Scotts Valley is situated in Northern Santa Cruz County. The city thrives just a short distance from Monterey Bay, nestled in the redwoods on the upland slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is approximately six miles north of Santa Cruz, 30 miles southwest of San Jose and 68 miles south of San Francisco. Scotts Valley is named after Hiram Scott, who settled in Santa Cruz and purchased Rancho San Augustin in 1850. The City is situated on part of his family’s old ranch site. While in town you can tour the historic landmark of the Scott House, which was constructed back in 1853 and was the home of Hiram D. Scott.
Once in Scotts Valley, visit the city offices and pick up a copy of the Heritage Tree Tour map so you can take a self-guided tour a beautiful assortment of local trees that are protected for their age, size and historic value. Another great destination is Skypark, where dogs are welcome off the leash in designated areas and you can enjoy the skate park, tennis courts, a playground and shaded picnic areas. You can also take a short drive to the well-known 'Mystery Spot', where you feel like you can defy the laws of gravity.
The incomparable Pasatiempo Golf Club is located in the Southern portion of Scotts Valley and features an Alister MacKenzie designed championship golf course. Even though Alister MacKenzie designed Augusta National and Cypress Point, Pasatiempo was his favorite layout and where he made his American home. Pasatiempo has ranked as high as #13 in Golf Magazine's top 100 courses you can play.
Scotts Valley is served by the Scotts Valley Unified School District, and the schools are ranked as some the highest performing public schools in Santa Cruz County. Homes in the region are primarily single family homes in the North and the South, but the Central area of Scotts Valley has some condominiums and townhomes as lower cost housing options. The local Realtor MLS identified North and West Scotts Valley as MLS Area 41, Central Scotts Valley as MLS Area 39, and South Scotts Valley as MLS Area 40.