Second Addition, Pacific Grove

Updated · 554 residents

The Second Addition is a highly walkable neighborhood defined by its dense grid of historic homes and easy access to the Pacific Grove coastline. Residents benefit from a vibrant local scene with nearby cafes and galleries, though the area features tightly packed residential lots that prioritize community connectivity over private outdoor space.

Key Highlights

Moderate PrivacyHighly WalkableScenic and UpscaleGreat for Dog OwnersSemi-rural feelQuiet Suburban MixModerate Traffic NoisePurely ResidentialHigh Insurance CoverageStrongly LiberalGenerational MixModerate Flood Risk
Map showing the location of Second Addition, Pacific Grove, CA

Ask about Second Addition

Get a clearer, more personal picture of the neighborhood with local insights on schools, walkability, noise and more.

0/500
Try asking:

About Second Addition

Filed on May 7, 1887, by the Pacific Improvement Company, the Second Addition was one of the first major expansions of the original Pacific Grove Retreat. Located west of 16th Street and extending to a line between Granite and Willow streets, with Pine Avenue as its southern boundary, this addition helped double the size of the early Methodist retreat. The neighborhood retains a highly cohesive architectural character, characterized by a dense collection of late 19th-century and early 20th-century residences, including classic Craftsman-style bungalows and Victorian-era board-and-batten cottages. Because of its well-preserved historical streetscapes and architectural integrity, the Second Addition is recognized by the City of Pacific Grove as a prime candidate for designation as a historic district or conservation zone.

The area functions as a central hub for those seeking a classic coastal lifestyle, characterized by well-maintained residential streets and a vibrant local commercial scene. With exceptional walkability, the neighborhood allows residents to reach both the shoreline and downtown amenities without reliance on a vehicle. The atmosphere remains calm, balanced by a mix of quiet residential blocks and popular local establishments like the Red House Cafe and the Artisana Gallery.

While the neighborhood offers an elite educational environment through the Pacific Grove Unified School District, potential residents should note the trade-offs associated with its dense urban layout. Houses are situated on small lots with limited distance between neighbors, resulting in lower privacy levels compared to other parts of the city. This area is ideally suited for individuals or families who value community connectivity, architectural history, and proximity to nature over expansive private yards.

Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities

Privacy Index
Score: 5.2 out of 10

Residential spacing is varied, with some houses positioned very close to one another on small urban lots. This level of privacy is slightly lower than the Pacific Grove average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #15 in Pacific Grove →
Walkability
Score: 8.8 out of 10

Pedestrian access is excellent due to a dense grid of sidewalks and frequent crossings that provide easy walking routes to local shops and the shoreline. According to iHuus data, this level of walkability is slightly above the city average.

Ranked #11 in Pacific Grove →
Visual Appeal
Score: 8 out of 10

Well-maintained properties and expansive coastal views provide a visual experience that is more impressive than the Pacific Grove average. High-value real estate and premium amenities characterize the area according to iHuus data.

Ranked #3 in Pacific Grove →
Dog Friendliness
Score: 8.6 out of 10

Access to coastline trails and expansive green spaces makes this area more dog friendly than the Pacific Grove average. Wide paths and low traffic levels provide safe environments for pet walking according to iHuus data.

Ranked #5 in Pacific Grove →
Urban-Rural Index
Score: 6.5 out of 10

Scattered homes and open spaces characterize this area, though it feels slightly less rural than the typical Pacific Grove landscape. According to iHuus data, the neighborhood features a denser coastal urban layout with more significant grey infrastructure than the city average.

Ranked #12 in Pacific Grove →
Neighborhood Vibe
Score: 5.2 out of 10

Suburban streets and green spaces offer a serene environment, though certain blocks feature various restaurants and galleries. According to iHuus data, the level of activity and local amenities in this area is roughly in line with the Pacific Grove average.

Ranked #12 in Pacific Grove →
Acoustic Comfort
Score: 6.1 out of 10

Steady hum from nearby thoroughfares creates more ambient sound than the typical Pacific Grove area. According to iHuus data, this level of acoustic activity is higher than the city average.

Ranked #2 in Pacific Grove →
Industrial Proximity
Score: 10 out of 10

Industrial activity and heavy warehouses are entirely absent from this area, matching the low level of industrial proximity found across Pacific Grove. Residents can expect a landscape composed of quiet streets, residential properties, and open green spaces without nearby industrial hazards.

Ranked #1 in Pacific Grove →
Health Insurance Coverage
Score: 9 out of 10

Health insurance enrollment is very high among residents here, sitting well above the Pacific Grove average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #6 in Pacific Grove →
Ideological Lean
Score: 9.7 out of 10

Voting patterns and census indicators show a very high concentration of liberal-leaning residents, slightly exceeding the average seen across Pacific Grove.

Ranked #8 in Pacific Grove →
Population Age Profile
Score: 6 out of 10

A diverse range of age groups, including young adults, families, and seniors, resides here. According to iHuus data, this age distribution is slightly more varied than the city average.

Ranked #4 in Pacific Grove →
Flood Safety
Score: 7.7 out of 10

Residual flood risks exist within the area due to its location in a 500-year floodplain, though safety levels remain higher than the Pacific Grove average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #1 in Pacific Grove →

Compare with Any Neighborhood

Compare with
DimensionSecond AdditionAsilomar Dunes
🚶
Walkabilityavg 8.68
Score: 8.8 out of 10
Score: 8 out of 10
🔊
Acoustic Comfortavg 4.49
Score: 6.1 out of 10
Score: 6.2 out of 10
🤫
Privacy Indexavg 5.57
Score: 5.2 out of 10
Score: 6 out of 10
🎨
Visual Appealavg 7.37
Score: 8 out of 10
Score: 8.4 out of 10
🐕
Dog Friendlinessavg 8.15
Score: 8.6 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: 5.2 out of 10
Score: 4.4 out of 10
🏥
Health Insurance Coverageavg 8.4
Score: 9 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: 6 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Second Addition a walkable neighborhood?
Yes, it is exceptionally walkable. The dense grid layout provides residents with convenient sidewalk access to local shops, restaurants, and the nearby Pacific Grove coastline.
What are the schools like for residents in this area?
The neighborhood is served by the Pacific Grove Unified School District, which is widely recognized as a top-tier, high-performing educational system that consistently exceeds state academic standards.
How is the privacy in the Second Addition?
Due to the historical density of the neighborhood, homes are situated on relatively small lots. Residents often find that houses are positioned close to one another, which creates a strong sense of community but results in less private outdoor space.
Is this neighborhood good for dog owners?
The area is very dog-friendly, thanks to its extensive sidewalk network and proximity to several parks and scenic coastal trails that are ideal for walking pets.

Next step

Looking for a home around Second Addition?

Search available homes and see how they fit the neighborhood qualities that matter to you.

You can refine your budget and priorities on the next screen.