La Selva Beach is a tiny farming-cum-beach community found near Aptos, California. It has a suburban-rural feel and laid back vibe favored by lots of families looking for a conducive environment in which to raise their kids.
History
Originally named Rob Roy, La Selva Beach was founded in 1925 by David Batchelor, a Scotsman who chose a Scottish name for his development. A decade later, under a new developer, it was rechristened to La Selva Beach, likely owing to the dense woodland area that existed nearby at the time. La Selva is Spanish for “the Jungle.”
Location
La Selva is considered a prime location in Santa Cruz County. Every inch of its total land area of 5.3 square miles is put to good use, with many desirable luxury properties perched near the ocean. Coastal farms abound in this semi-rural area, where agriculture remains the biggest driver of the economy.
Demographics
As can be expected from the small land area, the population is also fairly small: US census records indicate just under 3000 residents. The town has a tight-knit community, and many have lived here for generations. Residents are friendly and welcoming to all. There is a community center that holds regular events, contributing to the neighborly vibe.
Employment
La Selva’s workforce is engaged in a variety of industries. While agriculture is still the main moneymaker, there are many other jobs available in other business areas. In fact, La Selva is home to renowned professionals in the recording industry as well as those involved in more athletic pursuits like baseball, football and skateboarding. It is a fairly easy commute to urban areas.
Things to do in La Selva
La Selva may seem tiny by many standards, but it’s big in terms of the variety of things one can do. It’s a no-brainer to hit the beach and enjoy the typical local pursuits on any given day. La Selva’s coastline is beautiful beyond compare and hosts a wide variety of marine life.
Manresa State Beach is popular with both residents and tourists who love to camp, fish, surf or go boogie boarding. Many people visit Manresa State Beach just for its incomparable views of the sunset.
This state-protected beach nestled along Monterey Bay offers expansive views of bluff-backed sands and the sea. That’s not all. It also gives you a glimpse of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the northwest, as well as the Monterey Peninsula hills to the southwest.
If cooking gets to be a chore or you simply have a hankering for coastal Mexican fare or, perhaps, American fine dining or even some pizza with beer, hie yourself off to any of the excellent restaurants nearby. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you can be sure that there will be a specialist restaurant catering to your tastes in the vicinity.
Mountain bikers may want to make a day of exploring the Nisene Marks or Wilder Ranch state parks. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite sport at any one of four amazing courses nearby: Delaveaga Golf Course, Pasatiempo Golf Club, Casserly Par 3, or Seascape Golf course.
Pay La Selva a visit in July and have fun at their 4th July Parade, which is quite the spectacle. Or visit the Santa Cruz Boardwalk for a fun day with the family: With games, food and shopping galore, everyone’s bound to have a great time. Wet your whistle at any of the wineries nearby, if that’s your thing. La Selva’s central park, known as “Triangle Park,” is another top attraction.
If you’re looking for a quieter life with excitement that is never too far away, La Selva is it. Many of the homes in the area were built mainly during the 1960s and 70s, but have undergone significant renovations. Choose from a fantastic range of eye-boggling luxury homes for sale in La Selva beach CA or give the more affordable condos and townhomes some consideration.
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