Known as "Butterfly Town USA," Pacific Grove welcomes thousands of monarch butterflies each fall as they migrate to their winter sanctuary. This charming coastal city sits on California's Monterey Peninsula, offering a blend of Victorian architecture, rocky shorelines, and the historic Point Pinos Lighthouse — the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast.

Pacific Grove's housing landscape includes historic cottages and coastal townhomes within its compact 3-square-mile boundaries. The city maintains strict preservation guidelines, with over 1,300 structures on its historic register. Monthly rents average around $1,970 for one-bedroom apartments and $2,850 for two-bedroom units. The downtown area features locally-owned shops and restaurants, while the coastline offers spectacular views along Ocean View Boulevard and the 2.5-mile recreation trail connecting to Monterey.

Pacific Grove balances peaceful coastal living with convenient access to surrounding attractions. The Asilomar neighborhood borders both the historic conference grounds and state beach, while downtown provides a central location near shops and dining. Lovers Point Park offers a protected cove for swimming and picnicking. The city sits just minutes from Monterey's Cannery Row, with most residents commuting to the Naval Postgraduate School, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, and various employers throughout Monterey County. The mild year-round climate and protected coastline make Pacific Grove a quintessential California beach town.