Section Image

Pajaro Dunes

Pajaro Dunes

Neighborhood in Royal Oaks, California

Santa Cruz County 95076

$1,544,888 Average Value
$930 Average Price per Sq Ft
16 Homes For Sale

Seaside serenity

With its pristine natural areas and the open coast just steps away, Pajaro Dunes -- with “pajaro” coming from the Spanish for “bird” -- is a fitting coastal name to describe this waterside neighborhood. The Pajaro River lies to the east while the Monterey Bay is to the west, making it no wonder why Vista Properties Managing Broker Nicole Mhyrstad calls Pajaro Dunes “a one hundred percent beach community.” Myhrstad has sold numerous homes in the Central Coast area. “It’s a very isolated spot right on the sand. There are no restaurants or no grocery stores,” she says. From its parks and waterfront views to its elegant shoreside homes, Pajaro Dunes offers true beach tranquility.

Pajaro Dunes boasts sweeping views of the Pacific, perfect for seaside relaxation.
Pajaro Dunes boasts sweeping views of the Pacific, perfect for seaside relaxation.
Two large smoke stacks are visible on the horizon from Pajaro Dunes to the south.
Two large smoke stacks are visible on the horizon from Pajaro Dunes to the south.
1/2

Beachside and riverside relaxation

Situated between a river and a bay, there are plenty of water-based activities to enjoy in Pajaro Dunes. Residents have their pick of several beaches to explore. Palm Beach State Park has many pine trees and sand dunes, offering spots for both whale watching and bird watching. Windsurfing and fishing are popular activities down at Sunset State Beach, a campground with stunning Monterey Bay views. Down by the Pajaro River, there are places to hold picnics or take a kayak ride out on the water.

A woman stops to catch the sea breeze in Pajaro Dunes, enjoying the coastal air.
A woman stops to catch the sea breeze in Pajaro Dunes, enjoying the coastal air.
Enjoy a refreshing stroll on the beautiful Pajaro Creek Trail.
Enjoy a refreshing stroll on the beautiful Pajaro Creek Trail.
1/2

Homes in the sand

Pajaro Dunes homes primarily consist of one- and two-story condos with some contemporary homes in the mix. Many of these properties have views of the Monterey Bay and the dunes, and because some are also conveniently located right on the beach, residents can walk down to the sand anytime. “There are houses in the sand. A lot of the beachfront homes are priced up to millions of dollars each, and there are some huge condo complexes, too” Myhrstad says. Prices range between $200,000 to $3 million, and homes typically remain on the market for about 37 days.

Some lucky residents in Pajaro Dunes have their backyard as the Pacific Ocean.
Some lucky residents in Pajaro Dunes have their backyard as the Pacific Ocean.
A dome structure makes up the design for this home in Pajaro Dunes.
A dome structure makes up the design for this home in Pajaro Dunes.
It's hard to choose a singular architectural influence for Homes in Pajaro Dunes.
It's hard to choose a singular architectural influence for Homes in Pajaro Dunes.
1/3

Shopping and dining in nearby Watsonville

Because Pajaro Dunes has no restaurants or shops, residents will need to drive to Watsonville for the nearest dining and shopping options. At the Beach Street Café, a charming restaurant that resembles a cross between a beach shack and a diner, offers a cozy wood-paneled interior where diners can enjoy hot breakfasts and lunches. Jalisco serves Mexican cuisine in an elegant dining space and patio. Adding ambience, the restaurant’s live mariachi band creates a true South-of-the-Border atmosphere. For stocking up on everyday food staples, Target and Nob Hill Foods are available.

Downtown Watsonville provides shopping and grocery needs for Pajaro Dunes.
Downtown Watsonville provides shopping and grocery needs for Pajaro Dunes.
Jalisco Restaurant in Watsonville offers nearby dining for Pajaro Dunes residents.
Jalisco Restaurant in Watsonville offers nearby dining for Pajaro Dunes residents.
Target is the biggest box store near Pajaro Dunes for all your shopping needs.
Target is the biggest box store near Pajaro Dunes for all your shopping needs.
1/3

Pajaro Dunes students

The neighborhood is served by the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. Students can attend Landmark Elementary School and Pajaro Middle School, which were both given a C-minus from Niche. Watsonville High School, rated B-minus, gives courses in Career Technical Education like environmental horticulture and automotive services.

Landmark Elementary School innovates education in Watsonville.
Landmark Elementary School innovates education in Watsonville.
Thriving at Watsonville High School, where learning and growth intersects.
Thriving at Watsonville High School, where learning and growth intersects.
Pajaro Middle School promotes student success through dedicated staff and resources.
Pajaro Middle School promotes student success through dedicated staff and resources.
1/3

Routes 1 and 152

Major roads around Pajaro Dunes include State Routes 1 and 152. 1 is also known as Cabrillo Highway in this area and is a north/ south highway that spans much of the Pacific coastline. 152 extends from Watsonville to Chowchilla, reaching nearly the exact middle of California. Pajaro Dunes is less than five miles southwest of Watsonville, as well as 50 miles south of major city San Jose. Two airports are available nearby: Watsonville Muni Airport (seven miles) and Monterey Regional Airport (28 miles.)

Stretching through Pajaro Dunes, Highway 1 provides easy access to the neighborhood.
Stretching through Pajaro Dunes, Highway 1 provides easy access to the neighborhood.
Highway 1 connects Pajaro Dunes to surrounding neighborhoods.
Highway 1 connects Pajaro Dunes to surrounding neighborhoods.
1/2
Julia Concepcion
Written By
Julia Concepcion
Eli Tye
Photography Contributed By
Eli Tye
Bill Jennings
Video By
Bill Jennings

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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 Shawndy Linquist, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Monterey Regional

37 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Pajaro Dunes US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,137,500
Median Single Family Price
$2,925,000
Median Townhouse Price
$2,200,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$975,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$799,950
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$930
Number of Homes for Sale
16
Last 12 months Home Sales
36
Months of Supply
5.30
Median List Price
$1,134,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-6%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
457
Median Year Built
1973
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,219
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,267
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,066
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
827
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,018

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12:30 - 3pm

    101 Shell Dr Unit 100, Watsonville, CA 95076

    $1,400,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,040 Sq Ft
    • 101 Shell Dr
    • Unit 100
    • New 7 days ago

    BEACH FRONT PENTHOUSE SHOREBIRDS! Nestled in Shorebirds dunes, this charming, completely remodeled, 2-bedrm, 2-bathrm penthouse condo offers open floorplan, comfortable living space. The well-appointed chef's delight kitchen has modern amenities, including handpicked cherry wood cabinets throughout, original chandeliers, granite countertops, with island cooking range, microwave, self-cleaning

    Gail Cruse Sotheby’s International Realty

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11am - 1pm

    101 Shell Dr Unit 145, Watsonville, CA 95076

    $930,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,052 Sq Ft
    • 101 Shell Dr
    • Unit 145

    BEACH FRONT & RAMP ACCESSIBLE. So many have been inquiring about a ramp accessible, two bedroom plus two full bathroom condo with a sweet Ocean and Sunset view. This is the one you've been waiting for! Right up in front with easy beach access. This north facing home is bright, sunny with lots of natural light for the artist in you. Sliding glass doors from the living room and main bedroom

    Gail Cruse Sotheby’s International Realty

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Shawndy Linquist, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
234
Median Age
35
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
26.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$72,499
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$115,786

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
53.9%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
19.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.9%
% Population in Labor Force
70.3%

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®

26 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

0 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Pajaro Dunes neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Pajaro Dunes