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Old Town

Old Town

Suburban Neighborhood in Monterey, California

Monterey County 93940

$1,259,830 Average Value
$739 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

Living near Old Fisherman's Wharf

Old Town is a lively neighborhood on Monterey Bay affectionately known as “Spaghetti Hill,” as it was once a famous Italian fishing community. Today the community is known for its historical homes and proximity to shopping and dining at the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, which, in the 1960s, was a market where fishermen would unload and sell their catches. The wharf now houses boutique shops and places to dine while looking out on the bay. “It’s an awesome place because there’s nothing boring about it,” says Anna Wilson of Del Monte Realty, who has lived and worked in the area for over 20 years. “The wharf, shopping and dining and the architecture are all so lively, so you get the history, but things still feel fresh.” Some of the history can be seen on the Old Town Historic Homes Walk, a 2-mile self-guided tour of 55 historic buildings, including a couple of homes in Old Town that have been marked on the National Register for Historic Places for their architectural significance.

Overlooking the historic charm of Old Town neighborhood.
Overlooking the historic charm of Old Town neighborhood.
Old Town was once a famous Italian fishing community.
Old Town was once a famous Italian fishing community.
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Italian dining at Cella

Locals can taste the old Italian flavor at Cibo Italiano, a small spot with pasta and panini specials. The restaurant has cannoli and other chilled deserts behind the counter and homemade to-go sauces and pastas on shelves in front of a large Italian flag. The architecture and heated patio at Cella Restaurant & Bar have old country Tuscan vibes with an ivy-covered pergola and white brick walls. The extensive wine menu has over 50 options by the bottle or glass. Domenico’s on the Wharf has white tablecloth seafood dining, and the floor to ceiling windows offer views of the bay. Crab Loui’s Bistro also offers views of the Pacific and a menu of hearty soups and fish and chips. Grocery shopping is easy with Trader Joe’s off Pacific Street, and jewelry and retail boutiques are found off Alvarado Street.

Domenico’s offer views of the bay in Old Town.
Domenico’s offer views of the bay in Old Town.
Cella Restaurant & Bar has an extensive wine collection in Old Town.
Cella Restaurant & Bar has an extensive wine collection in Old Town.
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Del Monte Beach and the Monterey Museum of Art

Locals walk along Old Fisherman’s Wharf to catch a glimpse of the sunbathing seals or migrating gray whales. “Even if you don’t like the water activities the wharf has plenty to see with the views and the shopping,” says Wilson. The Monterey Docks are located right off the wharf holding locals' boats along with boats used for charter fishing and whale watching. Residents can walk to the Monterey Museum of Art, which has rotating exhibits and events including the First Friday monthly event featuring live music and refreshments. The museum also offers creative workshops and afternoons with curators. Locals can stroll through the dunes via the boardwalk trail on Del Monte Beach and have a picnic in the sand. One mile inland, Monterey Veterans Memorial Park has 40 total campsites, a playground, softball field and basketball courts.

Fisherman's Shoreline Park is the best place to watch sea lions in Monterey.
Fisherman's Shoreline Park is the best place to watch sea lions in Monterey.
The Monterey Museum of Art is within walking distance of most homes in Old Town.
The Monterey Museum of Art is within walking distance of most homes in Old Town.
Old Town residents have easy access to Old Fisherman’s Wharf.
Old Town residents have easy access to Old Fisherman’s Wharf.
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Historic homes

Homes in Old Town are a point of pride. “We have everything from adobe architecture to Classic Revivals to more recent California bungalows, but nothing has been built in over 40 years,” says Wilson. The Finch House and the Larkin House pay homage to the Classic Rival and adobe architecture respectively and are on the Historic Homes Walk. Smaller homes under 1,000 square feet and renovation ready cost between $800,000 and $950,000. Larger homes are in the $1 million to $1.7 million range, while luxurious Mediterranean builds are in the $2 million to $2.2 million range. Apartments are plentiful, as 74% of the population rents in Old Town. Homes are close together on gridded residential streets. Sidewalks are available for dog walking.

Find your perfect home in the Old Town in Monterey.
Find your perfect home in the Old Town in Monterey.
The James W. Finch House in Old Town is listed as a National Historic Landmark.
The James W. Finch House in Old Town is listed as a National Historic Landmark.
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Monterey High's A grade

Kids in the neighborhood attend Monte Vista Elementary, a K-8 school, part of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. Monte Vista has a B-plus Niche ranking. Teens move to Monterey High School, which has an A grade. The school was named a Niche Standout California High School in 2023. Students can enroll in the Art, Media and Performance Academy, prepping them for a degree in the studies at a four-year university. There is also a Mathematics Academy and an Academy of Oceanographic Science.

Students can attend Monterey High School.
Students can attend Monterey High School.
An aerial view of Monte Vista Middle School
An aerial view of Monte Vista Middle School
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Access to 101

Old Town is served by the Monterey-Salinas Transit, which has bus routes throughout the neighborhood for local travel. Locals can hop on Highway 1, located a mile from Old Monterey, and drive 70 miles north to San Jose or hop on a flight at Monterey Regional Airport, just 5 miles from the neighborhood.

Old Town is served by Monterey-Salinas Transit buses
Old Town is served by Monterey-Salinas Transit buses
Old Town residents can take Route 101 70 miles north to San Jose.
Old Town residents can take Route 101 70 miles north to San Jose.
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John Moyer
Written By
John Moyer
Christopher Lau
Photography Contributed By
Christopher Lau
Mary Desmond
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Mary Desmond

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 area? Reach out to Dean Provence, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Monterey Regional

10 min drive

Bus

Pacific & Parking Garage

Bus

Pacific & Scott

Bus

Pacific & Del Monte

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Old Town US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,130,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,150,000
Median Townhouse Price
$1,564,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$739
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
21
Months of Supply
1.10
Median List Price
$1,249,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-11%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
610
Median Year Built
1942
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,537
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,798
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
903
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,227

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 4pm

    739 W Franklin St, Monterey, CA 93940

    $2,295,000

    • 6 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 3,161 Sq Ft
    • 739 W Franklin St

    This unique property offers incredible flexibility and opportunity, featuring 2 separate homes on a single lot. Perfect for multi-generational living, investment purposes, or rental potential, this property offers the best of both worlds. The main home boasts 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with approx. 1400 sf, with a large living room with fireplace and dining area that flows effortlessly

    Annette Boggs Above and Beyond Real Estate

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Dean Provence, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
3,634
Median Age
39
Population Density
17 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$94,732
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$117,348

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.9%
College Graduates
59.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
24.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
76.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
20''
Average Winter Low Temperature
44°F
Average Summer High Temperature
68°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

44 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

69 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

38 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Old Town