Beginning in October every year, thousands of Monarch butterflies flock to the Monterey County town of Pacific Grove, where their shimmering wings will adorn towering eucalyptus trees until their departure in February. Welcome to Butterfly Town, USA, where living in this coastal community also means welcoming the thousands of eco-tourists who follow the butterflies on this leg of their migration. Pacific Grove takes its winged visitors seriously; the coastal town not only hosts educational programs and citizen science initiatives, but it has banned disturbing the insects, making "molesting a butterfly" a $1,000 fineable offense. With the sanctuary comes an enviable waterfront location, a whimsical collection of many styles of homes and top-notch educational choices. Of course, all of that comes with a price. Potential homeowners should ask themselves if it’s worth it for them. “The cost of living is high in Pacific Grove, but anyone who has the means to move here absolutely should,” says Gemma Stevens, a Monterey County property manager. “As soon as you get a whiff of that fresh ocean air, nowhere else can compare.”
A couple searching for butterflies in the Pacific Grove neighborhood.
Monarch Butterflies are present in the Monterey Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove.
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Entertainment, recreation and nature appreciation
Beautiful scenery and tranquil sandy beaches are found everywhere in Pacific Grove, especially at Asilomar State Beach, which stretches across Sandy shores and includes landmarks and walking paths for visitors to explore. Parks and spots like Kissing Rock and Lovers Point Park line the coast for a romantic adventure taking in the majestic ocean. If the beaches are too busy or if you want to change the scenery, Pacific Grove has plenty of nature getaways inland. George Washington Park fills six city blocks with unimproved forest land where residents can take a break from the sun and enjoy the shadows of the thick trees. Aside from pristine beaches, Pacific Grove also has plenty of indoor attractions. The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has educated visitors for nearly 150 years on the rich history of the California Central Coast, including its diverse wildlife, geology and cultural contributions. Get a hands-on lesson on the region’s marine life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Located right on the water, the famed aquatic experience includes more than 200 exhibits and 80,000 plants and animals on display. One of the most popular attractions in town is the Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continually operating lighthouse on the Pacific, where residents explore the preserved structure and the stunning grounds outside.
A lady going on a walk in the Pacific Grove neighborhood.
A man walking in the rocks of Asilomar State Beach in the Pacific Grove neighborhood.
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Colorful, Mediterranean-inspired and cottage-like houses
Pacific Grove’s curvy California coastline holds a festive medley of classically designed homes, drawn mainly from historic Victorian and Colonial Revival examples that have stood in the area for decades. Grid-like streets inland also feature modern mid-century and Craftsman builds on compact properties. Closer to the coastline, Mediterranean-inspired homes have larger footprints and more breathing room to take in the breezy beach air. Living in one of these architectural gems comes with a premium, however. The median sales price for homes in Pacific Grove is $1.6 million, far above the median price of $730,000 for the rest of Monterey County. Single-family homes range from the mid-$500,000s to multi-million dollar estates, reflecting the exclusivity and desirability of the location. Those craving character and history are advised to be prepared to invest. But fear not, condominiums and apartments are available at lower price points.
In Pacific Grove, California you'll find beautiful manicured homes from the 1900s.
Small and cute the homes in Pacific Grove, California has charm for days.
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Highly rated schools in this coastal town
Pacific Grove is home to some of the most well-regarded schools in both Monterey County and the state. Children can start their educations at Robert Down Elementary School, ranked by Niche in the top 3% of California elementary schools. Pacific Grove Middle School holds an A rating from Niche and touts a low student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1. Students wrap up their grade school educations by enrolling in Pacific Grove High School, rated an A-plus from Niche.com, and one of the top 100 high schools in the state.
Pacific Grove High School in Pacific Grove, California is nestled into a forest environment.
Robert Down School in Pacific Grove, California is just block from the ocean.
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Taste the Town in a foodies' playground
Pacific Grove pulsates with a love for good food. Get a taste of Pacific Grove’s thriving food scene in historic downtown. These city streets sit along Lighthouse Avenue and provide locals with some of the hottest restaurants in Monterey County. The first stop on any food-lover tour through Pacific Grove can begin and end at International Cuisine, where diners can order items to fit any palate, from falafel platters to pizza, lasagna, and chicken shawarma. Get the upscale dining experience at Passionfish, where they serve fish plucked directly from the ocean in an intimate and relaxing setting. Go to First Awakenings for some of the best breakfast in town. Both the menu and the portions are huge in this neighborhood favorite. Enjoy your meal with a stunning view of the beach at Beach House Restaurant and Bar at Lover’s Point, where you can enjoy casual California classics and a gorgeous oceanfront view simultaneously. And don't forget the farmers' markets overflowing with fresh produce, artisan breads and handcrafted treats.
Farmers Markets happen on Tuesdays in Pacific Grove, California.
Fresh produce brought into the Farmers' Markets in Pacific Grove, California.
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Chain stores and boutiques
For groceries, residents routinely head to Grove Market for its friendly staff and wide selection of fresh produce, gourmet foods and everyday essentials. Those looking for a national chain, Trader Joe's is available and for a touch of coastal style, Marita's Boutique offers a curated selection of women's clothing, accessories and home goods. Aurelia's Boutique PG features new and vintage clothing and jewelry for a more eclectic mix.
Grove Market is the best place to get groceries in the Pacific Grove neighborhood.
Trotter's Gallery in Pacific Grove, California is a great place to check out local art.
Check out the Motorcycle museum in Pacific Grove, California.
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Safety, health and getting around
Pacific Grove boasts a remarkably low crime rate, 63% lower than the national average. In 2023, reported violent crimes totaled 13, translating to 87 per 100,000 residents. While property crimes are slightly higher at 778 per 100,000, they still fall significantly below the national average. With an average of just 0.35 crimes per day, Pacific Grove offers a peaceful environment for residents. Monterey Peninsula Community Hospital, located less than 5 miles away in nearby in Monterey, provides quality healthcare services to Pacific Grove residents and is reachable via the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) bus system. The transit system offers multiple routes within Pacific Grove and connects it to nearby towns and major attractions. “It’s hard not to call Pacific Grove one of the best places to live in California,” says local property manager Gemma Stevens. “That might sound like overselling, but it really is fantastic. Stunning beaches, a hot food scene, a booming tourism industry; it really has everything.”
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.
