Capitola, the oldest seaside resort town in California, was founded in the 1880s, and in the late 1940s became Santa Cruz County's third city. Now, about 12,000 people call Capitola home. The city itself is relatively small, spanning only about 2 square miles, but is incredibly lovely with beach areas such as New Brighton Beach State Park. Capitola also has the largest enclosed mall in the region, with many other commercial businesses located nearby. Capitola offers a variety of housing - ranging from modular home parks, condominiums and townhomes, to single family homes. For those with about a million to spend, there are stunning estates perched at the edge of the continent, directly overlooking the Monterey Bay.

Perhaps the most quaint and picturesque area is Capitola Village by the Sea, where boutiques, galleries and restaurants beckon you to enjoy a languid summer afternoon. The ocean views and ambiance of some of these open air restaurants and sidewalk cafes create memories to last a lifetime. Not to miss activities include free summer concerts on Wednesday s at Esplanade Park, water sports rentals at Capitola Wharf, as well as annual festivals including the Capitola Art and Wine Festival, the Begonia Festival, and the Halloween Parade.


Aptos is an unincorporated town of about 25,0000 that reside in town and surrounding areas including Rio Del Mar, Cabrillo, Seacliff and Seascape, as well as in the pastoral hills and redwood forests behind the historic Aptos Village. The demographics of the town include some of the highest annual incomes in the nation. Housing in Aptos is for the most part single family dwellings; in the rural areas properties are often on hillsides shared with redwoods and in some cases coastal oak trees. Housing runs the gamut from a few modular homes, condos and cabins in the $200,000 to $500,000 range all the way to spectacular homes along the coast or golf course, or estates on acreage with prices in the multi-millions. Many residents are professionals; some of which commute to the Silicon Valley which offers a plethora of relatively high paying employment opportunities.

Aptos is also home to the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, which although clear cut last century, is used partially as a demonstration forest spanning thousands of acres plus some 30 miles of trails for horse riding, running, hiking, mountain biking, or just plain walking. The epicenter of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake is in this park.

Town events range from the annual Blues Festival in May to the Saturday morning farmers market. Beach picnic lovers will appreciate the barbecue grills and tables available at Seacliff State Beach.

Soquel lies just inland of Capitola and features some of the county's most bucolic home sites, often situated on open, rolling hillsides. The main town, while over 150 years old, remains small and features novelty and antique stores as well as quality restaurants. There is a lovely white church complete with steeple dating back to the 1860s. Just outside of town, Bargetto Winery is one of the oldest operating vineyards and wineries of the area, offering public tours and wine tasting. Some of the area's best back roads are in Soquel.

About 10,000 residents are dispersed across an area of about 5 square miles. There are more modular homes than condominiums for those in the $150,000 to $400,000 price range, while single family home prices average between $575,000 on up. To own a home nestled in those beautiful pastures or with ocean views typically costs over a million dollars.