With artists, writers, and poets taking a keen interest in the Carmel coast communities, you’ll find a lot of eccentric house styles and one-of-a-kind homes that are hard to find anywhere else in the state of California. Living in Carmel, widely known as Carmel-by-the-Sea, also means gaining an appreciation of the natural landscape right outside your front door, where you’ll take in stunning ocean views and breathe in the salty sea breeze. What’s more, Carmel tends to have average temperatures in the high 70s during the summer months and low 40s in the dead of winter. This Mediterranean climate makes Carmel an ideal spot to live and makes moving here all the better.
Carmel is a fantastic spot to live if you’re searching for inspiration and want to immerse yourself in nature. There are a ton of housing options for you to explore, whether it’s a place right along the ocean or further inland, and with a quick look into the Carmel real estate market, you’re sure to find the perfect house that will suit you and all your needs. However, before you move, there are a few important things to note about the area, from the traffic conditions and schooling to the activities and history of the area itself.
Schooling
Carmel has some of the state’s most highly-rated schools, with an 80% above average in school district quality and 100% above average in academic progress compared to the other educational institutions. If your kids are just starting their academic journey, Carmel River Elementary has a nine out of ten overall rating and is said to be the best elementary option in the area. Tularcitos Elementary is a close second with a seven out of ten overall rating. As for middle school, Carmel Middle is widely regarded as the best junior high institution and has an overall rating of eight out of ten. The best high school in Carmel is Carmel High School, with its nine out of ten overall rating.
There are also a couple of higher education opportunities in the area as well, perfect for recent graduates who want to stay close to home and get an exceptional education. California State University Monterey Bay and the Middlebury Institute for International Studies at Monterey are a couple of great options for continuing studies. If any of these top educational opportunities appeals to you, talk to one of Carmel Coast Realty’s experienced team members about the different Carmel Coast realty options to make sure you find a neighborhood that’s in both a convenient location and somewhere you love.
Traffic and transportation
When thinking about moving to a Carmel coast community, it’s important to know that traffic can be pretty busy. This is not to say it’s at a standstill all the time, just that there’s often a constant buzz on the streets. You’ll find this especially during the prime travel times of the day or of the season. For example, during spring break, the beaches in the San Diego area are tourist hot spots and can increase traffic. However, there are ways to get around a busier area like this one.
Public transportation is a main mode of transportation that many people use, as it’s one of the quicker and hassle-free ways to get around town. One of the main public transportation options is the Monterey-Salinas Transit which travels from Santa Cruz to San Jose and makes frequent stops in Carmel as well. In addition, Salinas has an Amtrak station, and there are also two large airports nearby for your convenience, one being the Monterey Regional Airport and the other being the San Jose International Airport. If this type of constant, consistent traffic is something you don’t mind dealing with, then you may be interested in looking at the homes for sale in Carmel and the Carmel real estate market.
Activities in the area and history
There are plenty of things to do in Carmel, whether it’s taking a day trip to an infamous beach or heading to a winery with friends. Carmel Beach is known for its white sands and large size, as well as its off-leash area for dogs to run and play. However, visitors must be diligent when visiting as there’s no active lifeguard service. If you’re looking for a more low-key beach locale, Carmel River State Beach is a quaint beach with fewer crowds and beautiful sands. The beach at Point Lobos Park is one of the smaller beach options and is home to many beautiful trees and tidepools. It’s close enough to Carmel to take a short day trip or weekend drive, and you may even see some wildlife, too.
Carmel is known for its many art galleries, local wineries, restaurants, and shopping, and it is also popular for its many movie scenes and vast history. So while Carmel is considered to be a small California town, it's got a very artsy feel. In fact, it’s rumored that people like Clint Eastwood and Doris Day lived in Carmel, along with many other stars. And with no chain restaurants allowed in the area, there’s an unmistakable artistic vibe that’s hard to find anywhere else. Other than beaches, dogs are also allowed around the area in certain hotels and restaurants, perfect for visitors spending the weekend or new homeowners exploring their beautiful neighborhood. To learn even more about Carmel’s unique history and an extensive list of activities, get in touch with Carmel Coast Realty and check out some of the homes for sale in this stunning seaside town.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great place to move to and settle down with its cool climate, great schooling and transportation options, and wide selection of activities. If you’re eager to learn more about the Carmel real estate market, the team at Carmel Coast Realty is an experienced group of professionals that can help you find the perfect home for your wants and needs. Take the first step in your home buying journey and contact Carmel Coast Realty out today.
Recommended Reading: 6 Carmel-by-the-Sea Coastal Communities You Should Know
Recommended Reading: 6 Carmel-by-the-Sea Coastal Communities You Should Know