Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Carmel, CA
Thinking of moving to Carmel, CA? With its quaint coastal charm and a population of just 3,220, Carmel offers a serene lifestyle, mild weather with 70% sunny days, and easy commutes averaging under 20 minutes. The city features a very low violent crime rate (60 per 100K), top-rated schools, and a highly educated community. Keep in mind, the median home price is $2,450,000 and rents average $2,800, reflecting the premium living in this beautiful seaside town.
Demographics - Carmel, CA
Demographics - Carmel, CA
Carmel is a small, tight-knit community of about 3,220 residents, notable for its predominantly White population and a median age of 58.5, suggesting a mature and tranquil environment. The city has a slightly higher number of females than males and a sizable portion of residents with international backgrounds, as 14.1% speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and calm atmosphere make it especially appealing for those seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle.
Population:
3,220
Density:
1,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
58.5
Gender Ratio:
81 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
88.4%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
3.8%
Others:
7.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Carmel, CA?
Living in Carmel comes with a high cost of living, with a median home value of $2,450,000 and average rents around $2,800 per month. The overall cost of living index is 235, significantly above the national average, primarily due to premium housing prices. Residents should also expect higher-than-average expenses for groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
Median House Value:
$2,450,000
Gross Rent:
$2,800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,250
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
235.0
Grocery:
130.0
Housing:
410.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
135.0
Health Care:
125.0
Miscellaneous:
122.0
Crime
Is Carmel, CA a safe place to live?
Carmel boasts a very low violent crime rate, with only 60 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it one of the safer communities in the area. Property crime is relatively moderate, with a 1 in 128 chance annually. Overall, the city offers a secure environment, ideal for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
60
Property Crimes Per 100k:
780
Crime Index:
840
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,660
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 128
Weather
What is the weather like in Carmel, CA year-round?
Carmel enjoys mild, temperate weather year-round, with winter lows in the mid-40s and summer highs in the upper 60s. The area receives about 20.8 inches of rainfall annually and basks in sunshine roughly 70% of the year. These pleasant conditions make outdoor activities a year-round option.
Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
68°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
20.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Residents of Carmel benefit from a high median household income of $107,900 and a low poverty rate of 5.7%. The community is highly educated, with over 98% holding at least a high school diploma and more than 62% possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times are short, averaging under 20 minutes, and public transport use is minimal.
Median Income:
$50,000
Household Income:
$107,900
Family Income:
$148,800
Per Capita Income:
$90,300
Income Male:
$80,100
Income Female:
$61,200
Poverty Rate:
5.7%
Non English Speakers:
14.1%
Rent:
$2,800
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
18.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.1%
Bachelors or More:
62.4%
Education
How are the schools in Carmel, CA?
Carmel is known for its strong educational options, including highly rated public schools like Carmel High School and Carmel Middle School, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. The area also features respected private institutions and is within easy reach of higher education, with Monterey Peninsula College just 5 miles away. This commitment to quality education makes Carmel attractive for families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Carmel High School
Street:
3600 Ocean Ave
Phone:
831-624-1821
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Name:
Carmel Middle School
Street:
4380 Carmel Valley Rd
Phone:
831-624-2785
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9
Private Schools
Name:
All Saints' Day School
Street:
8060 Carmel Valley Rd
Phone:
831-624-9171
Students:
170
Colleges
Name:
Monterey Peninsula College
City:
Monterey
State:
CA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
7,700
Name:
California State University, Monterey Bay
City:
Seaside
State:
CA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
7,600
Healthcare
Carmel offers excellent healthcare access, with the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula nearby and a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.2 per 1,000 people. Over 93% of residents have health insurance, and the area rates well in overall healthcare quality. Emergency and general surgical services are readily available 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:
93.4%
Health Care Index:
79.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Carmel, CA?
Carmel’s housing market is highly competitive, with a median home price of $2,450,000 and rents averaging $2,800 for a two-bedroom unit. Over half of the residences are owner-occupied, and the market has seen healthy appreciation, with home values rising by 5.6% in the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, reflecting strong demand.
Median Home Price:
$2,450,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,800
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Carmel residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with a convenient office located in nearby Seaside. Essential DMV services, including licensing and vehicle registration, are easily accessible both in person and online. For more information, residents can visit the official DMV website or call the statewide help line.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1180 Canyon Del Rey 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.