Capitola

Welcome to Capitola

Located in Santa Cruz County on the coast of Monterey Bay and just 35 miles southwest of San Jose, Capitola is known for its close-knit communities, beautiful beaches, great surf, world-class recreational opportunities, and alternative community lifestyles. The city is also home to an array of charming boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and cultural spots. And with a convenient 10-minute drive to Santa Cruz, fun, relaxation, and educational opportunities can be found within close reach.

Real Estate in Capitola, CA

Capitola, CA, is a picturesque seaside village in Santa Cruz County known for its vibrant coastal charm, colorful beachfront homes, and relaxed lifestyle. As one of California’s oldest beach resorts, Capitola blends historic appeal with modern conveniences, making it a sought-after destination for homebuyers and vacationers alike. The real estate market in Capitola features a mix of classic beach cottages, oceanfront condos, and elegant single-family homes in quiet neighborhoods.

Whether you're looking for a walkable beachfront community or a peaceful home tucked away from the bustle, Capitola offers a variety of housing options that appeal to retirees, families, and second-home buyers.

Many properties in Capitola provide easy access to the beach, Capitola Village, and scenic views of the Monterey Bay. The town’s compact layout and coastal location make it a perfect spot for those who want to enjoy the laid-back California lifestyle while staying close to Santa Cruz and Highway 1 for commuting convenience.

Why Choose Capitola, CA

Capitola offers a unique blend of small-town warmth and vibrant seaside energy. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the colorful shops, restaurants, and wine bars of Capitola Village, all within walking distance to the beach. The town hosts lively community events year-round, including art and wine festivals, twilight concerts, and surf contests, adding to its charm.

Outdoor enthusiasts love the beach access, paddleboarding opportunities, and walking paths along the coast. Families are drawn to Capitola for its welcoming atmosphere, good schools, and safe environment, while retirees appreciate the tranquil vibe and ocean views. With its strong sense of community, walkability, and coastal allure, Capitola is a gem on California’s Central Coast.

Who Lives Here

Beach Lifestyle and Walkability Buyers
Capitola draws buyers who prioritize the ability to walk to the Village, the beach, and local boutiques over larger lot sizes or newer construction — a lifestyle premium that consistently outperforms broader market conditions.

Long-Term Owners and Multi-Generational Families
Capitola's ownership culture skews toward extremely long hold periods, with many owners keeping properties for decades. This creates a market where turnover is genuinely rare and buyers are often purchasing into a community rather than simply a house.

Bay Area and Silicon Valley Buyers
Capitola's proximity to Highway 17 and the broader Santa Cruz County corridor attracts Bay Area professionals seeking a coastal home or weekend retreat within a manageable drive of the South Bay.

Retirees and Downsizers
The town's walkable scale, mild coastal climate, and tight-knit community character make Capitola a natural fit for retirees who want beach-town living without the density of larger coastal cities.

Investment and Vacation Rental Buyers
Capitola's enduring tourist appeal, dating back to the 1850s, continues to support strong vacation rental interest, though buyers should confirm current short-term rental regulations before purchasing with rental income as a primary motivation.

Types of Homes Available

Capitola Village & Esplanade
The colorful beachfront neighborhood centered around the Esplanade and Monterey Avenue features a mix of historic cottages, condos, and small homes, many with direct ocean views. These are Capitola's most walkable and most tourist-adjacent properties, generally priced from $1.0 million to $2.0 million or more, though they also carry the highest exposure to Coastal Commission scrutiny, erosion, and flood risk.

Depot Hill
Perched on the bluff above the Village, Depot Hill offers larger homes with panoramic Monterey Bay views along quiet, largely dead-end streets closed to through traffic. This upscale, safe, and walkable neighborhood includes everything from charming bungalows to elegant estates and custom single-family homes, with pricing generally starting around $1.0 million and reaching well above $2 million for premier view properties.

Jewel Box
Named for its streets — Jade, Garnet, Opal — the Jewel Box sits between Capitola Road and Monterey Avenue and is the heart of Capitola's residential community. Flat and ideal for walking and biking, it offers a mix of charming cottages originally built as vacation homes in the 1920s through 1950s alongside modern renovations, often considered the sweet spot between Village energy and escape from summer tourist crowds.

Opal Cliffs, Cliffwood Heights & Riverview Terrace
These surrounding neighborhoods offer additional inventory across a range of price points and architectural styles, from established mid-century homes to more contemporary builds, providing alternatives to the Village's premium pricing while remaining within Capitola's small, walkable footprint.

FAQ's About Capitola, CA

What is the weather like in Capitola, CA?

Capitola enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm, sunny summers. Thanks to its coastal location, the area benefits from ocean breezes and a generally temperate climate year-round—perfect for enjoying the beach and outdoor lifestyle.

Is Capitola, CA a good place for vacation home?

Yes, Capitola is a popular choice for second homes and vacation properties due to its beachfront charm, vibrant village atmosphere, and close proximity to major Bay Area cities. Many buyers are drawn to the laid-back vibe and scenic coastal setting.

What types of homes are available in Capitola, CA?

Capitola offers a variety of homes, including charming beach bungalows, luxury condos overlooking the ocean, townhomes, and traditional single-family residences in more suburban-style neighborhoods. Properties near Capitola Village are especially coveted for their walkability and proximity to the beach.

Is Capitola family-friendly?

Absolutely. Capitola is known for being safe, community-oriented, and full of recreational opportunities. Families appreciate the local schools, nearby parks, and family-friendly events that make the town welcoming for all ages.

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Overview for Capitola, CA

9,813 people live in Capitola, where the median age is 46.3 and the average individual income is $60,609. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

9,813

Total Population

46.3 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$60,609

Average individual Income

Around Capitola, CA

There's plenty to do around Capitola, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

91

Walker's Paradise

Walking Score

62

Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Casa Birria, Polar Bear Ice Cream, and Boba Bay.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Casa Birria page on Yelp Search 509 Bay Ave on Google Maps	Dining	0.11 miles	14 reviews	4.6/5 stars
Visit the Polar Bear Ice Cream page on Yelp Search 104 Stockton Ave on Google Maps	Dining · $$	0.3 miles	213 reviews	4.5/5 stars
Visit the Boba Bay page on Yelp Search 110 Capitola Ave on Google Maps	Dining	0.32 miles	74 reviews	3.7/5 stars
Visit the Thai Basil page on Yelp Search 210 Monterey Ave on Google Maps	Dining · $$	0.32 miles	361 reviews	4.1/5 stars
Visit the Village Host Pizza & Grill page on Yelp Search 819-C Bay Ave on Google Maps	Dining · $$	0.33 miles	158 reviews	3.8/5 stars
Visit the La Vita Company page on Yelp Search 118 Stockton Ave on Google Maps	Shopping	0.29 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the SurfHaus page on Yelp Search 112 Stockton Ave on Google Maps	Shopping	0.3 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Santa Cruz Apparel page on Yelp Search 201 Capitola Ave on Google Maps	Shopping	0.31 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Amber Built page on Yelp	Active	0.06 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Movebetter Rehab page on Yelp	Active	0.06 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Motorboat Dive Services page on Yelp	Active	0.06 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Noble Park page on Yelp	Active	0.12 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Redline Endurance page on Yelp	Active	0.12 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Kula Connections page on Yelp Search 708 Capitola Ave on Google Maps	Active	0.18 miles	1 review	5/5 stars
Visit the Roam Fly Fishing page on Yelp	Active	0.21 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Santa Cruz Nature Yoga page on Yelp	Active	0.21 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the ReInvention Fitness page on Yelp	Active	0.21 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Capitola Half Marathon page on Yelp	Active	0.21 miles	1 review	4/5 stars
Visit the Beauty by Danielle Tomaz page on Yelp	Beauty	0.06 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Skin By Chels page on Yelp	Beauty	0.06 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Luscious Hair By Jenn page on Yelp	Beauty	0.22 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Jennifer Heath Skin Care page on Yelp Search 716 Capitola Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	0.23 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Hair by Peter page on Yelp Search 716 Capitola Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	0.23 miles	0 reviews	0/5 stars
Visit the Honey B's page on Yelp Search 4895 Capitola Rd on Google Maps	Beauty	0.26 miles	12 reviews	5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Capitola, CA

Population Households Employment

Capitola has 4,506 households, with an average household size of 2.13. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Capitola do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 9,813 people call Capitola home. The population density is 6,155 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

9,813

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

46.3 years

Median Age

50 / 50%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree

4,506

Total Households

2.13

Average Household Size

$60,609

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married

Single

Divorced

Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes

15 to 29 Minutes

30 to 59 Minutes

60+ Minutes

Welcome to Capitola

Real Estate in Capitola, CA

Why Choose Capitola, CA

Who Lives Here

Types of Homes Available

FAQ's About Capitola, CA

What is the weather like in Capitola, CA?

Is Capitola, CA a good place for vacation home?

What types of homes are available in Capitola, CA?

Is Capitola family-friendly?

Overview for Capitola, CA

9,813

46.3 years

High

$60,609

Around Capitola, CA

91

Walker's Paradise

62

Bikeable

Points of Interest

Demographics and Employment Data for Capitola, CA

9,813

High

46.3 years

50 / 50%

4,506

2.13

$60,609

Schools in Capitola, CA

Property Listings

$5,800,000

$5,350,000

$3,995,000

$2,749,000

$2,399,000

$2,200,000

$2,199,000

$1,860,000

$1,800,000

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Contact Details

Kathleen Zech, Residential Sales

Paul Zech, Commercial Sales

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