Pacific Grove, CA

Is Pacific Grove, CA (Pacific Grove Southwest) a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide

Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Pacific Grove, CA - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.

Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.

Hoodscore
93

Crime Summary:

Crime Overview (last 12 months)

Severe102
Medium59
Low110
Other718

74 Registered Offenders Nearby

Rape12
Child involved56
Assault12
Other4

Crime Details:

Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.

Crime dateCrime descriptionAddressCrime category
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch received a disturbance complaint about chopping noises reported near the 1500 block of Monterey-Salinas Highway on the first floor of a building in Monterey.Monterey - Salinas Hwy, Monterey, CA 93940Disturbance
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency responders dispatched to a medical call near Montecito Avenue and Ramona involving a 65-year-old female conscious and experiencing difficulty breathing.Montecito Ave, Monterey, CA 93940Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, caller reported a possible scam involving four adults going door to door on Sylvan Road claiming to sell phone services, with no weapons seen.Sylvan Rd, Monterey, CA 93940Suspicious Activity
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a possible road hazard on northbound Highway 1 near Fremont in Monterey involving a large black trash bag in an unknown lane.Fremont St, Monterey, CA 93940Traffic
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services responded near Willow Street to an elderly female with a possible allergic reaction. The patient is conscious and breathing.Willow St, Pacific Grove, CA 93950Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a slow-moving blue SUV traveling north on Highway 1 near Casa Verde at about 20 miles per hour without hazard lights on, apparently causing a traffic backup.Casa Verde Way, Monterey, CA 93940Traffic
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, responders were sent to a medical call for a fall near Congress Avenue and 17 Mile Drive. The patient was located inside Rip Van Winkle Park near the parking lot on Congress Avenue after initial location difficulties.Rip Van Winkle Open Space, 1072 Congress Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency is reported at Rip Van Winkle Park near Congress Avenue, Pacific Grove.Rip Van Winkle Open Space, 1072 Congress Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency appears to be occurring near Park Lane and Glenwood Circle, close to West Canyon Road and Aguajito Road. Medic Engine 11 is assigned to respond.Glenwood Cir, Monterey, CA 93940Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews respond to a reported hazardous condition involving water coming from a utility vault near Camino El Estero between Anthony and Pearl in Monterey.Camino El Estero, Monterey, CA 93940Other Non-Crime Event

For all crime details - View Safety Report

Median Home Price
$1,540,916
Average Rent
$5,454
Vacancy Rate
14.3%

Neighborhood Overview

Pacific Grove Southwest is an urban neighborhood in Pacific Grove, CA, known for its historic homes mostly built before 1940 and a mix of owners and renters.

The area is peaceful and quiet, with a diverse housing stock and a highly educated community, making it popular among retirees and urban sophisticates.

UrbanHistoric HomesRetiree-FriendlyHighly Educated

Quick Facts

Retiree-Friendly RankMore retiree-friendly than 97.8% of CA neighborhoods

Housing market and real estate character

Pacific Grove Southwest features a mix of small to medium single-family homes and apartment complexes, with many residences built before 1940 and some between 1940 and 1969.

Housing AgeMany homes built before 1940, some between 1940-1969
Owner vs Renter MixMixture of owners and renters

What buyers will notice right away

Many homes are historic, offering unique architectural styles and charm.
A notable portion of housing is seasonally occupied, reflecting vacation or part-time residency.

Families & Lifestyle

The neighborhood attracts retirees and urban sophisticates, with a peaceful atmosphere and a highly educated population.

The mix of very educated seniors and other age groups creates a vibrant community.
The peaceful and quiet environment supports a comfortable lifestyle for retirees and professionals.
Retiree Appeal — High safety and diverse housing options make it attractive for retirement.
Educated Community — A significant share of residents hold advanced degrees, fostering a cultured atmosphere.
Retiree-Friendly RankMore retiree-friendly than 97.8% of CA neighborhoods
Graduate Degree Holders36.5% of adults have graduate degrees

Demographics

Graduate Degree Holders36.5%
Executive, Management, Professional Occupations67.1%
Child Poverty Rate6.1%
Foreign Born Residents12.5%
Top Languages["English (84.9%)","Russian (3.0%)"]
Top Ancestries["German (15.6%)","Irish (15.1%)","English (13.0%)","Asian (10.4%)","Polish (5.4%)"]

Commute

Most residents enjoy short commutes, with many traveling under 15 minutes to work.

Pacific Grove Southwest offers convenient access to work with a high share of short commutes and common car usage.

Short Commutes — Nearly half of residents commute under 15 minutes, reducing travel stress and costs.
Car Ownership — Most residents drive alone, reflecting the neighborhood's suburban connectivity.
Commute Time Under 15 Minutes44.1%
Drive Alone Rate59.1%
Carpool Rate8.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pacific Grove Southwest good for retirees?

Yes, it is more retiree-friendly than 97.8% of California neighborhoods, offering safety and diverse housing.

What is the typical commute like?

Most residents have short commutes under 15 minutes, with many driving alone or carpooling.

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