$1,280,790Average Value$856Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Living near Old Fisherman's Wharf
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 shopping and dining at the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, which, in the 1960s, was a market where fishermen would unload and sell their catches. The wharf now houses boutique shops and places to dine while looking out on the bay. “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.
Overlooking the historic charm of Old Town neighborhood.
Old Town was once a famous Italian fishing community.
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Italian dining at Cella
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 an ivy-covered pergola and white brick walls. 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 and chips. Grocery shopping is easy with Trader Joe’s off Pacific Street, and jewelry and retail boutiques are found off Alvarado Street.
Domenico’s offer views of the bay in Old Town.
Cella Restaurant & Bar has an extensive wine collection in Old Town.
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Del Monte Beach and the Monterey Museum of Art
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 are located right off the wharf holding locals' boats along with boats used for charter fishing and whale watching. 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 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.
Fisherman's Shoreline Park is the best place to watch sea lions in Monterey.
The Monterey Museum of Art is within walking distance of most homes in Old Town.
Old Town residents have easy access to Old Fisherman’s Wharf.
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Historic homes
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.
Find your perfect home in the Old Town in Monterey.
The James W. Finch House in Old Town is listed as a National Historic Landmark.
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Monterey High's A grade
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 the studies at a four-year university. There is also a Mathematics Academy and an Academy of Oceanographic Science.
Students can attend Monterey High School.
An aerial view of Monte Vista Middle School
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Access to 101
Old Town is served by the Monterey-Salinas Transit, which has bus routes throughout the neighborhood for local travel. Locals can hop on Highway 1, located a mile from Old Monterey, and drive 70 miles north to San Jose or hop on a flight at Monterey Regional Airport, just 5 miles from the neighborhood.
Old Town is served by Monterey-Salinas Transit buses
Old Town residents can take Route 101 70 miles north to San Jose.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Old Town
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Old Town Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Town, Monterey sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Town, Monterey over the last 12 months is $1,125,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
First time on the market in nearly 50 years. This cherished 1908 Victorian stands proudly in the heart of Old Town Monterey, just moments from historic City Hall, Fishermans Wharf, and the sparkling Monterey Bay. Set on a 5,400+ sq. ft. lot, the stately two-story home offers approximately 2,500 sq. ft. of living space with five bedrooms, three full baths, and a generous rear garden. Rich with
Welcome to Casa de la Torre, a historical gem in Monterey at Jefferson and Pierce Streets overlooking Friendly Plaza. This magnificent adobe presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Monterey's history, located in the esteemed Monterey Old Town National Historic Landmark district and featured in renowned books for its significance. As the first Mills Act contract recipient in Monterey County,
Lovingly known to neighbors as “The Big House,” 443 Watson St. stands as a centerpiece of Monterey’s historic core. Built at the turn of the 20th century, set on a massive lot, the property combines timeless craftsmanship with extraordinary investment potential. The front residence is a modern Victorian currently divided into a duplex—each unit offering 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, with a separate
Build your dream home in one of Monterey's most peaceful, tree-lined neighborhoods. Nestled among mature oaks and surrounded by natural beauty, this serene parcel offers a truly special canvas for your future vision. Imagine waking each morning to birdsong and glimpses of deer roaming through the area, in the kind of tranquil setting that defines the Monterey lifestyle. Located on Madison Road,
Welcome home to this light, airy, and completely remodeled 2-bedroom, 1.5 bath home, w/ bonus room in back that could be used as 3rd bedroom, just steps from the heart of downtown Monterey. This spacious home features large windows throughout, filling the space with natural light and ocean breeze. Enjoy modern finishes, an open-concept layout, and a clean, fresh design that creates an inviting
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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.