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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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.
The Power Plant in Moss Landing, California is the local landmark.
Written By
Elliot Schorr
Photography Contributed By
Paul Winner
Video By
Tyler Belile
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Moss Landing, CA sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Moss Landing, CA over the last 12 months is $1,850,000, up 45% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover the quiet charm of Moss Landing at 1900 Highway 1 #94 - your serene sanctuary between sea and slough. Whether you're looking for a peaceful primary residence or a weekend escape, this turnkey 3-bed, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of coastal and countryside living. Spend your days kayaking Elkhorn Slough, exploring the nearby Yacht Harbor, or watching sunset colors stretch across
Discover the quiet charm of Moss Landing at 1900 Highway 1 #94 - your serene sanctuary between sea and slough. Whether you're looking for a peaceful primary residence or a weekend escape, this turnkey 3-bed, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of coastal and countryside living. Spend your days kayaking Elkhorn Slough, exploring the nearby Yacht Harbor, or watching sunset colors stretch across
Build your dream home a short walk form bth the sand and ocean (<2000 ft). Large Vacant Lot (9,985 sqft) located at the end of the Laguna Place. Sewer is in with all utilities available.
White Sand. Crashing Waves. Whales, Dolphins. An undisturbed beach as far as the eye can see -- your front-row seat to nature's most breathtaking performance, right from your living room window. Welcome to Monterey Dunes Colony, a private, gated enclave of oceanfront luxury condominiums. So unspoiled, so rare, few know it exists. Perfectly secluded, yet just minutes from world-class attractions
Welcome to this charming single-family home in the heart of Moss Landing, CA. This cozy 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom space offers comfort and convenience in a picturesque setting. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a base to explore the local attractions, this property is perfect for you. Enjoy the abundance of natural light streaming through large windows, showcasing the beautiful
Newly remodeled 2 bedroom 1 bath, located in downtown Moss Landing. Welcome to this lovely pet-friendly, 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom manufactured home nestled in the heart of the captivating town of Moss Landing, CA. This property offers a comfortable living experience with a spacious open floor plan that is beautifully enhanced by large windows, tile flooring. A distinct feature of this home is its
Welcome to this lovely pet-friendly, 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom manufactured home nestled in the heart of the captivating town of Moss Landing, CA. This property offers a comfortable living experience with a spacious open floor plan that is beautifully enhanced by large windows, tile flooring.A distinct feature of this home is its modern kitchen equipped with a washer, dryer and garbage
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