Capitan-Gaviota encompasses about 40 miles of undisturbed coastline in Southern California. While somewhat isolated, this nature-oriented area is a short drive from European villages and the bustle of Santa Barbara. This secluded cattle ranching community has abundant recreation with white-sand beaches and canyons along the Pacific Ocean. "It's one of the most beautiful places in California where the mountains meet the sea," says Gigi Gerritsen, an area local and real estate agent at Santa Ynez Valley Real Estate in Solvang. "We always have great weather. If they could afford it, everyone would live here."
Some of the most desirable beaches along the central coast are found in Capitan-Gaviota.
There are no shortage of beaches near Capitan-Gaviota.
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Contemporary homes on acre-lots with dramatic views
This area features traditional and contemporary ranch-style homes nestled throughout the mountains, and many houses have midcentury features like floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of the views. Single-family homes are about 2,700 square feet on average and sit on acre parcels. One of the area's most popular subdivisions is Hollister Ranch, a 14,000-acre gated community with dramatic views, private beaches and cattle ranches. The median home price is about $5.7 million, significantly higher than the U.S. median of about $415,000 and the state median price of around $900,000. "There are a lot of vacation homes and large parcels of land," Gerritsen says. "We're mainly an agricultural ranching community with horses and vineyards."Capitan-Gaviota has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4. Heavy rainfall can cause flooding in some areas, as water travels downhill toward the ocean. The location is also prone to wildfires that can affect native plant life.
Many larger homes are found on the hill tops in Capitan-Gaviota.
Contemporary style homes can be found tucked in the hills of Capitan-Gaviota.
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Beaches and hiking trails in Refugio State Beach and Gaviota State Park
In Gaviota State Park, hiking trails lead to unique sandstone tunnels known as wind caves, with open caverns that frame the scenic landscape. This nature preserve has a fishing pier and a scuba diving habitat. Refugio State Beach is on the shoreline, lined with palm trees, campgrounds and places to surf. Another rocky beach is at El Capitán State Beach, which sits below cliff bluffs offering distant views of the Channel Islands. Nojoqui Falls Park is known for its mile-long trail that traverses an oak forest and leads to a 164-foot waterfall. Also nearby, the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area includes a reservoir surrounded by the picturesque Santa Ynez Mountains, with fishing holes and boating areas.
El Capitan State Beach in Gaviota-Refugio is known for it's beauty.
Paddle boarding is a popular sport in Capitan-Gaviota.
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Dutch dining in the village of Solvang
The surrounding townships have a diverse range of cuisines and shopping areas. "The coastal communities are scenic and open, and it's a 10-minute drive to Solvang, which is a massive attraction," Gerritsen says. Solvang is a Danish village with Dutch and Tudor-style architecture up in the hills about 4 miles east of Buellton. The Solvang Restaurant is a Dutch eatery that serves bratwurst and aebleskiver, a Dutch jam-filled doughnut. Firestone Walker Brewing Company — Barrelworks is a warehouse brewery serving barrel-aged stouts, tacos and pub pretzels. In Goleta, the Camino Real Marketplace is a Spanish-style plaza with restaurant chains, a movie theater and a weekly farmers market with locally sourced produce every Sunday. Supermarkets like Smart & Final Extra! and Albertsons are along U.S. Highway 101 in Goleta.
Solvang is a quick get away option for those in Capitan-Gaviota.
Locals of Capitan-Gaviota head to Buellton for a beer with friends.
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Dual enrollment at Santa Ynez Valley Union
This community is in some of Santa Barbara County's highly rated school districts. The Vista del Mar Union School District earns a B-minus grade from Niche. It is known for its small class sizes and after-school programs for academic and athletic enrichment. The Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District receives an A. Its high schools offer dual-enrollment classes with college credit through Allan Hancock Community College.
Santa Ynez Valley Union High School is the closest high school to Gaviota-Refugio.
Vista del Mar Union School District is the best in the area near Gaviota-Refugio.
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Drive to Santa Barbara and take the Pacific Surfliner Amtrak
The Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District provides limited public transit. The Pacific Surfliner Amtrak route stops in Buellton, Solvang and Santa Barbara. Solvang is about 25 miles north on U.S. Highway 101, and Santa Barbara is roughly 25 miles east on state Route 1, but because Capitan-Gaviota is so large, residents might live much farther away or much closer. The Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara is the nearest emergency room. The Santa Barbara Airport is about 15 miles east on SR-1.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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A 1/12 interest in Rockview Partnership on HR 22. Includes access for overnight stays in the cabin and access to the rest the Hollister Ranch, including common area and more.
Set on 6.29± acres between Windemere Ranch and the Los Padres National Forest, this serene estate offers unmatched privacy and panoramic views converge in a setting that feels worlds away, yet is just 20 minutes from town. Completed in 2011, the thoughtfully conceived mini-compound is a masterclass in architectural harmony with the land. The 2 BD/2BA main house is designed to integrate seamlessly
Discover an extraordinary investment and development opportunity on California’s iconic Gaviota Coast. Presenting Paradiso Del Mare and Tomate Canyon Ranch—two remarkable coastal properties spanning 208 acres with more than one mile of stunning ocean frontage. Paradiso Del Mare offers 140 acres of unrivaled luxury, perched on cliffside bluffs with direct beach access. Approved permits are secured
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kevin Hall,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,381
Median Age
43
Population under 18
21.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$110,606
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$141,554
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
82.2%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
47%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19.2%
% Population in Labor Force
68.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
22''
Average Winter Low Temperature
38°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
4/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
