Why the Coastside Is the Best Place to Raise a Kid

There’s something special about raising a family on the Coastside—a stretch of small towns hugging the ocean just south of San Francisco. From Montara to Half Moon Bay, this tight-knit, beachy community offers the kind of childhood most parents only wish they’d had. Here, kids grow up grounded, adventurous, and surrounded by nature, with a village of locals cheering them on every step of the way.

If you’re thinking about putting down roots in a place where community matters and your kids can thrive—this is it.

1. Small-Town Living, Big-Hearted People

We may be just 30 minutes from the Peninsula tech hubs, but it feels like a world away. Towns like Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Moss Beach, and Montara still operate on a first-name basis. You’ll see familiar faces at Cunha’s Country Store, cheering in the stands at high school games, and waiting in line for pastries at Moonside Bakery.

Our schools reflect that same small-town charm. Hatch Elementary in Half Moon Bay, Farallone View Elementary in Montara, and El Granada Elementary all offer a close-knit, neighborhood feel, while Cunha Intermediate and Half Moon Bay High School continue that connection all the way through. Teachers and staff truly know their students—by name, by personality, and by potential.

2. The Grom Life Is Alive and Well

On the Coastside, “grom life” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a rite of passage. By middle school, kids are biking to school with surfboards strapped to their racks, checking Surfer’s Beach on their way home. They learn to time the tides, read the swell, and head straight from the classroom to the lineup.

Local surf breaks like Linda Mar, Venice Beach, and the Jetty are where they spend their afternoons. Whether they’re paddling out at Miramar or skating the ramps at Half Moon Bay Skatepark, this isn’t just outdoor play—it’s a lifestyle.

And yes—Half Moon Bay High School has a surf team. How cool is that? These kids don’t just dream about the surf—they compete in it, representing their school while doing what they love most. It’s the kind of opportunity that doesn’t exist in just any community, and it’s just one more reason the Coastside is an incredible place to grow up.

3. School Spirit Runs Deep

Walk into a Friday night football game at Half Moon Bay High and you’ll feel it instantly: school spirit on full blast. The Cougars take the field, the bleachers are packed, the student section is roaring, and families are bundled up in orange and black. It’s more than just a game—it’s a community gathering. You’ll see elementary kids looking up to the high schoolers, parents volunteering at the snack shack, and alumni returning home just to relive it all.

From football games to homecoming parades to community theater at the high school, our kids grow up with a strong sense of pride and belonging. It’s a place where involvement matters—and everyone shows up.

4. Adventure Is the After-School Program

Here, kids don’t need screens to be entertained—they’ve got redwood forests, tide pools, and hiking trails just beyond their backyard. And when school’s out? Summer camp is in session.

Programs like Upgrade Children's Center’s Coastal Adventure Summer Camp turn our local environment into an unforgettable classroom. Their campers explore tide pools, kayak, build sand castles, create art inspired by the sea, and learn about local wildlife—all while soaking in the sun and salt air.

Other local favorites include:

• Half Moon Bay Parks & Rec camps – with offerings from sports to art to ocean safety

• YMCA day camps in Half Moon Bay and Pacifica

• Junior Lifeguards at Half Moon Bay State Beach

• Montara Mountain and Purisima Creek Redwoods for weekend hikes with panoramic views and shaded trails

Our kids grow up with dirty hands, salty hair, and wide eyes—learning about nature by living in it.

5. Everyday Life Feels Like a Vacation

People drive hours to spend a day here. For us, it’s just home.

We start our mornings with a walk along the Coastal Trail, wave to neighbors over coffee at Cafe Mezza Luna, and end the day watching the sun dip into the Pacific from Surfer’s Beach or the Miramar bluffs. The rhythm is slower here. There’s space to breathe, time to connect, and room for your kids to grow up surrounded by beauty and balance.

When you raise kids in a place where people vacation, you’re giving them more than just a beautiful backdrop—you’re giving them a childhood full of freedom, fresh air, and unforgettable moments.

Ready to Put Down Roots?

If you’re dreaming about raising your family in a place where nature, community, and adventure are part of everyday life, I’d love to help.

As a local parent and Realtor®, I know just how special the Coastside is—and we’d be honored to help you find the home and neighborhood that feels just right.