Aptos

Welcome to Aptos

Beaches, Redwoods & Coastal Village Living

Located along the scenic Monterey Bay coastline in Santa Cruz County, Aptos, California offers a rare blend of relaxed coastal living, redwood forest beauty, and small-town charm. Known for its stunning beaches, historic village center, and access to towering redwood parks, Aptos attracts home buyers seeking a lifestyle rooted in nature, community, and coastal California charm.

From ocean breezes along sandy shores to peaceful trails beneath redwood canopies, Aptos provides a balanced way of life that appeals to families, professionals, and retirees alike. Its combination of outdoor recreation, local amenities, and strong schools continues to make Aptos one of the most desirable communities in Santa Cruz County.

A Brief History of Aptos

Aptos has deep historical roots dating back to the Ohlone people, who originally inhabited the region. In the early 1800s, the area became part of the Rancho Aptos land grant, later evolving into an important center for California’s logging industry. Vast redwood forests fueled economic growth in the late 19th century, and the arrival of the railroad in 1876 helped shape the modern town as it shifted east of Aptos Creek.

Today, Aptos honors its past through preserved landmarks and exhibits at the Aptos History Museum, offering insight into the community’s transformation from a mill town to a cherished coastal destination.

Beaches & Coastal Living

Aptos is home to some of the most iconic beaches in Santa Cruz County, offering year-round recreation and breathtaking ocean views.

Seacliff State Beach

Established in 1931, Seacliff State Beach is one of the area’s most recognizable coastal landmarks. Residents and visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, beach walks, and sunsets along Monterey Bay. The remains of the SS Palo Alto, a World War I-era concrete ship, sit just offshore and add a unique historical touch to the coastline.

Rio Del Mar State Beach

Just south of Seacliff, Rio Del Mar State Beach features wide sandy shores ideal for beachcombing, picnics, and family outings. Its gentle waves and open views make it a favorite for both locals and visitors.

Nearby coastal escapes such as La Selva Beach, Hidden Beach County Park, and New Brighton State Beach provide quieter shoreline experiences, scenic overlooks, and coastal camping opportunities.

Aptos Village | Community & Amenities

The historic Aptos Village serves as the cultural heart of the community. Once a gathering place during the logging era, the village today blends small-town charm with modern convenience. Local cafés, boutiques, restaurants, art spaces, and community events create a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.

Ongoing village improvements focus on enhancing walkability and infrastructure while preserving Aptos’ authentic character. Nearby Aptos Village Park offers open green space, community gatherings, and seasonal events that bring neighbors together.

Redwoods, Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Just inland from the coast, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park offers over 10,000 acres of protected redwood forest and more than 30 miles of hiking and biking trails. Once heavily logged, the land was preserved through the generosity of the Marks family and now provides an extraordinary natural retreat minutes from the ocean.

Residents enjoy trail running, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and peaceful walks along Aptos Creek. Additional outdoor spaces such as the Polo Grounds and neighborhood parks provide recreation, sports fields, and dog-friendly areas, reinforcing Aptos’ strong onnection to nature and outdoor living.

Schools in Aptos

Aptos is served by well-regarded public and private schools, making it a popular choice for
families:

Public Schools

Aptos Elementary School
Rio Del Mar Elementary School
Mar Vista Elementary School
Aptos Junior High School
Aptos High School

Private Schools

Twin Lakes Christian School (nearby)
Santa Cruz Waldorf School (upper grades nearby)

Living in Aptos

With its coastal beaches, redwood forests, historic village, and strong schools, Aptos offers a lifestyle that feels both peaceful and connected. Whether you’re drawn to oceanfront living, forested neighborhoods, or a walkable village atmosphere, Aptos delivers a timeless and highly livable coastal California experience.

Property Listings

Price

Living Area

For Sale

MLS® ML82024782

Overview for Aptos, CA

24,708 people live in Aptos, where the median age is 48.1 and the average individual income is $77,116. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

24,708

Total Population

48.1 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$77,116

Average individual Income

Around Aptos, CA

There's plenty to do around Aptos, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

4

Car-Dependent

Walking Score

11

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Kelly’s Deli, ReInvention Fitness, and Horse and Heart.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Kelly’s Deli page on Yelp Search 2600 41st Ave on Google Maps	Dining	4.96 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the ReInvention Fitness page on Yelp	Active	4.52 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Horse and Heart page on Yelp Search 5017 Ironwood Dr on Google Maps	Active	2.87 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Slow Adventure page on Yelp Search PO Box 2588 on Google Maps	Active	2.55 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Pualani Beauty page on Yelp	Beauty	2.44 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Get Your Body Back page on Yelp Search 3121 Park Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	3.43 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Shanda's Skin Boutique page on Yelp Search 2920 Park Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	3.49 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Krishna Leikind, CMT page on Yelp	Beauty	0.11 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Aptos, CA

Population Households Employment

Aptos has 9,846 households, with an average household size of 2.5. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Aptos do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 24,708 people call Aptos home. The population density is 762 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

24,708

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

48.1

Median Age

48.23 / 51.77%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree

9,846

Total Households

2.5

Average Household Size

$77,116

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married

Single

Divorced

Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes

15 to 29 Minutes

30 to 59 Minutes

60+ Minutes

Schools in Aptos, CA

All ()

Primary Schools ()

Middle Schools ()

High Schools ()

Mixed Schools ()

The following schools are within or nearby Aptos. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Type

Name

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Welcome to Aptos

A Brief History of Aptos

Beaches & Coastal Living

Seacliff State Beach

Rio Del Mar State Beach

Aptos Village | Community & Amenities

Redwoods, Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Schools in Aptos

Living in Aptos

Property Listings

$5,999,000

$5,999,000

$5,299,000

$4,995,000

$4,995,000

$3,700,000

$3,600,000

$3,600,000

$3,500,000

Overview for Aptos, CA

24,708

48.1 years

High

$77,116

Around Aptos, CA

4

Car-Dependent

11

Somewhat Bikeable

Points of Interest

Demographics and Employment Data for Aptos, CA

24,708

High

48.1

48.23 / 51.77%

9,846

2.5

$77,116

Schools in Aptos, CA

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Soquel

Capitola

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Contact Details

Kathleen Manning | CA DRE# 00885315

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