Boulder Creek, CA Homes for Rent

Boulder Creek is a rural mountain town that offers a slower pace of life compared to nearby Silicon Valley. Nestled amidst dense woodlands and steep hills, the town serves as the gateway to Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Central Avenue, the main street, features boomtown-style architecture, mom-and-pop shops, and local restaurants. The surrounding forests are dotted with cozy cabins and renovated older homes, making it a popular choice for commuters to San Jose and Silicon Valley, which are 28 miles and 14 miles away, respectively. Boulder Creek students attend highly rated schools in the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District, including Boulder Creek Elementary School, San Lorenzo Valley Middle School, and San Lorenzo Valley High School. For things to do, residents can enjoy Junction Park, the Boulder Creek Recreation Center, and nearby state parks like Big Basin Redwoods and Henry Cowell Redwoods, which offer hiking, biking, and swimming opportunities. Downtown dining options include Joe’s Bar, Taqueria Los Gallos, Tae’s Edo Sushi Bar, Boulder Creek Pizza & Pub, and Scopazzi’s Restaurant and Lounge. The town hosts annual events such as the Fourth of July parade, Halloween trick-or-treating, and the Boulder Creek Art, Wine and Music Festival. While homes are relatively affordable, ranging from $600,000 to $1.5 million, residents face challenges like heavy winter rains and wildfire risks. Public transit is available via Santa Cruz Metro bus lines, and the nearest hospital, Dominican Hospital, is 15 miles away in Santa Cruz.