$1,605,908Average Value$927Average 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.
Rio del Mar offers a perfect blend of coastal charm and relaxed beachside living, making every day feel like a vacation.
Rio del Mar stretches toward a sweeping bay, where hillside homes and tree-lined streets meet the calm, sunlit Pacific shoreline.
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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.”
Mornings in Rio del Mar start with the sound of waves and breathtaking views of the Pacific.
Have a great walk with loved ones at Rio del Mar beach.
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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.
Mediterranean-style home in Rio del Mar features white stucco, red tile roof, and expansive wraparound decks with hillside views.
Coastal cottage-style home in Rio del Mar features steep gables, mixed siding, and charming cottage details with a lush, garden-lined entry.
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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.
Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen in Rio del Mar offers coastal dining with craft cocktails and ocean-view seating just steps from the beach.
Safeway in Aptos near Rio del Mar provides convenient grocery shopping just minutes from the neighborhood’s coastal homes and beaches.
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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.
Families in Rio del Mar value Rio del Mar Elementary School for its California Distinguished status and close-knit neighborhood environment.
Tucked in nearby Aptos, Aptos Junior High School serves Rio del Mar students with a balanced mix of academics, electives, and campus life.
Just minutes from Rio del Mar, Aptos High School offers a vibrant campus with diverse extracurriculars and a highly regarded local reputation.
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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.
State Route 1 in Rio del Mar runs along the coast, offering easy access to beaches, nearby towns, and everyday destinations throughout the region.
Public bus service near Rio del Mar offers an easy way to commute along the coast with accessible stops and regional connections.
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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 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Rio del Mar, Capitola over the last 12 months is $1,430,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Own your slice of the Aptos beach lifestyle! This is a FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP opportunity offering approximately 6 weeks of use per year in a beautifully maintained coastal retreat. Enjoy the benefits of a second home without the full-time expense, with a rotating schedule that provides flexibility throughout the year. Whether you're seeking weekend escapes, family vacations, or a relaxing beach
In the heart of Aptos, between the redwoods and the Monterey Bay, just minutes from Seascape and one of California's longest, most beautiful beaches, this exceptional location offers miles of coastline, scenic trails, world-class surfing, and endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Escape to your beautifully updated beach retreat tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac surrounded by natural
Ocean View! Own this beautiful Beach Vacation Condo and Rental Property with full Resort amenities. This 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo is located in the Seascape Resort, and has the best of both worlds, come to the beach and, when not using, rent through the Resort. You and your guests enjoy the full use of Resort amenities, which includes pools, restaurant, bar, with inside and out dining, and a cart
Welcome to this charming, beautifully maintained two-bedroom, two-bathroom home in one of Aptos' most desirable coastal neighborhoods. From the moment you arrive, the thoughtfully designed landscaping creates a warm, welcoming first impression. Inside, comfort and timeless style come together effortlessly. Meticulously cared for throughout, this home reflects simplicity yet sophistication,
Summer is the perfect time to discover this Aptos hill retreat and it just got even better. Fresh deck repairs, new stain, retaining wall repair complete, and a new price! This is the one that surprises everyone who walks through it. 1,414 sq ft of soulful, character-filled living across multiple levels. The loft, currently used as a third bedroom, soars with open beam and vaulted ceilings and
Located in the highly sought after Rio Del Mar area, a short walk to the beach, this exceptional single-level home sits on an expansive corner lot. What truly sets this property apart is its remarkable 1,100 sq ft multipurpose space. Originally designed & built as a world class recording studio w/soaring 18ft ceilings, it is equally suited as a home theater, sports lounge, performance space,
Welcome to 714 Clubhouse Drive, a meticulously maintained coastal retreat in one of Aptos' most sought-after neighborhoods. Situated on an oversized lot, this thoughtfully updated home features 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, soaring ceilings, and an abundance of natural light throughout. The chef-inspired kitchen showcases high-end appliances, a Viking range, and beautiful stone and granite surfaces,
Tucked among the trees in Aptos, this charming 3 bed, 2 bath home beautifully blends vintage character with modern amenities. Offering approx. 1,550 square feet of light filled living space on a generous 13,372 square foot parcel spanning two lots, the home's open layout allows the kitchen, dining, and living spaces to flow together seamlessly. The brand new kitchen features quartz countertops, a
Whitewater Views in Rio Del Mar! You awake to the sound of waves crashing. You rise slowly, taking a moment to relish the sound before making a cup of coffee, sliding open your glass door, and alighting onto your TOP FLOOR (with ground-floor entry and no stairs) balcony overlooking one of the most beautiful bays in the world. You breathe in the salt air and contemplate what you will do today;
NEW PRICE. NO HOA fees. Make yourself at home with this beautiful Seascape 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath duet home. Upgrades galore including oak hardwood floors, Viking stove, custom pantry,security system, Tommy Bahama ceiling fan, presidential roof shingles. Open concept, reverse floor plan. Lots and lots of storage in the house and in the garage. Relax on the sunny deck or watch the beautiful sunsets &
Enjoy private gated access to miles of pristine beachfront just steps from your door. Whether your'e seeking a peaceful seaside escape, a full-time coastal residence, or a proven income-producing vacation rental, this exceptional property offers comfort, flexibility, and laid-back luxury by the sea. Welcome to Rio Surf & Sand, a prestigious private gated coastal enclave where effortless beach
Welcome to 207 Kingsbury, situated on one of the most coveted streets in the Cliff Drive neighborhood. Fully remodeled with a modern flair, this turnkey coastal retreat sits on a flat, sunny lot just three blocks from Rio Del Mar Beach. The main level offers an effortless flow, featuring a chef's kitchen, bright living space, two spacious bedrooms, and a beautifully appointed full bathroom. The
Coastal Living at Its Finest! Welcome to Sandpiper at Seascape Beach, where resort-style living meets one of Monterey Bay's premier coastal locations. Ideally situated in the prestigious Seascape neighborhood of Rio del Mar, this meticulously maintained and tastefully updated townhome offers exceptional access to miles of white sand beaches Seascape is renowned for. Perfectly positioned in one of
Coastal Retreat... Ocean View Perfect Home for Relaxing or to Generate Income and get good depreciation!! Beautifully maintained and peaceful Welcome to effortless beachside living. This home features 1,860 sq ft of living space with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths + separate 4th bedroom includes a private entrance w/ a possible area to add a bath and shower. Perfect as a full-time residence, weekend
Spacious 1900 sq. ft. end unit townhome with abundance of natural light and tones. Located in a well-maintained complex, next to Seascape Golf course in a multimillion-dollar neighborhood. Four-minute walk to beautiful Rio Del Mar Beach with easy convenient access Walking distance to Seascape Resort Golfing available at the adjacent Seascape Golf course Convenient to spa, markets,
Aptos/Rio Del Mar 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home on the river within walking distance to Rio Del Mar State Beach. Nice fenced backyard with garden area. Very quiet private street. Pets ok on approval.
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house located in the beautiful city of Aptos, CA. This home is walking distance to the Seacliff state beach as well as the Rio Del Mar shopping center for restaurants, grocery store, gym, shops, etc.This home features a fully equipped kitchen with a stove/oven, microwave, stainless dishwasher, and refrigerator. The kitchen also boasts tile
$4,250 per month
2 Beds
1 Bath
1,646 Sq Ft
Available August 1 Furnished 2-Bedroom Forest Retreat in Aptos Available for 30-day minimum stays beginning August 1, with the option to extend up to 3 months. This fully furnished 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers a peaceful setting among the redwoods, ideal for those seeking temporary housing, relocation, remote work, or an extended coastal stay. The home features a bright primary bedroom with a
Adam DallasColdwell Banker Realty
$3,100 per month
Oceanview Oasis: Second Story Retreat with Deck, Balcony, and Fireplace near Rio Del Mar Beach in...
Discover your own slice of coastal paradise in Aptos. Just moments from the stunning Rio Del Mar Beach, this inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort, charm, and laid-back seaside living.Step inside to find a warm and welcoming retreat designed for relaxation. The spacious outdoor deck invites you to unwind, entertain, or soak in the refreshing ocean air,
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