Want city amenities with coastal views?
A working coastal city on the Monterey Peninsula, home to Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the largest population base on the Peninsula.
Monterey served as the capital of Alta California under Spanish and Mexican rule, and that history is still visible downtown at Monterey State Historic Park. Unlike the smaller residential villages nearby, Monterey is a full-service coastal city with roughly 29,772 residents, a median age of 37.1, an average individual income of $62,541, and a mix of historic and modern neighborhoods according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Because Monterey is larger and more urban than Carmel or Pebble Beach, it offers more housing variety and a lower entry price point while still delivering ocean views, walkable amenities, and easy access to the rest of the Peninsula.
More than 35,000 sea creatures across 550 species, including a three-story kelp forest and a sea otter exhibit.
The historic sardine-packing waterfront immortalized by John Steinbeck, now shops, restaurants, and coastal views.
A collection of historic adobe buildings including the Custom House, California's oldest government building.
Whale-watching tours, waterfront dining, and sea lions basking within sight of the pier.
Monterey's population density is high for the Peninsula, and with a median age of 37.1, it skews meaningfully younger than Carmel or Pebble Beach, drawing more year-round working residents and families alongside second-home buyers. Downtown walkability, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, and easy freeway access to the rest of the Peninsula make it a practical base for commuters as well as retirees.
The Monterey Jazz Festival, held annually, is one of the oldest jazz festivals in the world and anchors the city's cultural calendar, while Dennis the Menace Park in El Estero Park is a local fixture for families.
The Sardine Factory, open since 1968, is a Monterey institution known for fine dining and an extensive wine list. Restaurant 1833, set in a historic adobe, blends classic and contemporary menus in a downtown setting. Whaling Station Steakhouse serves USDA Prime cuts with old-school charm, and Bistro Moulin brings a French bistro menu to the city center. On Cannery Row itself, Wave Street Cafe is a local favorite for casual brunch.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is the city's signature attraction, and Monterey State Historic Park covers more than a half mile of historic buildings near Fisherman's Wharf, including the Custom House and Pacific House Museum. The 17-Mile Drive is a short drive from downtown, and the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History offers exhibits on the Peninsula's flora, fauna, and geology.
Monterey is served by Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, which includes Monterey High School and Colton Middle School, distinct from the Carmel Unified School District that serves Carmel, Carmel Valley, and Pebble Beach. School assignment is based on residential address; buyers should confirm current attendance boundaries directly with Monterey Peninsula Unified School District before making a purchase decision based on schools.
Monterey's housing stock ranges from Spanish Colonial and Victorian homes downtown to contemporary properties in neighborhoods like Skyline Forest and Jacks Peak, which offer larger lots and more privacy. Home sizes typically range from 1,200 to more than 4,000 square feet, with prices generally starting around $800,000 and reaching several million dollars for oceanfront properties. For comparable Carmel-area inventory, see Carmel Luxury Homes. Stacey Scherling can walk you through current Monterey comparables by neighborhood.
Generally yes. Monterey home prices typically start around $800,000, well below Carmel-by-the-Sea's roughly $1 million entry point, while still offering ocean views and Peninsula access.
Monterey is served by Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, including Monterey High School and Colton Middle School, which is a separate district from Carmel Unified School District.
Yes. The aquarium sits on Cannery Row, a short walk or drive from downtown Monterey and Fisherman's Wharf.
Skyline Forest and Jacks Peak offer larger lots and more seclusion than the walkable downtown core, while still remaining within the city.
About the Agent: Stacey Scherling, Scherling Properties, CA DRE# 02157842. Stacey has closed multiple Monterey transactions, including sales on Manjares and Martin Street, and works across the full Peninsula from Monterey to Carmel Valley. Meet Stacey.
Search Homes across the Peninsula, or explore nearby areas: Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach, and Carmel Valley. Ready to talk specifics? Contact Stacey.
Sources: 1. U.S. Census Bureau, Monterey, CA population and income data (as published on-site). 2. Monterey Bay Aquarium, exhibit and species detail. 3. California Department of Parks and Recreation, Monterey State Historic Park.
29,772 people live in Monterey, where the median age is 37.1 and the average individual income is $62,541. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Monterey has 12,420 households, with an average household size of 2.12. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Monterey do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 29,772 people call Monterey home. The population density is 3,444 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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