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
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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 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Scotts Valley, CA over the last 12 months is $1,275,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience tranquility and nature on this stunning 28,000 sq ft just minutes from Highway 17! This beautiful Scotts Valley home offers gorgeous views and a peaceful setting surrounded by mature trees. This home has been hosting hundreds of hummingbirds year-round. They're a symbol of joy, peace, and good luck. Acacia wood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows fill the home with natural light. The
Located in the highly desirable Skypark neighborhood, this beautiful home offers modern living with exceptional convenience. The interior features a contemporary kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting, and new sconce lighting throughout. High ceilings and expansive windows flood the home with natural light, while fresh interior paint creates a bright and inviting
Bouja Swenson GroupGolden Gate Sotheby's International Realty
Welcome to your sunny oasis nestled on 2 serene acres in a tight-knit community, just 5 minutes from town and offering an ideal commute to Silicon Valley. This single-level, 2 bedroom plus office, haven blends rustic charm with cutting-edge sustainability, making it a rare find in the coveted Scotts Valley School District. Step inside to discover vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and skylights
Experience tranquility and nature on this stunning 28,000 sq ft just minutes from Highway 17! This beautiful Scotts Valley home offers gorgeous views and a peaceful setting surrounded by mature trees. This home has been hosting hundreds of hummingbirds year-round. They're a symbol of joy, peace, and good luck. Acacia wood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows fill the home with natural light. The
Located in the highly desirable Skypark neighborhood, this beautiful home offers modern living with exceptional convenience. The interior features a contemporary kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting, and new sconce lighting throughout. High ceilings and expansive windows flood the home with natural light, while fresh interior paint creates a bright and inviting
Bouja Swenson GroupGolden Gate Sotheby's International Realty
Welcome to your sunny oasis nestled on 2 serene acres in a tight-knit community, just 5 minutes from town and offering an ideal commute to Silicon Valley. This single-level, 2 bedroom plus office, haven blends rustic charm with cutting-edge sustainability, making it a rare find in the coveted Scotts Valley School District. Step inside to discover vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and skylights
Located in beautiful Scotts Valley, California, our apartment community offers a vibrant small town atmosphere, but is only ten minutes to world class surfing in Santa Cruz or twenty minutes to the innovation capital of the world in Silicon Valley. We know you'll love our elegant architecture and floor plans, spectacular woodland views, pool and fitness center, award winning schools, and
Nestled in the serene Polo Ranch Community of Scotts Valley, this newly constructed 4,000+ sq. ft. home offers modern luxury, accessibility and natural beauty. The gourmet chef’s kitchen features shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, an oversized island, a walk-in pantry, and stainless-steel appliances, flowing into an open-concept dining and living room with a gas fireplace and custom locally
Property Id: 1465719103 San Augustine Way, #1 is updated and currently and will be available August 7. A good size primary bedroom and another smaller bedroom opens to a large paver patio and synthetic turf area in the backyard, completely fenced in. Nice kitchen, stainless refrigerator, electric stove, and good size eating area, and large living room. Laundry room is located behind
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