Montara is a serene coastal community on the northern edge of the San Mateo County coastline, known for its rugged cliffs, wide open beaches, forested mountains and quiet village charm. Tucked between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, Montara offers dramatic natural beauty with a peaceful lifestyle that feels worlds away from the city yet remains within commuting distance of San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Its residential character, strong outdoor culture and breathtaking scenery make Montara one of the most sought after communities on the Coastside.
Montara’s appeal comes from its raw coastal beauty, tranquility and outdoor access.
Residents love:
Montara State Beach with wide sands and dramatic cliffs
Montara Mountain’s extensive network of hiking and biking trails
Quiet residential streets with large lots and ocean air
A strong sense of community and small town feel
Proximity to Princeton Harbor, Pacifica and Half Moon Bay
Spectacular sunsets and panoramic coastal vistas
Local cafes, farms and artisan markets
Montara offers an authentic coastal lifestyle surrounded by nature.
Montara life is slow paced, outdoors oriented and community driven. Residents often begin the day with a walk along Montara State Beach, a trail run up Montara Mountain or coffee at a local café. Evenings bring quiet neighborhood strolls, sunset viewing from coastal cliffs or casual gatherings with neighbors.
The lifestyle is peaceful and intentionally relaxed, offering a retreat from busier Bay Area communities. With wide open natural spaces and a strong connection to the coast, Montara attracts residents who value simplicity, beauty and outdoor adventure.
Coastal outdoor living defines Montara more than any other lifestyle. With direct access to oceanfront cliffs, mountain trails and scenic beaches, residents enjoy an immersive natural environment.
Highlights include:
Hiking Montara Mountain via McNee Ranch State Park
Beach walks, tidepooling and photography at Montara State Beach
Mountain biking along fire roads with sweeping views
Surfing at nearby breaks in Pacifica and Moss Beach
Wildlife watching including whales, seals and seabirds
Exploring Fitzgerald Marine Reserve just south of town
Montara’s outdoor opportunities are unmatched for a community of its size.
Montara and the surrounding Coastside offer abundant activities for all ages.
Popular options include:
Montara State Beach – a wide, scenic beach ideal for walking and relaxation
McNee Ranch State Park – trails leading to ocean viewpoints and Montara Mountain
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve – tide pools with diverse marine life
Point Montara Lighthouse – coastal views and historic charm
Harbor restaurants and seafood markets in nearby Princeton
Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail – biking and walking along the shoreline
Local farms and nurseries for fresh produce and plants
Nature, tranquility and scenic beauty define daily recreation in Montara.
Montara is served by the Cabrillo Unified School District, offering coastal community based education with supportive programs.
School advantages include:
Farallone View Elementary School, serving Montara families
Access to well regarded middle and high schools in Half Moon Bay
Nearby private schools throughout the Coastside and Peninsula
Walkable or short drive access to local campuses
Safe and scenic neighborhoods
Community involvement in school activities and events
Families appreciate Montara’s tight knit school community and natural learning environment.
Montara’s history is rooted in early coastal settlement, maritime activity and ranching. The community developed around the oceanfront cliffs and agricultural lands, later becoming a quiet residential village known for its lighthouse, natural beauty and rugged coastline.
Cultural elements include:
Historic Point Montara Lighthouse, dating back to the 1800s
Longstanding roots in fishing, ranching and coastal conservation
Artistic and environmentally focused community values
Preservation of natural landscapes and scenic vistas
Strong ties to Coastside traditions and seasonal events
Montara’s character reflects simplicity, history and environmental connection.
Montara offers a diverse mix of coastal homes, many set on large lots with forest or ocean views.
Common home types include:
Coastal cottages and bungalows near the village center
Custom hillside homes with dramatic ocean panoramas
Mid century and contemporary homes in quiet residential pockets
Renovated properties with open, light filled interiors
Larger estates backing onto mountain or open space
Fixer opportunities with strong long term value potential
Homes in Montara often feature decks, gardens and outdoor living spaces designed to maximize coastal views.
Montara’s real estate market remains strong due to its coastal setting and limited inventory.
Current trends include:
High demand from buyers seeking quieter coastal living
Competitive conditions for homes with ocean views
Interest from remote workers relocating from urban centers
Steady appreciation supported by proximity to Silicon Valley
Increased attention to updated and energy efficient homes
Limited supply maintaining strong pricing stability
Montara’s unique combination of scenery, space and proximity drives long term desirability.
Montara’s neighborhoods each offer a distinct connection to nature and the coast.
Notable areas include:
Montara Highlands – hillside living with expansive ocean and mountain views
Montara Village – walkability, charm and a small town feel
Near Point Montara Lighthouse – dramatic coastal edges and quiet living
East Montara – larger lots and forested surroundings
McNee Ranch vicinity – homes near mountain trails and open space
Each area provides peaceful living with direct access to Montara’s natural beauty.
Montara’s limited housing supply and strong coastal appeal create a competitive real estate environment. Buyers should expect high demand for homes with views, updated features or proximity to trails and the beach. Sellers benefit from consistent interest from Bay Area buyers seeking peaceful coastal living, larger lots and natural surroundings.
A focused approach to pricing, preparation and local market understanding supports successful outcomes in Montara.
2,897 people live in Montara, where the median age is 56 and the average individual income is $94,639. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Montara has 1,061 households, with an average household size of 2.71. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Montara do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 2,897 people call Montara home. The population density is 747.29 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Contact UsAddress
Coastside
42 N Cabrillo Highway
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Peninsula
1440 Chapin Ave., Suite 200
Burlingame, CA 94010
