Aromas

When I talk with clients about hidden gems around the Bay Area, Aromas, California often comes up as one of those small, unassuming places that surprises people once they discover it. Tucked right where Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties meet, Aromas feels like the kind of town you stumble upon when you’re headed somewhere else—and then you find yourself thinking, “Wow, I could actually live here.”

Aromas has a fascinating history for such a small place. The town grew up as a farming community, with ranches and orchards dotting the hillsides. Even today, it retains that agricultural character. You’ll see horses, barns, and rolling pastures right alongside cozy neighborhoods. It’s the kind of place where a sense of history still lingers—you can feel it in the land, the community events, and the slower pace of life.

From a real estate perspective, Aromas is really interesting. Compared to the rest of Silicon Valley and Santa Cruz County, it’s more affordable, but you still get that California country lifestyle. Homes here tend to be single-family properties on larger lots. You’ll find ranch-style homes, custom builds, and some properties with acreage for gardening, animals, or just enjoying space you don’t typically get closer to the cities. It’s a haven for people who want to spread out a little, maybe have room for an ADU, or just enjoy privacy and quiet while still being connected to the Bay Area.

Lifestyle in Aromas reflects that rural character. If you’re the type who loves farmers markets, horseback riding, hiking nearby trails, or simply having space to breathe, this town delivers. But it’s not isolated. It sits right near Highway 101, so you’ve got direct access to Gilroy, Morgan Hill, San Jose, and Monterey. Santa Cruz beaches are a reasonable drive as well. You get the best of both worlds: quiet country living with access to job centers and amenities.

Schools in Aromas are served by the Aromas-San Juan Unified School District, which includes Aromas School for elementary grades and Anzar High School in nearby San Juan Bautista. Parents here often say they appreciate the smaller, more community-oriented feel of these schools. For families, it can be a refreshing change from the larger districts you find in bigger cities.

Transportation-wise, you’re looking at mostly driving—this is not a town with major public transit options. But for many, that’s part of the appeal. You come home to quiet evenings, starry skies, and a real sense of being “away,” even though you can commute out when needed.

When I think about Aromas, I think about opportunity. It’s an affordable entry point into homeownership compared to many parts of Santa Clara or Santa Cruz counties, yet you’re still in striking distance of all the tech jobs, cultural events, and coastlines that make this region so desirable. If your dream is to own land, garden, maybe raise chickens or just wake up to a little more space and peace, Aromas is worth a serious look.