Upper Kimball Seaside Real Estate & Homes for Sale
Upper Kimball is one of Seaside's more varied established residential areas, stretching across elevated neighborhoods near Kimball Avenue, Waring Street and the Del Rey Oaks side of the city. Buyers will find mostly detached single-family homes, many dating from the 1950s and 1960s, along with remodeled residences, expanded homes, later construction and several pockets where lot sizes are substantially larger than is typical in central Seaside.
The combination of elevation, larger parcels, garages, mature neighborhoods and convenient access toward Del Rey Oaks and General Jim Moore Boulevard makes Upper Kimball particularly attractive to buyers who want an established Seaside home without moving into the newer planned communities of Seaside Highlands or The Enclave.
Use this guide to learn about Upper Kimball homes, lots, views, ADU considerations and current real estate opportunities.
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Understanding Upper Kimball Real Estate
Upper Kimball is primarily an established single-family residential area rather than a master-planned subdivision. As a result, its streets do not all look alike and its homes cannot be reduced to one floor plan or one typical lot size.
Many properties were constructed during Seaside's postwar expansion in the 1950s and 1960s. Three-bedroom ranch-style and mid-century homes are common, frequently with one- or two-car garages and relatively practical single-level floor plans.
At the same time, some Upper Kimball streets contain much larger parcels, expanded residences and homes that have evolved considerably from their original construction. Recent MLS records illustrate this range, with conventional residential lots in the 5,000- to 8,000-square-foot range as well as individual properties exceeding one-half acre.
Upper Kimball Homes & Architecture
The dominant Upper Kimball housing stock reflects the middle decades of the twentieth century. Buyers commonly encounter ranch homes, mid-century residences and simple postwar architecture designed around efficient single-level living.
Original hardwood floors, fireplaces, attached garages and traditional three-bedroom layouts can still be found in many homes. Others have undergone substantial renovations with open kitchens, updated windows, remodeled bathrooms, additions and contemporary finishes.
Because these homes have been owned, expanded and remodeled over many decades, two houses built in the same year can now offer very different living experiences.
Upper Kimball also contains occasional two-story residences and homes with later additions that create considerably more living space than the area's original housing stock.
Larger Lots & Upper Kimball's Unusual Parcels
Lot size is one of the characteristics that can distinguish Upper Kimball from several other established Seaside neighborhoods.
Many homes occupy conventional residential parcels, but certain streets and pockets near the eastern and Del Rey Oaks edges of the area contain substantially larger properties. Individual Upper Kimball sales have included lots approaching one-quarter acre, one-half acre and occasionally larger.
Larger parcels can provide room for gardens, extensive off-street parking, detached garages, workshops and potentially accessory dwelling units. They can also create greater privacy and separation from neighboring homes.
However, lot size alone does not establish development potential. Buyers considering an ADU, lot split, expansion or additional structure should verify zoning, setbacks, utility requirements and current City of Seaside regulations for the individual parcel.
Elevation & Views in Upper Kimball
Upper Kimball occupies higher ground than much of central Seaside. Depending on the exact street, orientation and surrounding development, homes may have neighborhood, hillside, city-light, greenbelt or partial Monterey Bay views.
View quality varies significantly from property to property. Some homes gain their strongest outlook from an upper floor or elevated deck, while others primarily benefit from the openness and sunlight associated with the area's higher elevation.
Buyers specifically prioritizing water views should compare Upper Kimball properties with homes in Upper Broadway / Mescal and other elevated Seaside neighborhoods through our Seaside Ocean & Monterey Bay View Homes search.
The Hilby & Del Rey Oaks Side of Upper Kimball
The eastern portion of Upper Kimball near Hilby Avenue and the Del Rey Oaks boundary contains some of the area's more distinctive properties.
Homes here can sit on larger parcels, cul-de-sacs or less conventional street configurations. Some properties were built earlier than the typical postwar Seaside home, while others have been expanded substantially over time.
The area also offers convenient access toward Del Rey Oaks, Highway 68 and General Jim Moore Boulevard while remaining close to established Seaside shopping and services.
Because lot configurations and improvements can differ so much in this portion of Upper Kimball, it is especially important to evaluate properties individually rather than relying solely on neighborhood averages.
Upper Kimball Condos & Attached Housing
Although Upper Kimball is dominated by detached houses, the MLS area also contains a limited amount of condominium and attached housing.
One example is Del Rey Chateaux near Highland Street, where two-story condominium residences occupy an elevated setting near the Del Rey Oaks side of the neighborhood. Selected units can offer balconies, patios and broad neighborhood or greenbelt views.
Because condominium inventory in Upper Kimball is limited, buyers looking specifically for attached housing should also explore our broader Seaside Condos & Townhomes page.
ADUs, Additions & Permit History
Upper Kimball's older homes and larger parcels can create attractive opportunities for accessory dwelling units, multigenerational living and property expansion.
They also make permit research particularly important.
Some properties have garages that were converted decades ago, additions completed under older permits, detached structures or secondary kitchens and living areas. A structure's physical appearance does not establish that it is currently recognized by the City as legal living area or as a separate dwelling unit.
Before assigning value to an ADU, converted garage or secondary living space, buyers should verify permits, square footage, legal use and utility configuration.
Investors and buyers specifically seeking multiple living spaces can also visit our Seaside Multi-Family & Investment Property guide.
Upper Kimball Location
Upper Kimball's position on Seaside's eastern side provides convenient connections in several directions.
Del Rey Oaks lies immediately nearby, while General Jim Moore Boulevard and Highway 68 provide routes toward Monterey, Monterey Regional Airport, Laguna Seca, Salinas and the Highway 68 corridor.
Fremont Boulevard provides access to central Seaside, Sand City retail, Highway 1 and the coastline. Fort Ord recreational areas, Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Courses and CSUMB are also within easy reach.
This location can appeal to buyers who want to remain close to Monterey Peninsula destinations while preferring the lot sizes, garages and established residential character found in Upper Kimball.
Buying a Home in Upper Kimball
Upper Kimball is a neighborhood where property-specific characteristics can matter more than broad averages.
Important considerations include:
- Lot size and usable yard area
- One-car versus two-car garage
- Off-street and recreational-vehicle parking
- Original versus remodeled condition
- Foundation and drainage conditions
- Age of electrical, plumbing and heating systems
- Roof and window updates
- Additions and converted spaces
- ADU potential and existing secondary structures
- Permit history
- Elevation and actual view quality
- Proximity to busier streets
A well-remodeled home on a large Upper Kimball parcel may compete with a very different group of properties than a smaller original-condition home only a few blocks away.
Selling an Upper Kimball Home
Upper Kimball sellers benefit from identifying the features that distinguish their property from the broader Seaside inventory.
Lot size, garage capacity, off-street parking, remodel quality, additional living area, ADUs, views and usable outdoor space can all influence the buyer pool and eventual value.
Comparable sales should therefore be selected according to property characteristics rather than simply distance. A renovated home on an 8,000-square-foot lot should not automatically be valued against a smaller home on a 3,700-square-foot parcel simply because both are located in the same MLS area.
For unusual Upper Kimball properties—especially very large lots, extensive additions or multiple living spaces—the best valuation may require examining comparable properties elsewhere in Seaside or neighboring Del Rey Oaks in addition to nearby sales.
Compare Upper Kimball with Nearby Seaside Areas
Buyers considering Upper Kimball often benefit from comparing it with several nearby markets.
- Lower Kimball offers another established residential environment at generally lower elevations.
- Upper Broadway / Mescal includes additional elevated properties and Monterey Bay view opportunities.
- Seaside Highlands / The Enclave provides newer planned-community homes and golf-oriented residences.
- Del Rey Oaks offers a neighboring market known for established homes and larger residential parcels.
Upper Kimball Seaside Real Estate FAQ
Where is Upper Kimball in Seaside?
Upper Kimball is an established residential area on the eastern and more elevated side of Seaside, extending through neighborhoods around Kimball Avenue, Waring Street and toward the Del Rey Oaks boundary.
What types of homes are in Upper Kimball?
Upper Kimball primarily contains detached single-family homes, including 1950s and 1960s ranch and mid-century residences. Buyers can also find remodeled homes, expanded residences, occasional later construction and a limited amount of condominium housing.
Does Upper Kimball have larger lots?
Yes. Lot sizes vary considerably. Many homes occupy conventional residential parcels, but Upper Kimball also contains individual properties on substantially larger lots, including some approaching one-quarter acre, one-half acre or more.
Are there Monterey Bay views in Upper Kimball?
Some Upper Kimball properties have partial Monterey Bay, neighborhood, hillside or city-light views because of the area's elevation. Views depend heavily on the specific property, orientation, surrounding homes and vegetation.
Are there ADU opportunities in Upper Kimball?
Potentially. Larger lots and existing detached structures can make some Upper Kimball properties attractive for ADUs, but buyers should verify zoning, setbacks, utilities and City of Seaside requirements for the individual parcel.
Do Upper Kimball homes usually have garages?
Many do. One- and two-car garages are common, although garage configurations vary by property. Some homes also offer substantial additional off-street parking.
Are there condos in Upper Kimball?
Yes, although condominium inventory is limited. Del Rey Chateaux near Highland Street is one example of attached housing within the Upper Kimball MLS area.
Why is permit history important in Upper Kimball?
Many Upper Kimball homes are several decades old and some have additions, garage conversions or secondary living spaces. Buyers should verify whether these improvements were permitted and how the City currently recognizes the space.
Is Upper Kimball part of an HOA?
Most detached single-family homes in Upper Kimball are not part of a homeowners association. Individual condominium or planned developments may have an HOA, so buyers should verify the specific property.
Where can I see current Upper Kimball homes for sale?
Current Upper Kimball MLS listings are displayed in the property search below and update automatically as homes are listed, sold or removed from the market.
No current listings, please check back later.