Neighborhood Spotlight: Depot Hill

When it comes to luxury, the Capitola neighborhood of Depot Hill has some of the most stunning properties on the Santa Cruz County real estate market. Incredibly exclusive, this community is recognized for its sweeping views of the bay and well-maintained homes.

As one of the premier neighborhoods in the area, Depot Hill appeals to a diverse selection of buyers, from those looking to update an existing home, to retirees looking for a laid-back lifestyle. Discover more about Depot Hill below.

Overview of Depot Hill

Depot Hill is located on the Capitola Bluffs, contained by the boundaries of Park Avenue in the north, New Brighton State Beach in the east, and Monterey Avenue in the west. A small neighborhood, Depot Hill comprises almost entirely residential real estate—most notably its luxury homes.

This community is well-known for its quiet, walkable streets, which connect to the shops and restaurants along Monterey Avenue and the nearby Capitola Beach. Additionally, some of the properties look out on the Grand Avenue Walking Trail, which has scenic viewpoints of the ocean and benches to sit and rest.

Real Estate in Depot Hill

When it comes to real estate in Depot Hill, listings are exclusive and typically on the higher end of the price bracket. Single-family detached homes range from quaint, older bungalows to multi-story properties, though the West Coast architectural style is common across the board. Like the structure of these properties, square footage also ranges, with some of the older cottages (with construction dates between the 1940s and 1960s) being quite compact at under 1,000 square feet.  That being said, homes can reach 3,000 and 4,000 square feet in size.

The luxurious features are part of what makes Depot Hill homes so desirable. Some of the most sought-after properties face Grand Avenue or are situated right on the cliffside. This offers residents unobstructed, priceless views of the water and additional privacy.

Other popular home features include coach houses, which can help supplement income or add more appeal to the historic properties, which are generally small in size. Homes are typically well-taken care of, often with modern upgrades and finishes. It is also not uncommon for parcels of land to be sold in Depot Hill—or for purchases to be made with the intention of constructing a new, custom home on a lot.

Community Attractions in Depot Hill

Residents of Depot Hill are within a short distance to some of Capitola’s best attractions—including shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities. In fact, the neighborhood is within walking distance to Grady’s Market (a local convenience store), La Capitola Plaza Shopping Center, and Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria (a well-loved Capitola staple). It’s about a ten to fifteen-minute walk to these destinations from the outer reaches of the neighborhood.

Capitola Beach and the businesses by the water are also within walking distance. There are two shortcuts that can be taken: the steps, which connect Cliff Avenue to El Camino Medio, and the Porter Path, which is riskier, and connects Cliff Avenue to Monterey Avenue below. Those who live in Depot Hill can also take the long way around (either by car or on foot) via Escalona Drive. 

From here, Capitola Village offers charming stores and cafes with outdoor seating, countless events and festivals, such as the Wharf to Wharf Race and the Capitola Beach Festival, and local points of interest, like the Capitola Historical Museum. And, of course, the beach is always a popular spot for volleyball, swimming, and sun tanning.

Overall, the neighborhood of Depot Hill, with its estate properties and easy access to exceptional amenities, is an excellent place to call home. Suiting a variety of active lifestyles—and even those more laid-back—Depot Hill has it all.

Searching for a home in Depot Hill or Santa Cruz County? Connect with Lauren Spencer of MySantaCruzRealEstate to refine your search.