$1,632,259Average Value$998Average Price per Sq Ft52Homes For Sale
Coastal living in Aptos
In the morning, Pacific mist gives way to Rio Del Mar’s sun-drenched bluffs, frothy waves crashing against the beaches and pelicans and seagulls swooping over the surf. For residents, the appeal is pretty straightforward: “I love being able to walk to the ocean every day,” says Raylene Mallon, a retiree who lives a few blocks from the beach.
Located in the town of Aptos, California, this coastal neighborhood is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the colossal redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains. While tourists gravitate to the Santa Cruz boardwalk or Capitola Village during the summer season, Rio Del Mar is more likely to bring locals and their families to the waterfront. “I see people every day that I grew up with, that I’ve known all my life. That’s the kind of community this is,” says Realtor Amy Jeske of Coldwell Banker, a longtime resident who grew up in the neighborhood.
Beaches, bluffs and redwoods
Rio Del Mar State Beach stretches along the coast beneath steep, seaside bluffs dotted with foliage and colorful wildflower blooms. Residents and visitors can be spotted swimming, fishing, walking and taking in the salty sea air on sunny days. With mild weather in the summer and winter temperatures that rarely dip below 40 degrees, people enjoy the beach all-year-round. “I love the beach in the winter. It’s so moody and romantic,” says Donna Kaelin, who lives in the neighborhood and walks along the beachfront every day.
Some beaches are a well-kept secret, like Hidden Beach Park. It’s only accessible via a dead-end, residential street with a small parking area. A short path leads visitors through a wooded gulley that opens onto a wide, sandy beach surrounded by steep, scrub-covered cliffs. Those looking for relaxation on dry land can book a tee time at Seascape Golf Club, a century-old course that winds across the coastal highlands. Just north of the neighborhood is The Forest of Nisene State Park, a dense woodland filled with deep-green redwood groves, chaparral and Douglas firs.
“Rio Del Mar is really unique because you can be in one of the most magnificent natural environments at The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, and in less than five minutes you can be walking on the beach,” Jeske says. “Having a state park in your backyard is amazing.”
Eclectic, hillside homes
Homes are situated along hillsides, beaches and narrow roads lined with palm trees, oaks, wildflowers and tropical vegetation. Architectural styles vary widely, and most of the homes date back to the mid-20th century. “These typically started off as smaller homes built in the 1930s, 40s and 50s. People were coming up from Modesto, Merced and Fresno to beat the heat and they built tiny little beach homes to come to on the weekends. Over time, they just kept adding on. My house has been added on to multiple times,” Jeske says. It’s typical for smaller, older homes to sell for between $1.2 million and $2 million, while larger, luxury homes with ocean views list for between $5 million and $10 million.
Shopping and dining in Rio Del Mar and Aptos
There’s a small commercial plaza at the corner of Aptos Beach Drive and Rio Del Mar Boulevard with two restaurants, a café and a corner market. With a view facing the beach, locals can sip coffee on the patio at Venus Pie Trap or sit down for dinner at Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen. Next door in Seacliff are local favorites like Manuel’s Mexican and Marianne’s Ice Cream. The nearest grocery stores are Safeway and New Leaf Community Markets.
Highly rated schools
Students in Rio Del Mar attend some of the highest rated schools in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. Young students attend Rio Del Mar Elementary School, a California Distinguished School that holds a B-plus rating from Niche, before moving on to B-rated Aptos Junior High School. Upperclassmen attend A-minus-rated Aptos High School. In 2024, the school district was recognized as one of the best in the country for music education by the NAMM Foundation, a nonprofit that helps fund school music programs.
Getting around Aptos and beyond
Rio Del Mar is bordered at its northern edge by State Route 1, a major regional commuter corridor. Traffic is typically heavy during rush hour as people leave and return for work. The neighborhood is served by several Santa Cruz Metro bus lines. Those in need of health care will find several small medical centers close by, including Sutter Health Palo Alto Medical in neighboring Capitola. The nearest large hospital is Watsonville Community Hospital, about 8 miles east of the neighborhood.
Need to know
Rio Del Mar is at an increased risk for flooding because of its proximity to the ocean. Several major storms have caused damages to beaches, infrastructure and some homes in recent years. People living at low elevations near the shoreline may be required to evacuate during severe weather events.
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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Rio del Mar Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Rio del Mar, Capitola sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Rio del Mar, Capitola over the last 12 months is $1,477,500, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this refined mid-century beach house with a modern touch, just steps from the sand, surf, and charm of Rio Del Mar Village. Designed with a reverse floor plan, the upstairs showcases open living and dining areas framed by walls of glass that fill the home with natural light and sweeping ocean views. A private bedroom suite on this level opens to two decks, one rooftop deck and the
Perched on a spacious corner lot steps from beach access-this stunning ocean-view retreat embodies the essence of coastal elegance.Located in a highly sought after Rio Del Mar neighborhood with breathtaking ocean vistas from both levels bathed in natural light.Open-concept living space showcases vaulted ceilings w/ exposed beams,travertine floors & stone fireplace connecting great room to
Carol JeansChristie's International Real Estate Sereno
Discover coastal living at 261 Dry Creek Road, a 3 bd, 3.5 bth, entertaining room w/built in bar area and Office w/separate entrance retreat in Aptos serene Sumner Woods. This 2,057 sq ft home on a 4,312 sq ft lot, features a reverse floor plan, elegant hardwood and tile floors, and abundant natural light. The open living area boasts a gas fireplace, bay window, and updated kitchen with granite
Enjoy resort-style living in this fully renovated 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condominium, being sold fully furnished for a truly turnkey experience. Located on the first floor of the main building at Seascape Beach Resort in Aptos, this property offers convenient accessibility and a peaceful setting within the hotel. Step outside to your private balcony overlooking serene, mature trees - perfect for
Potential Seller Financing for this beautiful lot in Aptos is a rare chance to potentially create your dream home in a great location. It is in a peaceful neighborhood and receives plenty of natural light, giving a warm and welcoming feel to your future residence. Each morning, you can wake up to sunlight pouring in, energizing you for the day. The perfect location ensures a bright and cheerful
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Location Location...Fabulous two bedroom and two and one half baths with Garage ! Easy living neighborhood encourages exercise, convenience, and the enjoyment of every day! This is an opportunity to live the Good Life...
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