$4,028,266Average Value$135Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
Artists keep the neighborhood alive
Perched at the northern tip of California's Big Sur coast sits the community of Carmel Highlands. Seclusion and natural beauty are the main draws of this upscale, artsy area. Lush canyons and waves crashing against white rocks serve as the backdrop for this neighborhood, with homes in the area offering incredible views from above the ocean. Many residents enjoy strolls that overlook picturesque hillsides, the sea breeze caressing their faces. Skinny pine trees shoot up to the sky from the canyon floor, mature oaks are draped with old man's beard and homes are decorated with elaborate gardens. In the springtime, Carmel Highlands is flush with wildflowers dotting the sides of the area's roads. A modern-day bohemian lifestyle is available to the residents who can afford to settle in this secluded California alcove.
Modern estates and Mediterranean villas
Modern estates, classic Mediterranean villas and gated mansions are etched into the region's cliffs, providing privacy, seclusion and panoramic ocean views. Regally tucked above the rugged cliffs of Carmel Highland, these sanctuaries come with breathtaking coastal views provided by vaulted glass walls. Living amid nature is one of the main things attracting people to the area, and the community's price tag reflects its allure, with home prices ranging from $1.2 million to $6.3 million.
Modern estates have floor-to-ceiling windows in Carmel Highlands, California
A Carmel Highlands mansion encased by lush greenery.
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Carmel High School is nestled in Carmel Highlands hills.
An award-winning film club at Carmel High School
Children in the area attend Carmel River Elementary School, which has an overall Niche grade of A and has been ranked the third-best public elementary school in Monterey County. Next, kids attend Carmel Middle School, which has an overall Niche grade of A and was ranked the best public middle school in Monterey County. Teenagers attend Carmel High School, which has an overall Niche grade of A and was ranked the best public high school in Monterey County. The school offers many extracurricular activities for students, including a championship robotics competition, several sports teams, numerous art programs and an award-winning film club.
An underwater canyon and hiking trails by the beach
Coastlines stretch along the neighborhood's western edge, with several beaches to explore. Monastery Beach sits at the northern end of Carmel Highlands and is named after the Carmelite Monastery Mission. While the pretty, sandy beach is a great place to lay out and get a tan, it's not a place to swim in the ocean. Due to the cove's shape, there's a severe undertow and rip current that makes the sea incredibly deadly to swim in, giving the beach the unfortunate nickname of "Mortuary Beach" and a reputation as the most dangerous beach in California. That being said, there are ways to enjoy the beach at a safe distance from the waves. At the beach's north end, a trail wraps around the bay to Carmel Meadows Beach and Carmel River State Beach, serving as a scenic hike. Highly experienced scuba divers also enjoy Monastery Beach when the conditions are amenable, and they may come across fantastic rock formations, strands of kelp, a myriad of sea life and a 95-mile-long underwater canyon. Harbor seals, sea lions, kelp rockfish, calico bass, anemones and sunflower stars are just some of the sea life that divers have encountered in the water's depths. For exploration on land, locals head to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Locals take full advantage of living next to the park, exploring its various trails that pass through coves, beaches and forests.
Stay back from the water's edge at Monastery Beach in Carmel Highlands.
Bird Island Trail in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in Carmel Highlands is a must-see.
Admire rock formations through the fog at Carmel Highlands Vista Point.
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The Carmel Highlands Services Station is the only business in town.
Retail options at The Crossroads Carmel and Barnyard Shopping Village
Residents of Carmel Highlands have quick access to The Crossroads Carmel and Barnyard Shopping Village for their shopping and dining needs. Here, they can grab groceries or stop by any of the area's eateries. When locals need to fuel up their luxury cars—and their stomachs— they go to Carmel Highlands Services Station, a gas station and market serving espresso drinks, pastries, snacks, and lunch foods.
Spot whales along Cabrillo Highway
Cabrillo Highway, also known as Highway One, runs through Carmel Highlands. The highway is a designated American National Scenic Byway, and driving along the road, commuters may see soaring California Condors, migrating whales and elephant seals along the coast. On a more practical note, access to the highway makes commutes to Carmel-By-The-Sea and other nearby towns quick and simple.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Michelle Arensdorf,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Poodle Day
Point Lobos State Reserve
Bird Island Trail
Carmel River Lagoon
Palo Corona Regional Park
Sea Lion Cove
Transit
Airport
Monterey Regional
19 min drive
Carmel Highlands Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Carmel Highlands, Carmel sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Carmel Highlands, Carmel over the last 12 months is $131,000, down 68% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover coastal living at its finest at 142 Carmel Riviera Dr, a spacious retreat in the highly sought-after Yankee Point neighborhood. Just a 7-minute drive to Downtown Carmel, this stunning home is perfectly positioned along the iconic California coastline and includes access to two private beaches. Enjoy sweeping ocean views and a rare amenity in Carmel - a private swimming pool - ideal for
Dont miss this rare opportunity to own a large, updated home on an expansive usable lot in the highly sought-after Yankee Point neighborhood. Designed with unique architectural features, this spacious home offers incredible flexibility, including two versatile lofts perfect for additional bedrooms, office space, or bonus rooms. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views from multiple vantage points, all
Offered for the first time in decades, this 1925 Tudor Revival gem is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own a piece of Carmel Highlands history. Designed and built by M.J. Murphy this architectural treasure stands as one of the most authentic and enduring examples of his work. Set on a private knoll above Tickle Pink Inn, surrounded by English-style gardens the residence features hallmark
Offered for the first time in nearly 50 years, this extraordinary Carmel Highlands estate is a rare, once-in-a-generation opportunity for the ultimate in coastal privacy and convenience. Perched above the pristine Spindrift coast, it boasts sweeping, unobstructed whitewater views of Point Lobos, Yankee Point, and the endless Pacific beyond. The orientation of the house enables views of the sun
Perched above Otter Cove with panoramic views in the exclusive gated enclave of Aurora Del Mar, this oceanfront retreat offers unmatched privacy, relaxed coastal living, and rare direct beach access. One of just 18 homes in this coveted Carmel Highlands community, the 2,906 sq ft residence showcases timeless Santa Barbara-style architecture on a full acre of prime coastal land. The open-concept
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Michelle Arensdorf,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,087
Median Age
66
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
11.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
51.5%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$129,449
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$158,919
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
82.2%
College Graduates
48.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.9%
% Population in Labor Force
46%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
20''
Average Winter Low Temperature
44°F
Average Summer High Temperature
68°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
7/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
5/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
