Pot Belly & Las Olas Beaches

New Brighton

New Brighton is a small neighborhood in Capitola built on top of a bluff with stunning ocean views. Real estate in New Brighton features a selection of condos and single-family homes, with some of the most desirable properties having direct access to the beach. The New Brighton State Beach is a fixture of the community, offering several activities including wildlife viewing, camping, and fishing. Read more about New Brighton homes for sale.

New Brighton, California cliffs and beach

New Brighton Home Statistics

Average Home Price $1.7M
Lowest Priced Home $157K
Highest Listing Price $11.9M
Total Property Listings 638
Avg. Price/SQFT $832

Property Types (active listings)

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New Brighton is a small neighborhood in Capitola with most of its area composed of the New Brighton State Beach and campground area. Originally a Chinese fishing community, New Brighton was known as China Beach in the 1800s until the state park was established. The community’s name was then changed in honor of the seaside resort in England. Although the beach is a major draw, it's kind of a hidden gem or well-kept secret, as most who visit New Brighton State Beach are residents. 

 

Real estate in New Brighton features a selection of condos and single-family homes, with some of the most desirable properties having direct access to the beach. No two properties are the same, as some are traditional beach houses with cedar shingles, while others are chic and contemporary styles. The luxurious beach homes in New Brighton sit quite literally on the sand, while those situated further from the water have easy access to nearby amenities, such as Capitola Village. 

 

Common features for single-family homes include large windows, modern fixtures, recessed lighting, smart home automation systems, cedar wood finishes, vaulted ceilings, wooden-plank flooring, stylish kitchens with the latest appliances, and spa-like bathrooms. Homes for sale often feature open floor plans, between 1,800 and 4,000 square feet, accommodating 3 to 5 bedrooms and bathrooms. Pricing in New Brighton is on the higher end compared to other neighborhoods due to its location and beachfront access.

 

Interested in learning more about New Brighton, California homes? Contact us online or call 1-831-345-0338 for more information about buying and selling a home in New Brighton and other communities in the Santa Cruz area.

New Brighton Schools

New Brighton is served by Soquel Union Elementary School District (SUESD) and Santa Cruz City Schools (SCCS), depending on grade level. These include two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Schools in New Brighton include:

  • Main Street Elementary
  • Opal Cliffs School
  • New Brighton Middle School
  • Soquel High School 

Things To Do in New Brighton

New Brighton State Beach is a fixture of the community, popular with residents and visitors for its marine life. The Pacific Migrations Visitor Center at New Brighton State Beach offers a chance to take a closer look at the various species and the origins and cultures of this area. Camping at the park is also common, though reservations are recommended.

 

Boutique shopping and local, waterfront dining can be found at Capitola, while most retail shopping and grocery needs are available in Watsonville at the Watsonville Square Shopping Center. Other nearby attractions include the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, the Capitola Historical Museum, and annual festivals in downtown Capitola. 

 

Common New Brighton activities include:

  • Outdoor recreation & camping at New Brighton State Beach
  • Shopping and dining in Capitola Village
  • Exploring the Santa Cruz Boardwalk
  • Hiking and cycling the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
  • Wine tasting at local vineyards

Location and Area Access

Capitola is a convenient 5-minute drive away, with downtown Santa Cruz a 10-15 minute drive via CA-1. The Dominican Hospital and Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center are both a 10-minute drive away. The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is a 20-25 minute drive. The San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) is 45-55 minutes away. 

 

Nearby destinations within easy reach include:

  • Capitola (5 minutes)
  • Santa Cruz (10-15 minutes)
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (20 minutes)
  • Dominican Hospital & Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center (10 minutes)
  • University of California, Santa Cruz (20-25 minutes) 
  • Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (20-25 minutes)
  • San Jose Mineta International Airport (45-55 minutes)

New Brighton Real Estate FAQs

What types of homes are available in New Brighton?

Available homes in New Brighton include condos, single-family homes, and larger estates. Single-family homes are available in traditional and modern build styles with common features including large windows, modern fixtures, and open-concept floor plans.

What schools serve New Brighton?

New Brighton is served by Soquel Union Elementary School District (SUESD) and Santa Cruz City Schools (SCCS), which include two elementary schools (Main Street, Opal Cliffs), New Brighton Middle School, and Soquel High School.

What is there to do in New Brighton?

New Brighton residents enjoy outdoor recreation & camping at New Brighton State Beach, shopping and dining in Capitola Village, exploring the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, hiking and cycling the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and wine tasting at local vineyards.

Are you allowed to swim at New Brighton State Beach?

Yes, you can swim at New Brighton Beach during the summer; however, the area is generally better known as a camping, hiking, and fishing destination.

What is New Brighton most well-known for?

New Brighton is a small community most well-known for its stunning views of the water and its scenic properties. It's also located close to Capitola Beach.

What kind of wildlife can you see in New Brighton?

Because of its location right on the ocean, overlooking Monterey Bay, visitors and residents may be able to spot wildlife in the area. You might find rock crabs, salmon, mackerel, sea lions, whales, and more in the New Brighton area.

If you think a New Brighton, Capitola home might be right for you, contact Lauren Spencer online, voted Santa Cruz’s best Realtor®.


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Colorful homes along beach in Capitola Village, Santa Cruz

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