Carmel Valley

From the mouth of the Carmel River at Highway 1 to the rolling hills surrounding Carmel Valley Village is a winding 12-mile drive through a countryside dotted not only with sturdy oaks, golden poppies, and purple lupines, but with small oases of commerce. The excursion begins at the river delta with its two impressive shopping centers. Just south on Highway 1 are the aquamarine waters of Point Lobos State Reserve. Heading inland on Carmel Valley Road, you pass farm, ranch, and park lands. A few short miles later is Garland Ranch Regional Park and the country town of Carmel Valley Village, or simply “The Village.” The Carmel Highlands, the Mouth of the Valley, and the Village are all unincorporated areas composed of 25,000 acres of residential and agricultural lands. The governing body is the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. Vineyards with tasting rooms welcome tourists, as do this area's two largest employers, Carmel Valley Ranch Resort and Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club. In these rural areas, personal and professional services account for 55% of all employment in the Carmel Highlands and 44% in Carmel Valley. Wholesale and retail trades account for 20% Highlands, 17% Valley; manufacturing 13% Highlands, 15% Valley; agriculture 4% Highlands,11% Valley; transportation, communications, and utilities 4% Highlands, 7% Valley; and public administration 4% Highlands, 6% Valley. The population is approximately 4,700 people. The median age of the valley is 35.2 years. The median income is $52,800, well above the national average.

For More Information, contact the County of Monterey at www.co.monterey.ca.us