$1,368,832Average Value$662Average Price per Sq Ft31Homes 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.
1/4
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.
1/2
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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
Pete Flores,
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Scotts Valley, CA sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Scotts Valley, CA over the last 12 months is $1,250,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
For the buyer who wants to disappear without being disconnected, this extraordinary retreat delivers a rare balance of privacy, beauty, and access. Perched above the treetops with breathtaking 40-mile views, the home lives in harmony with its natural surroundings, offering a true sense of escape just minutes from Highway 17. Expansive picture windows flood the interiors with light and frame
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,
Tucked away in a centrally located, intimate neighborhood, 6 Flora Lane provides a perfect spot to settle in, surrounded by lush landscape and vibrant scenery. This Scotts Valley townhome is designed for comfortable living and easy entertaining, featuring vaulted ceilings throughout and an open-concept layout. The interior is anchored by hardwood flooring, and a cozy fireplace, creating a warm,
Tucked into the peaceful Montevalle neighborhood of Scotts Valley, this charming 2-bedroom, 2-bath is ideally located near major commute routes, delicious restaurants, amenities, and miles of scenic hiking and mountain biking trails. You're also just a short drive from the iconic beaches of Santa Cruz. Surrounded by mature landscaping, the home welcomes you with inviting curb appeal and a
Welcome to 26 Torrey Oaks Court, a beautifully updated home located on a quiet cul-de-sac in a highly desirable neighborhood where homes rarely become available. Surrounded by well-maintained properties, this residence truly stands out as a move-in-ready showstopper. The home features an upgraded kitchen with new quartz countertops, freshly painted cabinetry, elegant satin gold fixtures, and
Tucked into a peaceful and highly desirable Scotts Valley neighborhood, this bright and inviting home offers comfort, versatility, and an unbeatable location. Filled with natural light and showcasing beautiful views, the home features a spacious layout, a huge backyardperfect for relaxing or entertainingand a convenient 2-car garage. A standout feature is the separate lower-level studio with its
Welcome to 100 Camino Sinuoso, Scotts Valley. This intimate retreat is perfect for anyone looking for a space to call their own. An enchanting, windy road leads you to a secluded half-acre parcel perched above a serene mountain valley. Ideally situated on this parcel sits an adorable single-level 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch-style home. Designed to prioritize indoor-outdoor living and maximize the
Welcome to this incredible and rare single-level condominium in the heart of Scotts Valley, offering the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and location. This beautifully updated 2 bedroom, 2 bath home features soaring vaulted ceilings and an abundance of windows that fill the space with natural light, creating an open, bright, and airy feel throughout. The updated kitchen includes quartz
Discover a rare opportunity in the foothills of Scotts Valley with just over 2+ acres of beautiful land offering an idyllic blend of sun, privacy, and inspiring natural surroundings. The buildable portion of the property is flat, elevated, and sun-drenched, showcasing gorgeous valley views and an exceptional setting for a custom dream home. To the rear, a captivating redwood grove creates a
Welcome to this beautifully refreshed and spacious home in the highly desirable Vista Del Lago community. Thoughtfully updated, this move-in ready home features new interior and exterior paint, stylish light fixtures, and new LVP flooring across much of the living space. The kitchen has been tastefully upgraded with freshly painted cabinetry, quartz countertops, and new appliances - offering both
This beautiful, well appointed home offers a comfortable layout with thoughtful upgrades throughout. The updated kitchen features refreshed cabinetry and countertops, a Samsung electric stove with airfry capability (2020), refrigerator (2020), and Bosch dishwasher (2026), along with a custom wine and drink cabinet added in 2023 that enhances everyday living and entertaining. Major system upgrades
Property Id: 69309GREAT CITY VIEW! 7 MINUTES FROM BEACH; 5 MINUTES FROM HENRY COWELL REDWOODS! DOWNTOWN IS WALKING DISTANCE. SUPER QUIET AND SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD. COMMUNITY POOL IS INCLUDED. SOME UTILITIES INCLUDED. MUST SEE! CALL FOR SHOWING TODAY.......
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
Property Id: 1184514Small Beautiful Studio Cottage nestled in the redwoods 1.5miles from the heart of Scotts Valley and bus station. Privately situated away from our main house; 90% furnished which includes Queen Murphey Bed, Custom storage cabinets, Built-in dresser. Outside space includes 200 sqft Deck under the redwood canopy and Apt. size Washer/Dryer. Small kitchenette includes
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.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
