Featured image of Big Sur, CA Neighborhood Page
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Overview

Luxury Homes for Sale in Big Sur, CA

Big Sur is a masterpiece of nature known for its awe-inspiring scenery.

Its name traces back to the uncharted wilderness that hugged the coast south of Monterey, known as El Sur Grande, The Big South. Today, it refers to the 90-mile stretch of rugged and breathtaking coastline, touted as the longest and most scenic expanse of undeveloped coastal beauty – arguably one of the most stunning anywhere in the world. It offers adventurers and nature enthusiasts a myriad of recreational activities, including hiking, backpacking, and scenic drives that unveil the region’s dramatic vistas. While the inland remains largely uninhabited, the coastal areas maintain a secluded charm, adorned with small roadside businesses and architecturally inspired homes. It is an extraordinary sanctuary where the land meets the sea.

SPECTACULAR SETTING: Robert Lindsey has aptly described Big Sur’s breathtaking landscape in The New York Times as “one of the most stunning meetings of land and sea in the world.” It is situated between the rugged Pacific Coast and the wooded Santa Lucia Mountains, resulting in imposing geography, rich vegetative compositions, and a dramatic setting rivaling the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon. While people from across the globe travel far to witness this grandeur, you, on the other hand, can experience nature’s masterpiece minutes from your home.

BEST DRIVE ON EARTH: The classic drive along twisting Highway 1 is more than a road trip; it’s a chance to experience one of the top 10 motorcycle rides in the United States. The route offers numerous pullovers, such as the iconic Bixby Bridge or the parks along the coastline. See the endangered California condors soar overhead, look for migrating whales, and catch marine otters drifting amidst thick kelp beds. It is a front-row seat to the world’s most extraordinary journey on wheels.

PANORAMIC ESTATES: Big Sur, CA, homes are widely spread in rural sites, often accessed through private roads. They offer views of the Los Padres National Forest and the vast Pacific, offering glorious coastal scenery. Imagine waking up to the sound of whales or watching condors soar by your windows. Many feature terraces, decks, and patios, creating spaces for outdoor living. The landscaped properties also sit on oversized lots, creating a unique and privileged living experience where every corner is a gateway to the Big Sur panorama.

Market Overview

Big Sur, CA Real Estate Information

Median Listing Price

$3,900,000

Median Price Per Sq Ft

$3,000

Average Days on Market

175

Median Price of Sold Homes

$1,700,000

Home Ownership Percentage

47%

Median Rent

$2,743

Homes in Big Sur, CA

10 Real Estate Facts About Homes for Sale in Big Sur, CA

  • The untouched natural scenery of Big Sur is owed to stringent development plans. No billboards or advertisements are allowed along the highway, and business signage must be modestly scaled and reflect a rural aesthetic.
  • Big Sur landmarks carry early settlers’ names, such as Mt. Manuel, Pfeiffer Ridge, Post Summit, Cooper Point, Dani Ridge, Partington Cove, and more.
  • Grand Big Sur, CA, residences are available in the range of $2.7M to $32M.
  • Small cabins start at 584 sq ft, while palatial homes in Big Sur, CA, boast up to 9,800 sq ft.
  • Lot sizes vary from 2 to 109 acres. The market also features multi-parcel coastal ranches measuring up to 350 acres with separate housing structures.
  • Luxury mansions in Big Sur, CA, often bear the signature touch of renowned architects like Mickey Muennig, Francis Palms, and Rowan Maiden, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. 
  • Vacant lots in Big Sur, CA, range from $300,000 to $1.7M, offering sizes from 1.6 to 20 acres. Past sales records include lots up to 134 acres closed at $1.6M. 
  • The Pacific Ocean’s proximity brings a temperate climate, characterized by mild winters and occasional rainy days, balanced with periods of bright sunshine. The coastal fog typically lifts by early afternoon. 
  • Renowned among astronomers, Big Sur is the country’s premier location for observing the heavens due to minimal ambient light pollution.
  • Annual events include The Big Sur River Run, The Big Sur Marathon Foundation, The Big Sur Food & Wine Festival, and The Big Sur Fashion Show.
On the map

Big Sur, CA Neighborhoods Map

Big Sur lies between Carmel to the north and San Simeon (Hearst Castle) to the south. Highway 1 winds through this coastal gem and is the main artery linking it to neighboring towns.

a drawn out map of Big Sur, CA
Credit: Photo by Heinrich Brooksher Real Estate Group | Source
Big Sur, CA Map

Big Sur, CA Interactive Map

Click on any neighborhood for a brief introduction

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Take the next step

Ready to take the next step?

Heinrich Brooksher Real Estate Group is a group of real estate experts who possess financial know-how and local insight. They aim to provide their clients with an enriching and rewarding experience while buying a home. With over 30 years of experience guiding clients through the home-buying process, The Heinrich Team has established a strong reputation in the local community. Their commitment to ensuring their clients’ success and happiness makes them a trusted choice for anyone looking to buy a home. 

Meet the locals

Who Lives in Big Sur, CA

Population

1,549

Median Age

38.4

Median Household Income

$121,985

Households

621

Household size

2.4

Cost of living

151.9

Entertainment

Things to do in Big Sur, CA

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

This park along the coast features stunning coastal views and is home to the famous McWay Falls.

Point Sur Lighthouse

The only nineteenth-century lighthouse complex open to the public in California, providing a glimpse into maritime history and panoramic views.

Nepenthe

An iconic restaurant perched atop Big Sur's cliffs, offering exquisite dining and breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Henry Miller Memorial Library

A nonprofit bookstore and arts center dedicated to Henry Miller's life and work is a gathering place for locals.

Education

Schools in Big Sur, CA

School NameGradesAdmission
Captain Cooper Elementary SchoolK - 5Public
Pacific Valley School (Big Sur)K - 12Public
Big Sur Charter SchoolK - 12Public Charter
Big Sur Park SchoolPreK - KPrivate
All Saints Day SchoolK - 8Private
Stevenson SchoolK - 12Private