$2,118,891Average Value$334Average Price per Sq Ft34Homes For Sale
Boasting stunning views of untouched canyons in Southern California, the master-planned Carmel Valley is one of the San Diego area's premier communities. A friendly area just a few miles from the beach, Carmel Valley often charms young families seeking a strong school district. “It’s like living in the country, but you’re still near the city and the ocean,” says Debbie Deverett, who moved to the area from Toronto in 2009. “We came looking for good weather, a good place to raise the family, and good golfing, so Carmel Valley checked all of our boxes. It’s our paradise.”
The Carmel Valley neighborhood with view of the Pacific Ocean.
An elevated view of luxuries homes in Carmel Valley.
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Homes
Developed in the mid-1970s, the area also features Spanish- and Mediterranean-style homes built in the 21st century. Single-family homes start at $1,000,000 and can reach as high as $10,000,000 for custom-built estates. Condos and townhouses sell for between $500,000 and $3,000,000. There are about 18,000 total homes in the neighborhood and the average number of days on the market is roughly half the national average.
A view of luxury homes in Carmel Valley.
A new development of North City in Carmel Valley.
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Parks
Ocean Air Recreation Center is a hub of activity, featuring basketball, volleyball and badminton courts. It’s also just a short walk to Carmel Mountain Preserve, which provides sunset and ocean views. Along the border of Carmel Valley lies Torrey Pines State Reserve. Extending all the way to the California coast, this area is commonly referred to as “a wilderness island in an urban sea.” Pacific Highlands Ranch Community Park features basketball courts, a pump track and skateboard ramps. Torrey Highlands Dog Park is a popular spot for residents with four-legged friends. At Carmel Creek Park, kids enjoy the colorful playground with slides, swings and hammocks. Carmel Valley also includes several walking trails to explore the rugged terrain. “We’ve got just beautiful weather year-round. San Diego has the best weather in the country,” Deverett says. “We’re also just three miles from the beach and there’s canyons, so tons of hiking. And we’re two hours from the mountain so you can go skiing in the morning and then come back and go to the beach in the afternoon. Oh also the desert is two hours east, so we’ve got just about everything, the deserts, the mountains and the beach.” The Grand Golf Club provides additional opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with an 18-hole course along the backdrop of Los Peñasquitos Canyon. Lounge in the 50,000-square-foot clubhouse, float in the resort-style pool or play a pick-up game of pickleball.
The Pacific Highlands Ranch Park skatepark in Carmel Valley.
The Carmel Creek Park playground in Carmel Valley.
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Shopping and Dining
The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch has more than 160,000 square feet of dining, shopping and specialty services. Locals can grab groceries from Trader Joe's, Jimbo’s for organic and natural foods or the Meats and Eat butcher shop. Additional shopping options can be found at Del Mar Highlands Town Center, an outdoor complex that features more than 100 storefronts, or One Paseo, which is filled with country coastal vibes and one-of-a-kind stores and services. Wine lovers can visit Let’s Go Vino, a tasting tour of California’s best wine. Foodies come out in droves to get a taste of Addison, one of the few three-star Michelin-rated restaurants in the United States. Locals rave at Ken Sushi Workshop’s Japanese fusion dishes. For a quirky environment, stop by the Breakfast Republic for an imaginative dish, or kick back at sports bar-themed pizzeria Oggi’s. Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee can satisfy a sweet tooth.
The Sky Deck in Carmel Valley.
The Sidecar Doughnuts Coffee in Carmel Valley.
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Schools
“If people move here with kids they’re getting themselves into a great school district,” Deverett says. “We have one of the best school districts in town. That’s why there are mostly families in the area. But we have a good mix too. It’s not just all families.” Local students can attend Carmel Creek Elementary School and Carmel Valley Middle School. Canyon Crest Academy is a California Distinguished School that has been consistently ranked as one of the best high schools in California and in the United States. All three schools received an A-plus rating from Niche.
The Pacific Trails Middle School monument in Carmel Valley.
The signage for the Torrey Pines High School in Carmel Valley.
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Transportation
Sandwiched between Interstate 5, state Route 56 and Interstate 15, Carmel Valley is a gateway to the rest of Southern California ?— and only about a half-hour drive to the beach or San Diego. “We’re 30 minutes from the border so you can go to Mexico. And even though we’re such a quiet suburb, you can reach a freeway in five minutes that can take you anywhere,” Deverett says.
Carmel Valley is a gateway to the rest of Southern California.
Carmel Valley is sandwiched between Interstate 5, state Route 56 and Interstate 15.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Paula Gonzalez,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Del Mar Trails Park
Basketball
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Carmel Creek Park
Baseball/Softball
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Solana Ranch Park
Torrey Highlands Park
Baseball/Softball
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Torrey Hills Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Playground
Carmel Mission Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Pacific Highlands Ranch Community Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Bike Trails
Ashley Falls Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Carmel Knolls Park
Playground
Parking Lot
Multi-Purpose Field
Transit
Airport
San Diego International
25 min drive
Bus
Via De La Valle & El Camino Real (N)
Bus
Via De La Valle & 2705
Bus
Via De La Valle & San Andres Dr
Carmel Valley Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Carmel Valley, San Diego sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Carmel Valley, San Diego over the last 12 months is $520,000, up 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 11649 Thistle Hill, nestled in the exclusive gated community of Torrey Woods Estates. This exceptional home offers the unique advantage of choice between two top-rated elementary schools: Ocean Air or Torrey Hills. Gated courtyard entry invites you into a freshly painted home with designer finishes. Grand formal entry with cathedral ceilings open to the elegant formal living and dining
As you enter the home through the grand foyer with cathedral ceilings the eyes are immediately drawn to the unobstructed canyon view. The main living area features a combination of travertine stone and dark wood floors, a dramatic custom wrought iron staircase, and a spacious formal dining room with French doors opening up to a backyard paradise. The cozy family room with fireplace and wet bar
21 Tesla Solar Panels are fully paid Discover the exquisite allure of 4,687 SQ/F luxurious 6 Bedroom, 6 Bath where a colonial architecture meets a breathtaking unobstructed view of Sunrise and Sunset with 180 degrees Golf Corse, valley and hills, natural habitat vegetations and trees, in the Carmel Valley Posticous Lexington most desirable neighborhood. This house has an exceptional layout with
Nestled in the premier Portico community of Pacific Highlands Ranch, this meticulously maintained Plan 3 home at 13529 Scarlet Sage Trail offers unmatched convenience and lifestyle. Just steps from top-rated schools, vibrant shopping, serene parks, canyons, golf and beaches, access to community pool, gym and rec center, this 3-bed, 3-bath + loft and den, 2,408 sqft residence combines
Absolutely one of the best combinations of location, views, privacy & lack of road noise in Carmel Valley. Very unique offering only 6 similar sales since 2020... Plus, now priced to sell @ $846 per SF! 5 BR 5.5 BA 3,922 SF on a 8,913 SF view lot, ideally situated in the gated Santa Barbara Community. The heart of the home flows effortlessly into a spacious great room and out to your private
Now available for the first time, this exceptional estate in Rancho Pacifica represents the pinnacle of custom design and livable luxury. This is a rare opportunity to own one of Rancho Pacifica’s most distinguished single-level estates.Nestled behind the gates of this prestigious community, Rancho Verde Trail blends timeless architecture with modern luxury, crafted for those who value scale,
Welcome to Pacifica in the heart of Carmel Valley. Available 8/16/25. Pets Welcome. This 2-story 2BR/2.5BA townhome is ready for you. Vaulted ceilings, laminate flooring, living room with fireplace. Yard/Patio is fenced with lemon tree, cypress trees, roses and is pet friendly. Kitchen has new countertops, refrigerator included. Attached 2-car garage with washer/ dryer
Luxury Living in the Heart of Carmel Valley! Step into elevated elegance with this beautifully remodeled third-floor condo, showcasing abundant natural light and premium upgrades throughout. Designed for effortless modern living, this turnkey residence offers: A brand-new chef’s kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, Spa-inspired bathrooms with luxurious finishes, Updated flooring, fresh
Seek the exceptional, and youll reach Altura Apartments. Situated against the backdrop of a rocky hillside in the stunning Carmel Valley, San Diego, our apartments bring you a luxury-infused lifestyle with the right amount of natural escapes and desirable employers. Discover all the fantastic amenities and household features that turn our community into a live-work-play hub for goal-getters, fun
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Paula Gonzalez,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
60,335
Median Age
41
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$174,899
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$192,433
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98%
College Graduates
80.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
45.3%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
74.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
11''
Average Winter Low Temperature
48°F
Average Summer High Temperature
74°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
42/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
20/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
0/ 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.
