Monterey

Within two miles of three separate beaches, dozens of dining spots and plenty of retail shopping, Monterey Vista is a buzzing neighborhood. “We live here because of the fun, community vibe,” says Anna Wilson of Del Monte Realty, who has lived in the area for the past 20 years. “It really has held on to its roots as a fishing area where people want to be outside, be active and see other people.” Today, the neighborhood is bordered to the east by the Del Monte Shopping Center, a large open-air shopping and dining district within walking distance of many homes. Just north of the neighborhood is Old Monterey, a row of streets lined with restaurants and boutique shops right on the Monterey Bay. The neighborhood’s proximity to the Del Monte Shopping Center makes shopping easy. Apple, Macy’s, Banana Republic and other major retailers have locations at the shopping center. Whole Foods is a grocery option within walking distance of most homes, while Trader Joe’s is just outside the neighborhood in Old Monterey. Residents can also visit Old Monterey for a pint at Fieldwork Brewing Company. The brewery has a large outdoor patio with long picnic tables and fire pits. “There’s a ton of great dining in Old Town, and all the restaurants are lively,” says Wilson. The Crown & Anchor is a British Pub where residents can get shepherd's pie in a dimly lit dining room with large leather booths. Diners at Melville Tavern enjoy burgers while looking at the walls covered with paintings of the sea and quotes from Herman Melville himself. Craftsman homes cost between $995,000 and $1.3 million, while larger Mediterranean builds and tri-levels cost between $1.8 million and $2.7 million. These houses sit on winding residential roads and are shaded by mature cypress and pine trees. Single-family builds all have off-street parking with multicar garages and long driveways. One-bedroom condos with just over 500 square feet of space cost between $460,000 and $500,000, while larger multi-bedroom units cost between $850,000 and $1.1 million. “The condo prices and the HOA dues are more reasonable than Carmel on the other side of the peninsula,” says Wilson. “It’s rare for something to stay on the market long here.” Via Parasio Park is home to many youth baseball events. Locals can also stroll along the walking paths or shoot hoops on the basketball courts. Monterey Veterans Memorial Park is a 50-acre green space with a playground for children. Hikers enjoy the easy and intermediate trail loops. Hikers are also a couple of miles from Jacks Peak Park, which has over 8 miles of multi-use trails and plenty of breathtaking views along the way. Just a mile up the road is Monterey Bay, where whale watching is a popular activity year-round. San Carlos Beach, Del Monte Beach, and Monterey State Beach are relaxing spots for a picnic, or surfing and swimming. Kids in the neighborhood attend Monte Vista Elementary School, which is a K-8 institution and a part of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. Monte Vista holds a B-plus Niche ranking. Teens then move to Monterey High School, which has an A ranking. The school, founded in 1905, was named a Niche Standout California high school. Students can enroll in the Academy of Oceanographic Science, prepping them for a degree at a four-year university. There is also an Art, Media and Performance Academy. Monterey Vista is just a couple of miles from the Monterey Regional Airport, which offers access to several domestic locations. Route 101 takes locals 70 miles up the road to San Jose, while the Monterey-Salinas Transit system has bus stops in the neighborhood.

Despite its name, the coastal neighborhood of New Monterey, located on a hill above Monterey Bay, has plenty of history. Just above the waves of the Pacific sits Cannery Row. Once a row of sardine canning factories thriving in the 1940s, Cannery Row, which was first made famous in the 1945 John Steinbeck novel of the same name, has been transformed into a lively street of boutique shopping and upscale restaurants. “You get to be very popular with your family when you live in New Monterey,” says Dean Province of Sotheby’s International Realty, who has nearly four decades of experience in the area. “All of a sudden, relatives you didn’t even know you had will call you up to plan a visit.” Locals and visitors alike visit the John Steinbeck and Cannery Row monuments, paying homage to the past. While shopping and dining are a main draw, fishing and relaxing on the beach are as popular now as they were in Steinbeck’s era. Cannery Row overlooks the waterfront from New Monterey’s northeast end. Blake Fine Arts and Cheryl Watts Pottery and Gallery are just two of many high-end galleries on Cannery Row. Locals can also shop for high-end jewelry and clothing. Diners check out The Sardine Factory, one of the most renowned restaurants in the country, which has served fresh seafood since 1968. Housed in a refurbished building that used to be a mess hall for sardine canners, The Sardine Factory won Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” in 2023. Chart House has white tablecloths and floor to ceiling windows offering views of the Pacific, along with an extensive steak and seafood menu. Wave Street Café has an expansive outdoor patio with umbrella-covered tables. Diners can enjoy the Mediterranean architecture while dining on breakfast and lunch favorites. Trader Joe’s and Safeway both have locations in the neighborhood for convenient grocery shopping. Residents can bring a picnic and sit on the sand at San Carlos Beach, looking out Monterey Harbor. McAbee Beach is in the shadows of New Monterey’s restaurants but is a popular spot for kayakers and scuba divers to launch into the harbor. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has been popular since its opening in 1984. The aquarium features an open sea exhibit featuring tuna, sea turtles and puffins, while other exhibits highlight sharks, penguins and a giant octopus. For more wildlife viewing, the Harbor Seal Observation Area is a fun spot to check out the local seals lying on the beaches and rocks around the bay. Oak Newton Park provides recreation away from the waves, with a playground for kids, a dog park and green space for a picnic. Pricing in New Monterey depends on location more than the size or age of the home. “You want to be on the upside of a hill because those homes will have a view of the ocean from the living spaces,” says Gianna Malfitano of Compass Realty, who has five years of experience in Monterey. Updated ranch-style houses and California bungalows, depending on views, cost between $875,000 and $1.5 million. Larger, two-story houses with back porches and ocean views cost between $1.4 million and $1.9 million, while renovation-ready ranch-style houses cost between $770,000 and $870,000. “A first-time buyer can still get an original 1950s house for a decent price and put some sweat equity into it,” says Province. The prices are more affordable than much of the peninsula. Homes near Cannery Row will deal with noise from the traffic, but houses further inland sit on quiet residential streets shaded by mature trees with private driveways and garages for parking. Kids in the area head to Monte Vista Elementary School, which holds a B-plus Niche rating. The K-8 school is part of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. Teens attend Monterey High School, which holds an A rating. The school was founded in 1905 and named a Niche Standout California High School in 2023. Students can enroll in the Academy of Oceanographic Science, which prepares them for a degree at a four-year university. There is also an Art, Media and Performance Academy. New Monterey is just 5 miles from the Monterey Regional Airport, which has daily flights to several domestic locations. Route 101 takes locals 70 miles up the road to San Jose, while the Monterey-Salinas Transit buses provide local transportation.

There’s an undeniable charm surrounding the Old Monterey neighborhood of Monterey. With dramatic views of the California coastline as its backdrop, Old Monterey is where cobblestone streets wind past historic adobes, where the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean become the pulse of daily life. In this neighborhood, cultural and historical diversity appears in dining options, retail stores and entertainment. In the heart of the city's historic downtown, Old Monterey's landscape combines images of Monterey’s past and present; residents traverse streets once walked by great historical figures while experiencing the modern charms of this seaside town. The main thoroughfare is Alvarado Street, recognized as a “Main Street Community” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It is adjacent to several historical buildings, including Colton Hall and the Larkin House.<br><br>Stepping onto the streets of Old Monterey is like stepping into a living history book, where Spanish colonial heritage blends with New England influences, creating a unique architectural tapestry. The earliest homes here, dating back to the 18th century, were built by Spanish and Mexican settlers using adobe bricks. These low-slung structures featured whitewashed walls, red-tiled roofs and courtyards. In the 19th century, American settlers arrived, infusing the architectural landscape with their New England sensibilities. The Monterey Colonial style emerged, blending adobe construction with symmetrical facades, large windows and decorative porches, like the ones on the historic Larkin House. Modern renovations and contemporary builds seamlessly blend in. Homes here range from cozy cottages starting around $1 million to grand haciendas exceeding $10 million. <br><br>Students living in the Old Monterey neighborhood have choices regarding education, including Monte Vista School which has a B overall grade from Niche and offers special education classes and the Saturday Academy program, which consists of enrichment programs and learning support. Monte Vista School is followed by Monterey High School, with an overall Niche grade of A. Students at Monterey High have a wealth of programs to choose from, including an Art, Media and Performance Academy, Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Science and a Sports Professions and Recreation Careers Academy, among many others.<br><br>Foodies and sightseers alike will find plenty to savor in and around Old Monterey. While the neighborhood itself is light on grocery stores, the handy 7-Eleven is perfect for grabbing essentials. For bigger hauls, Whole Foods is a few miles away in the Del Monte Shopping Center, along with a Macy’s. Old Monterey's culinary scene bursts with flavor. Savor classic breakfast and lunch fare at the diner-style Old Monterey Café. Craving something sweet? Candy World will satisfy your sweet tooth. For a livelier atmosphere and upscale pub fare, head to Melville Tavern at 580 Calle Principal. And no Monterey visit is complete without indulging in fresh seafood. Fisherman's Wharf, a short walk from Old Monterey, is a feast for the senses, with an array of restaurants and fish markets to tempt you.<br><br>Historic open green spaces and active parks help cement the tranquil atmosphere of the Old Monterey neighborhood. Craving panoramic vistas and coastal breezes? Jacks Park beckons. Just outside Old Monterey, this Monterey County park boasts over 8 miles of hiking trails. Weave through towering Monterey pines, marvel at sweeping ocean views and let the scent of eucalyptus invigorate your senses. Keep an eye out for deer and hawks soaring above the treetops. Yearning for a picnic under the sun? Larkin Park, in the heart of Old Monterey, is your haven. Spread a blanket beneath the shade of live oaks, let the kids loose on the play structures, or enjoy a leisurely game of frisbee. <br><br>In Old Monterey, time seems to slow down as you wander cobblestone streets and discover hidden courtyards adorned with fragrant bougainvillea. Start your day by stepping back in time at the Monterey State Historic Park. Explore the Larkin House, a majestic adobe hacienda that was once home to a prominent diplomat and marvel at the Custom House, the city's oldest government building. Guided tours weave tales of California's past, bringing these historic landmarks to life. A short stroll takes you to the lively Fisherman's Wharf, a feast for the senses. Fresh seafood scents mingle with the cries of seagulls as boats bob gently in the harbor. Sample locally caught delicacies at waterfront cafes and browse art galleries brimming with nautical themes.<br><br>The closest hospital to the Old Monterey neighborhood is the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, located 2.2 miles away. You can reach it in 45 minutes by taking Monterey-Salinas Transit Line 10 or 11 from Old Monterey to Del Monte Shopping Center, then transferring to Line 23 or 24.

Old Town is a lively neighborhood on Monterey Bay affectionately known as “Spaghetti Hill,” as it was once a famous Italian fishing community. Today the community is known for its historical homes and proximity to the shopping and dining at the Old Fisherman’s Wharf. “It’s an awesome place because there’s nothing boring about it,” says Anna Wilson of Del Monte Realty, who has lived and worked in the area for over 20 years. “The Wharf, shopping and dining and the architecture are all so lively, so you get the history, but things still feel fresh.” Some of the history can be seen on the Old Town Historic Homes Walk, a 2-mile self-guided tour of 55 historic buildings, including a couple of homes in Old Town that have been marked on the National Register for Historic Places for their architectural significance. Locals can taste the old Italian flavor at Cibo Italiano, a small spot with pasta and panini specials. The restaurant has cannoli and other chilled deserts behind the counter and homemade to go sauces and pastas on shelves in front of a large Italian flag. The architecture and heated patio at Cella Restaurant & Bar have old country Tuscan vibes with ivy attached to the pergola and white brick walls in the courtyard. The extensive wine menu has over 50 options by the bottle or glass. Domenico’s on the Wharf has white tablecloth seafood dining and the floor to ceiling windows offer views of the bay. Crab Loui’s Bistro also offers views of the Pacific and a menu of hearty soups and fish n chips. Grocery shopping is easy with Trader Joe’s off Pacific Street, and jewelry and retail boutiques are found off Alvarado Street. Residents can walk to the Monterey Museum of Art, which has rotating exhibits and events including the First Friday monthly event featuring live music and refreshments. The museum also offers creative workshops and afternoons with curators. Locals walk along Old Fisherman’s Wharf to catch a glimpse of the sunbathing seals or migrating gray whales. “Even if you don’t like the water activities the wharf has plenty to see with the views and the shopping,” says Wilson. The Monterey Docks hold residents’ boats, which are used to cruise the bay and deep-sea fish. Locals can stroll through the dunes via the boardwalk trail on Del Monte Beach and have a picnic in the sand. One mile inland, Monterey Veterans Memorial Park has 40 total campsites, a playground, softball field and basketball courts. Homes in Old Town are a point of pride. “We have everything from adobe architecture to Classic Revivals to more recent California bungalows, but nothing has been built in over 40 years,” says Wilson. The Finch House and the Larkin House pay homage to the Classic Rival and adobe architecture respectively and are on the Historic Homes Walk. Smaller homes under 1,000 square feet and renovation ready cost between $800,000 and $950,000. Larger homes are in the $1 million to $1.7 million range, while luxurious Mediterranean builds are in the $2 million to $2.2 million range. Apartments are plentiful, as 74% of the population rents in Old Town. Homes are close together on gridded residential streets. Sidewalks are available for dog walking. Kids in the neighborhood attend Monte Vista Elementary, a K-8 school, part of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. Monte Vista has a B-plus Niche ranking. Teens move to Monterey High School, which has an A grade. The school was named a Niche Standout California High School in 2023. Students can enroll in the Art, Media and Performance Academy, prepping them for a degree in a in the studies at a four-year university. There is also a Mathematics Academy and an Academy of Oceanographic Science. Old Town is served by the Monterey-Salinas Transit, which has bus routes throughout the neighborhood for local travel. Locals can hop on Route 101 and drive 70 miles north to San Jose or hop on a flight at Monterey Regional Airport, just 5 miles from the neighborhood.

Three miles south of Monterey, between Monterey Bay and Carmel Bay, Skyline Forest lives up to its name with an abundance of dense oak trees and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. The neighborhood is also home to the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While Skyline Forest is an established community, the population is changing. “We see a lot of people coming up from Silicon Valley and the Central Valley to escape, even if it’s just on the weekends,” says Laraye Sullivan of Sotheby’s International Realty, who has years of experience in the area. “The prices of the properties are getting higher, but the population is probably getting younger.” The neighborhood has a CAP Index crime score of 2 out of 10 compared to the national average of 4. Homes in Skyline Forest range from Craftsman ranch-style houses to bungalows to modern custom homes. Single-family builds cost between $1.45 million and $2.23 million, and prices are higher the higher the elevation. Condos range between $725,000 and $900,000 for two-bedroom condos, while larger units in gated communities are in the $1 million to $1.2 million range. “There are a lot of condos because of how many people come from out of town and pop up for the weekend,” says Sullivan. “They like how low maintenance they are and can come and go whenever they please.” Most condo communities have pools and tennis or pickleball courts. Both single-family homes and condo communities sit on quiet residential roads and are shaded by mature oak trees. Residents hike The Wild Boar Trail for views of the coastline or Presidio View Trail for sweeping views of Monterey. Both trails are in Monterey Veterans Memorial Park. For a more challenging hike, SFB Morse Botanical Preserve allows leashed dogs so residents can wear their furry friends out on the 3-mile trek. Golfers enjoy the 18-hole championship course at Poppy Hills Golf Club, where lessons and extensive practice facilities are also available. Surfers hit the waves at Del Monte Beach, located a couple of miles north of the neighborhood, while others take a relaxing walk along the beach's boardwalk. Leashed dogs are also allowed to splash in the ocean. “You can really do it all here,” says Susan Spiegel, a Realtor with Compass, who has two decades of experience in the area. “It’s an amazing location near Monterey Bay, and there are a bunch of parks and trails around. Whether you like hiking, golfing, sailing or scuba diving, there’s something there.” Most homes are just a mile from the massive Del Monte Shopping Center. The open-air mall is home to Macy’s, GAP and other retail classics. Groceries are found at Whole Foods or Del Monte Farmers Market, which is open each Thursday morning. Diners can sit at the large wooden tables at Kona Steak and Seafood, which has a fun setting with surfboards and paintings of fish on the walls. Lalla Grill Del Monte has outdoor seating so locals can grab tacos or a cocktail under the sun. The full bar features bright blue barstools, and bartenders need to use a ladder to reach some of the high-end liquors on the top shelves. Kids attend Monte Vista Elementary School, which is part of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. The K-8 school earns a B-plus grade from Niche and was once two separate schools that merged in 2022. For high school, teens attend Monterey High, which has an A grade and was named a California Standout School by Niche. The school is noted for its strong athletics program and has produced alumni like former NFL player and head coach Herm Edwards. Monterey High also as an Arts, Media and Performance Academy offering college prep courses for students interested in those fields. The Monterey Regional Airport is 7 miles from Skyline Forest and provides access to various locations, most of which are on the West Coast. Residents use Route 101 to travel 70 miles north to San Jose. The neighborhood is served by the Monterey-Salinas Transit system and has a pair of bus stops.

During normal weeks, the Laguna Seca/Ryan Ranch area of Monterey is a quiet oasis of palatial estates positioned atop hills and well-spaced from each other. But on race weekends, the air vibrates with the roar of engines as high-performance cars and motorcycles battle for supremacy on WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca’s 2.2-mile road course. With a 180-foot elevation change, the racetrack is a magnet for motorsports enthusiasts worldwide. The track's challenging corners and iconic corkscrew beckon spectators who pack the grandstands and hillsides, cheering for their favorites. But the raceway is more than just a place for adrenaline-fueled competition. It also plays host to a variety of community events throughout the year, from car shows and track days to music festivals and corporate outings. For local residents, the raceway is a source of pride and a symbol of the community's rich motorsports heritage. While gearheads come from all over to partake in events like the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the Continental Tire Monterey Grand Prall, there’s no shortage of non-race-related events either. For a slower pace, residents unwind at the scenic Laguna Seca Golf Ranch where they can also grab lunch and a beer. The championship golf course boasts breathtaking views of the Monterey Bay and challenging play for golfers of all skill levels. Tennis enthusiasts can perfect their game at the Chamisal Tennis Club, a premier facility offering courts, programs and social events. Beyond these major attractions, the community buzzes with year-round events, including programs at the Monterey Museum of Art or the Monterey County Symphony. The rolling hills of Monterey reveal the diverse architectural landscape of the Laguna Seca/Ryan Ranch neighborhoods. From sprawling contemporary estates with sleek lines and expansive windows to Spanish Colonial Revival homes adorned with vibrant tiles and wrought iron details, the area offers a unique blend of styles catering to various tastes. Homes within these neighborhoods range from starter single-story ranch-style houses to luxurious multi-million dollar mansions. The median home value in the area sits comfortably at around $1.2 million, with prices fluctuating based on size, location, and amenities. Rows of forest land provide the backdrop for winding streets with bike lanes that encourage residents to explore the neighborhood. Restaurants and shopping centers directly in the Laguna Seca/Ryan Ranch neighborhoods are scarce, but there are plenty of options nearby and there’s also the Coral Market and Deli. For the discerning gourmand, a morning stroll through Coral Market is a must. The stores shelves overflow with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses and local wines. The aroma of freshly baked bread mingles with the sweet fragrance of exotic flowers from their adjoining floral shop, creating a sensory symphony. For the casual diner, the nearby Crossroads Shopping Center offers a diverse array of restaurants, from the sizzling fajitas of Las Cazuelas to the savory wood-fired pizzas of Stone Creek Kitchen. And for those seeking a unique experience, the Monterey Bay Distillery beckons, offering handcrafted spirits paired with delectable bites. With many schools receiving nothing worse than a B grade from Niche, students in the Laguna Seca/Ryan Ranch neighborhoods have diverse educational options. York School, a private K-12 institution, boasts a prestigious campus with sweeping views of the Monterey Bay, receiving an A-plus rating from Niche for its rigorous academics and dedicated faculty. Just a stone's throw away, Toro Park School, a public K-5 campus, earns an A grade for its nurturing environment and focus on environmental sustainability. Washington Union Elementary, with its vibrant murals and diverse student body, scores an A-minus from Niche and Monterey High School stands tall with a B-plus grade, lauded for its comprehensive academic program and robust extracurricular activities. The Laguna Seca/Ryan Ranch neighborhoods boast a tapestry of parks and open green spaces that offer respite and adventure in equal measure, including the Laguna Seca Recreation Area. The space allows outdoor enthusiasts to hike or bike along scenic trails, marvel at the iconic Corkscrew, a world-renowned racetrack turn, or pitch a tent for an overnight stay under the stars. Others like to wander through the tranquil grounds of Laguna Grande Park, where families picnic under the shade of towering redwoods and children frolic on the expansive lawns. The closest hospital to the Laguna Seca/Ryan Ranch neighborhoods of Monterey is Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, which is about 8.9 miles away and can be reached by public transportation in 56 minutes.