Carmel-by-the-Sea

An enchanting seaside community, Carmel-by-the-Sea is known throughout the world for its pristine white, sandy beaches, fairy-tale cottage-type architecture, and Mission San Carlos de Borromeo, the jewel of the California missions and the resting place of its founder, Father Junipero Serra. Local law preserves Carmel's rustic quaintness by prohibiting stop lights, neon signs, live music in bars, and commercial enterprise on the beach. Even trees may not be cut without special permission. However, this one-square-mile village, with its secluded alleyways and courtyards, is a beehive of small business activity that includes many fine inns and hotels, over 80 art galleries, and hundreds of boutiques, small cafés, and gourmet restaurants. True to its roots as a cultural oasis for artists, writers, and other creative individuals, Carmel annually presents many events such as the Carmel Art Festival, Carmel Art Walk, Carmel Bach Festival, and the Carmel Shakespeare Festival. Carmel-by-the-Sea has a population of 4,081, and a median age of 53.3 years. Carmel's median household income, after Pebble Beach's, is the highest on the Monterey Peninsula, and is higher than in the state or nation. It should come as no surprise that tourism accounts for the significantly high retail sales in Carmel, which are far higher than its population could ever support on its own. Carmel has no employers with more than 200 workers, because its tourism-driven economy is based on a great multitude of very small, upscale establishments, offering unique goods and personal service. Personal and professional services account for 57% of all employment in Carmel. Wholesale and retail trades account for 20%; manufacturing 11%; public administration 5%; transportation, communications, and utilities 5%; and agriculture 2%.

For More Information, call the Carmel Chamber of Commerce (831) 624-2522 or www.carmelcalifornia.org.