Carmel-by-the-Sea is a 1.1 square mile quaint coastal enclave village built amongst a magnificent forest, perched along the Pacific Ocean.  Many would describe Carmel as a magical, whimsical fairytale like place showcasing enchanting cottage style architectural homes, astonishing ocean vistas with white sand beaches, and a vibrant coastal ambiance.  Carmel-by-the Sea was founded in 1906 by Frank Powers and Frank Devendorf and incorporated as a city in 1916.  The one square mile village is bound on the west by Carmel Beach, on the north by Pescadero Canyon, on the east by Monterey St., Forest Ave, and Ladera Dr., and on the south by the Carmel Mission. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California is located along the Pacific Coast of Central California, just south of Monterey Bay.  Founded in 1902 and incorporated in 1916, Carmel-by-the-Sea is situated 120 miles south of San Francisco, 70 miles south of San Jose, 350 miles north of Los Angeles, and 26 miles north of Big Sur. The abodes of Carmel are an architectural mixture of storybook English cottages, Swiss Alpine chalets, and uniquely Carmel style building design.  No two homes are alike, a refreshing change from the typical suburbia lifestyles.  The village of Carmel-by-the-Sea resembles a miniature version of Europe.  It is not improbable to see to a bereted Parisian saunter out of one of the captivating, Euro-themed bistros.  Meander a few blocks down Ocean Avenue to Carmel’s sandy beach and the view is pure California, a rugged Pacific coastline spangled with rocky outcroppings, ghostly cypress trees and the electric green slopes of the famed Pebble Beach golf course. A privileged few call Carmel home, with a population of approximately 4081 citizens, 847 dogs, and 2285 households.  A survey done in 2008 reveled that approximately 37% of the residences within the city limits had full time occupancies, the balance of residences are vacation homes.  Carmel-by-the-Sea has all the offerings of a big city without the commotion.  Enjoy world class art galleries, theater, music, dinning, and breathe taking site seeing all within walking distance of each other.  Exclusive global travelers are unlikely to encounter another place that has so much to offer and is so memorable.  The enchanting village is a lively collection of exclusive inns, almost a 100 art galleries, hundreds of boutiques, small bistros and gourmet restaurants.  For locals, part-time residents, and visitors, Carmel is a public resort whose membership fees depart from a range of hotel rates to some of the highest mortgages in the world.  A property situated on Scenic Drive overlooking Carmel Beach that was built at the turn of the last century by M.J. Murphy originally sold for $100 with $5 down, but sold in the new Millennium for $8 million.  Yes there were upgrades along the way but as us Realtors say… To continue reading about Carmel-by-the-Sea and complete neighborhood information and homes for sale, click here www.estatesofcarmel.com