Carmel-by-the-Sea 79 Exceptional
Carmel-by-the-Sea Livability #59 ranked city in California#2,075 ranked city in the USARanks better than 92% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Carmel-by-the-Sea

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Commute Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.

What's it like Living in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 3,890 people. In Carmel-by-the-Sea, there are 3,601 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. According to the most recent Census, 94% of Carmel-by-the-Sea residents are White, 1% Asian and 0% Black. Carmel-by-the-Sea is considered to be a city with an aging population. The average age of all residents is 65, which is well beyond the United States median age average. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Carmel-by-the-Sea offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Carmel-by-the-Sea, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, education, employment, housing and more.

With a livability score of 78 out of 100, Carmel-by-the-Sea is ranked #2,325 in the United States and #71 in California. Based on this score, Carmel-by-the-Sea would be considered a very livable city! The cherry on top is that Carmel-by-the-Sea also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Carmel-by-the-Sea has higher than average scores for the following: amenities (A+) and education (B). The bad news for Carmel-by-the-Sea, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: cost of living (F).

If you're living in Carmel-by-the-Sea, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Carmel-by-the-Sea an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.

Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 130 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Carmel-by-the-Sea, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 0% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Assuming that Carmel-by-the-Sea meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Carmel-by-the-Sea are simply unattainable. The median home price for Carmel-by-the-Sea homes is $2,848,355, which is 289.3% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Carmel-by-the-Sea, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 18.6, which is 141.6% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Carmel-by-the-Sea

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Compare Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA Livability

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      Carmel-by-the-Sea transportation information

      Statistic Carmel-by-the-Sea California National
      Average one way commute19min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work52.5%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool28.6%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.7%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home13.5%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.