Day Valley is the place to find a generous slice of Central Coast tranquility. Sloping valleys, the redwood-forested Santa Cruz Mountains and the views of Monterey Bay contribute to the neighborhood’s natural beauty. Nicole Myhrstad, Managing Broker at Vista Properties, has sold homes in Day Valley and describes it having a rural feel. “It’s an area of Aptos that’s on the forest side of the freeway. You immediately get from the beach and the redwoods to more farm like territory. It has a lot of equestrian and horse farms.”
Nisene Marks State Park has trails winding through dense redwoods.
Explore lush, expansive gardens filled with diverse bamboo species at the Giant Bamboo Nursery.
1/2
Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is a great spot to hike, hold a picnic, go for a jog and take the horse out for a ride. As residents take in the expansive park, they will see the native redwood trees that populate much of the area. The trees are experiencing significant regeneration as they continue healing from a logging frenzy that lasted for several decades. This makes Forest of Nisene Marks State Park not only a place of recreation but a place of regrowth as well.
A river runs through Nisene Marks State Park.
Bikers enjoy the bike routes in the Nisene Marks State Park.
1/2
A variety of home styles
Styles of all kinds can be found around Day Valley. Homebuyers can find anything from ranch- and Mediterranean-styles to more contemporary designs. Some properties include Monterey Bay views and ample plant life to keep homes cool in the shade. Homes sell between $1.3- $4.3 million, and they typically remain on the market for about 55 days on average. This figure is slightly higher than the national average of 42 days. Room Real Estate Realtor Kaelin Wagnermarsh has sold two homes in Day Valley and talks about its tranquil openness: "There's less hustle and bustle here compared to Santa Cruz and you get extra space with your property. It’s not necessarily urbanized but I don't mind an extra 10-15 minutes to get to a town center when it means I can have that extra space."
Mediterranean-style homes in Day Valley are fairly large.
The homes in Day Valley are surrounded by cooling greenery.
1/2
Aptos for dining and shopping
California wine country may be hundreds of miles to the north in Napa, but the Central Coast area also boasts its own wineries. The neighborhood’s proximity to the coast, its cooling fog and elevation create a great environment for winemaking, which has resulted in multiple wineries like La Vida Bella Vineyard and Nicholson Vineyard Winery. Folks with a green thumb can visit Bamboo Giant Nursery and Gardens for their plant needs. Because the neighborhood has no restaurants of its own, the closest dining establishments require a short 4.5-mile drive to Aptos. For breakfast or brunch, Cadillac Café serves up omelets, mimosas and more to start the day. Taqueria Los Pericos is a cozy, brightly colored spot where diners can watch their taco orders get assembled through the open kitchen. Deluxe Foods of Aptos and Safeway are both available nearby for all grocery store needs.
Visit Bamboo Giant Nursery for vibrant greenery and rare bamboo finds in Day Valley.
Cadillac Cafe is a great place to have breakfast in Day Valley, Royal Oaks.
1/2
Day Valley students
Day Valley is served by the Pajaro Valley Unified Schools District. Students just beginning their public education can attend Valencia Elementary School, which holds a B-plus grade from Niche and teaches music to all students once a week. They can then move on to the B-rated Aptos Junior High School and complete their education at Aptos High School, which has an A-minus.
Aptos High School, excellence in education and sports.
Engage in foundational learning at Valencia Elementary School.
Aptos Junior High School, building future leaders in Aptos.
1/3
Highways and air travel
The neighborhood is conveniently located near Highways 1 and 152. Highway 1 travels along much of the Pacific coast while Highway 152 runs between Watsonville and Chowchilla. (This route also carries some interesting history, serving as a path east for participants in the California Gold Rush in the mid-nineteenth century.) The 73 Line of the Santa Cruz METRO bus runs along the southern border of Day Valley, and buses arrive every hour. When residents are looking to catch a flight, they can use the Watsonville Muni Airport, located less than seven miles away.
Photography Contributed By
Paolo Abellana
Video By
Francesco Basti
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Colin Clancy,
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
Set near the heart of Corralitos, 209 Hames Rd offers space, flexibility & a setting close to some of the area's best-loved spots. Remodeled & expanded in 2000, this approx. 2,900 sq ft, 3 bed + office, 3 bath home has a generous layout with room for everyday living, working from home, hobbies, guests & storage. The main level includes a large bedroom & full bath, an office/flex room & an
Elevated retreat at the end of a quiet court offering sweeping ocean and mountain views, privacy and a tropical hilltop setting featuring birds of paradise, leucadendron, pincushions, proteas, peonies. Approx. 4.7 acres, overlooking Monterey Bay and Pacific Ocean, sunsets galore. Main residence features 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, approx. 2,171 sqft., with vaulted ceilings and abundant natural
A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN AND LIVE ON BEAUTIFUL RANCHITOS del SOL / HOMES RARELY COME UP FOR SALE HERE / PEOPLE BUY AND NEVER WANT TO LEAVE / YOU SHOULD COME SEE WHY / LOCATED IN APTOS, THIS 2500+SQ FT HOME OFFERS 3 BEDROOMS AND 3 BATHS ( INCLD 1 / 1 SEPARATE STUDIO ) ON A SUBSTANTIAL 1/2 AC PARCEL WITH RAISED GARDENS AND PRAGMATIC OUTDOOR PATIOS / TOP OF THE STREET PRIVACY / IF YOUR THINKING TO
Set near the heart of Corralitos, 209 Hames Rd offers space, flexibility & a setting close to some of the area's best-loved spots. Remodeled & expanded in 2000, this approx. 2,900 sq ft, 3 bed + office, 3 bath home has a generous layout with room for everyday living, working from home, hobbies, guests & storage. The main level includes a large bedroom & full bath, an office/flex room & an
Discover the beauty and tranquility of this exceptional 30-acre property, divided into three 10-acre parcels. Nestled among majestic redwood trees, this private and peaceful setting offers the perfect blend of nature and comfort. The spacious single-level home features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, designed for both functionality and relaxation. Enjoy abundant natural light in the charming
Come live the good life in sought after Rancho Corralitos! Experience country living in this charming and well maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in a spacious and friendly adult park. This home has newer roof, windows, skirting, gas fireplaces, appliances, bath fixtures, on demand water heater, and landscaping. Step out your back door into the enormous yard and sip a morning coffee on the
Sought after DAY VALLEY LOCATION! Known for its scenic beauty and rural charm. Explore miles and miles of beaches, bike, hike and picnic in the redwoods in The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and golf at the Seascape Golf Course. All are within minutes in this quiet coastal community. Custom-built sun drenched home with end of the road privacy. Bring the outdoors in through 2 large sliding
A rare opportunity to own a stunning 3+ acre parcel of land located in the desirable Aptos Hills. This prime piece of real estate offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and provides the perfect canvas for building your dream home or creating a peaceful retreat. With its gently sloping terrain this property offers a perfect blend of privacy and natural beauty. Imagine waking up to the
Elevated retreat at the end of a quiet court offering sweeping ocean and mountain views, privacy and a tropical hilltop setting featuring birds of paradise, leucadendron, pincushions, proteas, peonies. Approx. 4.7 acres, overlooking Monterey Bay and Pacific Ocean, sunsets galore. Main residence features 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, approx. 2,171 sqft., with vaulted ceilings and abundant natural
Tucked along scenic Eureka Canyon Road, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath Corralitos home offers space to live, create, and grow. Sunlight pours through large windows, filling the home with natural light and an inviting feel that reflects the surrounding countryside. Hardwood floors add warmth throughout, while a loft and bonus space provide flexibility for a home office, guest accommodations, a gym, or a
Situated on a sunny knoll, this property is perfect for visionaries and project lovers. Just on the south east entrance of Nisene Marks Park, there is easy access to mountain biking and hiking. Just six minutes from the Corralitos Market and 25 minutes to the local beaches, this property offers privacy while still being conveniently close to amenities. Build the ultimate family compound, enjoy
Perched on Day Valley Ridge with distant ocean views sits this stunning 5 bedroom, 5 & 1/2 bath home. Designed by Nancy Whalen of Reed-Whalen & Associates in 2013, it has been fully updated & is move-in ready. The home's understated elegance blends perfectly with the beautiful natural landscape & perfect weather that the Aptos hills have to offer. Secluded, yet close to town. Recent updating
Tucked into the hills of Aptos, this 4.28-acre parcel rises gently from the street into a peaceful, tree-lined setting surrounded by natural beauty. Zoned RA (Residential Agricultural), the property offers a rare canvas for your dream home, with preliminary drawings already prepared for a 2-bedroom-plus-office single-family residence. Potential access to city water is available through the
What a beautiful combination of peace, tranquility and usefulness found in this home, located on an acre of land in peaceful Pleasant Valley area. This well kept home features vaulted ceilings, tile floors, large master bath suite & many too many upgrades to mention here. This property will go fast, that pictures won't tell the full story. Great schools in this area too.
John VillanuevaBerkshire Hathaway HS Real Time Realty
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.
