San Lorenzo Valley: Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, Felton & Brookdale

The San Lorenzo Valley has a culture all it's own, with independent mountain people that like to live away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy small town charm. A century ago, these hills were logging areas for douglas fir and redwood used in the growing homebuilding industry, and many of the residents have family roots to the logging industry. With a knowledge of what clear cutting did to this area, the residents have vowed to protect the forest and ensure the natural beauty and vitality remains.

Many of the individuals living in the San Lorenzo Valley are engineers, technicians, and managers in the Silicon Valley during the day, but at night they like to return to their quiet home, start a fire, and enjoy the smell of mountain air. There is also a burgeoning artist population in the Valley who peddle their wares at local art festivals throughout the region. For those looking to chase a little white ball around the mountain, the Boulder Creek Golf and Country club offers an executive golf course routed through the redwood forest.

California’s oldest state park - Big Basin - comprises much of the landscape, along with Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Fall Creek State Park, and Loch Lomond Recreation Area with its placid lake. For a really nostalgic view of the redwoods, hop aboard Roaring Camp’s antique steam train for a ride through the ancient forest to a natural cathedral atop Bear Mountain.

Homes in the area are primarily single family homes of all shapes and sizes, but there are a few condominium and townhome opportunities that exist in the area. Children attend schools in the San Lorenzo Unified School District from kindergarten through 12th grade, and the schools are considered average for the county. Below is the historical market data for the area.