MOUNTAINS

Hi! This is Bri, owner of Live Love Santa Cruz.

If you're considering relocating to the Santa Cruz area and need expert guidance on selecting the ideal neighborhood to purchase a home, look no further! I have a wealth of knowledge about various parts of town, as well as valuable insights and insider tips. I'm particularly discerning when it comes to the ambiance of a neighborhood and even which streets are better than others. I'm well-versed in identifying the best places to put down roots (and those to avoid).

As an avid surfer, I've experienced nearly all of the local surfing spots and am familiar with the intricacies of buying property near each one. Microclimates are important! Being a sun enthusiast, I've spent years studying the warmest areas of town and if you are going to live on the coast, a few blocks can make the difference between coffee and fog and coffee and sunshine.

As a devoted parent to two energetic little ones, and a fitness junkie, I am uniquely positioned to guide you toward the perfect neighborhood that suits your lifestyle needs. Balancing work, family, and health has given me a deep understanding of the importance of finding a home in a community that fosters growth and fulfillment. I am passionate about discovering the ideal balance of excellent schools, safe parks, and vibrant recreational opportunities to ensure that your family thrives both mentally and physically.

If you're new to the area, my mission is to guide you through the process of narrowing down your search to find the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood that aligns with your lifestyle requirements.

Call/Text BRI @ 831.200.6338

Mountains

Annual Single Family Real Estate Statistics*

$897,382

Average Price

$645

Average Price Per Square Ft

326

Homes Sold

1,544

Average Home Sq Ft

*Data taken from MLS and SCCAR Statistics

Overview

The Santa Cruz Mountains are home to colorful towns, characters, and lifestyles. The area boasts a number of attractions, including numerous wineries, picturesque hiking trails, and stunning vistas overlooking the surrounding valleys. The living situation in the Santa Cruz Mountains is highly desirable, with a mix of small towns and rural communities offering a peaceful and tranquil lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you want a place to have horses, let the kids build treehouses, and have a huge garden, this is your spot. Recreational opportunities abound in the region, with activities like mountain biking, horseback riding, surfing, and rock climbing. The Santa Cruz Mountains is known for its rich ecological diversity, featuring an array of flora and fauna that make it a unique and special place to explore with parks such as Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, site of the beginning of the famous Summit To Sea Trail and home to 87,000 acres of protected wild lands. Starting at Henry Cowell State Park, hikers can follow a series of rugged backcountry trails winding through oak woodlands, chaparral, and grasslands. The trail gradually descends through a series of ridges and valleys, providing stunning views of the coast framed by majestic trees. As the trail approaches the coast, it enters the protected lands of the San Vicente Redwoods, a large expanse of forest that is home to a number of old-growth redwood trees. Hikers will pass through groves of towering trees and along streams, eventually emerging onto the coastline at the Waddell Beach parking lot.

One notable town in these mountains is Boulder Creek, which is known for its quaint downtown area and its proximity to hiking and biking trails in the nearby state parks. Another spot worth considering is Felton, which is home to the famous Roaring Camp Railroad, a historic narrow-gauge railroad that takes visitors on a scenic tour through the redwood forest. Bonny Doon is a small community with rugged beauty in a remote location, which has helped to preserve the area's natural environment and unique character. The community is surrounded by forests of towering redwoods, and its coastline is known for its scenic beaches and rocky cliffs. The area’s character is exemplified by the renowned Bonny Doon Vineyard — known for its innovative approach to winemaking and its commitment to sustainable practices. Many of these communities were originally settled by homesteaders in the 1800s, and some of the original buildings and structures still remain. If you are looking for a place to live on the central coast and your dreams include acreage, freedom, and natural beauty, the Santa Cruz mountains are for you.

Neighborhoods

The neighborhoods/areas in the Santa Cruz Mountains include the Bonny Doon, Felton, Mt. Hermon, Lompico, Zayante, Brookdale, Boulder Creek, and Ben Lomond.

Things to Do

Hiking and Nature Trails Explore the numerous hiking trails that wind through the Santa Cruz Mountains. You can discover breathtaking vistas, lush forests, and diverse wildlife in locations like Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, and Castle Rock State Park.

Wine Tasting The Santa Cruz Mountains are home to several wineries and vineyards. Take a scenic drive along the Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Trail and enjoy wine tasting experiences at different wineries, including some with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Redwood Canopy Tours Experience the thrill of ziplining through the redwood forest canopy. Companies like Mount Hermon Adventures offer guided tours that allow you to soar through the trees and gain a unique perspective of the majestic redwoods.

Visit Felton and Boulder Creek These charming mountain towns offer a laid-back atmosphere, quaint shops, and local eateries. Felton is home to the Roaring Camp Railroads, where you can take a historic steam train ride through the redwoods.

Food

Tae's Edo Sushi Bar Authentic and creative sushi in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

River Dogs of Boulder Creek Best dogs and sausages in the San Lorenzo Valley! Authentic Chicago Dogs!

Taqueria Vallarta committed to providing excellent customer service and traditional Mexican cuisine that has been passed on by many generations of mother and father to children.

Humble Sea Tavern a tiny crew of kooks trying their hardest to firstly, get pitted on the reg, and secondly (and arguably more importantly) make the best beery liquid known to humankind

Cowboy Bar & Grill Sandwiches, steaks & American fare served in a kid-friendly joint with a country-western theme.