Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Carmel Highlands, CA
Thinking of moving to Carmel Highlands, CA? With a small, scenic population of about 1,200, the area offers breathtaking coastal views, a tranquil atmosphere, and a median home price around $2.35 million. Residents enjoy a mild climate, low crime rates, highly educated neighbors, and an average commute of just 21 minutes. Top-rated schools, access to the arts, and abundant sunny days make Carmel Highlands a premier choice for peaceful, upscale living on California’s Central Coast.
Demographics - Carmel Highlands, CA
Demographics - Carmel Highlands, CA
Carmel Highlands is a small, close-knit community of about 1,200 residents with a median age of 57.5, creating a peaceful, mature atmosphere. The population is predominantly White, and nearly 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting some cultural diversity. With a balanced gender ratio and low population density, the area offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle ideal for those seeking tranquility.
Population:
1,200
Density:
190 per sq mi
Median Age:
57.5
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
88.5%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
3.5%
Others:
7.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Carmel Highlands, CA?
Living in Carmel Highlands comes with a high cost of living, marked by a median home value of $2.35 million and average rents around $3,200 per month. The cost of living index is well above the national average, largely due to housing, but utilities and groceries are also higher than in many other areas. Prospective residents should be prepared for premium expenses, reflecting the area's desirability and exclusivity.
Median House Value:
$2,350,000
Gross Rent:
$3,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,550
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,290
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,050
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
214.0
Grocery:
128.0
Housing:
380.0
Utilities:
115.0
Transportation:
132.0
Health Care:
118.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Carmel Highlands, CA a safe place to live?
Carmel Highlands enjoys a notably low crime rate, with just 84 violent crimes and 1,110 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is extremely low, at about 1 in 1,190, making it a safe choice for families and retirees alike. This secure environment contributes to the community's overall appeal.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
84
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,110
Crime Index:
1,194
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,190
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 90
Weather
What is the weather like in Carmel Highlands, CA year-round?
Residents experience a mild coastal climate year-round, with winter lows around 44°F and summer highs near 68°F. The area enjoys approximately 72% sunny days and receives about 21.5 inches of rainfall annually, perfect for those who appreciate pleasant, temperate weather. The consistent, comfortable conditions support an active, outdoor lifestyle.
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:
21.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Carmel Highlands is home to a highly educated and affluent population, with median household incomes reaching $142,000 and nearly 58% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The community enjoys a low poverty rate of 4.8% and a short average commute of 21 minutes, contributing to a high quality of life. Most neighbors are long-term residents who value the area's exclusivity and serene environment.
Median Income:
$62,000
Household Income:
$142,000
Family Income:
$170,000
Per Capita Income:
$77,500
Income Male:
$92,000
Income Female:
$68,000
Poverty Rate:
4.8%
Non English Speakers:
9.8%
Rent:
$3,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
21.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.2%
Bachelors or More:
57.5%
Education
How are the schools in Carmel Highlands, CA?
Families in Carmel Highlands benefit from excellent educational options, with highly rated public schools like Carmel River Elementary and Carmel Middle School offering low student-to-teacher ratios. Private school choices and nearby colleges, such as Monterey Peninsula College and CSU Monterey Bay, provide further educational opportunities. The community’s strong educational attainment is reflected in its well-educated population.
Public Schools
Name:
Carmel River Elementary School
Street:
15 Ocean Ave, Carmel, CA 93923
Phone:
831-624-4609
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Name:
Carmel Middle School
Street:
4380 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA 93923
Phone:
831-624-2785
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Private Schools
Name:
Santa Catalina School
Street:
1500 Mark Thomas Dr, Monterey, CA 93940
Phone:
831-655-9300
Students:
295
Colleges
Name:
Monterey Peninsula College
City:
Monterey
State:
CA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
7,800
Name:
California State University, Monterey Bay
City:
Seaside
State:
CA
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
7,600
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare services, including the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, located nearby in Monterey. With 3.5 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 95% health insurance coverage, healthcare access is robust. The area’s healthcare index reflects above-average medical care for a community of its size.
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:
3.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.7%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Carmel Highlands, CA?
The local housing market is characterized by high property values, with a median home price of $2.35 million and a strong owner-occupancy rate of over 83%. Home values have appreciated by 4.2% over the past year, indicating a stable and desirable market. Rental options are limited, and new construction remains minimal, maintaining the area's exclusivity.
Median Home Price:
$2,350,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Carmel Highlands residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Seaside, offering convenient access for all vehicle and licensing needs. The DMV provides standard services such as registration, licensing, and testing. For more information, residents can visit the official website or contact the local office by phone.
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.