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Moss Beach - Real Estate

2005 Average Home Sales Price: $1,037,500*
Population: 3,767**
5.5 miles north of Half Moon Bay

The first to realize the potential of Moss Beach real estate was Jergen Wienke. Around 1890 he arrived in the area and is credited with naming Moss Beach for its notably abundant growth of sea moss, an edible seaweed. After the hotel he built burned down in 1911 he remained in the area and was prominent in business and politics. The street "Wienke Way," still existing, lead to the site of his hotel. "Nyes Reef" restaurant and casino was built prior to World War I. The Reefs hosted such luminaries as Jack London and Luther Burbank. Thus was the beginning of the real estate market in Moss Beach.

Around 1920 in Moss Beach there were many summer homes and businesses in existence on this beautiful oceanside real estate. Prohibition was big business and Seal Cove was very popular with the bootleggers for landing their "booze," as it was secluded and next to a roadhouse that was built in 1917. This "speakeasy" was later known as Frank's Place. Today it is the Moss Beach Distillery and is famous for its "Blue Lady" ghost, as well as its spectacular setting and fine food.

Another Moss Beach attraction is the famous "Fitzgerald Marine Reserve." This is a protected 3-mile area of tidal pools.

Moss Beach real estate, consisting of building lots, homes and ranches, has had a remarkable growth over the past 10 years and is truly a remarkable area within which to live.

*Source: San Mateo Board of Realtors
** Population based on zip code 94038 2000 census

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