Montara
Where in the world is Montara? This stunningly beautiful area is tucked away about ten miles north of Half Moon Bay, California, overlooking the spectacular Montara State Beach. This location is also less than 20 miles to San Francisco and the San Mateo County peninsula. One can see both the beach and the homes dotting the gentle hillside when driving south on Highway 1 after you’ve passed Devil’s Slide and are about to reach the coastside communities. The communities include (if you are heading south) Montara, Moss Beach, El Granada and Half Moon Bay. If you keep driving south another 15 miles or so past Half Moon Bay, you will see Pescadero.
Located at the northern end of the coastside communities, Montara is an eclectic village with no more than 2,000 residents. It sits at the base of Montara Mountain. Clearly the local “mountain” where many residents and visitors can hike, mountain bike, and trail ride throughout. With homes mostly located on the east side of Highway 1, there is a sense of community here as residents and visitors walk and bike through the no-sidewalk, tree-lined streets. There are a few oceanfront homes lining the Montara bluffs. Montara is not a City in itself; it is unincorporated San Mateo County. Farallone View Elementary School is located here, along with McNee Ranch, a small grocery store & gas station, Cafe Lucca, Borsini-Burr Gallery, Maren Salon, all anchored by the Montara Post Office at 7th & Main. Toward the back of Montara are Portola Estates and Sunshine Valley; there’s even an Alpaca farm. The mix of homes and parcel sizes are varied with the overall feel being rural but not isolated.
Montara started out as an artist village. Perhaps the feeling of living among beautiful natural surroundings is inspiration. Many homes have stunning views the ocean, Devil’s Slide, and/or Montara Mountain. Towards the back of Montara, you will find some of the best weather on the coast (although still a coastal climate), highlighting the micro-climates one can find even in our small stretch of towns.