Carmel Valley
Carmel Valley is one of the Most Central Spots in all of San Diego
Carmel Valley is one of the most prestigious and desirable communities in all of San Diego. Situated just east of Del Mar, Carmel Valley is known for its wide, tree-lined streets, excellent public schools, and close proximity to some of San Diego’s best beaches. A master-planned community, demand for homes in this neighborhood has added a considerable amount of real estate to the 92130 ZIP code since its inception in 1975.
Have a Question about a Neighborhood? Ask Bern or Courtney
I pride myself on not being your typical real estate agent. That’s why I focus my business on being your guide through the complex San Diego Real Estate market rather than just a “salesperson’. I take each transaction personally and take a vested interest in what my clients really want when buying or selling a home.
Neighborhood Link
About Carmel Valley
Carmel Valley is one of the most prestigious and desirable communities in all of San Diego. Situated just east of Del Mar, Carmel Valley is known for its wide, tree-lined streets, excellent public schools, and close proximity to some of San Diego’s best beaches. A master-planned community, demand for homes in this neighborhood has added a considerable amount of real estate to the 92130 ZIP code since its inception in 1975.
Although there is a Carmel, California further up the coast, Carmel Valley actually got its name for a different reason. In the late 1800s, the Catholic Sisters of Mercy established a dairy farm in the area and named one of the nearby hills, “Mount Carmel,” which was a holy site in the Bible. In the 1940s, the land was bought by Robert Stevens who decided to call his new purchase Mount Carmel Ranch. In 1991, residents of the newly built residential housing community officially adopted Carmel Valley as the community’s name.
Like all of the communities along the 56 freeway, Carmel Valley is a highly rated neighborhood on Niche.com. In fact, it earned a coveted A+ grade from the site! Carmel Valley ranks in the top 5 best neighborhoods in all of San Diego and is also recognized as one of the best places for families in the county. Its public schools also earned an A+ rating, which continue to draw more families and young professionals to the area. The abundance of upscale shopping and dining, along with an excellent coastal location, make Carmel Valley a top neighborhood for San Diego home buyers.
Carmel Valley Schools
Carmel Valley Schools
Carmel Valley’s public schools are part of several top San Diego school districts. While the high schools and middle schools are part of the award-winning San Dieguito Union High School District, there are a number of elementary schools serving the community that fall into the jurisdiction of either the Del Mar Union Elementary School District or the Solana Beach Elementary School District. Prospective buyers in Carmel Valley should consult district maps and the individual schools to determine what elementary school their children will attend. While some parents might have a preference for one school over another, every public school in the area has earned either an A or A+ rating from Niche. Notable high schools in Carmel Valley include Torrey Pines High School and Canyon Crest Academy. In addition, Carmel Valley is home to the private Cathedral Catholic High School.
Carmel Valley Real Estate
Carmel Valley Real Estate
Homes in Carmel Valley are sizable, with many boasting floor plans with more than 3,000 square feet of living space. There are also a number of estate homes in the area with the amenities and price tag to match. However, Carmel Valley also offers condos, townhomes, and starter homes with a smaller footprint. Several communities in the Carmel Valley area are gated which provides additional security and exclusivity for residents.
Since homes in Carmel Valley have been built over a span of forty years, some properties no longer have Mello-Roos fees attached, while others still do. If you’re looking at buying a home in Carmel Valley, you’ll want to keep an eye out for those fees. Along with your monthly HOA dues and property taxes, it’ll give you a true picture of what it will cost to own a home in Carmel Valley. Mello-Roos fees are levied on new communities in order to fund the building of roads, schools, and other necessary resources. They typically expire after a period of twenty or thirty years.
For a single family home in Carmel Valley, the median home price is $2,087,500. For a condo or townhome it is $829,888.
Carmel Valley Lifestyle
Carmel Valley is the most coastal of all the neighborhoods located along the 56 freeway. It’s less than ten minutes to the beach at Del Mar or to the famous Torrey Pines State Reserve. Residents of Carmel Valley also enjoy being close to the Del Mar Racetrack which, in addition to horse races, hosts the annual San Diego Fair and other events year-round. Smaller community activities also happen at the many shopping centers in the area. The Del Mar Highlands Town Center hosts a number of events around the holidays and One Paseo is currently doing pop-up events.
The Meadows Del Mar Golf Course, a private 18-hole masterpiece designed by Tom Fazio, is another attraction for residents. Located on the grounds of the Grand Del Mar, a Five Diamond resort, you can gain access to the course by becoming a member of The Club at Grand Del Mar. Membership also grants you access to the world class spa services, dining, and activities offered by the hotel.
Carmel Valley Weather
The weather in Carmel Valley is mild and usually sunny. Owing to its close proximity to the coast, Carmel Valley can be a bit gray and foggy during May and June, though the marine layer often burns off by afternoon. Many homes in Carmel Valley have A/C, though it usually isn’t needed.
Carmel Valley Shopping & Local Businesses
More than any other community along the 56, Carmel Valley offers a wide range of shops and restaurants. From upscale clothing boutiques to authentic taco shops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Carmel Valley.
Most businesses are located within a few shopping centers in the area. The most trafficked of these are One Paseo, the Del Mar Highlands, and the Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch. One Paseo is the newest shopping area and features a number of open spaces which are perfect for catching up with friends over a cup of coffee or taking the kids to run around. Notable eateries include Urbn Pizza, Harland Brewing, Tocaya, and Salt & Straw. Across the street at the Del Mar Highlands, the newly opened Sky Deck is an upscale food hall concept that is quickly becoming a favorite weekend visit for residents. The Del Mar Highlands also boasts more than fifty other businesses, including one of our favorite doughnut shops, Sidecar Doughnuts. For more on the offerings at the Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch, please check out our community page for this neighborhood.
Ready to find your Carmel Valley dream home? Click here to get started or give us a call for personalized help right from the start!
