Homes for Rent in Zayante, Santa Cruz

Zayante, a rural neighborhood in Santa Cruz, is nestled deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, surrounded by dense redwood forests and steep hillsides. This off-the-grid community offers a unique lifestyle, requiring residents to be prepared with tools like chainsaws and generators. Despite its remote location, Zayante is just 7 miles from shopping and grocery stores in Scotts Valley and 10 miles from the beaches and nightlife of Santa Cruz. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Big Basin Redwoods State Park and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, both offering rugged hiking trails and stunning redwood groves. The neighborhood features eclectic midcentury homes and cabins on large lots, some over 10 acres, providing plenty of privacy. However, residents face challenges such as longer power, sewer, and water outages, and the area is at risk for wildfires and heavy rains. Students attend highly rated schools in the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District, including San Lorenzo Valley Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. Local amenities include the Zayante Creek Market & Deli, with additional grocery options in nearby Felton and Scotts Valley. Commuters can reach San Jose, 25 miles away, via Zayante Road and State Route 17, though the drive can be slow due to winding roads. The nearest hospital, Dominican Hospital, is 12 miles south in Santa Cruz.