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Felton

Felton traces its roots to the mid-1800s when lumber, lime, and mining industries shaped early growth.

Welcome to Felton

Redwoods, Railroads & Small-Town Mountain Living
 

Discover Felton, CA

Felton, California is a classic San Lorenzo Valley mountain town nestled among towering redwoods in Santa Cruz County. Known for its forest setting, historic charm, and outdoor recreation, Felton offers a relaxed lifestyle just six miles inland from Santa Cruz and minutes
from beaches, parks, and scenic trails. The town’s walkable core, small shops, cafés, and local culture blend the warmth of small-town living with adventure in the redwoods.
 

A Brief History

Felton traces its roots to the mid-1800s when lumber, lime, and mining industries shaped early growth. The town was named in 1868 for John B. Felton, an investor and former Oakland mayor, and became a logging hub connected by flumes and railroads. Today iconic landmarks like the Felton Covered Bridge, built in 1892 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflect the community’s historic character.
 

Location & Natural Beauty

Located in the San Lorenzo Valley, Felton is surrounded by redwood forests and river landscapes. Its proximity to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, with old-growth groves, hiking trails, camping, and mountain biking, makes the town a gateway for outdoor enthusiasts. The San Lorenzo River meanders nearby, offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, and picnics.
 
  • To Santa Cruz, CA: ~10–12 miles → 15–20 minutes by car
  • To Silicon Valley (e.g., San Jose): ~35–40 miles → 45–60 minutes by car
Felton’s close proximity to Santa Cruz makes it ideal for commuters, beach days, and quick access to city amenities, while the ride to Silicon Valley remains reasonable for regular commuters.
 

Activities, Amenities & Local Flavor

Downtown Felton is a hub of walkable charm with local shops, coffee houses like The White Raven, and restaurants such as Emerald Mallard and Humble Sea Brewery. Roaring Camp Railroads offers historic steam train rides through the redwoods to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Live music and community events at Felton Music Hall and seasonal festivals keep local culture vibrant.
 

Felton — Schools & Education

Felton is part of the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District (SLVUSD), which serves the region’s students from kindergarten through high school and is known for strong community involvement and academic programs. Charter options and outdoor experiential learning are supported throughout the district.
 
Public Schools (San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District):
 
  • San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School – TK–5 (Felton)
  • San Lorenzo Valley Middle School – 6–8 (Felton)
  • San Lorenzo Valley High School – 9–12 (Felton)
Charter Option:
 
  • San Lorenzo Valley Charter School – TK–8 (project-based learning focus)
Private & Independent Schools (Nearby Options):
 
  • Santa Cruz Waldorf School – PK–8 (Santa Cruz)
  • Holy Cross School – PK–8 (Santa Cruz)
  • Monte Vista Christian School – PK–12 (Watsonville area)

In Summary

Felton blends historic roots, majestic redwoods, outdoor adventure, and village charm into a community that feels welcoming and grounded. For buyers seeking nature-connected living with local amenities, friendly neighborhoods, and easy access to Santa Cruz and the coast, Felton delivers an authentic mountain-valley lifestyle.

 

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Overview for Felton, CA

6,377 people live in Felton, where the median age is 46.1 and the average individual income is $68,724. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

6,377

Total Population

46.1 years

Median Age

Low

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

$68,724

Average individual Income

Around Felton, CA

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

3
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
14
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Anzani Cider, Foxy's Toffee, and Chameleon Breathwork.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 3.38 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 3.77 miles 12 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 1.82 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Felton, CA

Felton has 2,784 households, with an average household size of 2.27. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Felton do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 6,377 people call Felton home. The population density is 365.55 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

6,377

Total Population

Low

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

46.1

Median Age

51.39 / 48.61%

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
2,784

Total Households

2.27

Average Household Size

$68,724

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 Felton, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Felton. 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
Category
Grades
School rating
Felton Felton Felton

A Smooth Journey Starts Here

Whether you’re buying, selling, or evaluating land, Kathleen Manning is ready to guide you with integrity, organization, and a deep understanding of the region.

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