Carmel-by-the-Sea

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Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

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A fairytale-like town along the coast

Coastal Quirky Artistic Wineries Small Business Beach Eclectic

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook when exploring Carmel by the Sea. Located along the central coast of California, along the Carmel Bay, Carmel by the Sea is a scenic beach town with a whimsical, one-of-kind locale with fairytale-like architecture. Cottages with rolled eaves and modern homes with rounded doors dominate the town. Staying true to its village-like uniqueness, there are no street addresses, mailboxes, parking meters, streetlights, or chain restaurants in Carmel. And just when you thought this place couldn’t get any quirkier, Clint Eastwood was once mayor and you also need a permit to wear high heels here! Despite feeling like you’ve stepped into an old European-style village, Carmel offers an abundance of modern amenities.

With an enviable climate, you’ll find residents taking in some sun year-round at Carmel Beach. The fun goes beyond Carmel’s beautiful white sand beaches as well. This bayside town has a dynamic downtown district filled with award-winning restaurants, wine tasting rooms, cozy cafes, bohemian boutiques, and more. Since the town was founded by writers and artists, you’ll also notice a vibrant arts scene in the downtown area as well as throughout Carmel. Art galleries and studios dominate downtown while impressive theaters and entertainment venues like Sunset Center and PacRep at the Forest Theater are scattered throughout the town. By far, Carmel by the Sea is nothing like your usual beach town — now it’s up to you to discover your dream home today!

Rent Trends

As of January 2025, the average apartment rent in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA is $1,487 for one bedroom, and $2,583 for two bedrooms. Apartment rent in Carmel-by-the-Sea has increased by 2.0% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,487/month
583 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Carmel By The Sea, CA

Transportation

93

Walker's Paradise

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

Lace up your walking shoes because this area is considered a walker’s paradise.

44

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Carmel River Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

386 Students

9
out of 10

Carmel Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

498 Students

7
out of 10

Carmel High

Public

Grades 9-12

858 Students

9
out of 10

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Carmel River State Beach
  • Point Lobos State Reserve
  • Monterey County Youth Museum
  • Monterey State Historic Park
  • Jack's Peak County Park

Commuter Rail

Airports

  • Monterey Regional

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