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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
Tucked away on approximately 6.25 private acres in the Aptos forest, 545 Flume Road offers a rare blend of modern luxury, privacy, and convenience. Built in 2023, this custom home is surrounded by towering redwoods while being just 7 minutes to Rio Del Mar Blvd and only 20 minutes to Downtown Santa Cruz. Designed with comfort and functionality in mind, the home features radiant heated floors with
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Tim AllenColdwell Banker Realty
$1,499,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,506 Sq Ft
( 581 Ranchitos del Sol ) IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR THAT SPECIAL PLACE TO CALL HOME, WHETHER BUYING UP OR DOWN, INVESTMENT OR UTILITY, DON'T MISS SEEING THIS BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED, UNIQUE 2 STORY VILLA / 2500 sq ft 3 Bedroom 3 Bath Home on a 1/2 acre parcel / A 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Studio Apt. was developed under the same roof and has its own Private Entrance ( Located rear-side of home ) and can be (
Priced to Sell-Exceptional Value! Updated 3bed, 2bath gem on a large sunny lot with mature landscaping. The spacious great room with vaulted open beam ceilings and NanaWall-style folding glass doors creates a seamless indoor/outdoor living experience. Recent updates include: fresh interior paint, a new kitchen sink and reglazed tile counters and backsplash, reglazed primary bath counter and
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
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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
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