$1,675,456Average Value$1,036Average Price per Sq Ft55Homes For Sale
Coastal living in Aptos
In the morning, Pacific mist gives way to Rio Del Mar’s sun-drenched bluffs, frothy waves crashing against the beaches and pelicans and seagulls swooping over the surf. For residents, the appeal is pretty straightforward: “I love being able to walk to the ocean every day,” says Raylene Mallon, a retiree who lives a few blocks from the beach.
Located in the town of Aptos, California, this coastal neighborhood is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the colossal redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains. While tourists gravitate to the Santa Cruz boardwalk or Capitola Village during the summer season, Rio Del Mar is more likely to bring locals and their families to the waterfront. “I see people every day that I grew up with, that I’ve known all my life. That’s the kind of community this is,” says Realtor Amy Jeske of Coldwell Banker, a longtime resident who grew up in the neighborhood.
Beaches, bluffs and redwoods
Rio Del Mar State Beach stretches along the coast beneath steep, seaside bluffs dotted with foliage and colorful wildflower blooms. Residents and visitors can be spotted swimming, fishing, walking and taking in the salty sea air on sunny days. With mild weather in the summer and winter temperatures that rarely dip below 40 degrees, people enjoy the beach all-year-round. “I love the beach in the winter. It’s so moody and romantic,” says Donna Kaelin, who lives in the neighborhood and walks along the beachfront every day.
Some beaches are a well-kept secret, like Hidden Beach Park. It’s only accessible via a dead-end, residential street with a small parking area. A short path leads visitors through a wooded gulley that opens onto a wide, sandy beach surrounded by steep, scrub-covered cliffs. Those looking for relaxation on dry land can book a tee time at Seascape Golf Club, a century-old course that winds across the coastal highlands. Just north of the neighborhood is The Forest of Nisene State Park, a dense woodland filled with deep-green redwood groves, chaparral and Douglas firs.
“Rio Del Mar is really unique because you can be in one of the most magnificent natural environments at The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, and in less than five minutes you can be walking on the beach,” Jeske says. “Having a state park in your backyard is amazing.”
Eclectic, hillside homes
Homes are situated along hillsides, beaches and narrow roads lined with palm trees, oaks, wildflowers and tropical vegetation. Architectural styles vary widely, and most of the homes date back to the mid-20th century. “These typically started off as smaller homes built in the 1930s, 40s and 50s. People were coming up from Modesto, Merced and Fresno to beat the heat and they built tiny little beach homes to come to on the weekends. Over time, they just kept adding on. My house has been added on to multiple times,” Jeske says. It’s typical for smaller, older homes to sell for between $1.2 million and $2 million, while larger, luxury homes with ocean views list for between $5 million and $10 million.
Shopping and dining in Rio Del Mar and Aptos
There’s a small commercial plaza at the corner of Aptos Beach Drive and Rio Del Mar Boulevard with two restaurants, a café and a corner market. With a view facing the beach, locals can sip coffee on the patio at Venus Pie Trap or sit down for dinner at Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen. Next door in Seacliff are local favorites like Manuel’s Mexican and Marianne’s Ice Cream. The nearest grocery stores are Safeway and New Leaf Community Markets.
Highly rated schools
Students in Rio Del Mar attend some of the highest rated schools in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. Young students attend Rio Del Mar Elementary School, a California Distinguished School that holds a B-plus rating from Niche, before moving on to B-rated Aptos Junior High School. Upperclassmen attend A-minus-rated Aptos High School. In 2024, the school district was recognized as one of the best in the country for music education by the NAMM Foundation, a nonprofit that helps fund school music programs.
Getting around Aptos and beyond
Rio Del Mar is bordered at its northern edge by State Route 1, a major regional commuter corridor. Traffic is typically heavy during rush hour as people leave and return for work. The neighborhood is served by several Santa Cruz Metro bus lines. Those in need of health care will find several small medical centers close by, including Sutter Health Palo Alto Medical in neighboring Capitola. The nearest large hospital is Watsonville Community Hospital, about 8 miles east of the neighborhood.
Need to know
Rio Del Mar is at an increased risk for flooding because of its proximity to the ocean. Several major storms have caused damages to beaches, infrastructure and some homes in recent years. People living at low elevations near the shoreline may be required to evacuate during severe weather events.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Drew Reid,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Seascape Park
Hidden Beach Park
Rio del Mar State Beach
Transit
Airport
Monterey Regional
44 min drive
Bus
Rio Del Mar Blvd & Sumner Ave
Bus
Rio Del Mar Blvd & Clubhouse Dr
Bus
Seascape Blvd & Dolphin Dr
Bus
Clubhouse Dr & Locke Dr
Bus
Seascape Blvd & Sumner Ave
Bus
Clubhouse Dr & St Andrews Dr
Bus
Rio Del Mar Blvd & Kingsbury Dr
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Rio del Mar
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Rio del Mar, Capitola sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Rio del Mar, Capitola over the last 12 months is $1,753,270, up 10% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This turn-key single-family home in Rio Del Mar is a great investment opportunity, just a 3-minute walk to the sand. Featuring ocean views, a loft, and a blend of modern upgrades with relaxed coastal living, the open layout is filled with natural light and includes an upgraded kitchen and kitchenette, remodeled bathrooms, new flooring, dual-pane windows, upgraded electrical, and a newer roof. The
Coastal Elegance Meets Resort Living by the Beach in Seascape! Welcome to one of Seascape's most exceptional coastal residences; an expansive 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom luxury home offering 3,400 square feet of refined living in the heart of Monterey Bay. Perfectly positioned within walking distance to world-class golf, a private health club, tennis courts, charming restaurants, boutique shops, and
Rare beachside opportunity! Like-new single level Spanish-style Mediterranean in charming Rio del Mar Cliffs neighborhood near beach paths and park. Built by a contractor as his own residence, this custom 3 bedroom 2 bath home has an open living-dining area with vaulted ceilings and fireplace perfect for gatherings with family and friends plus a large separate family/bonus room off the kitchen
Property Id: 1746968This is hidden gem in Rio Del Mar! Modern two bedroom one bath located on whole first floor of a well established residential house, it has private entrance, two driveway parking spaces, newly installed window shades, newly remodeled gorgeous bathroom with custom designed Valencia tile accents in the shower, new marble top vanity, new mirror, modern crystal chandelier,
Property Id: 1681813This is hidden gem in Rio Del Mar! Modern two bedroom one bath located on whole first floor of a well established residential house, it has private entrance, two driveway parking spaces, newly installed window shades, newly remodeled gorgeous bathroom with custom designed Valencia tile accents in the shower, new marble top vaniThis is hidden gem in Rio Del Mar! Modern
**Stunning 2BR/2BA Townhome Just Minutes from the OceanThis beautiful recently remodeled 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhome offers 1,600 sq. ft. of luxurious living space and is located just a 10-15 minute stroll from the ocean, Seascape Beach Park, Seascape Sports Club, Seascape Village, and more. Enjoy easy access to restaurants, grocery stores, a deli, coffee bar, and shopping
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Drew Reid,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
10,972
Median Age
53
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
31.4%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$134,980
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$163,080
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.6%
College Graduates
61%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
28.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
23''
Average Winter Low Temperature
40°F
Average Summer High Temperature
73°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
30/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
32/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
