Coastal city of Capitola offering beaches and community events
Located along Monterey Bay, Capitola is the oldest seaside resort on the Pacific Coast. “It’s a quaint coastal town with a little village right on the water,” says Michael Bloch, Realtor with Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno, who has over 20 years of experience. “There are shops and restaurants near the water and people can hang out and surf.” There are cliff-lined beaches and piers that stretch out into the Pacific where people can eat and gaze at the sun setting over the ocean or back at the colorful bungalows that dot the shorelines. Capitola’s housing market favors the seller, and a mix of permanent and second homebuyers live here. Many of its nearly 10,000 residents commute to Silicon Valley or other nearby commercial areas.
The Pleasure Point neighborhood has wonderful beaches.
Pleasure Point offers a wide variety of surf shops.
Pleasure Point is a wonderful seaside neighborhood in Capitola.
They're plenty of beachside homes all over Pleasure Point.
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Million-dollar homes with a variety of styles
The median sale price for single-family homes here is $1.8 million, much higher than state and national medians. Ranch- and Craftsman-style homes mix with bungalows and custom-built homes along sidewalk-lined streets. Built between the early 1900s and the early 2020s, these homes typically have three-to-four bedrooms with two-car garages, though some properties only have street parking. Many are just a short walk to area beaches. Prices for these range from about $1 million to $4.75 million. Two-to-three-bedroom condos range from about $700,000 to $950,000 and are primarily found in the city’s western end. Area townhomes sell for between $800,000 and $1.2 million.
From vibrant cottages to elegant waterfront estates, Capitola homes capture the essence of California beachside living.
Living in Capitola means enjoying breathtaking sunsets, ocean breezes, and the unique character of this historic seaside community.
The coastal charm of Capitola homes offers stunning ocean views, colorful facades, and a relaxed beach town atmosphere.
Nestled along the Monterey Bay, Capitola homes blend classic seaside architecture with modern comforts for the perfect coastal retreat.
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Watersports, beach fun and land trails
Several beaches sit along the Soquel Cove in Monterey Bay, offering swimming, surfing and sand sports. At low tide, surfers grab their boards and float with their friends. Boats can be rented at the Capitola Wharf, and hiking and bicycle trails are accessible at nearby state parks and nature preserves. A few city parks feature playgrounds, while forested campgrounds open at the eastern New Brighton State Beach.
People love the water in Soquel Cove which is why tourist flock to Capitola.
Soquel Creek Park leads to the cove and the beach.
There are Kayaks and small boats that you can rent to enjoy the water in Capitola.
Capitola has bike lanes that cyclists appreciate for their safety.
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Museum offerings and summer concerts
The Capitola Historical Museum houses photographs and artifacts related to the area’s history and opens new exhibits annually. Walking tours lead to the city’s historic sites, and private tours can be arranged with a donation to the museum. The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery is located inside the Capitola Mall. Summer concerts take place at Esplanade Park’s bandstand and visual arts events are being planned with grant funds. September’s Begonia Festival consists of flower-decorated floats drifting along Soquel Creek. Capitola also partly inspired Alfred Hitchcock’s famed movie “The Birds,” when in the summer of 1961 hundreds of normally docile birds attacked the town, dive bombing residences and shops. Scientists later determined the birds had been affected by a toxin produced by red algae.
The Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery is located in the Capitola Mall.
Soquel Creek Park has a beautiful view of the water and a short distance to retail shops, restaurants and the beach.
Alfred Hitchcock's film "The Birds" is based in the Soquel Creek area of Capitola.
The Capitola Mall offers a lot of retail shops and popular restaurants.
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Shopping and dining within easy reach
Family-owned establishments dot eastern parts of the city, and seafood restaurants and bars line Soquel Creek near the beach. More traditional shopping experiences can be found in the western end where there are shopping strips as well as the Capitola Mall. Chain businesses and coffee shops are also found within these hubs, as well as fast-food joints and ethnic, Mexican and American sit-down eateries.
Zelda's on the beach offer delicious seafood meals in Capitola
Armida Winery is a great spot to get wine and it is close to the beach.
The Sand Bar has refreshing cocktails and a view of the beach in Capitola.
There are a lot of family owned business right by the beach in Capitola.
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Highway access and bicycle friendly streets
Capitola is about 6 miles east of downtown Santa Cruz via Cabrillo Highway. This main thoroughfare comprises the city’s northern border, which leads east and west out of town. Santa Cruz Metro buses stop along Capitola Road and near the Capitola Mall. The city is bicycle-friendly, with bike shops, E-bike rentals and designated bike lanes along most city streets. Construction of new bicycle and pedestrian trails is ongoing. Dignity Health Dominican Hospital is 3 miles northwest, and the San Jose Mineta International Airport is located about 36 miles north and Silicon Valley is 40 miles north.
Inclusive environments at Soquel Union Elementary schools
Soquel Union Elementary School District, which earns a B-plus from Niche, serves approximately 1,700 students. Santa Cruz City High School District covers the city and earns an A from Niche. The University of California, Santa Cruz is 8 miles west of the city.
Lower average crime rates and plenty of sunshine
According to FBI statistics, Capitola’s violent and property crime rates have been lower than the state and national figures over the last five years. Both rates are holding steady. Capitola experiences mild seasons with about 300 days of sunshine a year, though storms have caused issues in the past. “Some areas right near the beach can flood, but not so much further inland because the elevation rises,” says Bloch. “Most locals don’t really need flood insurance if they don’t live right on the beach.”
Jennifer Poli is a dedicated and experienced realtor in Santa Cruz County. With an in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market and a commitment to providing exceptional service, Jen is a trusted advisor for buyers and sellers.
Jen has developed a strong understanding of the local market trends, neighborhoods, and pricing strategies. Having grown up in Soquel, she attended the local public schools and has committed to giving back to those schools by coaching athletes at Soquel High School. She keeps herself involved in her community and provides her clients with accurate and reliable information to make informed decisions.
Jen’s approach to real estate is built on integrity, professionalism, and personalized attention. She understands that buying or selling a home is a significant milestone in her client’s lives, and she takes the time to listen to their unique needs and goals.
For sellers, Jen leverages her expertise in marketing and negotiation to maximize the exposure of their properties and secure the best possible price. She is supported by an innovative marketing team at David Lyng Real Estate, which employs innovative marketing strategies, including professional photography, videos, and targeted online marketing, to showcase homes effectively.
For buyers, Jen is a trusted guide throughout the home-buying process. She patiently walks them through every step, from identifying their needs and preferences to finding suitable properties, scheduling viewings, and negotiating offers.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jen is known for her warm and friendly demeanor. She builds lasting relationships with her clients based on trust, open communication, and service. She takes pride in going above and beyond to exceed her client’s expectations and help them achieve their real estate goals.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
