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Moving to Aptos, California

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The current estimated population of Aptos is 6,500, with a gender distribution of 48% male and 52% female. The population has grown slightly in recent years, driven by its appeal as a coastal community within commuting distance of Silicon Valley and Santa Cruz.

City Facts

  • Year founded: 1833
  • County: Santa Cruz County
  • Land area: 6.4 square miles
  • Population density: 1,016 people per square mile
  • Area code: 831
  • Zip code: 95003

Geography and Location

Aptos is a coastal town located in Santa Cruz County, along the central coast of California. The town is situated about 10 miles southeast of the city of Santa Cruz and approximately 70 miles south of San Francisco. Aptos is known for its scenic beaches, redwood forests, and mild Mediterranean climate, making it a desirable place for those seeking a quiet, natural setting while still being within reach of major urban centers. The town is bordered by the Monterey Bay to the west and the Santa Cruz Mountains to the east, providing a mix of coastal and forested landscapes. Aptos is home to several state parks, including Seacliff State Beach and The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, which offer hiking, biking, and beach activities. The town is also known for the historic Aptos Village, which features charming shops and restaurants. Aptos is primarily a residential community, with many residents commuting to nearby cities such as Santa Cruz, San Jose, and other parts of the Silicon Valley. The town’s combination of coastal beauty, outdoor recreation, and a relaxed lifestyle makes it an attractive place for families, retirees, and nature lovers.

Demographics

Median resident age: 41.4 years
Median household income: $61,843
Median house value: $403,400

Population by Race

Races in Aptos:

  • White Non-Hispanic (86.7%)
  • Hispanic (7.0%)
  • Two or more races (3.4%)
  • Other race (2.5%)
  • American Indian (1.6%)
  • Black (0.6%)
  • Japanese (0.5%)
  • Chinese (0.5%)
  • Filipino (0.5%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Ancestries: German (19.3%), English (18.2%), Irish (16.5%), Italian (9.7%), French (5.4%), Scottish (5.2%).

Elevation: 100 feet

Land area: 7.0 square miles

Map of Aptos, CA

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Aptos

  • High school or higher: 92.8%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 41.3%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 16.9%
  • Unemployed: 2.1%
  • Mean travel time to work: 28.6 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Aptos CDP

  • Never married: 28.0%
  • Now married: 50.1%
  • Separated: 1.5%
  • Widowed: 5.5%
  • Divorced: 14.9%

6.6% Foreign born (2.8% Europe, 1.7% Latin America, 1.2% Asia).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Aptos:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Aptos:

  • NORMAN Y. MINETA SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL (about 26 miles; SAN JOSE, CA; Abbreviation: SJC)
  • MONTEREY PENINSULA (about 28 miles; MONTEREY, CA; Abbreviation: MRY)
  • SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL (about 54 miles; SAN FRANCISCO, CA; Abbreviation: SFO)

Other public-use airports nearest to Aptos:

  • WATSONVILLE MUNI (about 10 miles; WATSONVILLE, CA; Abbreviation: WVI)
  • SOUTH COUNTY ARPT OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY (about 24 miles; SAN MARTIN, CA; Abbreviation: Q99)
  • REID-HILLVIEW OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY (about 24 miles; SAN JOSE, CA; Abbreviation: RHV)

Amtrak stations near Aptos:

  • 9 miles: SANTA CRUZ (920 PACIFIC AVE.) – Bus Station. Services: fully wheelchair accessible, public payphones, snack bar, public transit connection.
  • 12 miles: WATSONVILLE (W. LAKE AVE. & RODRIGUEZ ST.) – Bus Station. Services: fully wheelchair accessible, public payphones, snack bar, free short-term parking, taxi stand, public transit connection.

Colleges and Universities

College/University in Aptos:

  • CABRILLO COLLEGE (Full-time enrollment: 6,638; Location: 6500 SOQUEL DR; Public; Website: www.cabrillo.cc.ca.us)

Other colleges/universities with over 2000 students near Aptos:

  • UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-SANTA CRUZ (about 11 miles; SANTA CRUZ, CA; Full-time enrollment: 11,773)
  • SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY (about 20 miles; SAN JOSE, CA; Full-time enrollment: 20,861)
  • SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY (about 20 miles; SANTA CLARA, CA; Full-time enrollment: 6,229)
  • WEST VALLEY COLLEGE (about 22 miles; SARATOGA, CA; Full-time enrollment: 5,880)
  • SAN JOSE CITY COLLEGE (about 24 miles; SAN JOSE, CA; Full-time enrollment: 5,713)
  • GAVILAN COLLEGE (about 24 miles; GILROY, CA; Full-time enrollment: 2,791)
  • EVERGREEN VALLEY COLLEGE (about 25 miles; SAN JOSE, CA; Full-time enrollment: 6,118)

Schools

Public high school in Aptos:

  • APTOS HIGH (Students: 1,970; Location: 7301 FREEDOM BLVD.; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Aptos:

  • APTOS JUNIOR HIGH (Students: 679; Location: 1001 HUNTINGTON DR.; Grades: 07 – 08)
  • VALENCIA ELEMENTARY (Students: 591; Location: 250 APTOS SCHOOL ROAD; Grades: KG – 06)
  • RIO DEL MAR ELEMENTARY (Students: 570; Location: 819 PINEHURST DR.; Grades: KG – 06)
  • MAR VISTA ELEMENTARY (Students: 405; Location: 6860 SOQUEL DR.; Grades: KG – 06)

Private primary/middle schools in Aptos:

  • TWIN LAKES CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (Students: 254; Location: 2701 CABRILLO COLLEGE DR; Grades: KG – 5)
  • SANTA CRUZ MONTESSORI SCHOOL (Students: 223; Location: 6230 SOQUEL DRIVE; Grades: PK – 8)
  • GREENBOUGH PLAYHOUSE DAY CARE (Students: 43; Location: 6401 FREEDOM BLVD; Grades: PK – KG)
  • ORCHARD SCHOOL (Students: 40; Location: 2288 TROUT GULCH RD; Grades: KG – 7)

 

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