Old Town is a tranquil neighborhood featuring a mix of single detached homes, small apartment buildings, and duplexes with mostly one- and two-bedroom options. The area benefits from comprehensive bicycling infrastructure, making cycling a convenient mode of travel. Daily errands are simple thanks to close proximity of grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, and clothing shops. Several bus lines connect the neighborhood, with many residences near stops, ensuring access to public transit. Local primary and high schools are conveniently reachable without requiring a vehicle. With quiet streets and a relaxed atmosphere, Old Town offers an inviting and pleasant residential setting.
Home buyers who prefer a relaxed ambience will enjoy Old Town. Most areas in Old Town are very quiet, as there isn't a lot of street noise or city clamor.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
Situated at the edge of Downtown Monterey, Custom House Plaza is a historic open space featuring the oldest government building in California and hosting local festivals, farmers markets, and cultural events just steps from Alvarado Street.
Located on Pacific Street, the Monterey Public Library is California’s oldest public library, offering extensive collections, community reading programs, and educational workshops in a beautifully restored historic building.
This vibrant strip on Alvarado Street is Downtown’s culinary hotspot, lined with local eateries, coffee shops, and lively bars that serve everything from fresh seafood to craft brews, all within a walkable few blocks.
Every Tuesday, Downtown Monterey transforms for the Old Monterey Marketplace, where locals and visitors browse fresh produce, artisan foods, crafts, and live entertainment on Alvarado Street.
Beginning downtown, this scenic, multi-use path hugs the shoreline and offers cyclists, walkers, and joggers sweeping views of the bay, access to Fisherman’s Wharf, and easy connections to other city neighborhoods.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
Downtown residents can make this weekly market part of their regular routine, picking up local produce, prepared food, crafts, and specialty goods without leaving the city center. It is a convenient neighborhood outing for shopping, dinner, and casual socializing on Tuesday evenings.
View event details →This free, all-ages evening gives Downtown Monterey residents an easy cultural night out, with gallery access, art, music, refreshments, and a relaxed community atmosphere. Its central Pacific Street location makes it especially convenient to combine with dinner or a walk through Old Monterey.
View event details →Residents can participate, cheer on runners, or enjoy the lively race-day atmosphere beginning near Downtown Monterey. The scenic course connects the historic downtown area with Cannery Row and Pacific Grove, making it a notable local event for spectators, runners, families, and neighborhood businesses.
View event details →This free, family-friendly cultural celebration is within easy walking distance of Downtown Monterey and offers traditional dance, drumming, community altars, Indigenous cultural performances, food, crafts, and a Catrina contest. It is a meaningful way for local residents to experience regional history and living traditions.
View event details →A short drive from Downtown Monterey, this seasonal attraction offers an early start to holiday outings with illuminated displays, carnival rides, a holiday market, Santa's Workshop, live entertainment, and family activities. It is well suited to residents looking for a festive evening activity during Thanksgiving and the holidays.
View event details →This walkable downtown shopping event encourages residents to support locally owned stores while discovering seasonal promotions and special activities throughout the district. It is a practical, community-oriented way to shop for gifts, explore independent businesses, and help keep Downtown Monterey vibrant during the holiday season.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in Downtown
Local characteristics and demographics for Downtown
