$1,692,220Average Value$973Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
Coastal village with history on the San Francisco Penninsula
Pacific Ocean sunsets are peaceful in Moss Beach, a scenic seaside getaway on the San Francisco Peninsula. A few minutes north of El Grenada and Half Moon Bay, this coastal community joins a stretch of villages known for some of the best surf spots and viewsheds in the city. Its origins trace to the 1880s, with the advent of the Ocean Shore Railroad. Today, its homes and shops mingle in a picturesque small-town setting. Moss Beach is home to roughly 3,200 residents, with beach houses that flank a small business corridor, plenty of lush parks, and overlooks. “I wouldn’t expect much growth. This town is gonna stay the size it is,” says Jesse England, Realtor at Sotheby’s International Realty. “It’s a nice, quiet place to come home to.”
Moss Beach has stunning vista points capturing the soul of the California Coast.
Moss Beach's community gets its namesake after the picturesque beach coastal haven
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Seaside cottages on rocky hillsides
These craftsman cottages and bungalows with bushy front yards have overlooked the ocean since the 1970s. Some perch on hillsides with views of the rocky beachheads and the vast tidal expanse, while others hide away in the private woodsy panorama. Some homeowners have renovated their beach abodes with vaulted ceilings, soaring windows and sunrooms to make the most of this scenic setting, while others embrace simplicity, allowing their stunning surroundings to do the work. Prices can range from $800,000 for smaller, older homes to over $3 million for spacious, updated residences. There’s also land to build here, where buyers can spend as little as $20,000 to build a custom home on their own sliver of paradise.
A ranch-style mansion on a Moss Beach Bluff with a colorful backyard above the sea.
A cloudy day makes for a moody but beautiful experience in Moss Beach.
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Nature reserves and waterside walks
“Moss Beach is overcast more often than other areas,” England says. With a cool coastal microclimate, the community lends itself to year-round outdoor exploration. Locals can spend a day traveling the woodsy Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel to a seaside overlook or ride horseback on a tour of the town’s idyllic vistas. “They’re some of the best walks you’ll ever go on,” England says. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is popular with local kids who visit the rocky seashore park to investigate the intertidal flora and fauna, like crabs, sponges, and mollusks. The popular local landmark attracts more than 120,000 visitors every year. For more sightseeing by the water’s edge, many walk along Frenchman’s Reef Trail up to the heights of Pillar Point Bluff, a ragged cliffside crag showcasing the enormity of the Pacific.
The tranquil tide pools of Moss Beach reflect the graceful image of a blue heron.
Moss Beach offers a quiet moody setting on foggy days.
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Eateries with history
During the prohibition era, Moss Beach Distillery was known as a successful speakeasy that sold illicit booze to silent film stars and San Francisco politicians, nowadays, locals imbibe in seafood-focused fare on its inviting outdoor patio. England says the historic outpost is haunted. El Gran Amigo Taqueria and Odyssey Pizzeria & Café are convenient for a quick bite. The neighborhood’s Coastside Market sells fresh produce and a great wine selection among regular grocery staples. “There’s a few small businesses, but it’s not a mecca of nightlife,” England says. For more shopping and dining, Moss Beach homeowners head to nearby towns.
Moss Beach Distillery has a rustic bar matching its age.
Diners at Moss Beach Distillery enjoy meals with a stunning coastal view.
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Half Moon Bay Cougars best of basketball
Students can attend the Cabrillo Unified School District, which also serves several surrounding coastal towns. Many start at Farallone View Elementary School and continue to Manuel F. Cunha Intermediate for 6th through 8th grade. Each carries a B rating on Niche. Half Moon Bay High is the last stop for rising middle schoolers, rated A-minus. The high school is known for its athletics – the Cougars make regular championship appearances across all sports leagues and took home the 2024 boys' basketball win.
Farallone View Elementary School
teaches mindfulness to help students develop self-awareness.
Students are the highest priority at Manuel F. Cunha Intermediate School.
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Coastal Cabrillo Highway Commutes
Located about 22 miles south of San Francisco and about 45 miles from San Jose, Moss Beach residents have a straightforward commute to Bay Area cultural destinations and job centers. Route 1 runs straight through town, serving as the primary connector to neighboring communities and Interstate 280. The SamTrans Bus Service serves the area with several routes for locals who prefer a car-free ride around the region. “If you’re working in San Francisco, it’s not a bad commute,” England says. The San Francisco International Airport is 20 miles east for long-distance travel.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Irina Bondar,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Moss Beach Park
Montara State Beach
Le Conte Trail
JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Seal Cove Cypress Tunnel
Montara State Beach Martini Creek
Moss Beach
Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Transit
Airport
San Francisco International
28 min drive
Bus
Main St & 7th St
Bus
Etheldore St & Marine Blvd
Bus
Etheldore St & Sunshine Valley Rd
Bus
Sunshine Valley Rd & Hawthorne St
Bus
Airport St & Los Banos Ave
Bus
Seton Coastside Med Ctr
Bus
Etheldore St & Vermont Ave
Moss Beach Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Moss Beach, Montara sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Moss Beach, Montara over the last 12 months is $650,000, up 502% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Do you need some space for a nanny or in-law? Do you want to make this a duplex? Or, a perfect single level residence? So many options! 1161 Tamarind Street is a charming large single-family home nestled in the picturesque coastal town of Montara, CA. 1,975 square feet of single-level living space, this home features 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, ensuring plenty of room for everyone. Expansive
West of Highway 1 in Moss Beach. This mostly level lot is situated at the end of an attractive Westside coastal, unpaved street on Oak Avenue. A unique opportunity to own a quaint parcel of land to build your primary or secondary home. Walking distance to the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, tide pools, the Moss Beach Distillery and more. Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) of San Mateo County
Tucked at the top of 14th Street, this Montara gem offers privacy, ocean views, and flexible living. The upper level features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths with designer touches throughout - wood floors, curated finishes, and great natural light. The open living area flows to a deck, offering your own serene spot for morning coffee or sunset unwinding. Two of the bedrooms also enjoy ocean views, while
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Irina Bondar,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,732
Median Age
52
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
29.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$174,239
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$195,346
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.3%
College Graduates
58.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
25''
Average Winter Low Temperature
43°F
Average Summer High Temperature
65°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
25/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
31/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
