Historic and Charming

Aptos

Aptos is a town in Santa Cruz County that is made up of several villages, including Rio Del Mar and Seacliff on the oceanside and hillside communities including Aptos Hills. The community is home to a major redwood park, Nisene Marks State Park, and the Seacliff State Beach Park, which features the SS Palo Alto landmark. This beautiful area is popular for its gorgeous scenic views, great surfing spots, and ample amenities. The housing stock includes new construction and mature homes that have been beautifully renovated. Build styles include beach cottages, ranch, mid-century modern, Mediterranean, and Contemporary Coastal. Read more about Aptos homes for sale.

Silhouette of S.S. Palo Alto shipwreck during sunny day in Aptos, CA

Aptos Home Statistics

Average Home Price $1.8M
Lowest Priced Home $250K
Highest Listing Price $8.9M
Total Property Listings 111
Avg. Price/SQFT $938

Property Types (active listings)

Browse Homes For Sale in Aptos, CA

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548 Beach Dr, APTOS

$8,898,000

548 Beach Dr, APTOS

6 Beds 6 Baths 4,344 SqFt Single Family Residential MLS® # ML82047754

David Lyng Real Estate 831-345-0503MLSListings Inc Logo

2655.2695 Mar Vista Dr, APTOS

$6,740,000

2655.2695 Mar Vista Dr, APTOS

0 Beds 0 Baths 12,391 SqFt Multi-Residential MLS® # ML82053750

Pertria 408-930-6244MLSListings Inc Logo

5601 Freedom Blvd, APTOS

$5,999,999

↑ $999

5601 Freedom Blvd, APTOS

9 Beds 7 Baths 6,577 SqFt Single Family Residential MLS® # ML82042803

Bailey Properties 831-818-0639MLSListings Inc Logo

643 Beach Dr, Aptos

$5,495,000

643 Beach Dr, Aptos

3 Beds 4 Baths 2,550 SqFt Single Family Residential MLS® # ML82045531

Sotheby's International Realty 831-251-1985MLSListings Inc Logo

10 Potbelly Beach Rd, APTOS

$4,375,000

10 Potbelly Beach Rd, APTOS

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,036 SqFt Single Family Residential MLS® # ML82056664

Coldwell Banker Realty 831-334-3056MLSListings Inc Logo

255 Aptos Ridge Cir, WATSONVILLE

$3,990,000

↑ $3,591,000

255 Aptos Ridge Cir, WATSONVILLE

3 Beds 3 Baths 3,364 SqFt Single Family Residential MLS® # ML82052692

Bailey Properties 831-818-0406MLSListings Inc Logo

339 Beach Dr, APTOS

$3,990,000

339 Beach Dr, APTOS

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,101 SqFt Single Family Residential MLS® # ML82052486

Bailey Properties 831-818-0406MLSListings Inc Logo

New
400 Seaview Dr, Aptos

$3,988,520

400 Seaview Dr, Aptos

3 Beds 4 Baths 4,044 SqFt Single Family Residential MLS® # ML82057326

Coldwell Banker Realty 408-508-3200MLSListings Inc Logo

2643.2655 Mar Vista Dr, APTOS

$3,765,000

2643.2655 Mar Vista Dr, APTOS

0 Beds 0 Baths 7,295 SqFt Multi-Residential MLS® # ML82053730

Pertria 408-930-6244MLSListings Inc Logo

587 Saint Andrews Dr, APTOS

$3,395,000

587 Saint Andrews Dr, APTOS

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,761 SqFt Single Family Residential MLS® # ML82040716

Compass 831-566-5430MLSListings Inc Logo

New
213 Sand St, APTOS

$3,328,000

213 Sand St, APTOS

3 Beds 4 Baths 3,549 SqFt Single Family Residential MLS® # ML82057415

eXp Realty of California Inc 831-688-9800MLSListings Inc Logo

2695 Mar Vista Dr, APTOS

$2,975,000

2695 Mar Vista Dr, APTOS

0 Beds 0 Baths 5,096 SqFt Multi-Residential MLS® # ML82053748

Pertria 408-930-6244MLSListings Inc Logo

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Discover Aptos Homes For Sale

The real estate market in Aptos varies from private, rural mountain cabins to sprawling beachfront homes commanding spectacular views of Monterey Bay.  In fact, we've chosen Aptos as one of the top towns in the Santa Cruz area.

 

The housing stock includes new construction and mature homes that have been beautifully renovated. Aptos home prices range from moderately priced houses to fabulous luxury estates valued over $1M. Although much of the Aptos market is catered to luxury homes, you can find reasonably priced units available as well, which many prefer to Santa Cruz. Those searching in the lower end of the market will find townhomes and condominiums as low as $575,000. The more upscale homes can be found on the lush, secluded roads winding through the forests of Aptos Creek Park, often with gated driveways leading up to their private residences. 

 

If the beach is important to you, you'll want to look for homes particularly in Seacliff. Here, the beach is typically just a short walk down the street. For those who care more about nature hikes, you'll want to keep an eye out for homes on the eastern side of the Cabrillo Highway, intertwining with the lush wooded landscape of the forest.



Interested in learning more about Aptos, California real estate? Contact us online or call 1-831-345-0338 for more information about buying and selling a home in Aptos and other communities in the Santa Cruz area.

Aptos Schools

Aptos is served by the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, which includes three elementary schools, Aptos Junior High School, and Aptos High School. The town also includes three private schools.

 

Schools in Aptos include:

  • Valencia Elementary
  • Rio Del Mar Elementary
  • Mar Vista Elementary
  • Aptos Junior High School
  • Aptos High School
  • Santa Cruz Montessori School (Private)
  • Orchard School (Private)
  • Twin Lakes Christian School (Private)

Aptos Neighborhoods: Aptos Hills, Seacliff, Rio Del Mar / Seascape

The Aptos Hills is a rural area of the region found east of the highway. This area is characterized by hillside neighborhoods, which make great mountain hideaways for those seeking private properties. These homes have expansive ocean views from Capitola to Monterey, and real estate in the Aptos Hills includes acreages, horse ranches, wineries, and orchards. Meanwhile, to the west of the highway are the Aptos beach communities of Seacliff and Rio Del Mar / Seascape.

 

These beachfront and ocean view properties are highly coveted and are found just steps away from one of the state’s most sought-after coastlines. The historic and charming Aptos Village is the area’s main hub, which hosts locally owned restaurants and cafes and the Fourth of July World’s Shortest Parade.

 

Many homebuyers choose homes in Aptos for the variety of real estate and for the exceptional natural environment. Residents enjoy hiking and biking through the Nisene Marks State Park, and strolling along the sandy beaches that stretch for as far as the eye can see.


Browse Real Estate in Aptos Neighborhoods

Location and Area Access

Downtown Santa Cruz is a 15-20 minute drive via CA-1 N from most parts of the town. The Dominican Hospital and the Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center are both 10-15 minutes away. The local Cabrillo College is 5-minutes from most parts of the neighborhood. The San Jose Mineta International Airport is a 45-60 minute drive. 

 

Nearby destinations within easy reach include:

  • Downtown Santa Cruz (15-20 minutes)
  • Dominican Hospital & Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center (10-15 minutes)
  • Cabrillo College (5 minutes)
  • San Jose Mineta International Airport (45-50 minutes)
  • Captiola Village (10 minutes) 

Still undecided about whether a home in Aptos, CA is right for you? Click here to read our blog post with even more information about the area—including schools!


FAQs About Aptos

What types of homes are available in Aptos?

Available homes in Aptos include condos, townhomes, single-family residences, and luxury estates. The housing stock includes new construction and mature homes that have been beautifully renovated. Build styles include beach cottages, ranch, mid-century modern, Mediterranean, and contemporary coastal. 

How much does it cost to buy a home in Aptos?

Pricing in Aptos can vary depending on property type, location, and recent renovations. Condos and townhouses at the lower end can be found for $575,000, with luxury estates going for well over $1 million. 

What schools serve Aptos?

Aptos is served by the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, which includes three elementary schools (Valencia, Rio Del Mar, Mar Vista Elementary), Aptos Junior High School, and Aptos High School.

Is Aptos a good place for families?

Yes. Aptos provides families with safe, residential neighborhoods, a strong local school system, and easy access to outdoor recreation at Nisene Marks State Park and Seacliff State Beach. 

What areas are included in Aptos?

Aptos is a town that is made up of several villages, including the popular communities of Rio Del Mar, Seascape, and Seacliff. 

How long has the “Concrete Ship” been there?

The SS Palo Alto has been a famous Santa Cruz County landmark since it was placed off the shore of Aptos in 1929 - so almost 100 years! The ship itself first set sail in 1919, and though it was built for the war, it never actually saw battle (on account of construction being completed too late).

Who gave Aptos, California its name?

It's believed that Aptos (meaning “The People” or "Meeting of Two Streams”) was named by the native Ohlone people, although it's unknown when.

Explore Aptos Yourself!

Check out the video below that highlights all the great things about living in Aptos, California!


If you have any questions about buying or selling real estate in Aptos, CA, or in Greater Santa Cruz, don’t hesitate to contact Lauren Spencer & Amy Jeske, Coldwell Banker Realtor®.



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Colorful homes along beach in Capitola Village, Santa Cruz

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