Waterfront lifestyle rife with wildlife along Elkhorn Slough
Hugging Elkhorn Slough where it feeds into Monterey Bay, Moss Landing is a beach town in touch with the nature surrounding it. “It’s not a very big community. It’s more of a fishing village that’s had a lot of tourism in recent years. People come to kayak and watch the wildlife,” says Marcie McKearn, a Realtor with eXp Realty of California with nearly 35 years of experience in the area. Moss Landing lays claim to the largest concentration of sea otters in California and is a hot spot for birders, though its sweeping nature preserves are enjoyed by more than just sightseers. “It’s a great place to live because it’s about halfway between Monterey and Santa Cruz, and there’s a bit more elbow room for people who like a small-town feel,” McKearn adds. While there aren’t many homes in town, the lucky few who live in Moss Landing can relax on secluded beaches without the accompanying hubbub of a city.
Spot sea otters adrift at Moss Landing State Beach
The main appeal of Moss Landing is its waterside lifestyle, which brings in tourists from all over to the small town. It’s considered one of the best places for birdwatching in the nation according to the Audubon Society, and Elkhorn Slough is a haven of biodiversity that provides a home for 16 threatened or endangered species. “People come here just to see the sea otters,” says McKearn. Locals and visitors alike might spot some while kayaking through the estuary and the bay, a popular activity thanks to all the winding waterways. Residents are also never far from having their toes in the sand at Moss Landing State Beach, with long stretches of shoreline where they can go for a stroll, kick back or watch the sea otters lazily padding through the waters.
Moss Landing State beach n Moss Landing, California has surfing and sand!
In Moss Landing, California sea kayaks are all the rage. Take the family!
In Moss Landing, California even your furry friend can go out onto the ocean!
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Colorful cottages and waterfront properties
Housing is sparse in Moss Landing, as much of the land is taken up by wildlife preserves or used for industrial or hospitality purposes. However, there are a handful of colorful cottages and ranch-style homes along the southern edge of town, with small lawns and vibrant exteriors or accent trim. Some with back decks overlooking the nature surrounding the Old Salinas River might list for up to $1 million, whereas other properties with waterfront views and additional features like a personal dock or guest cottage can sell for $1.4 million.
A brilliantly colorful midcentury home in Moss Landing, California, glows on a summer day.
In Moss Landing, California you'll be surrounded by agriculture while the ocean at your backdoor
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The annual street fair brings hundreds into town
Folks in Moss Landing tend to get to know their neighbors, as according to the US Census Bureau the town had a population of 237 in 2020. However, that number multiplies by more than ten during the Moss Landing Street Fair, held annually in July. Though several other events are hosted throughout the year, the street fair brings hundreds of vendors into town to showcase their goods, specializing in antique and artisan wares.
Students attend North Monterey County Schools
Moss Landing is zoned to the North Monterey County Unified School District. Young students in grades K-6 can attend Elkhorn Elementary, which earns a C from Niche. Grades 7-8 move up to North Monterey County Middle, which scores a C-minus, before graduating from the B-minus-rated North Monterey County High. The high school offers career technical education pathways in high-demand fields such as tourism and hospitality, health and medical sciences and agriculture.
North Monterey County High School in Moss Landing, California, home of the Condors.
North Monterey County High School in Moss Landing, California is a vibrant school!
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Roadside markets and eclectic eateries
A vibrant collection of local restaurants serve Moss Landing, like the eclectically decorated Mexican restaurants the Whole Enchilada and Haute Enchilada Café. Residents can get fresh produce from roadside markets or make the 13-minute drive to the Walmart Supercenter in Marina for other day-to-day needs.
The Whole Enchilada in Moss Landing, California is a must see!
Bring the family to grab some roadside produce in Moss Landing, California.
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The Power Plant in Moss Landing, California is the local landmark.
Halfway between Monterey and Santa Cruz
Approximately 19 miles or 23 minutes from Monterey, residents of Moss Landing can get into the city via California State Route 1. Santa Cruz is also 35 minutes or 26 miles away along the coast, with a regional airport providing air travel to the area. Monterey-Salinas Transit buses serve Moss Landing with a route from Watsonville to Castroville.
Written By
Elliot Schorr
Photography Contributed By
Paul Winner
Video By
Tyler Belile
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On average, homes in Moss Landing, CA sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Moss Landing, CA over the last 12 months is $2,175,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Monterey Dunes Colony, a private gated community situated between Santa Cruz and Monterey. Residents enjoy the best of coastal living just minutes from shopping, dining, and endless outdoor activities. This single-level end unit is one of the most desirable floor plans in the development and rarely comes to market. Enter through a private courtyard, perfect for entertaining, which
Welcome to Tranquility a one-of-a-kind 9.26-ACRE property that lives up to its name. Perched above the pristine waters of Elkhorn Slough, this rare offering combines natural beauty, rural lifestyle, and flexible income-generating potential.Currently licensed with the county and operating as a thriving short-term rental, Tranquility is already an established retreat. The cozy 2 bed / 1 bath home
Drastic price reduction!!! reduced $74k!!! A rare find!!! Panoramic views of the Monterey bay, city lights, fabulous sunsets and mostly flat/gently sloping useable land. Endless possibilities for this property...Organic ground , possible vineyard, horse property with nearby beach where you can ride along the waters edge! Only 10 min to the nice new boat launch in Moss Landing next to the Sea
This is the home your clients have been waiting for situated in Trails Ends all age park! This park offers meandering roads and sprawling lots that offer green lawns, and areas to garden, lots of sun, and distant views. There's even a RV storage area for your use, and a utility room.This home has been thoughtfully, and tastefully remodeled with high end finishes. As you enter the home you are
Between Monterey & Santa Cruz, on the harbor in Moss Landing, this property offers a rare combination of secure vehicle storage, luxury residences, and event-ready amenities. The compound includes an expansive warehouse plus a two-car garage, ideal for collectors or enthusiasts seeking space for prized automobiles, boats, or specialty equipment. The property features a gated entry with secured
A truly rare opportunity. First settled 156 years ago by Captain Charlie Moss, this extraordinary 86.9-acre family compound lies along the banks of Elkhorn Slough, within sight of the harbor, jetty, and Monterey Bay, a protected marine sanctuary. Known as one of the top birdwatching destinations in the country, recognized by Audubon as Top 10 nationwide. In the early 1870s, Moss sold the property
Coastal Living Without the Coastal Price Moss Landing, CA Enjoy the relaxed coastal lifestyle in this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath manufactured home just minutes from Zmudowski State Beach. Built in 2005 and remodeled in 2018, this home blends modern updates with beachside charm. The open-concept layout features laminate flooring throughout the main living spaces, carpeted bedrooms
This property will literally transport you back in time. Property back on the market! No fault of property! 6200 square feet of custom-built opulence. Literally everything in this home has been either handmade or hand hewn. From the towering fireplaces to the expansive central living area. Saltillo flooring, hand hewn doors, hand made light fixtures, truly the only way to experience the grandeur
Welcome to Monterey Dunes Colony, a private gated community situated between Santa Cruz and Monterey. Residents enjoy the best of coastal living just minutes from shopping, dining, and endless outdoor activities. This single-level end unit is one of the most desirable floor plans in the development and rarely comes to market. Enter through a private courtyard, perfect for entertaining, which
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