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Scotts Valley, CA

Frequently asked questions

Scotts Valley, CA

Scotts Valley is a small city in Santa Cruz County, California, United States, about thirty miles (48 km) south of downtown San Jose and six miles (9.7 km) north of the city of Santa Cruz, in the upland slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 12,224. Principal access to the city is supplied by State Route 17 which connects San Jose and Santa Cruz. The city was incorporated in 1966.

Approximately ten thousand years ago there was a lake in the lowest elevation of Scotts Valley. Archeological excavations of site CA-SCR-177 (Scotts Valley Site) in 1983 and 1987 support dates for human settlement of this area between 9,000 and 12,000 years before present (YBP). The lake drained during the Mid-Holocene warming period (4,000-5,000 YBP) forming what is now known as Carbonera Creek. When the lake drained, the people moved downslope following the lake water’s transformation as it became the creek. Around 2000 BC, Ohlone people occupied areas along the remaining creeks, spring and seep areas, along with permanent and seasonal drainages, and on flat ridges and terraces. Permanent villages were usually placed on elevations above seasonal flood levels. Surrounding areas were used for hunting and seed, acorn, and grass gathering. Therefore, areas along watercourses are considered likely locations for prehistoric cultural resources. Several watercourses, including portions of Carbonera Creek, Bean Creek, and MacKenzie Creek, are within the city.

Scotts Valley is in the west hills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. State Route 17 connects Scotts Valley to Santa Cruz to the south and Los Gatos, San Jose, and the South Bay area to the north. Scotts Valley is located at the southern end of the WWF-designated Northern California coastal forests ecoregion.

According to the United States Census Bureau, it has a total area of 4.6 square miles (12 km2), all land. It is in central Santa Cruz County, in the northern portion of the North Central Coast Air Basin.

Scotts Valley emphasizes health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Scotts Valley Recreation and Community Services Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Anytime Fitness, Enterprise Sports Club Gym, and 49ers Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Scotts Valley, such as the MacDorsa Park and the Hocus Pocus Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Scotts Valley, CA are Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, The Mystery Spot, and Skypark.

Population: 11,879 (2023). ZIP code: 95066. Area code: 831. Elevation: 600 feet (183 m). Area: 4.62 sq mi (11.96 km2).

FAQs

What is the history of Scott Valley, CA?

Scotts Valley was named after Hiram Scott who purchased Rancho San Agustin, including the valley, in 1850 from Joseph Ladd Majors. Before Majors, the property was owned by José Bolcoff. Bolcoff was the original settler and the first European to claim the title and live in what was to be Scotts Valley.

Is Scotts Valley, CA a good place to live?

Scotts Valley is in Santa Cruz County and is one of the best places to live in California. Living in Scotts Valley offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Scotts Valley, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

Is Scotts Valley, CA safe?

The crime rate in Scotts Valley is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest. However, at 20 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Scotts Valley is 1 in 50. Based on FBI crime data, Scotts Valley is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to California, Scotts Valley has a crime rate that is higher than 57% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Scotts Valley

Scotts Valley Recreation and Community Services Department

Anytime Fitness

Enterprise Sports Club Gym

49ers Fitness

MacDorsa Park

Hocus Pocus Park

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

The Mystery Spot

Skypark

History

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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