Picture yourself with a hot cup of tea relaxing on your deck that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, watching the sunrise or enjoying an afternoon walk through the filled with Jacaranda trees that are heavy with purple flowers. The scents of Azaleas, Bird of Paradise, Roses and Gardenias fill the air.
In the evening you stroll along the beach and see pods of Gray Whales breeching far out at sea. Later, you fall asleep with the ocean breeze blowing softly through your bedroom window. When you buy a home in the coastal California towns of Carmel, Santa Cruz, Pebble Beach, Monterey or Big Sur, this can be the rhythm of your day every day.
Why buy a coastal California home? Aside from the fact that the Monterey Bay region is one of the most sought after areas because of its stunningly beautiful scenery, the area has family-friendly towns with a multitude of activities to keep your children engaged in learning. From surf school to the Monterey According to the California State Finance Department, the population of Santa Cruz has grown from 56,300 in 2004 to 58,982 in 2008. It is located on Highway 1, commonly known as the Pacific Coast Highway on Monterey Bay's north side. Santa Cruz is within easy reach of both city and outdoor activities, including shopping in San Jose, just 30 miles to the east.
Golfers need look no further than Pebble Beach for their perfect coastal retreat. After a great game of golf on Pebble Beach's championship golf course, take advantage of the spa to soothe sore muscles. If you are looking for a more rugged, sparsely populated coastal California home with stunning views and iconic scenery, Big Sur is the place to look. Rising 5,155 feet above sea level, Big Sur is home to the highest coastal mountain in the continental United States, Cone Peak.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, population 4,000, is home to artists, poets, musicians and actors of every stripe. Many of Hollywood's most popular celebrities escape city life with homes in the enchanting town of Carmel. While some favor the more lavish luxury estates in Pebble Beach, all are within easy reach of each other and have their own beauties and charms.
Bay Aquarium, there is always something to do. The schools in the area work hard to make sure students feel safe socially and emotionally, and prepare students for life after high school. Some of the schools in the area have been teaching students for over 140 years.
The Pacific Ocean creates a serene backdrop to Oak, Sycamore and Eucalyptus trees that, along with Bottlebrush and other native shrubs, provide privacy to the home owner. Mature gardens, both traditional European and bamboo-filled Asian-inspired landscaping, irresistibly draw you in. Enjoy coastal California's year-round fair weather, entertaining friends and family in your inviting, fully-equipped outdoor kitchen as the children swim in your sparkling in-ground pool.
Now is the perfect time to make your Carmel home dream, a reality. It is a buyer's market and your dream home is most likely waiting for you right now. Available homes vary widely. From sprawling Spanish compounds to more modest contemporary homes, you have the pick of the most upscale homes on the market today.
You can read more about the author and other subjects at his websites propertyinsantacruz dot com, and cacoastalhome dot com.