New Monterey? (Hawthorne, Pacific Grove: apartment, houses, neighborhoods)

[Transitory]

Hey,

I've been looking at some properties in the New Monterey area, specifically in the neighborhoods along David Ave (in the middle of Lighthouse and 68, more specifically). Can anyone describe the area's vibe a little more? It seemed very calm and quiet to me, but I've read some posts on this forums that said to stay away. Any credence to that?

[TimC2462]

Originally Posted by Transitory

Hey,

I've been looking at some properties in the New Monterey area, specifically in the neighborhoods along David Ave (in the middle of Lighthouse and 68, more specifically). Can anyone describe the area's vibe a little more? It seemed very calm and quiet to me, but I've read some posts on this forums that said to stay away. Any credence to that?

I'm familiar with the area as I've driven home through that area many times from my folks' former business in Pacific Grove. There are a lot of older style homes in the area and it is generally peaceful and quiet. Very hilly too. The area isn't ghetto and ages very well for Monterey. The best part about driving up and down the hill is when you descend on the way down to the sea level, you get a fantastic view of the houses with the ocean as the backdrop.

However, I've not lived in that area and I have moved away from Monterey county 10 years ago. MtnSurfer would have the latest, up-to-date info regarding that area.

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by TimC2462

I'm familiar with the area as I've driven home through that area many times from my folks' former business in Pacific Grove. There are a lot of older style homes in the area and it is generally peaceful and quiet. Very hilly too. The area isn't ghetto and ages very well for Monterey. The best part about driving up and down the hill is when you descend on the way down to the sea level, you get a fantastic view of the houses with the ocean as the backdrop.

However, I've not lived in that area and I have moved away from Monterey county 10 years ago. MtnSurfer would have the latest, up-to-date info regarding that area.

Yes, I agree with Tim's overall assessment. I used to live in PG which is close to David Ave. Its generally a nice area with great ocean breezes and hills. I've never really heard anyone say stay away in general, maybe if you don't like a particular aspect like hills or older homes. Also the closer you get toward downtown Monterey the more you will be in the sun. We've addressed that in another thread.

Derek

[Transitory]

Thanks Derek and Tim for your great and timely responses. I actually like the hills and older style homes. Indeed there is less sun, but it seems the higher and more westerly one goes the tree coverage increases significantly - which is a big thing for me as well.

Thanks for the advice, and Derek, I know you've heard it, but you are truly a great resource for people asking about the Monterey area.

[ferretkona]

Monterey is a nice tourist town, just have to slow down a little.
I lived off 17 mile on Sloat street and tourists always come to a stop for each deer they see. After a while you are talking to yourself, yah nice deer please move your car. Try and play golf and the deer are asleep on the greens, no fear in broad daylight. Carmel is over run with raccoons. Pacific Grove has the butterflys (or used to).

[jeffredo]

Northeast of Lighthouse Ave its very touristy and busy (I lived in an apartment on Wave St for four years). Aquarium, Cannery Row, Tin Outlets, etc... Immediately southwest of Lighthouse is Hawthorne St and there are somewhat crappy apartment buildings on it. The farther up the hill you go the quieter it gets. I had a coworker who was raised on Irving and she said the neighborhood has changed completely since she was a kid in the 70s/80s. Military retirees and bluecollar families have given way to more white collar/professional types. Homes have been gentrified a bit and/or added onto. Basically, its a very solid area and probably my favorite within the city of Monterey.

[carmel123]

We have a house on Hawthorne in New Monterey and we like the area. It is very walkable with lot of fun things to do and see. Houses are mostly on small lots and many with a partial ocean view, my only caution would be parking. The closer you are to Lighthouse the more likely that street parking will be gobbled up by tourists and people who work in the area. If you have dedicated off street parking life is better, or live farther up the hill and you will be fine.