Big Sur is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places along the California coast. It’s not a busy city or a large town—it’s more like a long, quiet stretch of cliffs, forests, and beaches. People come here to get away from the noise and stress of everyday life. It’s a place where you can sit outside and hear the wind through the trees and the waves hitting the rocks. But living here full-time—or even buying a second home—comes with both benefits and challenges. If you’re thinking about buying property in Big Sur, here’s what you should know.
Why Big Sur is So Unique
Big Sur is not like other coastal towns in California. It’s a 90-mile stretch of Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon, surrounded by redwood forests, steep cliffs, and the Pacific Ocean. The area is protected by both state and federal parks, so much of the land cannot be developed. That’s part of what keeps it so peaceful.
You won’t see shopping malls, large hotels, or fast food restaurants. There are a few inns, restaurants, and small markets—but not much else. The people who live in Big Sur value nature, privacy, and quiet. That makes the area appealing to artists, writers, musicians, and people who work remotely or have already retired.
The Real Estate Market is Small but Expensive
Homes in Big Sur are hard to find and very expensive. There just aren’t many homes for sale at any given time. That’s because a lot of the land is protected, and many homeowners hold onto their properties for decades. When something does go up for sale, it often starts in the millions of dollars.
For example, a small home on a few acres with an ocean view might cost $2 million or more. Larger estates, especially those with modern features, lots of land, or famous past owners, can cost $5 million or even $10 million. If you’re looking for something under $1 million, you’re unlikely to find anything unless it’s a small cabin or fixer-upper—and even those are rare.
What Kinds of Homes Are in Big Sur?
Big Sur homes are not your typical suburban houses. Most are custom-built and designed to fit into the natural landscape. You’ll find:
- Rustic cabins made from wood and stone
- Modern homes with large glass windows facing the ocean
- Remote homes that rely on solar panels, private wells, and septic tanks
- Yurts, treehouses, and artist-style retreats
These homes are often surrounded by forest or built into hillsides. Many properties don’t have traditional street addresses, and you may need a 4WD vehicle just to reach them. But that’s part of the charm—Big Sur offers a level of privacy you can’t find in most places.
The Challenges of Owning a Home in Big Sur
Before buying property in Big Sur, it’s important to understand the downsides. Living in this area is not always easy.
- Remote Location: There are no big grocery stores, hospitals, or schools nearby. The closest full-service towns are usually 30–60 minutes away by car.
- Limited Internet and Phone Service: Cell signal can be weak or nonexistent, and fast internet is hard to come by.
- Natural Hazards: Big Sur is known for landslides, wildfires, and road closures. In the winter, parts of Highway 1 can be blocked for weeks or months.
- Strict Building Rules: Because of local and environmental laws, building or remodeling a home here can take a long time and require many permits.
- No Short-Term Rentals: Monterey County has placed restrictions on vacation rentals in Big Sur, so don’t expect to turn your home into an Airbnb.
These are not deal-breakers for everyone, but they are important to think about. If you want a peaceful life in nature, you’ll also need to be self-sufficient and patient.
Is Big Sur Right for You?
Buying a home in Big Sur makes sense for a certain type of buyer. If you love quiet, nature, and don’t mind being far from stores and city life, Big Sur might be a dream come true. It’s a great spot for retirement, a weekend home, or a place to unplug and write, paint, or just relax.
But it’s not for everyone. Families with kids may find the area too isolated. Commuting to a regular job outside the area would be difficult. And if you rely on fast internet or cell service, you may be frustrated.
Still, many who live here say it’s worth every inconvenience. The beauty of Big Sur is unmatched. Watching the fog roll over the cliffs, seeing the stars at night with no city lights, and hearing nothing but wind and waves—it’s a rare and special way of life.
