Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Carmel By The Sea, CA
Dreaming of coastal charm? With a population of just 3,220, Carmel By The Sea offers an upscale yet quaint lifestyle, featuring median home prices around $2.1 million and average rents of $2,950. Residents enjoy a mild year-round climate with 72% sunny days, quick 18-minute average commutes, and high educational attainment—75% hold bachelor’s degrees or higher. The city boasts very low violent crime rates and excellent access to healthcare and schools, making it a top choice for those seeking a safe, scenic, and cultured community on California’s central coast.
Demographics - Carmel By The Sea, CA
Demographics - Carmel By The Sea, CA
Carmel By The Sea is a small, close-knit coastal community of 3,220 residents, with a notably high median age of 59.2 years and a population density of 3,100 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White (87%), and nearly 11% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a generally homogenous but culturally aware population.
Population:
3,220
Density:
3,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
59.2
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
87.0%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
3.6%
Others:
8.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Carmel By The Sea, CA?
Living in Carmel By The Sea comes with a high price tag, as the median home value is $2.1 million and the average rent is $2,950 per month. The overall cost of living index is 265, making it one of the more expensive places to live in California, but this supports access to premium amenities and a desirable coastal lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$2,100,000
Gross Rent:
$2,950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,800
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,200
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
265
Grocery:
138.2
Housing:
420.3
Utilities:
110.3
Transportation:
120.4
Health Care:
120.8
Miscellaneous:
117.5
Crime
Is Carmel By The Sea, CA a safe place to live?
Carmel By The Sea enjoys a very low violent crime rate of just 85 incidents per 100,000 residents, offering a strong sense of safety. Property crime is modestly higher, but overall the city maintains a reputation as one of the safer communities along the California coast.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,200
Crime Index:
1,285
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,175
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Carmel By The Sea, CA year-round?
The city boasts a mild, Mediterranean climate with average temperatures ranging from the mid-40s in winter to upper 60s in summer, making outdoor activities pleasant year-round. With 72% sunny days and about 20 inches of annual rainfall, residents enjoy abundant sunshine and a comfortable environment.
Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
68°F
Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
20.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Carmel By The Sea's residents are well-educated, with nearly 75% holding at least a bachelor's degree, and the average household income stands at $101,500. The area has a low poverty rate of 6.9% and short average commute times of just 18.5 minutes, contributing to an affluent and convenient lifestyle.
Median Income:
$47,200
Household Income:
$101,500
Family Income:
$134,500
Per Capita Income:
$79,000
Income Male:
$85,000
Income Female:
$66,500
Poverty Rate:
6.9%
Non English Speakers:
10.8%
Rent:
$2,950
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
18.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
99.2%
Bachelors or More:
74.6%
Education
How are the schools in Carmel By The Sea, CA?
The city is served by high-performing public and private schools, including Carmel River Elementary and Carmel Middle School, both known for low student-teacher ratios. For higher education, residents have access to nearby institutions such as Monterey Peninsula College and California State University, Monterey Bay, both within a short drive.
Public Schools
Name:
Carmel River Elementary School
Street:
15th Ave & Monte Verde St
Phone:
831-624-4609
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
15:1
Name:
Carmel Middle School
Street:
4380 Carmel Valley Rd
Phone:
831-624-2785
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1
Private Schools
Name:
All Saints' Day School
Street:
8060 Carmel Valley Rd
Phone:
831-624-9171
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
Monterey Peninsula College
City:
Monterey
State:
CA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
7,300
Name:
California State University, Monterey Bay
City:
Seaside
State:
CA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
7,500
Healthcare
Residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with 94.6% of the population insured and 3.2 physicians per 1,000 people. The nearby Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula provides comprehensive care, including emergency services, ensuring peace of mind for locals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
Address:
23625 Holman Hwy, Monterey, CA 93940
Phone:
(831) 624-5311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.6%
Health Care Index:
78.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Carmel By The Sea, CA?
Carmel By The Sea's housing market is characterized by a median home price of $2.1 million and a steady 7.1% annual appreciation rate. With 55% owner-occupied homes and a low foreclosure rate, the market remains competitive and stable, reflecting high demand and limited new construction.
Median Home Price:
$2,100,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,950
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles at the Seaside office, conveniently located nearby. Residents can access statewide services, licensing, and vehicle registration both in person and online through the California DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1180 Fremont Blvd, Seaside, CA 93955
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.