With plenty of outdoor recreational activities, Half Moon Bay is a popular destination among tourists and prospective homebuyers. This California city hugs the coast of the Pacific Ocean, and it’s within commuting distance of Silicon Valley employment hubs. Homes here have a median price above $1 million, so the benefits of living in Half Moon Bay don’t come cheap. But if you’re ready and willing to take the plunge, you could become the new resident in one of the Bay Area’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

Here are four things you should know before moving to Half Moon Bay.

It’s Foggy A Lot

Foggy Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay photo courtesy of MARELBU

Think Karl the Fog makes for some cloudy days in San Francisco? Half Moon Bay is foggy many days out of the year, creating a misty, windy, and often chilly atmosphere. This microclimate means that if you live in Half Moon Bay, you may not see much sun for several days at a time. If you prefer to avoid excessive sunshine, Half Moon Bay might be the perfect spot for you, but sun worshippers may find themselves in need of more rays.

There’s Great Seafood

Seafood platter

If you love seafood, you’ll never run out of dining options in Half Moon Bay. With the ocean just a stone’s throw away, Half Moon Bay serves up some of the Bay Area’s best seafood at iconic locales such as Sam’s Chowder House, Flying Fish Bar and Grill, and Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. In fact, once you get used to the seafood scene in Half Moon Bay, it’s likely that everything from shrimp scampi to fish tacos to sashimi simply won’t taste the same anywhere else. 

You’ll Have All Kinds of Neighbors

Buoys on a fence in Half Moon Bay

With its proximity to Silicon Valley and its relaxing coastal atmosphere, Half Moon Bay attracts a wide variety of people. You might have neighbors who are techies in Silicon Valley and make the commute to Palo Alto or Cupertino every day. You might make friends with fishermen whose families have been fishing by the docks for generations. You might meet artists looking for a serene place in which to find inspiration for new projects. Or you might become buds with retirees who left the hectic cities behind, in search of a more peaceful atmosphere to spend their golden years. 

You’ll Want To Be Outdoorsy

San Gregorio State Beach in Half Moon Bay

Living in Half Moon Bay, you’ll find yourself drawn to the great outdoors because the city has so much beautiful nature to offer. Visit Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve to enjoy some moderately challenging hikes through California’s famous towering redwood trees. Also, the Coastside Trail is a popular spot for biking, walking, and running along the water. The Santa Cruz Mountains are popular with wine enthusiasts, as well as hikers who want to explore some gorgeous parks. If you’re a nature lover who enjoys exploring the great outdoors, you’ll likely want to spend all your time outside when living in Half Moon Bay.