Day Valley is the place to find a generous slice of Central Coast tranquility. Sloping valleys, the redwood-forested Santa Cruz Mountains and the views of Monterey Bay contribute to the neighborhood’s natural beauty. Nicole Myhrstad, Managing Broker at Vista Properties, has sold homes in Day Valley and describes it having a rural feel. “It’s an area of Aptos that’s on the forest side of the freeway. You immediately get from the beach and the redwoods to more farm like territory. It has a lot of equestrian and horse farms.”
Nisene Marks State Park has trails winding through dense redwoods.
Explore lush, expansive gardens filled with diverse bamboo species at the Giant Bamboo Nursery.
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Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is a great spot to hike, hold a picnic, go for a jog and take the horse out for a ride. As residents take in the expansive park, they will see the native redwood trees that populate much of the area. The trees are experiencing significant regeneration as they continue healing from a logging frenzy that lasted for several decades. This makes Forest of Nisene Marks State Park not only a place of recreation but a place of regrowth as well.
A river runs through Nisene Marks State Park.
Bikers enjoy the bike routes in the Nisene Marks State Park.
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A variety of home styles
Styles of all kinds can be found around Day Valley. Homebuyers can find anything from ranch- and Mediterranean-styles to more contemporary designs. Some properties include Monterey Bay views and ample plant life to keep homes cool in the shade. Homes sell between $1.3- $4.3 million, and they typically remain on the market for about 55 days on average. This figure is slightly higher than the national average of 42 days. Room Real Estate Realtor Kaelin Wagnermarsh has sold two homes in Day Valley and talks about its tranquil openness: "There's less hustle and bustle here compared to Santa Cruz and you get extra space with your property. It’s not necessarily urbanized but I don't mind an extra 10-15 minutes to get to a town center when it means I can have that extra space."
Mediterranean-style homes in Day Valley are fairly large.
The homes in Day Valley are surrounded by cooling greenery.
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Aptos for dining and shopping
California wine country may be hundreds of miles to the north in Napa, but the Central Coast area also boasts its own wineries. The neighborhood’s proximity to the coast, its cooling fog and elevation create a great environment for winemaking, which has resulted in multiple wineries like La Vida Bella Vineyard and Nicholson Vineyard Winery. Folks with a green thumb can visit Bamboo Giant Nursery and Gardens for their plant needs. Because the neighborhood has no restaurants of its own, the closest dining establishments require a short 4.5-mile drive to Aptos. For breakfast or brunch, Cadillac Café serves up omelets, mimosas and more to start the day. Taqueria Los Pericos is a cozy, brightly colored spot where diners can watch their taco orders get assembled through the open kitchen. Deluxe Foods of Aptos and Safeway are both available nearby for all grocery store needs.
Visit Bamboo Giant Nursery for vibrant greenery and rare bamboo finds in Day Valley.
Cadillac Cafe is a great place to have breakfast in Day Valley, Royal Oaks.
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Day Valley students
Day Valley is served by the Pajaro Valley Unified Schools District. Students just beginning their public education can attend Valencia Elementary School, which holds a B-plus grade from Niche and teaches music to all students once a week. They can then move on to the B-rated Aptos Junior High School and complete their education at Aptos High School, which has an A-minus.
Aptos High School, excellence in education and sports.
Engage in foundational learning at Valencia Elementary School.
Aptos Junior High School, building future leaders in Aptos.
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Highways and air travel
The neighborhood is conveniently located near Highways 1 and 152. Highway 1 travels along much of the Pacific coast while Highway 152 runs between Watsonville and Chowchilla. (This route also carries some interesting history, serving as a path east for participants in the California Gold Rush in the mid-nineteenth century.) The 73 Line of the Santa Cruz METRO bus runs along the southern border of Day Valley, and buses arrive every hour. When residents are looking to catch a flight, they can use the Watsonville Muni Airport, located less than seven miles away.
Photography Contributed By
Paolo Abellana
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shawndy Linquist,
an experienced agent in this area.
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This peaceful mountain home truly feels like a private retreat. Less than 10 minutes to Aptos village and up a shared driveway with only 1 other property, this cozy and charming home rests on a sunny lot with a large fenced yard and plenty of open land for work and play. The expansive ground level deck looks out over manicured lawns, a private orchard with dozens of fruit trees, extra storage
Perched atop a scenic hill in the heart of Pleasant Valley, this peaceful and private retreat offers 2,949 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space on an expansive 1.36-acre lot. Surrounded by nature and sweeping views, the home is ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Inside, youll find four spacious bedrooms and three full baths, providing comfort and flexibility for family and
Elevated retreat at the end of a quiet court offering sweeping ocean and mountain views, privacy and a tropical hilltop setting featuring birds of paradise, leucadendron, pincushions, proteas, peonies. Approx. 4.7 acres, overlooking Monterey Bay and Pacific Ocean, sunsets galore. Main residence features 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, approx. 2,171 sqft., with vaulted ceilings and abundant natural
This peaceful mountain home truly feels like a private retreat. Less than 10 minutes to Aptos village and up a shared driveway with only 1 other property, this cozy and charming home rests on a sunny lot with a large fenced yard and plenty of open land for work and play. The expansive ground level deck looks out over manicured lawns, a private orchard with dozens of fruit trees, extra storage
Welcome to Brooktree Ranch Road the sunbelt of Day Valley. Optimized for multi-generational living, this spacious 3,376 sq ft home sits on a generous 56,584 sq ft lot with pool, room for dog runs, football or games and large gardens. With a reverse floor plan, this home offers five bedrooms including a primary suite with a walk-in closet and retreat area. Open beam ceilings in the living room and
A rare opportunity to own a stunning 3+ acre parcel of land located in the desirable Aptos Hills. This prime piece of real estate offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and provides the perfect canvas for building your dream home or creating a peaceful retreat. With its gently sloping terrain this property offers a perfect blend of privacy and natural beauty. Imagine waking up to the
Attention Investors & Developers! This is an Incredible Opportunity! This is Lot 3 of Recently Split 4 Parcels. Preliminary Plans Are Available and Can Be Approved Quickly if Desired. Seller has Completed Laterals Including Gas. Seller Can Have Rough Driveways and Finished Pavement Completed. Buyer can Purchase Individually or Together! All Lots for Sale Now! Check Kaspian Court Listings! Highly
There is a moment on the upper deck, coffee in hand, sunshine stretching across Day Valley, when you realize how quiet this place really is. The pool catches early light, the surrounding homes feel peacefully spaced, & the day starts without rush. Inside, refinished hardwood floors & sunlight fill a kitchen that looks straight out to the backyard, so even dinner prep comes with a view. The
Attention Investors & Developers! This is an Incredible Opportunity! This is Lot 4 of Recently Split 4 Parcels. Preliminary Plans Are Available and Can Be Approved Quickly if Desired. Seller has Completed Laterals Including Gas. Seller Can Have Rough Driveways and Finished Pavement Completed. Buyer can Purchase Individually or Together! All Lots for Sale Now! Check Kaspian Court Listings! Highly
Tucked away in the serene Aptos Hills, this cute and cozy mountain retreat sits on over three acres of land, surrounded by majestic redwoods with peaceful ocean peaks in the distance. Set along a private road, the property offers rare privacy and a true sense of escape yet remains just 10 minutes from the shops, dining, and charm of Aptos Village. A perfect blend of seclusion, natural beauty, and
Attention Investors & Developers! This is an Incredible Opportunity! This is Lot 2 of Recently Split 4 Parcels. Preliminary Plans Are Available and Can Be Approved Quickly if Desired. Seller has Completed Laterals Including Gas. Seller Can Have Rough Driveways and Finished Pavement Completed. Buyer can Purchase Individually or Together! All Lots for Sale Now! Check Kaspian Court Listings! Highly
Unique Investment & Landmark Property. Own a piece of California unlike any other. Home to Bamboo Giant Nursery, this 30+ acre estate features the largest public bamboo grove in the U.S., along with redwoods, hiking paths, sunny clearings, and a koi pond with a self-sustaining waterfall. The property includes 12 rental units generating steady income: two homes (1,904 sq. ft. and 4,673 sq. ft.),
Perched atop a scenic hill in the heart of Pleasant Valley, this peaceful and private retreat offers 2,949 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space on an expansive 1.36-acre lot. Surrounded by nature and sweeping views, the home is ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Inside, youll find four spacious bedrooms and three full baths, providing comfort and flexibility for family and
Charming Corralitos property with vaulted ceilings, Saltillo tile, skylight, and indoor-outdoor living. Zoned CA with potential and character throughout. Enjoy citrus trees, flexible bonus areas, and peaceful surroundings just steps from the famous Corralitos Market. A unique lifestyle offering close to beaches, vineyards, and Santa Cruz. Shown by appointment.
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