From Waves to Wonders: Finding Your Dream Home in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Founded in 1902, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a beautiful village off the Northern Californian coast a little over an hour south of San Francisco. The Monterey County gem started as a haven for famous writers, musicians, poets, and artists and maintains that vibe today. Its many attractions, including parks, beaches, beautiful homes, and fairytale cottages, are why it has been named one of the top destinations in the United States. And if you are thinking of moving here, the following guide on how to find a home in Carmel-by-the-Sea is all you need.

Carmel Real Estate Market

Carmel is a luxurious real estate market with very high asking prices. The median sale price of homes in this part of California is $2,362,500, and properties tend to stay listed for an average of 27 days. Usually, the price changes depending on the location and type of home. A co-op or condo in Carmel may sell for a median price of $1.5 million, with a single-family unit selling at $2.5 million and a townhouse for $1.1 million. Your Carmel by the Sea real estate agent can help you find a home within your budget.

Carmel-by-the-Sea Communities

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small village with a population of about 3,220 people. The communities are tight-knit and friendly; you can expect most of your neighbors to be nature enthusiasts or artistic. Overall, most neighborhoods in Carmel-by-the-Se have an idyllic small-town vibe with few variations. You can look forward to quaint shopping areas, charming cottages, and cobblestone streets.

Architectural Styles: Fairytale Cottages

There are different home styles in Carmel-by-the-Sea, but the town is famous for its fairytale cottages and beautiful gardens. Most galleries, inns, shops, and homes in this artistic village are built in this style, with some going as far back as 100 years. Today, many cottages have been modernized to include contemporary features and amenities, but all maintain an old-world European charm.

This somewhat whimsical fairytale theme is credited to builder and toy maker Hugh Comstock. Comstock built several cottages decades ago for his wide who owned an extensive collection of dolls. In line with this and the artistic history of the town, homes in Carmel don’t have an address. They have names. Some of the popular cottages in the area include:

Hansel and Gretel

Hansel and Gretel are two cottages built side by side in 1924 and 1925, respectively. They are credited with inspiring the architecture of surrounding homes in Carmel-by-the-Sea and look like something you would see in a children’s fairytale book. Among other features, Hansel and Gretel boast rustic stone chimneys, arched doors and windows, and steep-pitched roofs.

Obers House

Comstock built Ober’s house in 1925. Over the years, the charming home has received many upgrades and now features a garage and beautiful gardens. These homes are representative of the style you can expect in Carmel-by-the-Sea as you go home-hunting.

Talk to a Carmel-by-the-Sea Agent

There is no better way to explore the many allures of this village than with the guidance of Carmel by the Sea real estate agent(s). Born and raised on the Monterey Peninsula, Tim Allen is one such agent. He possesses unrivaled knowledge of Carmel-by-the-Sea, its people, and its real estate market. If you are looking to settle down in this haven, contact Allen’s office today to discuss your home needs.