There’s an undeniable charm surrounding the Old Monterey neighborhood of Monterey. With dramatic views of the California coastline as its backdrop, Old Monterey is where cobblestone streets wind past historic adobes, where the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean become the pulse of daily life. In this neighborhood, cultural and historical diversity appears in dining options, retail stores and entertainment. In the heart of the city's historic downtown, Old Monterey's landscape combines images of Monterey’s past and present; residents traverse streets once walked by great historical figures while experiencing the modern charms of this seaside town. The main thoroughfare is Alvarado Street, recognized as a “Main Street Community” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It is adjacent to several historical buildings, including Colton Hall and the Larkin House.
A new style of housing architecture was born here
Stepping onto the streets of Old Monterey is like stepping into a living history book, where Spanish colonial heritage blends with New England influences, creating a unique architectural tapestry. The earliest homes here, dating back to the 18th century, were built by Spanish and Mexican settlers using adobe bricks. These low-slung structures featured whitewashed walls, red-tiled roofs and courtyards. In the 19th century, American settlers arrived, infusing the architectural landscape with their New England sensibilities. The Monterey Colonial style emerged, blending adobe construction with symmetrical facades, large windows and decorative porches, like the ones on the historic Larkin House. Modern renovations and contemporary builds seamlessly blend in. Homes here range from cozy cottages starting around $1 million to grand haciendas exceeding $10 million.
Whispering tales of a bygone era, this old house sighs with nostalgia.
Whispering secrets, this old house creaks with memories.
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Educational options are plenty in this area of Monterey
Educational options are plenty in this area of Monterey
Students living in the Old Monterey neighborhood have choices regarding education, including Monte Vista School which has a B overall grade from Niche and offers special education classes and the Saturday Academy program, which consists of enrichment programs and learning support. Monte Vista School is followed by Monterey High School, with an overall Niche grade of A. Students at Monterey High have a wealth of programs to choose from, including an Art, Media and Performance Academy, Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Science and a Sports Professions and Recreation Careers Academy, among many others.
Aerial view of Monte Vista Middle School 1
Excelling at Monterey High School, where learning transforms into achievement.
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Places to eat and shop in and around this historic community
Foodies and sightseers alike will find plenty to savor in and around Old Monterey. While the neighborhood itself is light on grocery stores, the handy 7-Eleven is perfect for grabbing essentials. For bigger hauls, Whole Foods is a few miles away in the Del Monte Shopping Center, along with a Macy’s. Old Monterey's culinary scene bursts with flavor. Savor classic breakfast and lunch fare at the diner-style Old Monterey Café. Craving something sweet? Candy World will satisfy your sweet tooth. For a livelier atmosphere and upscale pub fare, head to Melville Tavern at 580 Calle Principal. And no Monterey visit is complete without indulging in fresh seafood. Fisherman's Wharf, a short walk from Old Monterey, is a feast for the senses, with an array of restaurants and fish markets to tempt you.
Coastal paradise encompasses parks, green space
Historic open green spaces and active parks help cement the tranquil atmosphere of the Old Monterey neighborhood. Craving panoramic vistas and coastal breezes? Jacks Park beckons. Just outside Old Monterey, this Monterey County park boasts over 8 miles of hiking trails. Weave through towering Monterey pines, marvel at sweeping ocean views and let the scent of eucalyptus invigorate your senses. Keep an eye out for deer and hawks soaring above the treetops. Yearning for a picnic under the sun? Larkin Park, in the heart of Old Monterey, is your haven. Spread a blanket beneath the shade of live oaks, let the kids loose on the play structures, or enjoy a leisurely game of frisbee.
Things to do here and there
In Old Monterey, time seems to slow down as you wander cobblestone streets and discover hidden courtyards adorned with fragrant bougainvillea. Start your day by stepping back in time at the Monterey State Historic Park. Explore the Larkin House, a majestic adobe hacienda that was once home to a prominent diplomat and marvel at the Custom House, the city's oldest government building. Guided tours weave tales of California's past, bringing these historic landmarks to life. A short stroll takes you to the lively Fisherman's Wharf, a feast for the senses. Fresh seafood scents mingle with the cries of seagulls as boats bob gently in the harbor. Sample locally caught delicacies at waterfront cafes and browse art galleries brimming with nautical themes.
Road to health
The closest hospital to the Old Monterey neighborhood is the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, located 2.2 miles away. You can reach it in 45 minutes by taking Monterey-Salinas Transit Line 10 or 11 from Old Monterey to Del Monte Shopping Center, then transferring to Line 23 or 24.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Ben Strock,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Monterey State Historic Park
Jack's Park
Monterey Bay Park
Fisherman's Shoreline Park
El Estero Park
Jacks Park
Transit
Airport
Monterey Regional
7 min drive
Bus
Cass & El Dorado
Bus
Abrego & El Dorado
Bus
Hartnell & Polk
Bus
Abrego & Church Street
Bus
Cass & Hartnell
Bus
Fremont & Abrego Street
Bus
Franklin & Adams
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Old Monterey
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
8
Median Year Built
1939
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,559
Below the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,445
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Ben Strock,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
334
Median Age
42
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$55,454
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$69,533
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.6%
College Graduates
43.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
20''
Average Winter Low Temperature
44°F
Average Summer High Temperature
68°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
80/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
90/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
43/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
