunity in one of Aptos' most coveted neighborhoods! Nestled among multi-million dollar homes, this spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath residence offers breathtaking ocean views from the front and tranquil valley vistas from the French Doors and windows in the back. Set on a generous, sun-drenched lot, the
MODERN COASTAL LUXURY | NEWLY RENOVATED DUPLEX IN SEASCAPE, APTOS $4,900/MONTH | 2 BED | 2.5 BATH | SEASCAPE NEIGHBORHOODLive the California coastal dream in this beautifully renovated duplex nestled in the heart of Seascape, one of Aptos’ most desirable neighborhoods. With high-end finishes, modern smart-home upgrades, and resort-style outdoor living, this home is perfect for remote
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Gary Palacios,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
10,972
Median Age
53
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
31.4%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$134,980
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$163,080
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.6%
College Graduates
61%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
28.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
23''
Average Winter Low Temperature
40°F
Average Summer High Temperature
73°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
30/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
32/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
