Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most enchanting and architecturally distinct coastal towns in California. Known for its fairytale cottages, European-style charm, white sand beaches, and artistic heritage, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts homebuyers from around the world who want a truly unique living experience. This one-square-mile village offers a small-town feel with unparalleled beauty, walkability, and luxury.
Carmel's residential areas consist of winding tree-lined streets, naturally landscaped lots, and homes unlike anywhere else—many with names instead of street numbers. Buyers will find everything from storybook cottages and historic homes to newly built luxury properties, ocean-view estates, and coastal retreats. Neighborhoods like the Golden Rectangle, Northwest Carmel, and Southeast Carmel offer some of the most desirable addresses on the Monterey Peninsula due to their proximity to Carmel Beach, downtown shops, galleries, and fine dining.
What makes Carmel-by-the-Sea especially unique is its strict architectural and development standards. The city protects its village charm through carefully managed building codes, which regulate exterior materials, colors, home size, landscaping, lighting, and fencing. Water credits, lot coverage rules, and historical preservation also play major roles in determining what can be built or remodeled, making local expertise essential when buying or renovating.
Carmel’s real estate market remains one of the strongest and most competitive on the West Coast. Limited inventory, high buyer demand, and the town’s international reputation contribute to consistently appreciating home values. Carmel attracts full-time residents, second-home buyers, retirees, investors, and remote workers seeking a peaceful yet vibrant coastal community.
Lifestyle is at the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Residents enjoy white-sand beaches, award-winning restaurants, boutique shopping, art galleries, wine tasting rooms, and the stunning Scenic Road coastal path. The village is known for its lack of streetlights and sidewalks, creating a serene, old-world atmosphere. Everything in town is walkable, making location one of the most important drivers of home value.
As a 3rd-generation Realtor® with deep expertise in Carmel’s micro-markets, architectural rules, and competitive landscape, I help buyers and sellers navigate this unique village with confidence. Whether you're pursuing an ocean-view home, a downtown cottage, or a property within the Golden Rectangle, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers an extraordinary blend of romance, lifestyle, and long-term real estate value.
Explore active listings below or reach out for neighborhood-specific guidance tailored to your goals.
As a Monterey Peninsula specialist and 3rd-generation Realtor®, I offer hyper-local expertise, premium marketing, and neighborhood-level insight to help you navigate Carmel’s competitive real estate market.
✔ Learn what your Carmel home is worth: https://boggsteamrealtors.com/home-valuation
✔ Browse Carmel-by-the-Sea listings: https://boggsteamrealtors.com/neighborhoods/carmel-by-the-sea
✔ Contact me directly: https://boggsteamrealtors.com/
I’d love to help you achieve your goals in one of California’s most extraordinary real estate markets.
3,186 people live in Carmel-by-the-Sea Real Estate & Homes for Sale, where the median age is 68.9 and the average individual income is $87,422. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Carmel-by-the-Sea Real Estate & Homes for Sale, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including MBAY Freediving, Be Well Personal Training, and Monterey Bay Derby Dames.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
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Yelp
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| Active | 4.22 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.18 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.35 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.57 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.27 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.35 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.06 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.72 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.78 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.43 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.53 miles | 16 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.32 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.23 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.23 miles | 14 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.34 miles | 13 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Carmel-by-the-Sea Real Estate & Homes for Sale has 1,687 households, with an average household size of 1.86. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Carmel-by-the-Sea Real Estate & Homes for Sale do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 3,186 people call Carmel-by-the-Sea Real Estate & Homes for Sale home. The population density is 3,002.02 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
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Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
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Blue vs White Collar Workers
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Get assistance in determining current property value, crafting a competitive offer, writing and negotiating a contract, and much more. Let Peter guide you through your home-buying journey.