If you're considering a move and would like expert guidance on finding the best neighborhood in Aptos to buy a home for your lifestyle, I am here to help! As a second generation top Santa Cruz real estate agent that has lived in almost every part of the County, I know this area from stem to stern. Santa Cruz County is equally as good a place to retire as it is to raise a family, with a multitude of amenities and activities for every stage of life that allow for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Please peruse my neighborhood guides and BLOG and don’t hesitate to reach out for more insights into each of our wonderful neighborhoods, including tips only a born-and-raised local would know! From microclimates to commute times, childcare resources, outdoor activities, and community events, consider me your personal concierge when it comes to moving to Santa Cruz and living the good life.
Aptos is an unincorporated yet bustling coastal town located in the southern area of Santa Cruz County, California. Nestled between the redwood forests and the sparkling Monterey Bay, this scenic community boasts a mix of stunning landscapes, from the iconic cement ship to the redwood forest of Nisene Marks. Due to the large number of beach-going visitors every summer, the County has limited the number of vacation rental permits available in Aptos, and the permits cannot be transferred upon the sale of a home. However, some specific coastal streets are not restricted in the number of permits available for short term rental in Aptos. To read my blog on the Santa Cruz County vacation rental ordinance click here.
Aptos is a small area of under 7,000 residents across the following neighborhoods: Aptos Village, Day Valley, Trout Gulch, Seascape, Seacliff, Rio Del Mar, Larkin Valley, La Selva Beach, and Corralitos. Aptos real estate offers a diverse selection of properties, including luxurious oceanfront homes in gated communities, charming beach cottages, modern ocean-view condos, rural farmsteads, and spacious single family homes. In 2022, 164 homes were sold in Aptos, with an average price of $1.4 million for a single-family home and $950,000 for a townhome or condo.*
Here are some this to note about real estate in each of the neighborhoods in Aptos:
Aptos Village - the newly developed Aptos Village is the thriving hub of the Aptos community. From the newly constructed townhomes, residents can walk to grocery stores, top restaurants, boutiques and even Nisene Marks. Just a short drive down the road is the shopping center of the old Aptos Village with its new library and multitude of amenities.
Vienna Woods - Coveted subdivision of mid-century homes near Cabrillo College. Easy access to freeway from Soquel Drive. This quiet neighborhood backs up to Nisene Marks and is also near Mar Vista Elementary.
Rolling Woods - Quiet subdivision of 3 and 4 bedroom homes above Valencia elementary school, just a couple minutes outside Aptos Village before you get to Day Valley
Day Valley/Valencia - Redwoods open up to rolling hills that loop around to connect this more rural area to Freedom Boulevard near Aptos high
Redwood Drive & Trout Gulch - Beautiful and rural area of Aptos with redwood forests, backing up to Nisene Marks. This is perhaps one of the most affordable areas in Aptos as many homes are in deeply forested areas or on hillsides.
Seascape - Home of the Seascape Resort and its vacation rental condos that are often available for purchase, Seascape is predominantly a vacation/second home area for many. Its real estate also includes many townhomes and large residences back along its greenbelt.
Seacliff - Walkable to Seacliff State Beach and the Cement Ship, this darling neighborhood features an eclectic mix of homes including: condos/townhomes, quaint beach shacks, mobile homes, and smaller ocean front luxury homes. Many lots in this area are "substandard" in size (below 5000 SF), which gives it a beachy and close-knit feel.
Rio Del Mar - This neighborhood runs from the Rio Del Mar beach flats to the Seascape Golf Club and features many amenities such as a sports club, local grocery store, and wonderful restaurants. Some streets in the beach flats are designed for vacation rentals and there are many large oceanfront luxury homes in this area as well, along Beach Drive, Bay View and Via Gaviota
Pot Belly Beach -Private beach community with multi-million dollar homes on the sand in front of New Brighton State Park.
Larkin Valley - Inland of La Selva Beach this unincorporated area features rolling hills, warmer weather and larger parcels.
La Selva Beach - This quiet coastal neighborhood is a second home/vacation home spot for many and residents may opt to pay for access to community facilities and a rarity in California - a private, gated beach. Average price of homes in this area was $1.725 in 2024.
Corralitos - Set quite a bit inland, this warmer area of Aptos is known for its orchards, wineries, and world-famous meat market. Nice single family homes can be purchased in this area under $1m.
Aptos real estate boasts a diverse selection of properties and price points. With its strong sense of community and picturesque surroundings, Aptos is an ideal place to call home. Explore Aptos homes for sale and other properties with our expert team today!
*Data from MLSListings
About Aptos Real Estate
Demographics for Aptos, CA
Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau and MLSListings.
$1.97m
Average Home Price
27.9 minutes
Avg. Commute
24,706
Population
72.2%
Homeownership Rate
What to Love
-
Picturesque beaches
-
Laid-back atmosphere
-
Diverse natural beauty
-
A variety of dining and shopping options
-
Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Aptos Village, located at the heart of this coastal community, offers a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. The historic village features charming shops, cafes, and restaurants, where visitors can explore and enjoy the relaxed ambiance. Aptos has a vibrant dining scene with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Here are some more notable establishments in the area:
Where to Eat:
-
Persephone - Upscale farm-to-table restaurant located in the heart of Aptos Village, with seasonally inspired menu that showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
-
Akira Sushi - Popular sushi restaurant offers an extensive menu of fresh sushi rolls, sashimi, and Japanese entrees.
-
The Hideout - Approachable restaurant and bar offers a relaxed atmosphere and a menu featuring comfort food favorites such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The Hideout also has a full bar, making it a great spot for an evening out with friends.
-
Bittersweet Bistro - Extensive menu of contemporary American cuisine with impressive wine/cocktail list, including CBD cocktails
-
Mentone - Top notch pizza and a few Italian dishes by Michelin-Starred restauranteur David Kinch
-
Cafe Sparrow -Charming French-inspired bistro serving a delicious selection of dishes
Where to Drink:
-
Cantine Wine Bar - Stylish wine bar with great wines on tap and delicious small plates
-
Parish Publick House - Fun bar and burger joint with great beers and crafty cocktails
Where to Work While Sipping Coffee:
-
Aptos Coffee Roasters - Classic, tried, and true.
-
The Farm Bakery & Cafe -A rustic bakery and cafe offering a selection of delicious pastries, breads, sandwiches, and salads.
-
Cat and Cloud - A new local staple, located in the NEW Aptos Village development
Where to Shop:
-
Aptos Village Square - A shopping center with a range of local shops and eateries
-
Outside-In - Unique home and garden store offering a variety of indoor and outdoor decor
-
Warmth Company - A boutique store specializing in clothing, accessories, and home goods
Things to Do
Aptos' diverse natural beauty provides a plethora of outdoor recreational activities. With access to 12+ miles of uninterrupted sandy beaches, hiking trails through redwood forests, and a range of water sports, there is something for everyone in this coastal town.
-
Seacliff State Beach - A popular beach known for its fishing pier and the historic SS Palo Alto shipwreck, offering opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and fishing.
-
Forest of Nisene Marks State Park - A stunning park featuring over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails through lush redwood forests, with opportunities for birdwatching and picnicking.
-
Seascape Golf Course - A challenging course with lots of undulation and difficult greens.
