CARMEL-
BY-THE-SEA
Rated as a top US destination year after year, the appeal of Carmel-by-the-Sea is immediately apparent.
The one square mile incorporated town has character and creativity at every turn. Known for its European-style downtown with high end boutiques, numerous art galleries, and wine tasting rooms, the white sand (and dog friendly) Carmel Beach, along with its unique cottages and custom estates, Carmel is a pure delight no matter your interests.
The city is well known for an established commitment to the arts and a welcoming, pet-friendly attitude.
Real estate ranges from unique and historic cottages, to legacy beachfront estates. The selection of one-of-a-kind homes allows owners and visitors to revel in the array of architecture and styles as most homes, if not all, are abundant with character and charm.
For these reasons, many Hollywood names have taken up residence in this beautiful town. Stars such as Clint Eastwood, former mayor of Carmel, Doris Day, and Robert Louis Stevenson have called Carmel their home.
To see the most my recent market analysis on Carmel-by-the-Sea, click here.
ABOUT THE
NEIGHBORHOODS
GOLDEN RECTANGLE
Located in the southwest corner of Carmel, the 'Golden Rectangle' is considered one of the most desirable locations given its close proximity to Carmel Beach and downtown, while having minimal elevation change. Lot sizes are generally 40 x 100, or 4,000 square feet, meaning that homes are capped at ~1,600 square feet of living space with a one-car garage. Homes closest to Scenic Avenue (which borders the ocean) are generally the most expensive given their vast ocean views.
NORTHWEST CARMEL
Offering a similar proximity to the Beach and downtown as the Golden Rectangle, with a bit more change in elevation, northwest Carmel is considered by some to be one of the best kept secrets. Lot sizes are typically a bit larger than the Golden Rectangle which results in larger homes, and the area also tends to be quieter as visitors are drawn south of Ocean Avenue given the scenic walking path there.
NORTHEAST CARMEL
North of Ocean Avenue, this quaint section of town slopes upwards towards HWY 1, while still providing close proximity to downtown. Lot sizes, are generally 40 x 100, or 4,000 square feet meaning homes here are capped at ~1,600 square feet with a one-car garage.
SOUTHEAST CARMEL
Also sloping upwards towards HWY 1, southeast Carmel offers close proximity to downtown while featuring the common
40 x 100 lot size. A large portion of southeast Carmel is dedicated to the well-maintained Mission Trails, offering various paths to the east-end of downtown. The Forest Theatre, a historic outdoor amphitheater, which hosts musicals and 'films in the forest' throughout the year also calls southeast Carmel home.
** CARMEL POINT
Technically an unincorporated part of Monterey County and considered part of 'Greater Carmel' and not 'Carmel-by-the-Sea', Carmel Point offers larger lot sizes (and hence homes) than the Golden Rectangle while still having a relatively flat topography. The scenic walking path that runs along the Golden Rectangle ends at Carmel Point meaning most tourists typically don't venture this far south. River Elementary School (grades K-5th) can also be found in this part of town.
** HATTON FIELDS
Just west of HWY 1, Hatton Fields is home to many full-time residents as lot sizes are larger than the standard 40 x 100 lots found in Carmel-by-the-Sea, while also providing easy access to the freeway. Larger homes, more sunshine, and lower
prices than those found in other parts of Carmel draw many families to this area.
**CARMEL WOODS
At the crown of Carmel is Carmel Woods; a hilly and forested neighborhood which sits at the peak of the hills both east of
the ocean, and as you climb north from downtown. A quieter spot with larger lots and ocean views makes this this neighborhood another full-time resident favorite, although walkability to downtown and/or the beach is unlikely from this area.
** These neighborhoods are part of unincorporated Carmel and technically not in 'Carmel by the Sea'. Unincorporated Carmel typically offers larger lot sizes, homes, and a true address, while still being west of Highway 1.
ATTRACTIONS
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Carmel Beach
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Carmel Mission
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Mission Trails
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Downtown
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
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Walkable downtown close to the beach
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Dog friendly atmosphere with many restaurants featuring canine menus
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Small, community feel with a weekly farmers market
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Top rated schools
FAVORITE RESTAURANTS
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Chez Noir - Coastal Californian cuisine
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Staionaery - A modern take on breakfast and lunch
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La Bicyclette -French and Italian
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Casanova -French and Italian
SCHOOLS
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Carmel River Elementary (public; K-5)
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Carmel Middle School (public; 6-8)
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Carmel High School (public; 9-12)
ATTRACTIONS
-
Carmel Beach
-
Carmel Mission
-
Mission Trails
-
Downtown
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
-
Walkable downtown close to the beach
-
Dog friendly atmosphere with many restaurants featuring canine menus
-
Small, community feel with a weekly farmers market
-
Top rated schools