Carmel started with humble beginnings as an artist community along the coast. It was reported in the early 1900’s that over 60% of the community was made up of artists, writers and poets. Carmel was officially incorporated in 1916 and today is home to some of the most spectacular and costly real estate in all of Monterey County. When you arrive to Carmel-By-The-Sea, it is like you have entered through a portal to a quaint European village. Here you will find boutique and designer shopping and fine dining.
True to its roots, Carmel-By-The-Sea is home to numerous art galleries. After stopping in at one of the many wine tasting rooms or one of my favorite breweries Alvarado Street Brewery, meander through the alleyways and then make your way to Carmel Beach. Carmel was rated the most dog friendly city in California and Carmel Beach is one of the few beaches where dogs can run off leash. It is a picturesque place to catch some waves or go for a relaxing walk. Over the years Carmel has had some very unique rules and laws such as requiring a permit to wear high heeled shoes. Ice cream was outlawed until Clint Eastwood was elected mayor in 1986. Thank you Clint.
For those of you with children, Carmel Schools are some of the top rated public schools in all of California. Carmel-By-The-Sea does not have the same seclusion that you may be able to find in say Pebble Beach, Big Sur or Carmel Valley. The streets of downtown Carmel, the scenic loop and Carmel Beach are filled with tourists most weekends of the year. There are not many sidewalks in Carmel-By-The-Sea and streets are filled with tourists so be careful when driving at night.
In 2020, there were 351 single family home sales ranging from $775,000 to $16,100,000 with a median sale price of $2,050,000. The year prior, there were 248 home sales ranging from $649,000 to $8,500,000 with a median sale price of $1,712,500. In 2020, there were 72 townhouse and condominium sales ranging from $400,000 to $1,595,000 with a median sale price of $670,000. In comparison to 2019, there were 75 townhouse and condominium sales ranging from $285,000 to $1,600,000 with a median sale price of $675,000.
Favorite restaurants and places: Il Fornaio, Lulu’s Chocolate Shop, Alvarado Street Brewery, Carmel Beach, The Scenic Loop, Carmel Bakery, and Carmel Honey Company.
