Carmel Valley

Carmel Valley, a suburban planned community located in the northwestern area of San Diego, California, is home to a mix of commercial offices, residential units, hotels, retail stores and restaurants. This community has an interesting historical background as it was formed by the City of San Diego on February 1st, 1975. The construction began in 1983 and farms were gradually replaced by residential communities. The name Carmel Valley originates from its history – the Catholic Sisters of Mercy established a dairy farm called Mercy Hospital Farm and monastery in the lower McGonigle Canyon in 1905. They had named a nearby hill Mount Carmel after a Biblical place near Jerusalem when they arrived in San Diego in the 189s. When Robert Stevens acquired the farm in the 194s, he changed its name to Mount Carmel Ranch; thus attaching ‘Carmel’ to the valley’s name. The area holds significant historical value as well; for instance, Sisters of Mercy also established the Carmel Valley Cemetery. Bordered by North City Future Urbanizing Area (NCFUA) and Pacific Highlands Ranch to the north; Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve and Torrey Hills to south; Pacific Highlands Ranch and Del Mar Mesa to east; with Interstate 5 and Torrey Pines on its western edge. Nearby you’ll find Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve which overlooks both ocean views and hills where one of two stands of endangered Torrey Pine trees can be found – making this neighborhood not only rich with history but also stunning natural beauty.