---
title: "Felton, Santa Cruz County — Neighborhood Guide"
description: "Redwood town with a big heart"
url: https://giselesasso.com/neighborhoods/felton
lastUpdated: 2026-03-23
dataAsOf: "March 2026"
sources: ["GreatSchools","Redfin","Google Maps"]
---

# Felton

> Redwood town with a big heart

Felton is a small mountain community in the San Lorenzo Valley, surrounded by towering redwoods and known for Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The town has a tight-knit, artsy character with a charming downtown along Highway 9 featuring local shops, cafes, and the famous Roaring Camp Railroad. Felton draws families and professionals looking for affordable mountain living within reach of both Santa Cruz and the Bay Area.

## Vibe

Deep in the redwoods along the San Lorenzo River. Roaring Camp, Henry Cowell, and a tight-knit mountain community. For those who want nature as a neighbor.

## Highlights

- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Roaring Camp Railroad
- Charming downtown on Highway 9
- Strong community and local events
- More affordable than the coast

## Market Stats

- **Median Price:** $850,000
- **Average Days on Market:** 30
- **Population:** 4,700
- **Median Household Income:** $102,000
- **Owner-Occupied:** 65%
- **ZIP Codes:** 95018
- **Coordinates:** 37.0509, -122.0733

## Best For

outdoor-enthusiasts, families, remote-workers

## Schools

| School | Type | Grades | Rating | District |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| San Lorenzo Valley Elementary | Elementary | K-5 | 6/10 | San Lorenzo Valley Unified |
| San Lorenzo Valley Middle | Middle | 6-8 | 6/10 | San Lorenzo Valley Unified |
| San Lorenzo Valley High | High | 9-12 | 8/10 | San Lorenzo Valley Unified |
| St. Lawrence Academy | Private | K-8 | — | Private |

## Peak Commute Times

- **Netflix HQ:** 38 min
- **Adobe HQ:** 42 min
- **Zoom HQ:** 42 min
- **PayPal HQ:** 45 min
- **Broadcom HQ:** 45 min
- **Apple Park:** 48 min
- **Cisco HQ:** 50 min
- **ServiceNow HQ:** 50 min
- **Samsung Semiconductor:** 50 min
- **Googleplex:** 52 min
- **Amazon Sunnyvale:** 52 min
- **LinkedIn HQ:** 52 min
- **Meta HQ:** 58 min
- **Salesforce Tower:** 1h 18m

## FAQs

**What is it like living in Felton?**

Felton offers a peaceful, nature-focused lifestyle surrounded by redwoods. Residents enjoy hiking at Henry Cowell, community events, and a small-town feel while being about 15 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz and 40 minutes from Bay Area tech offices.

**Is Felton affordable compared to Santa Cruz?**

Yes, Felton's median home price of around $850,000 is significantly lower than coastal Santa Cruz neighborhoods. The trade-off is a longer, winding commute down Highway 9 to reach the coast or Highway 17.