Second Addition, Pacific Grove
Updated June 22, 2026 · 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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Health insurance enrollment is very high among residents here, sitting well above the Pacific Grove average according to iHuus data.
Voting patterns and census indicators show a very high concentration of liberal-leaning residents, slightly exceeding the average seen across Pacific Grove.
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.
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.
Block-Level Insights for Second Addition
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| Dimension | Second Addition | Asilomar Dunes |
|---|---|---|
| 🚶 Walkabilityavg 8.68 | ||
| 🔊 Acoustic Comfortavg 4.49 | ||
| 🤫 Privacy Indexavg 5.57 | ||
| 🎨 Visual Appealavg 7.37 | ||
| 🐕 Dog Friendlinessavg 8.15 | ||
| 🗺️ Urban-Rural Indexavg 7.2 | ||
| ✨ Neighborhood Vibeavg 5.27 | ||
| 🏥 Health Insurance Coverageavg 8.4 | ||
| 🌿 Air Quality | ||
| 🏭 Industrial Proximityavg 10 | ||
| 🌊 Flood Safetyavg 7.03 | ||
| 🗳️ Ideological Leanavg 9.43 | ||
| 👥 Population Age Profileavg 5.6 | ||
| 🔥 Fire Safetyavg 1.51 | ||
| 🏫 School Quality |
Second Addition Rankings
School Districts Serving Second Addition
Pacific Grove Unified School District is an elite, stable, and high-performing organization that functions as a premier educational anchor for the Monterey Bay area. With a portfolio of schools consistently outperforming state averages by over 30% and a high school that serves as a high-value destination for college-bound students, the district maintains strong community trust as evidenced by successful bond-funded modernization projects. Despite localized challenges regarding the high cost of living for staff and an intense academic culture, the district's 'Green' performance indicators, proactive safety protocols, and transparent fiscal management justify its status as a top-tier 'Blue Chip' district.
Schools
School Insights for Second Addition
Below average outcomes; significant attendance and academic challenges.
School Insights
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