Ben Lomond is a small mountain community in the San Lorenzo Valley, surrounded by redwoods and centered along Highway 9. It offers a quieter, more rural style of living than the coastal communities of Santa Cruz County, while remaining within driving distance of Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, and Silicon Valley. The San Lorenzo River runs through the area, and the community includes a mix of neighborhoods, wooded roads, and properties tucked into the surrounding hills.
Homes in Ben Lomond range from modest cabins and older cottages to larger custom homes, creekside properties, and residences on more private wooded parcels. The housing stock can vary considerably, and two homes located only a short distance apart may differ significantly in sunlight, road access, lot usability, utilities, and overall setting.
People are often drawn to Ben Lomond for the redwoods, sense of privacy, local community, and access to outdoor recreation. The area generally feels more relaxed and removed from the pace of the coast. Summers can also be noticeably warmer than in Santa Cruz, while winter nights may be colder due to the reduced coastal influence.
Mountain living does come with practical considerations. Depending on the property, buyers may need to evaluate wildfire exposure, insurance availability, drainage, septic systems, wells, retaining walls, tree maintenance, road conditions, and access during storms or power outages. Properties near rivers or creeks may also require closer review of flood zones and historical drainage conditions.
The biggest mistake buyers make is assuming every Ben Lomond property offers the same type of mountain lifestyle. Some homes are close to Highway 9 and everyday services, while others are reached by narrow roads and feel considerably more remote. Sun exposure is another major variable. A bright, open property can feel very different from one located deep beneath the redwood canopy.
Ben Lomond can be a great fit for buyers who value nature, privacy, community, and a slower pace of life. The key is understanding how the specific property functions throughout the year, not simply how appealing it looks during a single showing.
7,150 people live in Ben Lomond, where the median age is 46.1 and the average individual income is $58,066. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Ben Lomond, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Highline Surf Instruction, Ease Mountain Yoga & Wellness, and Quail Hollow Ranch County Park.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
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| Active | 4.37 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.73 miles | 23 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.61 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.8 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.62 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Ben Lomond has 2,774 households, with an average household size of 2.55. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Ben Lomond do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 7,150 people call Ben Lomond home. The population density is 605 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
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10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
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Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
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Blue vs White Collar Workers
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