A suburban escape woven into the dramatic Redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains
Preface
Nestled in the upslope sweep of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the small town of Scotts Valley is well-known for its clean, suburban residential appeal. Sunrise over the fogged woods of the mountainous outskirts creates a storybook scenery each morning and makes it hard to believe that this radiant little city is a mere six miles north of Santa Cruz. The area of Scotts Valley has a history spanning back ten thousand years, all the way to its earliest native inhabitants and its long-departed lake. The first European settler to claim land in Scotts Valley didn’t do so until the 19th century, and the town itself wasn’t incorporated until 1966.
Modern-day Scotts Valley has found great success as a Silicon Valley Bedroom Community — a residential haven for those who commute for work in the nearby tech industries just under an hour north. Much of the residential real estate began to boom after the middle of the 20th century. Among the diverse options are beautiful condos and homes in the hills and custom homes in gated communities.
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What to Love
Renowned schools and incredible educational opportunities for grades K-12
Warm and endlessly sunny climate
Excellent commute spot between San Jose 30 minutes away and Santa Cruz 10 minutes south
The Local Lifestyle
A deep history and a vibrant sense of community reign in Scotts Valley. From its status as a stagecoach stop to its continued presence as a tourism spot in Santa Cruz County, the town has always strived to maintain a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
While Scotts Valley might exist as a primarily residential community, that doesn’t mean its locals lose out on the remarkable shopping and dining options that abound in the area. The town is just minutes from Capitola Mall and its stores, as well as under 30 minutes from mega shopping centers like the Westfield Oakridge Mall in San Jose, which contains retailers such as Michael Kors, LUSH, and Apple.
Foodies will want to sample the fare at The Redwood Sandwich Co., a favorite deli that focuses on high-quality ingredients and homestyle recipes for their hearty, gourmet sandwiches. Known for their always-organic roasts and espresso bar, Scotts Valley Coffee is usually crowded with eager customers in need of a caffeine fix on early weekday mornings.
Others in search of a convivial, energetic atmosphere might check out the cuisine at Bruno’s Bar and Grill, a restaurant that even hosts an adults-only cocktail hour weekly. Downstairs, the restaurant and bar dish up the best burgers around, while up top, a sports bar, banquet hall, and rooftop deck keep the party going.
Things to Do
What it lacks in booming commercial districts, Scotts Valley makes up for by way of exciting local events and sprawling amenities. Families flock to the Annual Fourth of July Parade and Flyover, which takes place in Skypark and includes tons of games and activities for the kids. Skypark itself is a major source of entertainment, and the large public space boasts a park, skatepark, soccer fields, walking and fitness tracks, and large barbecue areas great for hosting your own local gatherings and events. In the past, series such as Music at Skypark have brought live performances, and the city continues its tradition of using the space to bring joy to its residents. Scotts Valley, in addition to its own slew of activities, is also within close proximity of a great number of notable vineyards and wineries. Among them, Clos Tita Winery, Bruzzone Family Vineyard, and Hallcrest Vineyards are all within a stone’s throw of the city.
Schools
Scotts Valley is home to many excellent schools and is particularly well-known for the success of its district, the Scotts Valley Unified School District. Top educational opportunities include:
Scotts Valley Middle School, 6-8, highly rated public middle school
Baymonte Christian School, PK & K-8, highly rated private school
