A Guide of Things to Know Before Moving to Hollister, CA

The real estate market in the Bay Area is as diverse as each of its many regions. It’s one of the nation’s most densely populated areas with a wide range of microclimates, landscapes, and ways to live.

Over the past few years, more people have chosen the open spaces of Hollister in San Benito County and the Central Coast and South Bay over the busy pace of San Jose or the Silicon Valley.

If you’re considering making this transition, San Benito Realty has been living, farming, and managing real estate in the area since 1959. We know all the things you need to know before moving to Hollister, CA. That’s why we made this no-nonsense guide to schools, costs, and finding the right plot of land.

We’ll help you understand the real trade-offs—schools, commute patterns, and the true cost of living beyond the purchase price. This guide covers what to consider if you’re deciding between places to live near Hollister, whether it be an in-town home or a small land parcel outside city limits.

Hollister, CA School Districts: A Guide

Most of Hollister’s school districts were established in the late 1800s as separate entities. At that time, elementary “common schools” and more intensive “high schools” were often governed and funded differently by the state. While many California cities eventually merged their different K–12 systems into one local district, Hollister’s districts chose to remain independent to maintain local control over specific grade levels.

The San Benito County Office of Education (SBCOE) provides administrative and special education support to approximately 11,500 students across 27 schools in 11 distinct school districts.

• Elementary (K–8): Hollister, North County Joint Union, Bitterwater-Tully, Cienega, Jefferson, Panoche, Southside, Tres Pinos, and Willow Grove.
• High School (9–12): San Benito High School District
• Unified Local (K–12): Aromas-San Juan

Education here isn’t one-size-fits-all. Hollister and the surrounding San Benito County area offer a diverse range of educational pathways tailored to different student needs, like the Hollister Dual Language Academy, a highly ranked K–8 school that follows a 50/50 English-Spanish immersion model, the Accelerated Achievement Academy focused on Project-Based Learning (PBL), and a new Academy of Education for the 2026-27 school year, alongside existing Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways in health and medical fields.

Charter & private schools like Hollister Prep School, a K–8 public charter school, and Sacred Heart School, a private Catholic school serving K–8 students, offer opportunities for families interested in schooling alternatives.

School district boundaries and enrollment rules can change based on local decisions. Before you commit to a specific address, confirm your attendance zones and enrollment details directly with the district.

Hollister Cost of Living Guide

Since 1959, San Benito Realty has been guiding buyers through the unique ins and outs of Hollister real estate. We’re a third-generation family business committed to providing you with a comprehensive view before you invest in our community.

• Average Estimated Home Prices: On the pricing side, Hollister is typically far less expensive than other Bay Area cities. Recent market data shows a Hollister median sale price around ~$750K, compared with ~$1.25M in San Jose and ~$1.4M in Santa Clara for homes averaging 2,000 square feet.
• Commuting Value: Many families will live in Hollister and commute regularly to other locations for work, and common commutes include Hwy 25 as a primary corridor with connections to Hwy 101, I-5, and the I-80 corridor depending on your destination. Many workers on a hybrid schedule will commute to work 2-3 days a week, which can create a best-of-both-worlds situation for a homeowner interested in space and a calmer lifestyle with the perks of major cities nearby.
• A Different Lifestyle: Many newcomers to Hollister will notice lower grocery prices compared to Bay Area cities. Many residents take advantage of local farm stands and seasonal produce, and weekend activities include local events, walking trails, open-space exploring, and wine-country day trips as well as access to big-ticket city entertainment.
• In-town vs Rural Utilities and Services: One of the biggest surprises to many homeowners is how costs shift outside city limits. In town, you typically have standard monthly utilities (water/sewer, etc.). You won’t necessarily have that same monthly expense, but you do have to be prepared to handle the maintenance yourself.

Why Choose San Benito Realty for Your Real Estate Needs?

Hollister has a unique way of blending its agricultural and ranching roots with the needs of a modern Bay Area family. Whether you’re looking to buy a home in town or if you’re interested in buying a farm or commercial property, at San Benito Realty, we are here to assist.

Explore our Hollister Listings, contact us online, or give us a call to see how we can help.