$1,653,708Average Value$863Average Price per Sq Ft19Homes For Sale
Coastal town with rich history and oceanfront charm
Named for its crescent-shaped coastline at the precipice of the Pacific, Half Moon Bay is a historic seaside village on the San Francisco Peninsula with breathtaking views of the vast oceanic blue. Here, homebuyers can find charming homes and a laid-back downtown district steps away from picturesque sandy beaches.
Half Moon Bay has its origins as a 19th-century agricultural hamlet where farmers grazed cattle, oxen and horses. During the Prohibition era, it became a hub for rum runners who used the town’s frequent fog cover to move illicit booze up and down the coastline. These days, it’s a popular beach destination that offers an idyllic escape from bustling Bay Area cities. “Coming down the hill into Half Moon Bay on Highway 92, your worries just melt away. That sapphire blue is always sparkling out there. It’s a very laid-back lifestyle,” says Realtor Barbara LaVey of Coldwell Banker Realty, a longtime resident of the Bay Area coastline. “When you’re at the beach, you’ll see dolphins jumping in the waves. You’ll feel like you’re in Maui.”
Downtown Half Moon Bay comes alive with locals and visitors savoring its charm.
A mural in Half Moon Bay depicts a majestic wave, celebrating the surf culture.
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Pandemic-era demand drove up home prices in this beach town
A stroll through the residential streets of Half Moon Bay takes pedestrians by an eclectic mix of homes, ranging from tiny bungalows to traditional beach houses. Second-floor balconies have views of the rolling mountaintops east of the town. The housing stock is generally older, dating back to the early and mid-20th century, but many have been renovated with open floor plans and modern amenities like solar panels and electric-vehicle chargers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a surge of new residents moving to the area from nearby cities that caused an uptick in housing prices. “We had a huge influx of people during the pandemic who realized they could work remotely and live somewhere like this,” LaVey says. "It’s cooled off, but the prices are still higher than they’ve ever been." Home prices typically range from $1.2 million to upwards of $2 million.
Beautiful and well-kept yards are common in Half Moon Bay.
Many homes in Half Moon Bay have been renovated.
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Locally owned restaurants and shops line Main Street
For shops and dining, residents can head down to Half Moon Bay’s historic downtown district, where there are plenty of great restaurants and boutique storefronts. Make an evening of it at Pasta Moon, a local icon that serves up top-drawer Italian fare in a plush dining room with vaulted ceilings. The restaurant’s house-made pasta, hearty lasagna and locally sourced ingredients have earned high praise from Bay Area foodies. For a morning pastry and a cup of coffee, make a pit stop at Half Moon Bay Bakery, where customers can satisfy their sweet tooth with a braided donut or pick up a freshly baked loaf of bread. While downtown, folks should make sure to visit Coastside Books, an independent bookstore established in 1972 that's a perfect spot to spend the afternoon buried in a book.
At HMB Bakery, fresh bread entices, embodying Half Moon Bay's local flavors.
Book lovers in Half Moon Bay find literary treasures at the Coastside bookstore.
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Beaches, trails and parks offer scenic outdoor escapes
From the foamy waves crashing onto white beaches to nearby winding mountain trails, Half Moon Bay’s local parks and beaches are a major attraction for locals and visitors alike. Half Moon State Beach is a sprawling public beach that encompasses more than 4 miles of coastline. It’s near the lush woodlands of Montara Mountain, which feature interconnected trails that crisscross brushy hillsides with incredible views of the towns and seaside below. For surfing with a panoramic view of the coastline, take a day trip to Surfer’s Beach or Maverick’s Beach in neighboring El Granada. That said, the towering waves at Maverick’s should only be attempted by serious surfers. Residents of Half Moon Bay also have plenty of access to neighborhood parks and green spaces like Kehoe Park, Ocean View Park and the Half Moon Bay Skate Park, where visitors can relax in the outdoors.
Get an amazing view from the bottom or the top of the hill at Half Moon Bay State Beach.
One of many pieces of art at Ocean View Park.
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Local schools offer green initiatives and high ratings
Students attend schools in the Cabrillo Unified School District, which encompasses several coastal towns on the Peninsula. In 2023, the district was designated a California Green Ribbon School District honoree for its exemplary sustainable practices, such as building gardens at all its elementary school campuses and expanding its agricultural science programming. Within the town, students can attend Alvin Hatch Elementary School, Manuel Cunha Intermediate School and Half Moon Bay High School, which has an A rating from the online school-review site Niche.
Alvin S. Hatch Elementary School nurtures curiosity and exploration.
After school programs at Manuel F. Cunha Intermediate School are plentiful.
Half Moon Bay High School gets an A rating from Niche.
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Easy commute to major Bay Area cities and job centers
Located just 30 miles south of San Francisco and about 15 miles west of San Mateo and Redwood City, Half Moon Bay is only a short commute to many of the Bay Area’s major employment centers.
Written By
Tina Davis
Photography Contributed By
Eli Tye
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Helen Aragoni,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Half Moon Bay, CA sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Half Moon Bay, CA over the last 12 months is $1,569,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Desirable single-level ranch home at end of cul-de-sac in Half Moon Bays Seahaven neighborhood on approx. 7,000 sq. ft. lot. Approx. 1,620 sq. ft. with 3BD/2BA, huge living room with fireplace, separate family/dining area, attached garage, and primary driveway plus additional paved parking area with updated pavement for abundant parking, including possible RV parking (buyer to verify permitted
Completed in 2023 with meticulous craftsmanship throughout, this magnificent coastal retreat offers expansive ocean views from its prime location in the sunny heart of Lower El Granada. Just steps from Surfers Beach and the Coastal Trail, the home is perfectly positioned for refined coastal living.The modern open-concept layout centers around an expansive kitchen that flows effortlessly into the
Unimproved lot off of Redondo Beach Rd; south of downtown HMB, west of Hwy 1. Bonita Ave is a paper street; exact location of lot not marked, no utilities. Investment property for possible future development. Buyers to do their own due diligence; contact City of Half Moon Bay with any questions regarding planning and development..
Design Your Own Dream Home! Unique Opportunity: Purchase a westside residential lot situated close to downtown Half Moon Bay, offering convenient access to shopping, acclaimed restaurants, and just blocks from the beach and coastal trail. Prime Location: This level 5,000 sqft lot is surrounded by newer custom-built homes, providing a modern and upscale neighborhood feel. Enjoy easy access to
Experience resort-style living in this beautifully updated home in the exclusive gated community of Ocean Colony, adjacent to the Ritz-Carlton and Half Moon Bay Golf Links. Enjoy sunny south-facing views of the 4th hole on the Old Course from your backyard. Inside, soaring ceilings and Black Tigerwood floors create a warm, open feel. The main level features a dedicated office/den with built-ins,
Desirable single-level ranch home at end of cul-de-sac in Half Moon Bays Seahaven neighborhood on approx. 7,000 sq. ft. lot. Approx. 1,620 sq. ft. with 3BD/2BA, huge living room with fireplace, separate family/dining area, attached garage, and primary driveway plus additional paved parking area with updated pavement for abundant parking, including possible RV parking (buyer to verify permitted
Light, bright and large, 3 Bedroom and 2 Bathroom, SINGLE LEVEL home residence offering an inviting 2,150 square feet of living space, thoughtfully designed to balance comfort and functionality in Ocean Colony. Step into the heart of the home, where an open, light-filled living room with extra high ceilings creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere with waterfront views of the golf course pond.
A sunny, open, airy home near the ocean and golf course in a quiet senior community, (55+), is waiting for you. Its grand porch entrance leads to a bright, breakfast room next to L-shaped kitchen with newer stainless steel appliances. It has large living and dining space with 2 bedrooms, a separate roomy family room, and 2 full baths. Large detached, electrified shed with workbench, optimal
Experience Coastal living in this meticulously maintained 4bd, 3ba Coastal Craftsman on a corner lot. Located in the coveted Carnoustie neighborhood of Ocean Colony, it is a short distance to protected open spaces, beaches, the Coastal Trail, prestigious Ritz-Carlton HMB and two championship golf courses. This gated community includes resort-like amenities such as fitness center, pool and
Completed in 2023 with meticulous craftsmanship throughout, this magnificent coastal retreat offers expansive ocean views from its prime location in the sunny heart of Lower El Granada. Just steps from Surfers Beach and the Coastal Trail, the home is perfectly positioned for refined coastal living.The modern open-concept layout centers around an expansive kitchen that flows effortlessly into the
Nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in the highly sought-after Canada Cove community, 19 Dolphin Court offers the perfect blend of comfort and coastal charm. This inviting home features an open floor plan with two generously sized bedrooms and two bathrooms, creating a spacious and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy seamless indoor-outdoor living with a cozy, sunlit sunroom that opens to a private
Perched steps from the oceanfront, this exceptional home delivers views, views, views from nearly every angle, designed to fully embrace its breathtaking 180-degree ocean panorama. A unique reverse floor plan elevates the main living spaces, ensuring uninterrupted coastal vistas and dramatic light throughout the home. The primary suite is a true retreat, featuring expansive ocean views, two
Vacant, mostly level, rectangular shaped lot located in the Miramar section of Half Moon Bay (Shore Acres). This lot sits within blocks of the Ocean, restaurants and trail systems. Very convenient location to both Half Moon Bay as well as El Granada & Princeton conveniences. No COC issuance, No CCWD water paid reservation
Max ReinhardtBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices DrysdaleProperties
Mediterranean-style coastal home in the desirable East Miramar neighborhood, just steps from the coastal walking trail and minutes to the beach. The main level features Saltillo tile flooring throughout, 9 ceilings, a spacious living room with gas fireplace, formal dining room with second fireplace, separate family room, and a bright solarium filled with natural light. Open-concept kitchen
Mavericks Apartments offers luxury living on the coast. Located a short walk from Surfer's Beach in the El Grenada neighborhood of Half Moon Bay, these apartments offer high quality finishes, private balconies, access controlled parking and outdoor entertaining complete with gas BBQ and fireplace. Luxury Building• Entertain Outdoors - Gas BBQ, Seating, Fireplace• Access Controlled
Rent this beautiful home located on the first fairway of the Half Moon Bay golf links. Beautifully furnished with access to all the amenities within the gated community of Ocean Colony. The views from this home are terrific overlooking verdant fairways framed by coastal hills beyond. This is a great street located very close to the ocean and within easy walking distance to the beach. The home is
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