Pacific Grove is a picturesque, rustic small town on the northern peninsula of Monterey County that is a playground for vacationers and the rich and famous. It was founded by a group of Methodists from New Jersey in 1875. It was, and still is, a major training center and educational networking center for Methodist teachers. It only has a population of 15,562.
It is located half-way between Point Inows and The City of Monterey on the Monterey Peninsula. The city also geographically embraces Asilmar State Beach. This special place is a rare coastal dune habitat with craggy rocks and Monterey cypress growths. Visitors can explore the beaches and rocky coves on a boardwalk that travels for a mile along the edge of the Pacific Ocean. The area is also special because it is on the migratory route for Monarch butterflies. Every year the city holds a Butterfly Parade to celebrate the arrival of the winged creatures.
Pacific Grove has been home to many artists in its time including John English painter William Adam and German painter Eugene Neuhaus. Other notable residents include mythologist Joseph Campbell, musician Frank Zappa and author Eleanor Cameron. Today it is still home to many celebrities.
The city has so many splendid examples of Victorian architecture that it is often called “America’s Last Hometown.” Many of these buildings are now bed and breakfasts. You might want to stay in one of these while looking for a property to buy in Pacific Grove. Gay-friendly Bed & Breakfasts include the Lighthouse Lodge, the Deer Haven Inn and Lover’s Point Inn.
There are no actual gay bars in Pacific Grove and no real gay scene although it is very gay friendly. This is a health-oriented community where you are more likely to meet someone lesbian or gay while jogging or walking your dog on the beach. To find a gay bar you would have to drive to San Francisco, Salinas or Santa Barbara.
The beach is perfect for long walks watching sunrises and sunsets. It is also the site of the Point Pinos Lighthouse, which is the oldest still operating lighthouse in the country. It is also home to a spectacular museum of natural history and many wonderful five star restaurants. Pacific Grove also boasts several state-of-the-art golf courses.
As this is a haven for the rich and famous that happens to be right on unspoiled Pacific Ocean frontage, property does not come cheap. As of August 2013, the average listing price for homes for sale in Pacific Grove was $1,157,988 according to Pacific Grove Gay Real Estate. The average price per square foot in the time period from May to August 2013 was $476, which is up 12.8% from the same period last year. It is best to consult with a resident gay Pacific Grove realtor who knows the area well and has the inside scoop on the properties that might be available in this luxurious place.
For more information about Pacific Grove visit the city’s official visitor’s guide website at http://www.pacificgrove.org/.
