$1,370,770Average Value$662Average Price per Sq Ft20Homes For Sale
Scotts Valley: A small oceanside city on the California coast
In the 1960s, Scotts Valley was a mecca of the counterculture—or flower power—movement, which promoted peace and love over violence and war. Back then, nearby Santa Cruz was home to the Barn, a hippie nightclub and art gallery where well-known artists like Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead performed. The city is today known for its slower pace of life compared to Santa Cruz and San Jose, which is 26 miles north. “It’s an attractive area because it’s about ten minutes from the beach, but it’s set far enough from the coast so that you still get that warm climate,” says Tarra LeDoux, a Realtor with Strock Real Estate, who was born and raised in the area. “It’s a very cool and interesting part of Santa Cruz County.”
The city has about 12,000 residents, a figure that has remained relatively stable over the past couple of decades. It’s an attractive spot for retirees and commuters to tech companies in Silicon Valley, LeDoux says. The median household income is about $150,000, higher than the national median of $80,000, and top companies include Bay Photo headquarters, the Canepa Museum and Fox Racing. Scotts Valley is also known as the birthplace of Netflix, founded by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in 1997.
Scotts Valley provides a slower pace near bustling Santa Cruz and San Jose.
Canepa in Scotts Valley features iconic race cars and pristine restorations.
Bay Photo in Scotts Valley is known for high-quality photo prints and wall displays.
Fox Factory in Scotts Valley is a leader in high-performance suspension technology.
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A high-end housing market
The median home price is $1.4 million, higher than the national median of $420,000. Home styles range from one-story traditional homes to custom two-story properties with Victorian features. Tall valley oak trees and small bushes surround most homes, which sit on hilly streets and driveways. Properties stay on the market for an average of 32 days, compared to 45 days nationally.
This ranch-style home in Scotts Valley offers classic charm and open living space.
Steep gables and ornate trim define this Scotts Valley Victorian Gothic Revival home.
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The well-regarded Scotts Valley Unified School District
The Scotts Valley Unified School District earns an A-minus from Niche. It’s considered the second-best school district in the county by Niche, and serves over 2,000 students. Scotts Valley High School, rated A by Niche, opened a mental health wellness center in January 2025. The city’s private schools include Baymonte Christian School, a K-8 institution, and Pacific Sands, which teaches K-12. The University of California, Santa Cruz, is a public college nearby. Local places of worship include St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church and Scotts Valley Vineyard Church.
Baymonte Christian School in Scotts Valley offers a strong faith-based education.
Scotts Valley Middle School fosters academic excellence.
Scotts Valley High School excels in Santa Cruz education.
The University of California Santa Cruz is a top public college near Scotts Valley.
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Hanging out at Hocus Pocus Park
Skypark is the city’s largest green space and includes a playground, a skatepark, open grassy fields and a bocce ball court. The park is a hub for community events like the Fourth of July fireworks show and annual summertime concerts. Small pocket parks include Vern Hart Park and Hocus Pocus Park; Glenwood Open Space Preserve is a popular hiking spot in the city’s northern corner. The nearest golf course is Pasatiempo Golf Course, a semi-private, 18-hole course. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is nearby, offering a walkable area with amusement rides and restaurants on the beach.
Vern Hart Park in Scotts Valley offers a peaceful escape with open green spaces.
Skypark in Scotts Valley hosts concerts, festivals, and family-friendly events year-round.
Hocus Pocus Park in Scotts Valley offers a whimsical escape for all ages.
Pasatiempo Golf Course offers scenic 18-hole play near Scotts Valley.
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Cozy mornings at Auntie Mame’s
The Scotts Village Shopping Center has a Safeway, Target and a Dollar Tree. Auntie Mame’s a comfy mom-and-pop breakfast spot with bouquets on every table. The Kings Village Shopping Center houses plenty of stores and Bruno’s Bar and Grill, an American restaurant with pool tables, ping-pong and trivia nights. CineLux Scotts Valley Café & Lounge, the local movie theatre, also sits in the center.
Scotts Valley’s Auntie Mame’s is a cozy breakfast spot known for its welcoming charm.
Bruno’s Bar and Grill in Scotts Valley serves classic American favorites with a local twist.
CineLux Scotts Valley Café & Lounge offers a cozy movie experience in Scotts Valley.
Safeway in Scotts Valley is known for its fresh produce and organic selections.
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Commuting on California State Route 17
California State Route 17 is a major north-south freeway running through Scotts Valley. The Santa Cruz Metro has a public bus service that helps commuters reach Santa Cruz and San Jose. The San Jose Mineta International Airport is 27 miles away.
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Scotts Valley Police Department has reported that property and violent crime have stayed stagnant over the past few years. The Dignity Health – Dominican Hospital is the nearest 24-hour medical center, 7 miles south.
A Mediterranean climate with moderate winters
The city has a temperate Mediterranean climate with hot summers and moderate winters. While Scotts Valley hasn’t experienced a wildfire since 1984, the area has a Wildfire Season from April to October. California has a low tornado risk, but Scotts Valley did experience a rare tornado in December 2024.
Written By
Chloe Hawkins
Photography Contributed By
Elie Karam
Video By
Melinda Anselmo
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in Scotts Valley, CA sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Scotts Valley, CA over the last 12 months is $1,250,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy the convenient lifestyle of the Hidden Oaks community, featuring multiple pools, spas, & well-maintained greenbelt areas. This home is located within close walking distance to markets, restaurants, theaters, the Community Center, library, Skypark, transit center, & other Scotts Valley amenities.The light-filled living room offers vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, and peaceful greenbelt views.
This is your opportunity to own perhaps the most iconic home in Scotts Valley's premier neighborhood - Granite Creek Estates. This impressive French Normandy-inspired Estate, boasting 5,500+ sf of living space, rests on an idyllic acre of land in a park-like setting. Grand, yet surprisingly warm, this home features 5 bedrooms (including a ground-floor ensuite), an office, 3.5 bathrooms, 10ft
Experience the perfect blend of Silicon Valley convenience and Santa Cruz coastal living. Situated on a premier corner lot, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath executive home offers an airy, open-concept floor plan designed for modern life. The light-filled interior features stunning hardwood floors throughout and high ceilings that create an immediate sense of space. The gourmet
Perched above the treetops with breathtaking 40-mile views, this remarkable retreat is designed to live in harmony with its natural surroundings and has been meticulously maintained with exceptional attention to detail. Expansive picture windows invite in abundant light and frame sweeping redwood and ridgeline vistas, creating a peaceful, sanctuary-like feel throughout the home. The kitchen is
This well-maintained home presents a fantastic opportunity to own in the highly desirable Scotts Valley area. Situated in the serene and friendly Mountain Brook Park, a 44-unit co-op owned community, this home offers the unique advantage of land ownership, eliminating costly space rent and instead only requiring a modest $241.50 monthly HOA fee. The home boasts a spacious outdoor patio area,
Beautiful home with stunning sunset and valley views, a spacious backyard, and located on a quiet street with no through traffic. The living room is open and inviting with soaring wood beam ceilings, abundant natural light, a cozy fireplace, and access to a private deck. Luxury vinyl plank flooring flows through the main living areas, kitchen, and primary bedroom for a clean, cohesive feel. The
Enjoy the convenient lifestyle of the Hidden Oaks community, featuring multiple pools, spas, & well-maintained greenbelt areas. This home is located within close walking distance to markets, restaurants, theaters, the Community Center, library, Skypark, transit center, & other Scotts Valley amenities.The light-filled living room offers vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, and peaceful greenbelt views.
This is your opportunity to own perhaps the most iconic home in Scotts Valley's premier neighborhood - Granite Creek Estates. This impressive French Normandy-inspired Estate, boasting 5,500+ sf of living space, rests on an idyllic acre of land in a park-like setting. Grand, yet surprisingly warm, this home features 5 bedrooms (including a ground-floor ensuite), an office, 3.5 bathrooms, 10ft
Beautifully remodeled single-level home set on 3 peaceful acres just minutes from town. Step inside the formal foyer and immediately notice the gorgeous Hickory wood floors, soaring vaulted ceilings, and expansive windows that fill the home with natural light. Bright living room features a cozy wood-burning fireplace and French doors leading to the front deck. The spacious kitchen offers abundant
Nestled among the towering redwoods in the highly sought-after Granite Creek area, this stunning custom-built retreat offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and approximately 3,326 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. Set on an expansive, private lot, this home feels like a storybook escape while remaining just minutes from town, Highway 17, and Scotts Valley's top-rated schools. From
Welcome to this end-unit, ground-floor condo in the heart of Scotts Valley, offering privacy, comfort, and an ideal location. With no neighbors behind and only one shared wall, this home enjoys a quiet setting thats uncommon in many communities. This 2-bedroom home features thoughtful updates, including refreshed kitchen cabinetry, newer appliances, updated bathroom vanity, and new tile flooring
Experience the perfect blend of Silicon Valley convenience and Santa Cruz coastal living. Situated on a premier corner lot, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath executive home offers an airy, open-concept floor plan designed for modern life. The light-filled interior features stunning hardwood floors throughout and high ceilings that create an immediate sense of space. The gourmet
Great Opportunity!! Consider this one for your starter home buyer!! Similar down payment and monthly cost to a $750K condo with a great owners unit with nice back yard!! This 1,920 sq ft duplex, with approximately, 960 per unit in Scotts Valley offers exceptional income potential. Both units feature 2 bedrooms with 1 and half baths and dedicated laundry areas. Situated on a 7,318 sq ft, theres
This expansive 3,335 sqft residence offers 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and an oversized 2-car garage, all set on a sunny 28,270 sqft lot surrounded by privacy and natural beauty. Designed for both comfort and retreat, the home invites you to discover your own Zen sanctuary. Relax on the large sun-drenched decks or enjoy the peaceful wooded areas throughout the property. The setting feels secluded
Welcome to this inviting 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in the charming Community of Montevalle. Boasting 1,632 sq ft of living space, this residence offers a harmonious blend of comfort and functionality. Relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the pond and mountains from your large open concept living area. This home is just wanting for you to make it your own. Features include an
Freshly painted, new carpets, updated appliances. Includes Washer, Dryer and Refrigerator Rent includes HOA fees and access to the community pool. Two car garage, large driveway. Brook Knoll School District.No Smoking. No pets. Utilities not included. HOA takes care of all exterior maintenance and landscaping. Minimum 1 year lease.
1 bedroom 1 bath freestanding cottage conveniently located between Scotts Valley and Felton. Great for retire or commuter this place is dialed in, recently remodeled, offering parking for two cars uncovered and some gardening spaces. Great storage inside, single level floorplan, open kitchen with new appliances. Laundry coin-operated on site, One pet may be considered by landlord. Tenant pays
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