Explore Carmel Highlands, CA

Carmel Highlands, CA Neighborhood Guides

Explore the breathtaking views and vibrant communities in Carmel Highlands, CA. We’ve gathered the details and real estate facts you need about the area. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Featured image of Carmel Highlands, CA Neighborhood Page
Credit: Photo by Heinrich Brooksher Real Estate Group | Source
Overview

Luxury Homes for Sale in Carmel Highlands, CA

Carmel Highlands is a stunning coastal community south of Carmel-by-the-Sea and north of Big Sur.

In 1916, developers Frank Hubbard Powers and James Franklin Devendorf, and the Carmel Development Company laid the foundation for Carmel Highlands. They envisioned it as a haven for creative individuals, pivotal in developing the regional art colony during the early 20th century. Painters and sculptors drawn to the rugged scenery established studio homes that bore witness to their artistic endeavors. You will also find oceanfront houses, mountaintop estates, classic Mediterranean villas, and gated mansions. As properties are perched atop scenic clifftops, they boast commanding views of the vast Pacific Ocean. With its natural beauty and sophisticated living experience, its real estate is among the most expensive in the United States and has attracted numerous celebrities.

REGAL HOMES: Spectacular. Grand. Palatial. Wow. These are just some words you will utter when you see the masterfully designed residences in Carmel Highlands, CA. They feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows, providing unobstructed panoramic ocean views and rocky coastlines from every corner. You will also love the seamless flow of the kitchen to the dining area and the great room. As the day winds down, retreat to luxurious bedroom suites and pamper yourself in spa-like bathrooms. Every detail contributes to a lifestyle of opulence and comfort.

PANORAMIC SCENERY: Carmel Highlands houses are in a picturesque region where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. Nestled high in the hills east of California Highway 1, this locale offers dramatic oceanfront vistas, waves crashing against white rocks, and panoramic views of lush canyons, mountains, and trees. Vibrant wildflowers bloom alongside pine trees and mature oaks in spring, enhancing the area’s allure. Your home becomes a haven of serene beauty, presenting breathtaking landscapes that change with the seasons.

STATE PARK JEWEL: Point Lobos State Reserve is “the crown jewel” among California’s 280 state parks. This coastal haven is rich in plant life and offers close encounters with sea otters, seals, whales, and birds. Whaler’s Cove, a scuba diving hotspot, and multiple hiking trails along bluff tops enhance the recreational appeal. This reserve continues to captivate those seeking serenity in nature, providing photography, painting, nature study, and poetry opportunities, making it a haven for residents and nature enthusiasts.

Market Overview

Carmel Highlands, CA Real Estate Information

Median Listing Price

$1,600,000

Median Price Per Sq Ft

$839

Average Days on Market

86

Median Price of Sold Homes

$1,600,000

Home Ownership Percentage

85%

Median Rent

$3,721

Homes in Carmel Highlands, CA

10 Real Estate Facts about Carmel Highlands, CA

  • Carmel Highlands features properties dating back to 1926, with ongoing constructions slated for completion in 2024, contributing to a diverse architectural landscape.
  • The median age of houses in Carmel Highlands, CA, is 63.
  • Luxury homes in Carmel Highlands, CA, range from $2.8M to $25.3M.
  • These residences offer spacious living interiors spanning from 2,100 to 6,100 square feet.
  • Properties in Carmel Highlands come with sizeable lots ranging from 0.39 acres to 1.5 acres.
  • Vacant sites spanning 17.59 acres are available for $2.95M, providing an opportunity to build your dream home.
  • The area also offers co-ownership opportunities and an annual timeshare option at the luxurious Hyatt Carmel Highlands.
  • Residents enjoy convenient access to shopping and dining at The Crossroads Carmel and Barnyard Shopping Village.
  • The community traverses Highway One, an American National Scenic Byway, where you can witness migrating whales and elephant seals along the captivating coastline.
  • While the coastal location brings slightly increased wind and fog, the climate in Carmel Highlands remains relatively warm and consistent throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 50 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the map

Carmel Highlands, CA Neighborhoods Map

Carmel Highlands, CA, spans from the southernmost edge of Carmel to the north of Big Sur. It is 3.5 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea along Highway 1.

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

Carmel Highlands, CA Interactive Map

Click on any neighborhood for a brief introduction

Team photo of the Heinrich Brooksher Real Estate Group
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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 Carmel Highlands, CA

Population

2,249

Median Age

57.4

Median Household Income

$162,646

Households

952

Household size

2

Cost of living

151.9

Entertainment

Things to do in Carmel Highlands, CA

Monastery Beach

A serene escape ideal for picnics, inviting visitors to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific.

Sunset Lounge

Enjoy live entertainment and a creative cocktail menu featuring handcrafted delights infused with fresh seasonal fruits.

Hyatt Vacation Club at Highlands Inn & HYATT Carmel Highlands

Explore the luxurious offerings and amenities of this 4-star hotel, where unparalleled comfort meets stunning coastal views.

William Ritschel Castle House

This historical landmark is an artistically unique stone house perched overlooking the Pacific.

Education

Schools in Carmel Highlands, CA

School NameGradesAdmission
Carmel River Elementary SchoolK - 5Public
Carmel Middle School6 - 8Public
Carmel High School9 - 12Public
All Saints Day SchoolK - 8Private
San Carlos SchoolK - 8Private
Stevenson SchoolK - 12Private