$1,684,354Average Value$860Average Price per Sq Ft26Homes 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
Matt Aragoni,
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.
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On average, homes in Half Moon Bay, CA sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Half Moon Bay, CA over the last 12 months is $1,563,150, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience refined single-level living in this beautifully appointed 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence, offering 1,752 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed coastal living space just moments from the scenic Highway 1. Dramatic vaulted ceilings and strategically placed skylights bathe the home in natural light, creating an elegant and airy atmosphere throughout. The formal living room provides an
Experience the coastal lifestyle and income opportunity in sought-after East Miramar! This rare two-unit beach cottage compound features a charming 1 bed/1 bath main home (~480 sq ft) with hardwood floors and a fully permitted 1 bed/1 bath ADU (~532 sq ft) showcasing luxury vinyl plank flooring, stainless steel appliances, butcher-block countertops, recessed lighting and its own washer/dryer
2329 Burning Tree Road in Ocean Colony offers the perfect blend of comfort and modern living. This charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home boasts 3470 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. From the moment you step inside you discover a bright living room with soaring ceilings and newer LVP floors throughout, adding a touch of elegance and easy maintenance. The main floor is designed
Experience refined single-level living in this beautifully appointed 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence, offering 1,752 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed coastal living space just moments from the scenic Highway 1. Dramatic vaulted ceilings and strategically placed skylights bathe the home in natural light, creating an elegant and airy atmosphere throughout. The formal living room provides an
Exceptionally Well-Maintained Triplex on the Coast. Discover a fantastic investment property with this charming triplex nestled in the beautiful coastal community of Half Moon Bay. Located on the west side of the Cabrillo Highway, this property offers walkability to beaches, the Coastal Trail, Historic Downtown Half Moon Bay, shopping, schools, dining and more. Property Highlights include a Unit
Exceptionally Well-Maintained Triplex on the Coast. Discover a fantastic investment property with this charming triplex nestled in the beautiful coastal community of Half Moon Bay. Located on the west side of the Cabrillo Highway, this property offers walkability to beaches, the Coastal Trail, Historic Downtown Half Moon Bay, shopping, schools, dining and more. Property Highlights include a Unit
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
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in the picturesque city of Half Moon Bay. This residence offers a spacious 2,300 square feet of living area, perfect for accommodating your lifestyle needs. The kitchen is well-equipped with a gas cooktop, dishwasher, island, electric oven, and refrigerator, making it ideal for culinary enthusiasts. The dining area provides a lovely
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