Scotts Valley is located just south of San Jose and north of the Santa Cruz beach off of Highway 17. The area, which is surrounded by Redwoods, was originally settled by the Ohlone Native American tribe in about 2000 BC. The tribe enjoyed the area's copious waterways, including springs, and creeks such as Carbonera Creek, Bean Creek, MacKenzie Creek, and the San Lorenzo River.

Namesake Hiram Schott purchased Rancho San Augustin and the surrounding valley in 1850, thus beginning the urban development of the area. Scott House, Scott's original house, built in Greek revival style, is now a Santa Cruz County Historical Trust Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Recreation and Attractions
Residents of Scotts Valley spend time enjoying the arts and outdoor gardens. However, many of these attractions have closed its doors, such as Beverly Gardens, which was established in the 1930's as a place for exotic birds, animals, a restaurant and cabins. Lost World, formerly The Tree Circus when it opened in 1947, was a garden featuring unusually-shaped trees and life size painted dinosaurs that overlook Highway 17. Santa's Village was perhaps the most popular of all of the Scotts Valley attractions, which has drawn in millions of visitors in more than 20 years of operations.

For residents looking to spend time outside, they can head to nearby Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and the Roaring Camp Railroads.

Demographics
Today the city throbs with activity. Six shopping centers serve the populace, as well as people from outlying areas. Beautiful mobile home parks, subdivisions and condominiums have brought new people to the area. With at least ten major electronic firms, the valley has leaped into the High-Tech Age. History is being made on a daily basis in the youthful city of Scotts Valley!

There are about 12,000 residents in Scotts Valley across 4,200 households. The median household income is about $73,000.

Did You Know…
Filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock lived in Scotts Valley in a mountaintop estate from 1940 to 1972.

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