First Addition, Pacific Grove

Updated · 586 residents

The First Addition is an exceptionally walkable residential enclave in Pacific Grove, defined by a dense, historic grid layout. Residents enjoy proximity to local dining and the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, though the area features closely spaced homes with limited private yard space.

Key Highlights

Moderate PrivacyHighly WalkableModest Residential ViewsModerate Dog AccessSuburban Residential CoreVibrant Local ActivityModerate Traffic NoiseNo Industrial PresenceHigh Insurance CoverageStrongly LiberalIntergenerational MixModerate Flood Risk
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About First Addition

The First Addition in Pacific Grove, California, originated on May 7, 1887, when the Pacific Improvement Company filed survey maps establishing the area as the first major extension of the original 1875 Methodist Retreat. Bordered by 1st Street to the east, 16th Street to the west, Pine Avenue to the south, and Lighthouse Avenue to the north, the neighborhood expanded the town's residential grid. Characterized by a dense layout of historic homes, including Victorian-era residences and early 20th-century bungalows, the neighborhood retains its historic scale. Its distinct character has been preserved through local voter initiatives that established strict R-2 zoning and building site requirements. Today, the First Addition remains a highly walkable, quiet residential enclave situated just blocks from Monterey Bay and the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.

The area maintains a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere where suburban streets intersect with a modest commercial core. It benefits from the high-performing Pacific Grove Unified School District, which serves as a primary educational anchor for families in the region. The neighborhood is characterized by high connectivity and consistent sidewalk access, making it a functional choice for those who prioritize pedestrian access to daily amenities over expansive private grounds.

Prospective residents should note that the neighborhood features tightly packed housing with minimal space between structures, which impacts overall privacy. While the area is free from industrial activity, road traffic contributes to a moderate level of ambient noise. Given the density and environmental factors, the area is best suited for individuals or families who value a walkable, established community and proximity to the Monterey Bay coastline over secluded, large-lot living.

Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities

Privacy Index
Score: 6 out of 10

Residential spacing provides a moderate amount of separation between homes, which is slightly higher than the average for Pacific Grove. Houses in some parts of the neighborhood are closely situated with small side yards, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #1 in Pacific Grove →
Walkability
Score: 10 out of 10

Extremely easy to navigate on foot due to a well-connected grid system and dedicated sidewalks on both sides of most streets. This level of pedestrian accessibility is notably higher than the average for Pacific Grove.

Ranked #1 in Pacific Grove →
Visual Appeal
Score: 6 out of 10

Standard tract housing and uniform rooflines characterize this area. The visual landscape is less lush than the average for Pacific Grove, as yards are generally small and lack significant luxury amenities.

Ranked #19 in Pacific Grove →
Dog Friendliness
Score: 6 out of 10

Sidewalks and nearby public athletic fields provide some walking opportunities, though overall amenities are below the Pacific Grove average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #20 in Pacific Grove →
Urban-Rural Index
Score: 6.5 out of 10

Residential streets feature small lots and easy access to the local commercial core, offering a more densely populated environment than the more semi-rural areas typically found across Pacific Grove.

Ranked #12 in Pacific Grove →
Neighborhood Vibe
Score: 7.2 out of 10

Local dining and community landmarks create a lively atmosphere that is notably more energetic than the typical Pacific Grove district. Residents have access to a diverse range of social destinations and amenities within the immediate area.

Ranked #1 in Pacific Grove →
Acoustic Comfort
Score: 5.5 out of 10

Steady traffic sounds from a nearby busy street are present, though levels remain more tranquil than the average for Pacific Grove according to iHuus data.

Ranked #7 in Pacific Grove →
Industrial Proximity
Score: 10 out of 10

Purely residential and light commercial zones define this area, with no warehouses or heavy industrial facilities detected near the neighborhood. This lack of industrial activity is consistent with the rest of Pacific Grove.

Ranked #1 in Pacific Grove →
Health Insurance Coverage
Score: 8.8 out of 10

Health insurance access is exceptionally high among residents, sitting well above the Pacific Grove average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #10 in Pacific Grove →
Ideological Lean
Score: 9.7 out of 10

Voting patterns and census indicators reflect a very liberal political landscape, which is even more pronounced here than in the rest of Pacific Grove according to iHuus data.

Ranked #1 in Pacific Grove →
Population Age Profile
Score: 5.9 out of 10

A balanced variety of age groups resides here, showing a slightly more diverse age distribution than the Pacific Grove average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #8 in Pacific Grove →
Flood Safety
Score: 7.7 out of 10

Residual flood risk exists within this area due to its location in the 500-year floodplain. According to iHuus data, this level of safety is slightly higher than the average for Pacific Grove.

Ranked #1 in Pacific Grove →

Address-Level Insights for First Addition

iHuus Neighborhood Intelligence Insights

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Compare with Any Neighborhood

Compare with
DimensionFirst AdditionAsilomar Dunes
🚶
Walkabilityavg 8.68
Score: 10 out of 10
Score: 8 out of 10
🔊
Acoustic Comfortavg 4.49
Score: 5.5 out of 10
Score: 6.2 out of 10
🤫
Privacy Indexavg 5.57
Score: 6 out of 10
Score: 6 out of 10
🎨
Visual Appealavg 7.37
Score: 6 out of 10
Score: 8.4 out of 10
🐕
Dog Friendlinessavg 8.15
Score: 6 out of 10
Score: 10 out of 10
🗺️
Urban-Rural Indexavg 7.2
Score: 6.5 out of 10
Score: 7.1 out of 10
Neighborhood Vibeavg 5.27
Score: 7.2 out of 10
Score: 4.4 out of 10
🏥
Health Insurance Coverageavg 8.4
Score: 8.8 out of 10
Score: 6.8 out of 10
🌿
Air Quality
Score: not available
Score: not available
🏭
Industrial Proximityavg 10
Score: 10 out of 10
Score: 10 out of 10
🌊
Flood Safetyavg 7.03
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Score: 7.7 out of 10
🗳️
Ideological Leanavg 9.43
Score: 9.7 out of 10
Score: 9.4 out of 10
👥
Population Age Profileavg 5.6
Score: 5.9 out of 10
Score: 5.7 out of 10
🔥
Fire Safetyavg 1.51
Score: not available
Score: not available
🏫
School Quality
Score: not available
Score: not available

School Insights for First Addition

School Insights

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the First Addition considered a walkable neighborhood?
Yes, the neighborhood is highly walkable. It features a well-connected grid system with consistent sidewalk coverage on both sides of most streets.
How are the schools in this area?
The neighborhood is served by the Pacific Grove Unified School District, which is a top-performing, highly rated district known for its academic stability and community trust.
What is the housing density like in the First Addition?
The area is characterized by high density. Homes are typically situated close together with small side yards, generally ranging from 5 to 15 meters apart.
Is the First Addition a noisy place to live?
The neighborhood experiences moderate noise levels, with road traffic being the primary source of sound. The average measured noise level is approximately 56 decibels.