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La Selva Beach

La Selva Beach

Located in Santa Cruz County

$1,697,720 Average Value
$1,021 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

Coastal living

For those who enjoy a perpetually beachy lifestyle, the sand and surf are right outside the door in La Selva Beach. Vista Properties Managing Broker Nicole Myhrstad describes this census-designated neighborhood as “a sleepy beach community with no restaurants, dining or commerce.” However, she adds that it’s very beach accessible. "It has a lot of vacation homes and properties on the bluffs and some townhouse complexes even have their own paths at the beach.” So while the main draw of this neighborhood may in fact be its waterside location, its proximity to local restaurants, unique schools and highway access also add to its allure.

Cliffside homes overlook the ocean along the bluffs in La Selva Beach.
Cliffside homes overlook the ocean along the bluffs in La Selva Beach.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk rises behind the busy shoreline north of La Selva Beach.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk rises behind the busy shoreline north of La Selva Beach.
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Waterside and parkside relaxation

Manresa State Beach is the main spot to enjoy all beach activities. As a remote and largely uncrowded area, this stretch of uninterrupted coastline is much more tranquil than touristy. And while the strong currents and large swells don’t allow for safe swimming, they do fare well for ambitious surfers to ride the waves and fishermen to snag the catch of the day. From Manresa, beachgoers can take in the bluffs and the Santa Cruz mountains. Some days, they may even spot horseback riders galloping down the shore. When residents want to relax outdoors away from the beach, they can visit Triangle Park for picnics and games of horseshoes.

Visitors gather along the wide sands of Manresa State Beach near La Selva Beach.
Visitors gather along the wide sands of Manresa State Beach near La Selva Beach.
Visitors walk and fish from the Capitola Wharf near La Selva Beach.
Visitors walk and fish from the Capitola Wharf near La Selva Beach.
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Homes with views

Homes consist of condos, beach-style cottages and farmhouses painted in neutrals and softly muted pastels. Properties are often accompanied by wraparound decks and cliffside locations that provide exquisite ocean views. A three- to four-bedroom property can run for as low as $700,000 while larger homes that face the sea can go as high as $8 million. They will typically sell after a period of 49 days on the market, which is slightly above the national average.

A spacious beach cottage reflects the relaxed coastal style of La Selva Beach.
A spacious beach cottage reflects the relaxed coastal style of La Selva Beach.
Cliffside homes overlook the Pacific along the bluffs in La Selva Beach.
Cliffside homes overlook the Pacific along the bluffs in La Selva Beach.
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Local restaurants and grocers nearby

While La Selva Beach does not have any shops or restaurants of its own, residents only need to make a short drive to experience the local dining and shopping. In nearby Aptos, casual eatery Village Host Pizza & Grill serves pizzas, baked sandwiches and more. Elegant restaurant Sanderlings entices diners with inventive dishes and cocktails. Corner store El Patio Grocery includes a deli and a selection of grocery essentials. By making a short two-mile drive to Aptos, shoppers can find even more items at Seascape Foods.

Village Host Pizza & Grill offers casual dining in Aptos near La Selva Beach.
Village Host Pizza & Grill offers casual dining in Aptos near La Selva Beach.
Sanderlings serves coastal cuisine along the Aptos shoreline near La Selva Beach.
Sanderlings serves coastal cuisine along the Aptos shoreline near La Selva Beach.
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Pajaro Valley Unified schools

Pajaro Valley Unified School District serves local students in the area. Valencia Elementary School earned a B-plus from Niche, while Aptos Junior High School holds a B. Aptos High School maintains an A-minus and thanks to the school’s proximity to the beach, students can participate in athletic programs like varsity beach volleyball.

Valencia Elementary School serves students in the Pajaro Valley Unified district near La Selva Beach.
Valencia Elementary School serves students in the Pajaro Valley Unified district near La Selva Beach.
Aptos High School provides academics and beach volleyball programs in Aptos.
Aptos High School provides academics and beach volleyball programs in Aptos.
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California State Route 1

La Selva Beach residents will need cars to get around. California State Route 1 is an important thoroughfare along the northern border of La Selva Beach. This long road extends quite far, running across much of the length of the Pacific Coastline. The route can also transport residents to other nearby beachside communities in Aptos, Rio Del Mar and Port Watsonville. The closest major city to the neighborhood is San Jose, which requires a 42-mile drive northbound. Additionally, the closest and most-used airport is San Jose Mineta International Airport, which is also 42 miles out.

Julia Concepcion
Written By
Julia Concepcion
Timothy Cerva
Photography Contributed By
Timothy Cerva
Taylor Noll
Video By
Taylor Noll

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Winnie Kepler, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
10
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1967
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,377
Significantly below the national average
1,930
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,445

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Mar 14
    Open Sat 12PM - 3PM

    753 The Shore Line, Watsonville, CA 95076

    $2,325,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 1,750 Sq Ft
    • 753 The Shore Line

    Live the beach life! At the end of a country road in South Santa Cruz County just past Sea Horse Lane and the Sand Dollar development near La Selva Beach you will discover an intimate community of homes nestled on the beach with sweeping ocean views from Monterey to Santa Cruz. 753 The Shoreline offers potential buyers the opportunity to create life long memories with family and friends. Surf

    Pete Cullen Bailey Properties

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  • Saturday, Mar 14
    Open Sat 12PM - 3PM

    14 Morehouse Dr, Watsonville, CA 95076

    $1,379,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,180 Sq Ft
    • 14 Morehouse Dr
    • New 7 days ago

    La Selva Beach Spacious home with room to roam! 3 Bd and 2 Ba 2180 sq ft home with amazing separation of space. Front windows, lights and entry with mid century architecture! Main floor with large kitchen, sunroom & fireplace. Open beam ceilings add amazing character. Multiple sliders in the living area access upper deck to grill, enjoy sunsets with privacy. Primary bedroom is on the main floor

    Carie Sigur Christie's International Real Estate Sereno

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

La Selva Beach Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,905
Median Age
53
Population under 18
17.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
33.6%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$132,430
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$149,023

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.9%
College Graduates
61%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
33.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
23''
Average Winter Low Temperature
40°F
Average Summer High Temperature
73°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat friendly

Bike Score®®

20 / 100

Not friendly

Walk Score®®

10 / 100

Not friendly

Transit Score®®

0 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

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.
La Selva Beach
Winnie Kepler
Coastal Properties Of California
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