Looking for info about living in rural San Mateo County/Santa Cruz Mountains (La Honda, Pescadero, Skyline Blvd, etc) (San Francisco: apartment, rentals)

[shadowthesilence]

I'm interested in getting some insight and advice about life/living in the rural parts of San Mateo County in/around the Santa Cruz Mountains area. I'm a male in my late 20's who teaches music and has been living in San Francisco for almost a decade. However, I'm absolutely in love with the Santa Cruz Mountains area just south of the city and have considered moving there in the future to pursue a slower paced of life surrounded by nature, while still being relatively commutable to SF. I'm a pretty easy going open minded guy who leans a bit more on the bohemian side, really into hiking, music, and nature.

I'm in love with the redwood trees, natural beauty, and vibe of this area, and have felt a weird "pull" to reside in this area. I've spent a lot of time in this area driving and hiking around, and feel pretty familiar with the roads in the area, along with what the commute is like to/from SF. However, I have no idea about what it's like to actually live in any of these areas.

There seems to be enough information about the Santa Cruz mountain towns south of this area, such as Boulder Creek and Felton, but I'm seeking information about the area north of Highway 9 and Big Basin (), between highway 280, 1, and 92.

I'm interested in any helpful information concerning the following areas:
-Towns: La Honda, Pescadero, Skylonda, Redwood Terrace, Loma Mar, Butano Park, Lobitos, Kings Mountain, Woodside, Portola Valley
-Highways: CA-1 south of Half Moon Bay, CA-35 south of 92, Alpine Rd, Tunitas Creek Road, Kings Mountain Road, Old La Honda Road, Pescadero Creek Road, Page Mill Road, Star Hill Road

Any information at all concerning way of life and vibe in this part of California will be greatly appreciated. Maybe this can be a dedicated thread to this area. If you live or have lived in this area, or know anyone who does, I'd love to hear your insight.

Thanks, and Happy New Year to all.

[Ruth4Truth]

How are you with forest fire risk?

[shadowthesilence]

I have no experience living in fire country or dealing with forest fires. It's definitely something to consider. I understand the risks involved living in this area with regards to fire, especially after this last year with the tragic CZU fire. Same goes with the risk (or certainty at times) of extended power outages and disruptive road conditions, etc.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by shadowthesilence

I have no experience living in fire country or dealing with forest fires. It's definitely something to consider. I understand the risks involved living in this area with regards to fire, especially after this last year with the tragic CZU fire. Same goes with the risk (or certainty at times) of extended power outages and disruptive road conditions, etc.

Well, there are parts of Santa Cruz, that don't get power outages. You might get lucky, and find such a corner somewhere, in the areas you've mentioned, but my guess is, that it's unlikely. And, I assume you're talking--rentals?

You said, you'd be commuting occasionally to SF? I'd focus on the choices that promise an easier commute, as well as a good exit strategy, in case of fire. I must say, I don't blame you for being enchanted with the redwoods!

[Ruth4Truth]

I'm thinking about Woodside, OP. From there, you could drive to the train in Menlo Park, and commute to SF by train. That would be the least hassle. If you score a location in/near the redwoods, you'd have an easy out to "civilization" in case of fire. I wonder if there's public transit from Woodside to the train.

[sacreole]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

I'm thinking about Woodside, OP. From there, you could drive to the train in Menlo Park, and commute to SF by train. That would be the least hassle. If you score a location in/near the redwoods, you'd have an easy out to "civilization" in case of fire. I wonder if there's public transit from Woodside to the train.

SamTrans Route 278 runs along Woodside Road and links Woodside to the Redwood City Transit Center and Caltrain.

https://www.samtrans.com/schedulesan...ables/278.html

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by sacreole

SamTrans Route 278 runs along Woodside Road and links Woodside to the Redwood City Transit Center and Caltrain.

https://www.samtrans.com/schedulesan...ables/278.html

Shazam, OP!

[Ruth4Truth]

I took a quick look at rentals in Woodside. I got the impression, that if you want to be nestled in the redwoods, or at least, on a property with redwoods in the yard, your best bet is to find a good in-law unit. Otherwise, you'll be in apartment buildings in urban areas. Here's an example of a large in-law studio in Woodside. More like a 1-br., really. The location looks like it's in-between two redwood parks.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/apa...258917533.html

One potential downside to Woodside is, that it's close enough to Stanford, that students snap up housing like this. I don't know if on-campus classes are in session during Covid, though. If not, that could work in your favor.

[shadowthesilence]

Thanks for the feedback so far, but I'm still interested in anyone who has any insight about living in this part of rural San Mateo County in Santa Cruz Mountains/redwoods/coast area/etc

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by shadowthesilence

Thanks for the feedback so far, but I'm still interested in anyone who has any insight about living in this part of rural San Mateo County in Santa Cruz Mountains/redwoods/coast area/etc

OK, so in the year since you posted here, you haven't found anything? No progress to report?