Elkhorn, CA

Elkhorn is a quiet, rural community tucked into northern Monterey County, just south of Watsonville and a short drive from Monterey Bay. Home to around 1,600 residents, the area offers a relaxed countryside lifestyle surrounded by strawberry fields and rolling coastal hills. Life here centers closely around the Elkhorn Slough, a protected tidal waterway famous for its thriving sea otter populations, harbor seals, and world-class birdwatching.

Local kids attend Elkhorn Elementary before heading to middle and high schools in the neighboring North Monterey County district. Living here means having kayaking, hiking trails, and peaceful nature preserves right in your backyard. It has a secluded, small-town feel, yet convenient road connections make commuting to Salinas, stopping for fresh seafood in Moss Landing, or heading up toward Santa Cruz simple for daily errands and work.