Carmel Valley

San Diego encompasses more than 350 square miles in southern California, including an expansive area in the North County of San Diego. The laid-back California vibe blends with an upscale lifestyle that flourishes along the rugged coastline and adjacent interior. Carmel Valley has attractions and activities for everyone, making it an ideal vacation destination or a quick escape from the city’s bustling energy.

Carmel Valley was known as North City West until the 1990s. The newly renamed community is located approximately 20 miles north of downtown San Diego, just off the I-5. This scenic, affluent neighborhood exudes old-world charm and has conveniently placed modern amenities that make it an attractive location to visitors and residents.

Carmel Valley is a master-planned community located along the Interstate 5 corridor. The community contains corporate offices, hotels, shopping, and restaurants. Recreational options include neighborhood parks and a community recreation center. Carmel Valley includes open space areas and an extensive trail system. City facilities include a fire station, police station, and library.

The earliest known inhabitants of Carmel Valley were the La Jolla and subsequent Ipai peoples, who left cultural artifacts along the banks of Carmel Creek. During the Rancho period, the area was known as Cordero, after a Spanish "leather jacket" soldier. Following the California Gold Rush, miners drifted south and established homesteads here. McGonigle Canyon was named after an early settler. An old adobe Butterfield pony express and stagecoach stop sat next to a spring along old El Camino Real until the late 1970s. Later, the area was largely used for horse farms and agriculture, focusing on drought tolerant crops such as lima beans, which were grown on the property that later became The Grand Del Mar golf course.

Around 1905 the Carmelite Sisters of Mercy established a dairy farm and monastery in the area. The site, on the south side of Carmel Creek, was connected by a bridge to the St. William of York Church, whose cemetery includes the graves of some of the nuns and priests. Among other things, the nuns raised pigs, and even now local animal-keeping provisions say, "except for swine." Carmel Mountain, the last undeveloped coastal mesa in Southern California, takes its name from these nuns.

While the area has long been known to local residents as Carmel Valley, the master plan commissioned in 1974, adopted the name "North City West." This plan, inspired by Kevin Lynch, attempted to reduce sprawl by confining development to the mesa tops, leaving the canyons untouched. Planned development centered around an urban core surrounded by decreasing residential densities, where higher density residential areas were traded for increased community open space.

Carmel Creek, now largely marked by SR-56 and the CVREP corridor, was intended to meander freely to the sea, allowing water to return to the ground and providing residents with natural open space and recreational opportunities. The first houses in the planned community were built in 1983.

San Diego, CA 92130
$6,495,000
7755
sqft
8
Baths
6
Beds
Nestled on the largest and most coveted view lot within the highly sought-after West Gate of the prestigious Meadows Del Mar community on a quiet cul-de-sac, this estate presents a rare combination of...
San Diego, CA 92130
$829,000
1034
sqft
3
Baths
2
Beds
This stunning two level townhome located in the highly sought-after, Elysian complex in Carmel Valley.
San Diego, CA 92130
$669,000
800
sqft
1
Baths
1
Beds
Welcome to The Heights! This 3rd floor condo features an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings and cozy fireplace, gorgeous laminate flooring, an assigned parking space and conveniently located in beaut...
san diego, CA 92130
$2,700
704
sqft
1
Baths
1
Beds
Beautiful and spacious second-floor 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo in the highly sought-after Carmel Pointe community.
San Diego, CA 92130
$4,975,000
5136
sqft
5
Baths
4
Beds
Built by Toll Brothers, Americas Luxury Home Builder, this Lucida Model is a stunning example of luxury living in the exclusive gated Palomar community of Pacific Highlands Ranch.
San Diego, CA 92130
$4,375,000
5850
sqft
6
Baths
4
Beds
This home embodies the epitome of luxury living and the Carmel Valley lifestyle.
Carmel Valley, CA 92130
$2,538,000
3820
sqft
5
Baths
5
Beds
Welcome to Your Dream Home in the Coveted Torrey Del Mar Community! This stunning Multi-Generational house is a haven of comfort & style, perfectly situated just minutes away from beautiful beaches, D...
San Diego, CA 92130
$629,900
742
sqft
1
Baths
1
Beds
Gorgeous ground floor property in beautiful Arbor Lake in Carmel Valley.
San Diego, CA 92130
$1,133,000
1282
sqft
3
Baths
2
Beds
Experience Luxury living in this stunning 3 story former model home, brimming with designer touches and modern flair at every turn.
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