Explore Monterey, CA

Monterey, CA Neighborhood Guides

Discover the stunning coastal beauty of Monterey, CA. Learn about the best neighborhoods in the area with our detailed real estate insights. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Featured image of Monterey, CA Neighborhood Page
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Overview

Luxury Homes for Sale in Monterey, CA

Monterey is a waterfront city on the southern edge of Monterey Bay, offering a picturesque panorama of oceanic wonders and coastal charisma.

In the 1930s and 1940s, Monterey was the epicenter of a booming fishing industry, proudly earning the title of the sardine capital of the world. This legacy lingers along Cannery Row, where the well-preserved cabins of early 20th-century fishermen still stand. A small commercial fleet also continues to operate at Municipal Wharf No. 2. Amidst the bustling maritime activity, the city retains an endearing small-town ambiance. It features diverse neighborhoods, offering houses ranging from historic adobes to mid-century modern homes. Beyond the quaint streets and bustling harbors, Monterey unveils a breathtaking natural beauty, a rich history, and a vibrant cultural scene.

FLOURISHING MARINE LIFE: Monterey’s coastal charm extends beneath the surface of the waters. The shores teem with diversity, from playful sea otters to majestic whales, dolphins, bat rays, sea lions, and harbor seals, making it a dream destination for scuba divers. It is also home to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. This colossal facility showcases 35,000 creatures from over 550 species, featuring the towering Kelp Forest and captivating Open Sea exhibits of sharks, jellyfish, and more. Every day is an opportunity to witness the wonders of the deep blue.

CHARMING DOWNTOWN: The Old Fisherman’s Wharf welcomes you with a blend of seaside ambiance and delightful discoveries. Start the day by catching your own fish with chartered tours, going on a bay cruise, or gliding through the waters on a glass-bottom boat ride. Return to indulge in award-winning Italian fare, sustainable seafood, or the region’s famed clam chowder. Explore exciting shops for unique gifts, or enjoy a stroll overlooking the bay. Keep your eyes peeled for gentle giants peaking at the horizon and discover why Monterey is the “Whale Watching Capital of the World.”

THE FIRST CITY: Monterey wears its heritage with pride, being a city of many “firsts.” From the first theater in California to the first brick house, the first publicly funded school, the first public building, the first public library, the first printing press, and the first newspaper. National Historic Landmarks like the Larkin House, Old Custom House, Royal Presidio Chapel, and the Cooper-Molera Adobe bear witness to the region’s pivotal role in shaping the state’s early history. Witness Monterey’s architectural treasures and connect deeply to its storied legacy.

Market Overview

Monterey, CA Real Estate Information

Median Listing Price

$1,100,000

Median Price Per Sq Ft

$780

Average Days on Market

40

Median Price of Sold Homes

$955,000

Home Ownership Percentage

35.6%

Median Rent

$2,475

Homes in Monterey, CA

10 Real Estate Facts About Homes for Sale in Monterey, CA

  • Monterey, founded on June 3, 1770, and officially incorporated on May 30, 1850, holds historical significance as California’s first capital.
  • The city encompasses 16 neighborhoods, offering multi-family residences, mixed-use projects, walkable districts, beachfront tracts, and spacious suburban homes.
  • Monterey, CA, condominiums range from $459,000 to $1.8M, varying in size from 478 to 1,700 sq ft. 
  • The single-family homes in Monterey, CA, range from $758,000 to $6.5M, featuring sizes from 933 to 8,300 sq ft. 
  • Monterey, CA, multi-family dwellings, typically four to five units, are priced between $1.7M to $5.8M, with total square footage ranging from 2,500 to 14,000 sq ft. 
  • Lot sizes in Monterey range from 0.09 to 4.4 acres.
  • 27.5% of civilian employment in Monterey is concentrated in education, health care, and social services.
  • Monterey is an education hub, housing prestigious institutions such as Monterey Peninsula College, Defense Language Institute, Naval Postgraduate School, and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. 
  • The city has a mild and temperate climate year-round, with an average summer temperature of 59.5 degrees and an annual rainfall of 18.33 inches.
  • The annual Monterey Jazz Festival proudly bears the title of “the longest-running jazz festival in the world,” with its inception in 1958.
On the map

Monterey, CA Neighborhoods Map

Monterey is on the central California coast, bordered by Pacific Grove to the northwest, Del Monte Forest to the southwest, Carmel-by-the-Sea to the south, and Del Rey Oaks to the east. It is accessible via California State Route 1, which traces the coastline from Monterey Bay to the north and leads to the scenic beauty of Big Sur in the south.

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

Monterey, 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 Monterey, CA

Population

28,809

Median Age

38.6

Median Household Income

$128,549

Households

12,586

Household size

2.13

Cost of living

151.9

Entertainment

Things to do in Monterey, CA

Del Monte Shopping Center

Monterey's largest open-air shopping destination hosts a variety of stores and exceptional dining and entertainment options.

Monterey Pines Golf Club

This par 70, 18-hole course is a precision playground, challenging golfers with undulating greens and strategically placed lakes. It’s an exceptional value for the course quality.

Cannery Row

Discover a fusion of top tier hotels, eclectic shopping havens, mouthwatering dining options, and a lively nightlife.

Monterey's Veterans Memorial Park

With meticulously landscaped surroundings and poignant memorials, this park offers a serene space for reflection.

Education

Schools in Monterey, CA

School NameGradesAdmission
Monte Vista ElementaryK - 6Public
Bay View AcademyK - 8Public Charter
Monterey High School9 - 12Public
San Carlos SchoolK - 8Private
Santa Catalina SchoolK - 12Private
Trinity Christian High School9 - 12Private
Around Monterey, CA

Featured Neighborhoods in Monterey, CA