Why Live in Old Town
Old Town, a vibrant neighborhood in Monterey, is steeped in history and culture, once known as “Spaghetti Hill” for its Italian fishing community roots. The area is renowned for its historic homes and proximity to Old Fisherman’s Wharf, offering a blend of shopping, dining, and scenic views. The Old Town Historic Homes Walk, a 2-mile self-guided tour, showcases 55 historic buildings, including homes on the National Register for Historic Places. Dining options reflect the neighborhood’s heritage, with spots like Cibo Italiano, Cella Restaurant & Bar, and Domenico’s on the Wharf offering Italian and seafood cuisine. Grocery shopping is convenient with Trader Joe’s nearby, and Alvarado Street features various boutiques. The Monterey Museum of Art, with its rotating exhibits and events, is a local cultural hub. Outdoor activities include walking along the wharf to see seals and whales, boating from the Monterey Docks, and enjoying Del Monte Beach and Monterey Veterans Memorial Park. Homes in Old Town range from adobe architecture to Classic Revivals and California bungalows, with no new constructions in over 40 years. The neighborhood has a high rental population, with 74% of residents renting. Monte Vista Elementary and Monterey High School, both highly rated, serve the area’s children. Transportation is facilitated by the Monterey-Salinas Transit bus routes, and Monterey Regional Airport is just 5 miles away. The neighborhood is safer than the national average, making it a practical and appealing place to live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Town a good place to live?
Old Town is a good place to live. Old Town is considered fairly walkable and somewhat bikeable with some transit options. Old Town is a suburban neighborhood. Old Town has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is very dense in population with 16.8 people per acre and a median age of 39. The average household income is $117,348 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 59.9% of residents. A majority of residents in Old Town are renters, with 75.3% of residents renting and 24.7% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Old Town can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Old Town neighborhood guide.
Is Old Town, CA a safe neighborhood?
Old Town, CA is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 5 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Old Town?
The median home price in Old Town is $459,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $91,800 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,380 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $102K a year to afford the median home price in Old Town. The average household income in Old Town is $117K.
What are the best public schools in Old Town?
The best public schools that serve Old Town are:
What are the best private schools in Old Town?
The best private schools that serve Old Town are:
- Santa Catalina School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 6:1 and an average review score of 4.4.
- San Carlos School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 13:1 and an average review score of 4.7.
- Trinity Christian High School has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 5:1 and an average review score of 4.1.
What are the most popular zip codes in Old Town, Monterey, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Old Town, Monterey, CA?
Home Trends in Old Town, CA
On average, homes in Old Town, Monterey sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Town, Monterey over the last 12 months is $430,000, down 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$430,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$430,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$320,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$236
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
15
Median List Price
$459,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-13%