Brookdale Homes under $1 million

Welcome to Brookdale, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz County, California. This enchanting neighborhood seamlessly blends natural beauty with a charming community vibe, making it an ideal place for families, retirees, and anyone seeking a tranquil lifestyle. Surrounded by towering redwoods and the soothing sounds of the nearby river, Brookdale offers a picturesque setting that feels like a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

One of the most appealing aspects of Brookdale is its diverse range of homes available for under $1 million. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to downsize, you'll find a variety of options that cater to different tastes and budgets. From cozy cottages with rustic charm to modern homes with updated amenities, Brookdale's real estate market has something for everyone. The affordability of homes in this idyllic setting makes it an attractive option for those wanting to invest in a peaceful community without breaking the bank.

In addition to its stunning landscapes, Brookdale boasts a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy local parks, hiking trails, and the serene beauty of nature right at their doorstep. The neighborhood is also conveniently located near essential amenities, including grocery stores, schools, and dining options, ensuring that everything you need is just a short drive away.

Discover the warmth and charm of Brookdale, where affordable homes and a welcoming community come together to create a perfect place to call home. Whether you’re ready to make the move or simply exploring your options, Brookdale is waiting for you!

Newest Brookdale Homes under $1 million

$649,000

2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ ML82062525 MLS

Tucked among the redwoods and set back from the road, this remodeled mountain retreat offers privacy, charm, and a remarkable story. Originally built in 1905, this charming home has deep roots in Brookdale's early history. The first owner was a contributor to the movement that helped preserve Big Basin Redwoods. The home was known as 'The Call of the Wild' where gatherings of writers, artists and early conservationists were inspired by the Santa Cruz Mountains. Today the home blends that historic character with modern comfort. Vaulted ceilings, skylights, wood floors and a stone hearth create a warm and inviting living space while the updated kitchen features stone countertops and modern appliances. Outdoor living is central to the property with multiple seating areas, a large entertaining deck, a hot tub beneath the redwoods and a detached studio ideal for an office, art space, or guest overflow. The fully fenced property offers parking for multiple vehicles and a seasonal babbling brook that adds to the peaceful setting. This move-in ready home offers a rare blend of history and comfort just a short drive to Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz, the beaches, and hiking in Big Basin and Henry Cowell. A unique opportunity to own a piece of history in a setting that continues to inspire.

11931 Highway 9, Boulder Creek

Listed by MaryBeth McLaughlin, 831-252-4085 from Room Real Estate
(If provided) CoList: from

$730,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ ML82053468 MLS

This 3 bed/1.5 bath home offers easy access to commute routes and world class outdoor recreation, with local favorites like The Brookdale Lodge and Highlands Park just around the corner, including soccer and baseball fields, picnic areas, swimming holes, and playgrounds. Beautiful wood accents run throughout this rustic home with modern amenities. The kitchen features black stainless appliances, including an electric range and oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator. A dining area sits adjacent to the kitchen, and high ceilings add to the sense of space throughout. Enjoy the warmth of a wood stove fireplace, complemented by central forced air gas heating. An in-home washer and dryer add everyday convenience. Numerous upgrades include a repaved asphalt driveway, LVP flooring upstairs, and updated kitchen cabinets. The spacious deck is perfect for dining al fresco or relaxing in a hammock after a long week. Set on a generous 16,988 square foot lot, this property offers plenty of outdoor space to enjoy. Experience the best of Brookdale living in this delightful home.

191 High ST, Brookdale

Listed by The Madani Team, 831.331.9080 from Room Real Estate
(If provided) CoList: Ashley Hill from Room Real Estate

$849,900

4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ ML82050883 MLS

This turnkey redwood home has over $160,000 in recent upgrades don't miss the opportunity to own a thoughtfully improved home in a magical setting w/ the incredible option to assume the loan at 4.875%. This spacious, thoughtfully designed home features a great floor plan connecting the living area to an expansive chefs kitchen, featuring newly installed countertops, sink, & lighting. Stainless steel appliances, ample counter space, & storage make this kitchen a dream. Natural light pours through oversized windows, framing stunning forest views throughout the home. The luxurious primary suite includes a massive walk-in closet & an elegant ensuite bathroom. Each bedroom is spacious, w/ soaring ceilings and smart layouts, while the fourth bedroom w/ a private entrance & sink provides flexible space for long-term guests, rental potential, or multigenerational living. Significant renovations include the driveway, generac whole home generator, retaining walls, furnace, & hot water system, ensuring comfort & reliability for years to come. Stay cool or cozy year-round with the new upstairs mini-split HVAC system, and enjoy eco-conscious living with an E-car charger already installed. Outdoors, the property is equally impressive: fenced backyard, & low-maintenance turf offer ideal spaces.

11691 Alta Via DR, Brookdale

Listed by The Madani Team, 831-234-6683 from Room Real Estate
(If provided) CoList: Jose Salas from Coldwell Banker Realty

$535,000

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ ML82056465 MLS

Imagine being surrounded by nature! This vintage charmer is located in the heart of Brookdale where the history is rich. Perched perfectly at the top of a large .66 acre lot, this home has everything you need to live the ultimate mountain life. Open living room with high ceilings and soaring windows bring the outside in, looking out to towering mature Redwoods and distant ridge tops. Original stone hearth and wood floors maintain a feeling of the past while being fully functional in today's world. There is a nice separation of the two bedrooms with an additional room in between. Maybe a third bedroom, sitting room, hobby room, family room? The opportunity is here to make it your own. Antiquated stone work with meandering paths and steps lead you through the expansive property featuring room to garden, established landscaping and fruit trees. Walk to the historic Brookdale Lodge, Brookdale Post office, diner and grocery. 15 minutes to Scotts Valley, 25 to Santa Cruz and 40 to San Jose.

1045 Forest WAY, Brookdale

Listed by Heidi Hart, 831-247-9410 from California Dreaming
(If provided) CoList: from

$499,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ ML82055891 MLS

Substantial price improvement on magical location in Brookdale above the San Lorenzo river. Handyperson/contractor special. Constant sound of water from the creek is amazing. House needs complete remodel and has an open layout with lots of natural light, waiting for your design. Would make a great Air-BNB property. All beds are above garage area. 2 car garage, room to park out front, room on the side currently a dog run, new furnace, hobby room currently built in the garage. This property is served by natural gas and public water.

11045 Riverside RD, Brookdale

Listed by Peter Myers, 831-234-1922 from Trade-In Real Estate
(If provided) CoList: from

$595,000

2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ ML82052035 MLS

Tucked into the redwoods behind the historic Brookdale Lodge, this light filled mountain retreat feels like a private treehouse in the forest. Follow the winding road home and leave the traffic, screens and schedules behind. Enter through the kitchen to a comfortable living room featuring multiple skylights, a wood-burning stove, and a glass-brick-topped half wall that creates distinct spaces while maintaining an open feel. Each bedroom offers its own character: the upstairs bedroom has soaring ceilings, a balcony, and magnificent forest views, while the downstairs bedroom includes a cozy nook perfect for reading, studying, daydreaming. Modern conveniences abound, including solar power, a LIFX smart lighting system, and an ENVO smart toilet with bidet. Outside, a spacious redwood deck invites relaxation beneath the trees, with a hot tub nearby for soaking under the stars. Two additional structures provide flexibility for storage, hobbies, or a potential work-from-home space. Whether you are seeking a full-time residence, weekend escape, or creative sanctuary, this Brookdale hideaway offers the rare opportunity to live among the redwoods and feel like you're on vacation every day. Wake to birdsong, unwind beneath the stars, and rediscover what it means to slow down.

135 Oak ST, Brookdale

Listed by Denise Delaney, (408)202-2331 from Coldwell Banker Realty
(If provided) CoList: from

$831,000

3 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ CRC1-11355 MLS

A rare opportunity has arrived in Brookdale, one of the San Lorenzo Valley's most promising communities, just minutes from Santa Cruz. This beautifully updated 3BR/1BA home offers 1,080 sq ft of modern comfort, featuring new granite countertops, a stainless farmhouse sink, contemporary cabinetry, a refreshed bathroom, new vinyl flooring, fresh interior paint, and a convenient 1-car garage. Step outside to your private deck and garden area, surrounded by majestic redwoods that create the peaceful mountain atmosphere buyers love.What truly sets this property apart is the additional 12,066 sq ft vacant parcel next door at 11165 Hwy 9, complete with its own address and APN. This is an exceptionally rare chance to expand your footprint--build a second home, create a guest retreat, add recreational space, or simply hold the land as a long-term investment. Opportunities like this almost never come to market in Brookdale.All of this is located just a short, scenic drive to Santa Cruz beaches, dining, shopping, and entertainment, while still offering the serenity and charm of mountain living. Buyers to verify all details and permits.

11181 HWY 9, Brookdale

Listed by Lorrie Glover, (707) 357-6700 from Shoreline Properties
(If provided) CoList: from

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The data relating to real estate for sale on this display comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of the MLSListingsTM MLS system. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate: BEST LIFE are marked with the Internet Data Exchange and detailed information about them includes the names of the listing brokers and listing agents.
Based on information from MLSListings MLS as of . All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker or MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.