Why Live in Carmel Highlands
Carmel Highlands, located at the northern tip of California's Big Sur coast, is known for its seclusion and natural beauty. The neighborhood features lush canyons, white rock coastlines, and homes with panoramic ocean views. Residents enjoy scenic strolls with sea breezes and views of picturesque hillsides. The area is characterized by skinny pine trees, mature oaks, and elaborate gardens, with wildflowers blooming in the spring. Housing options include modern estates, Mediterranean villas, and gated mansions, all providing privacy and stunning coastal views. Children attend highly rated schools: Carmel River Elementary, Carmel Middle School, and Carmel High School, which offer a range of extracurricular activities. Monastery Beach, while beautiful, is known for its dangerous undertow, but nearby Carmel Meadows Beach and Carmel River State Beach offer safer options. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve provides trails through coves, beaches, and forests for outdoor exploration. For shopping and dining, residents frequent The Crossroads Carmel and Barnyard Shopping Village. The Carmel Highlands Services Station offers fuel and a market with espresso drinks and snacks. Cabrillo Highway runs through the neighborhood, offering scenic drives and easy commutes to nearby towns. The crime rate in Carmel Highlands is lower than the national average, contributing to its appeal as a tranquil and secure place to live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carmel Highlands a good place to live?
Carmel Highlands is a good place to live. Carmel Highlands is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Carmel Highlands is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 2, making it safer than the average neighborhood in the U.S. Carmel Highlands has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 0.5 people per acre and a median age of 66. The average household income is $158,919 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 48.4% of residents. A majority of residents in Carmel Highlands are home owners, with 24.2% of residents renting and 75.8% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Carmel Highlands can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Carmel Highlands neighborhood guide.
Is Carmel Highlands, CA a safe neighborhood?
Carmel Highlands, CA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 2 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Carmel Highlands?
The median home price in Carmel Highlands is $3,542,500. If you put a 20% down payment of $708,500 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.18%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $17,320 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $742K a year to afford the median home price in Carmel Highlands. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Carmel Highlands is $159K.
What are the best public schools in Carmel Highlands?
The best public schools that serve Carmel Highlands are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Carmel Highlands, Carmel, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Carmel Highlands, Carmel, CA?
Are home prices dropping in Carmel Highlands?
Yes, home prices in Carmel Highlands are down 4% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Carmel Highlands, CA
On average, homes in Carmel Highlands, Carmel sell after 136 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Carmel Highlands, Carmel over the last 12 months is $2,864,732, down 31% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$2,864,732
Median Single Family Sale Price
$2,995,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$14,500,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,242
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Last 12 months Home Sales
16
Median List Price
$3,542,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
8%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-31%