$1,589,589Average Value$951Average Price per Sq Ft48Homes 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
Are you familiar with the Rio del Mar neighborhood?
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 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Rio del Mar, Capitola over the last 12 months is $1,470,000, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience coastal living at its finest in this beautifully situated Aptos retreat tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac near the breathtaking Monterey Bay coastline. Offering ocean views and an ideal location just moments from the renowned Seascape Beach Resort, this inviting home blends comfort, flexibility, and the best of beachside living. Enjoy easy access to scenic walking paths, pristine
Tucked along a greenbelt in Aptos' desirable Seascape neighborhood, this spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features a flexible reverse floor plan that makes the most of its peaceful surroundings. Ideally located just minutes from the beach, Seascape Village, Seascape Resort and Park, and Hwy 1, the home offers the perfect blend of coastal living and convenience. Vaulted ceilings and abundant
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,
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
Experience the Best of Coastal Living in Seascapes Country Club Neighborhood. Welcome to this updated 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home in the desirable Country Club area of Seascape/Rio Del Mar. Just minutes from Hidden Beach, Seascape Resort, Swim & Racquet Club, and Seascape Golf Club, this spacious home blends comfort, style, and Santa Cruz charm. Inside, enjoy fresh interior and exterior paint,
Aptos lifestyle at its finest, and more move-in ready than you might expect. Tucked into the hills just 2.4 miles from the beach and moments from Aptos Village, this Coastal Chalet-style retreat is the haven that active, adventure-loving buyers have been searching for on the Central Coast. 1,414 sq ft of warm, characterful living across multiple levels. The loft-currently configured as a third
Some homes feel instantly different the second you walk in... and this is one of them. Fully reimagined coastal modern retreat with ocean views from almost every room, exceptional natural light, and designer finishes throughout. Oversized 8-foot strut kitchen window creates seamless indoor-outdoor flow while matte white Cafe appliances, two-tone cabinetry, Calacatta Rusta quartz counters, and
Rare opportunity to secure a large, level lot in the heart of Rio Del Mar, an area where parcels like this are few and far between. Ideally located just a short stroll to Rio Del Mar Beach and moments from Seascape Golf Club, dining, and coastal amenities. The flat, usable setting offers strong potential in a highly sought-after coastal neighborhood. Dream up the possibilities and create your own
Tom BrezsnyChristie's International Real Estate Sereno
Highly Coveted Cuesta Dr. Nature. Location. Convenience. Storage. This easily accessible Rio Del Mar retreat has it all. Perched above a scenic canyon, the home is filled with sunshine, privacy, and peaceful views, yet just up the road from Deer Park Shopping Center, Seascape Golf Club, and Rio del Mar Beach. Start your mornings with coffee overlooking the canyon sunrise and wind down in the
YOUR COASTAL RETREAT! This sunlit, inviting home captures the very essence of beach-side living. Picture yourself waking up to the soothing sound of waves, savoring the fresh ocean breeze, and taking a leisurely stroll just minutes away to sink your toes into the warm, soft sand. Nestled in the serene coastal enclave of Rio Del Mar Beach, this gem is just four blocks to the ocean, where you'll
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,
This sweet one-level home located in a coveted coastal location is a rare offering. Nestled into beautiful Rio Del Mar, just a few homes from Hidden Beach Park and Hidden Beach, where you can end each day enjoying amazing sunsets. Imagine the lifestyle you can have listening to the waves lull you to sleep each night and living so close to the most expansive beach in Santa Cruz County where you
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,
Quiet and peaceful with abundance of natural light and tones. 1900 sq. ft. Tri level, 3 Bedrooms 2 1/2 BathSpacious Townhome in well maintained complex situated in an executive neighborhood next to Seascape Golf course.Granite counters,Travertine floors in all living areas,Cathedral ceilings,Two Fireplaces and much more.UnfurnishedLarge Primary bedroom
Rio Del Mar condo2 bedrooms 2 baths plus denOpen floor plan with lots of windows and lightPrivate patio/garden area and beautifully landscaped groundsSkylights in kitchen and laundry area with lots of cupboards (washer/dryer included but not warranted )1 car garage and convenient guest parkingBy Seascape Golf Course and walk to beach.Contact Bailey Property
$4,500 per month
Beautiful 3 bedroom in Rio Del Mar Flats with Ocean Views!
Welcome to your new home in Aptos! This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the desirable Rio Del Mar Flats offers stunning ocean views and a spacious layout perfect for comfortable coastal living.Enjoy easy beach access just moments away, making it simple to soak up the sun, take evening walks, or enjoy the ocean breeze anytime you like. The home also includes one covered carport
$3,800 per month
Short walk to the Beach / Available Now / Pets Welcome
Welcome to your new home! This beautiful two-story residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and coastal living. Nestled in a desirable neighborhood, this property is available for long-term rental, providing you with the ideal setting to create lasting memories.As you step through the front door, you'll be greeted by a warm and inviting living room, providing a
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