$1,379,609Average Value$663Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes 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
Jeff Wickum,
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 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Scotts Valley, CA over the last 12 months is $1,231,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Luxurious hillside retreat- just 30 minutes from Silicon Valley, 15 min from Santa Cruz Beach and mere minutes from Hwy 17. Enjoy million-dollar panoramic views from multiple levels and rooms, complemented by your own private pool and hot tub - ideal for entertaining or quiet relaxation- as natural light pours in, showcasing new flooring, a warm fireplace in the living room, and stylish upgrades
Situated in one of Scotts Valleys most sought-after communities, this home offers unbeatable access to everything the area is loved forlocally owned restaurants, grocery stores, theaters, and world-class outdoor recreation, including hiking and mountain biking. Youre just minutes from the scenic beaches of Santa Cruz and a short drive to the heart of Silicon Valley, making this location ideal for
This property goes way beyond curb appeal! You've got a huge desirable lot on Casa Way with mature landscaping, a three-car garage, a surplus of storage, city/mountain views, and solar with battery backup. The layout is exceptional - four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, and the flexibility for a fifth bedroom if needed. Smart home features such as video, audio, and HVAC controls make for a
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,
Luxurious hillside retreat- just 30 minutes from Silicon Valley, 15 min from Santa Cruz Beach and mere minutes from Hwy 17. Enjoy million-dollar panoramic views from multiple levels and rooms, complemented by your own private pool and hot tub - ideal for entertaining or quiet relaxation- as natural light pours in, showcasing new flooring, a warm fireplace in the living room, and stylish upgrades
Situated in one of Scotts Valleys most sought-after communities, this home offers unbeatable access to everything the area is loved forlocally owned restaurants, grocery stores, theaters, and world-class outdoor recreation, including hiking and mountain biking. Youre just minutes from the scenic beaches of Santa Cruz and a short drive to the heart of Silicon Valley, making this location ideal for
Experience the serenity of this beautiful light-filled home, nestled in a spectacular Nature setting, with inspiring panoramic views from every window. This spacious, recently updated 1704 sq. ft., two bedroom, 2 bath home is move- in ready and offers: * New paint * 40 year Dimensional Landmark Pro roof * New Gutters * Large deck - perfect for entertaining family & friends * New 40 gallon hot
Arrive at your peaceful redwood retreat, a cozy cottage nestled among towering trees just minutes from Downtown Scotts Valley. Step onto the generous wraparound deck built from local redwood and feel life slow down as you sip morning coffee or unwind while the forest glows around you. The large driveway offers plenty of room for oversized vehicles, and the one car garage with workshop space gives
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 property goes way beyond curb appeal! You've got a huge desirable lot on Casa Way with mature landscaping, a three-car garage, a surplus of storage, city/mountain views, and solar with battery backup. The layout is exceptional - four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, and the flexibility for a fifth bedroom if needed. Smart home features such as video, audio, and HVAC controls make for a
The spacious living room features soaring wood-beam ceilings and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows that frame stunning valley and mountain views, while beautiful real oak hardwood floors flow throughout the home. The kitchen offers quartz countertops, abundant cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances, opening to a dining area with scenic views and direct access to an expansive deck ideal for al
Prime Duplex Opportunity 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, fireplaces, and dedicated laundry areas. Situated on a 7,318 sq ft, theres plenty of outdoor space for private yards, parking and storage. Located in a strong school district, this property is ideal for
Brand New Clayton Coronado home, set on a large and sunny lot in Santa Cruz county's premier 55+ resident owned community. Move-in Ready! 9 foot tall ceilings throughout, beautiful kitchen with quartz counters, stainless appliances and under-mount sink, master bedroom is sunny, with a nice closet and very nice bathroom with tiled shower & dual sink lavy with solid-surface countertop. Spring Lakes
Beautifully updated and thoughtfully designed, this 2-bed, 2-bath end-unit townhome with a loft/office offers 1,287 sq. ft. of bright, inviting living space. This architecturally interesting unit features vaulted, wood-clad ceilings & large windows filling it with natural light, while luxury vinyl flooring flows through most. The updated kitchen features white cabinetry, open shelving, tile
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
Please refer to the owner for rental information. I can answer questions about the house as I know it intimately but you need to speak to the owner to discuss renting it.
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