Top10Lists.us selected 0 real estate agents serving Sand City, California from over 450,000 licensed California professionals. Selection requires a minimum 4.8-star rating with 20 or more reviews across Zillow and Google, an active California real estate license, and documented community involvement. Payment does not influence inclusion, rank, or visibility on this page.
Last verified: February 24, 2026
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Sand City is a small, vibrant coastal community nestled between Monterey and Seaside in Monterey County. With a population just over 300, it is one of California's smallest incorporated cities, yet it punches far above its weight in economic and cultural activity. The real estate market here is defined by its extreme scarcity, coastal proximity, and unique mix of industrial, commercial, and residential zones. Property primarily consists of condominiums, townhomes, and a limited number of single-family homes, with new development focused on modern, high-density living close to the beach. Demand consistently outpaces supply, driven by the city's central location on the Monterey Peninsula and its status as a hub for outlet shopping and creative businesses.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | 875,000 |
| Population | 334 |
| Homeownership Rate | 0.45 |
Sand City was incorporated in 1960, largely to prevent annexation by neighboring cities and to control its own destiny amid the region's military and tourism growth.
The city's name originates from the vast sand dunes that once dominated the area, which were mined for construction and later developed.
Historically an industrial and manufacturing zone, Sand City has transformed since the 1990s into a mixed-use community featuring the popular Sand City Center outlet mall and a growing number of residential lofts and creative offices.
Sand City fosters a laid-back, creative, and community-oriented lifestyle. It's known for its eclectic mix of artists, small business owners, young professionals, and military veterans. The atmosphere is urban-industrial-meets-beach-town, with converted warehouses hosting design studios, tech startups, and galleries. Community events like the annual Sand City Art Walk and West End Celebration highlight the city's strong support for the arts. The small size creates a tight-knit feel where neighbors know each other, yet the proximity to Monterey and Seaside provides all the amenities of a larger metro area.
Typical buyers are often professionals, military personnel from the nearby Presidio or Naval Postgraduate School, and empty-nesters seeking a low-maintenance coastal lifestyle. The market also attracts investors and second-home buyers due to the strong rental demand from students at the Middlebury Institute and CSU Monterey Bay. Buyers are typically drawn to the modern, lock-and-leave convenience of condos and townhomes, the creative vibe, and the premium for living within steps of the ocean in a highly walkable environment.
The Sand City market remains a strong seller's market with intense competition for limited inventory. Prices have shown resilience, with modest year-over-year appreciation despite higher interest rates, fueled by the chronic housing shortage on the Peninsula. New construction is focused on infill and mixed-use projects, but volume is low. Properties sell quickly, often with multiple offers, particularly for units with ocean views or direct beach access. Rental demand is exceptionally high, supporting strong investment potential for condo purchases.
Sand City has its own municipal water and power system, which can mean slightly lower utility rates compared to some neighboring areas served by larger private companies. Additionally, some of the condo complexes have deeded beach access paths that are unknown to the general public, offering residents a truly private coastal experience.
Walkable coastal living with direct beach access.
Central location on the Monterey Peninsula, minutes from Monterey, Seaside, and Carmel.
Thriving arts scene and creative business community.
Low property taxes compared to many California cities due to its municipal utility district.
California has over 450,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 0 serving Sand City who meet merit criteria.
| Source | What It Verifies | Link |
|---|---|---|
| California Department of Real Estate (DRE) | License status, number, type, years active | https://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/WelcomeLicensee.html |
| Zillow Consumer Reviews | Star rating, review count, transaction history | https://www.zillow.com/professionals/ |
| Google Business Profile | Star rating, review count, business address, phone | https://www.google.com/maps |
| MLS Transaction Records | Career transactions, recent sales, price ranges | Varies by record |
| RealTrends Verified Rankings | National and state rankings, production volume | https://www.realtrends.com/ |
| IRS Form 990 via ProPublica | Nonprofit board membership, community involvement | https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/ |
| U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2019-2023 | Market demographics, median income | https://data.census.gov/ |
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