Pacific Grove,CA Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Pacific Grove, CA – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Discovering the Best Neighborhoods in Pacific Grove, CA
Pacific Grove, CA, is a charming coastal town known for its scenic beauty, friendly atmosphere, and quaint neighborhoods. Nestled along the Monterey Peninsula, this city offers a peaceful yet vibrant lifestyle perfect for families, retirees, and young professionals alike. Whether you're strolling along the famous Lovers Point Park or exploring the local shops and eateries downtown, Pacific Grove’s neighborhoods each bring their own unique flavor to this picturesque community. To truly appreciate what makes this town special, it helps to dive into the details found on a Pacific Grove neighborhoods map and explore what the best neighborhoods in Pacific Grove have to offer.
Demographic Insights & Community Composition
The neighborhoods in Pacific Grove boast a diverse mix of residents, ranging from longtime locals to seasonal visitors. The community is known for its welcoming vibe, with a significant portion of retirees who enjoy the peaceful coastal environment. Families are attracted to the excellent schools such as Pacific Grove High School and Robert Down Elementary, contributing to a well-rounded community feel. The population tends to be well-educated and environmentally conscious, adding to the town’s charm and commitment to preserving its natural beauty. Each neighborhood reflects this community spirit, making it easy to connect with neighbors and local events.
Lifestyle Variety: What Different Areas Offer
From the historic homes near the downtown area to the quieter streets surrounding Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove neighborhoods provide a range of lifestyles. Lovers Point is a favorite spot for those who love outdoor activities, offering kayaking, hiking trails, and breathtaking ocean views. Meanwhile, the Forest Hill neighborhood appeals to those who prefer a more suburban, family-friendly setting with access to parks and community centers. Downtown Pacific Grove is bustling with charming cafes like Passionfish and unique shops that create a lively yet cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a walkable urban feel or a serene retreat, the best neighborhoods in Pacific Grove accommodate a variety of preferences.
Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions
Housing in Pacific Grove tends to be on the pricier side compared to other parts of Monterey County, reflecting the town’s desirability and coastal location. The market features a mix of historic Victorian cottages, modern condos, and single-family homes. Affordability can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood: areas closer to the coastline and downtown tend to command higher prices, while neighborhoods a bit further inland offer more budget-friendly options. Despite this, the real estate market remains competitive, with many buyers drawn by the town’s small-community feel and exceptional quality of life. Consulting a Pacific Grove neighborhoods map can help prospective residents identify areas that best fit their budget and lifestyle needs.
Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability
Pacific Grove is widely regarded as one of the safest towns on the Monterey Peninsula. Crime rates are low, and neighborhood watch programs are active in many areas, contributing to a strong sense of security and community stability. Police presence is consistent but unobtrusive, allowing residents to enjoy peace of mind whether they are walking their dogs along the coast or attending local events. This safety, combined with the town’s focus on maintaining its historic character and natural surroundings, makes Pacific Grove a highly stable and sought-after place to live.
Things to Do: What Are Some Popular Attractions and Things to Do
Pacific Grove neighborhoods are ideally situated close to numerous attractions. The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary is a must-see during migration season, offering a magical experience right in town. Lovers Point Park provides stunning oceanfront views and water activities like paddleboarding and snorkeling. The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History offers fascinating exhibits on local wildlife and ecology, perfect for families and curious visitors. Foodies will appreciate the variety of dining options, including Fandango Restaurant for Mediterranean-inspired fare and the locally loved Red House Cafe. The community also hosts annual events such as the Good Old Days festival, reinforcing the close-knit, lively atmosphere across neighborhoods.
Pacific Grove Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Del Monte Park | 50.8 | 19.2% | $1,044,275 | $134,657 | 8.1 |
| Fifth Addition | 49.9 | 23.2% | $999,440 | $117,255 | 8.7 |
| Fourth Addition | 41 | 16.4% | $903,540 | $98,430 | 9.5 |
| Hillcrest | 46.2 | 17.4% | $949,450 | $104,675 | 10.2 |
| Sunset Drive | 57.4 | 20.9% | $1,285,575 | $124,505 | 10.2 |
| Downtown | 50.6 | 14.5% | $1,133,440 | $112,705 | 10.4 |
| Country Club Gate-Forest Grove | 53.8 | 21.1% | $1,278,634 | $119,517 | 10.5 |
| Glen | 34 | 25.9% | $901,600 | $86,023 | 10.5 |
| First Addition | 49.2 | 11.9% | $1,234,300 | $110,417 | 11.1 |
| Third Addition | 51.6 | 16.5% | $1,086,980 | $104,898 | 11.2 |
Pacific Grove neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Pacific Grove—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Pacific Grove, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Pacific Grove
| Crime |
Reported |
Pacific Grove /100k |
CA /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 0 | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | 20.5 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | 20.5 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 15 | 102.4 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 21 | 143 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 13 | 88.7 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 114 | 778.2 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 6 | 41.0 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 133 | 908 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 154 | 1,051 | 2,564 | 2,119 |