Located in far northern Monterey County, this beautiful California city lies roughly 45 miles southeast of San Jose and 3 miles due east of the Pacific Ocean. It sits amidst an area of rich farmlands adjoining the fertile Salinas River Valley. Today the population of this growing enclave exceeds 150,000. If you plan on relocating to this community, you'll want to know some important information: Salinas has become a center for the development of innovative new agricultural technologies. Its strong farming economy allows residents to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Local businesses also promote grape growing and the sale of cut flowers.
The city maintains a public bus service and a small airport. Residents travel frequently by car, taxi or ridesharing services in this area. Additionally, an Amtrak line serves Salinas. Trains run on a daily basis between Los Angeles and Seattle. Employment occurs here in agriculture, and also in manufacturing, a small but growing sector of the local economy. Numerous restaurants, retail outlets, and other service businesses offer job opportunities. This area offers several unique public attractions. World famous Monterey Bay lies just a few miles west of this location. It has become a national marine sanctuary, and offers spectacular ocean front views. A series of state parks line the scenic coastal roadway, Highway 1, as it passes beside the Pacific shore. Visitors also journey to this lovely community to attend the annual California International Airshow.
Residents enjoy a generally mild climate in this part of coastal California. In summer, daytime temperatures usually fall in the 70 degrees Fahrenheit range. Daytime winter temperatures average about ten degrees lower, with colder nights and more frequent rains. The cost of living index here remains significantly below San Francisco's for most items. Residents usually encounter higher prices for most non-farm sector items than they would find in less populous communities in the State, however.
As you search for the best places in Salinas for your family, you'll discover a number of distinctive neighborhoods and subdivisions here. Median gross rents remain significantly lower than in San Francisco or Los Angles. They hovered in the low $1200 range during 2016. The housing marketplace offers a great variety of single family dwellings, condominiums, apartments, and mobile homes. Realty values have tended to appreciate in most locations in Salinas and its environs over the course of time. With its choice geographic position near the lovely Pacific Ocean and within commuting distance of populous San Jose, this charming city holds great appeal. If you've considered searching for a home here, use the search facility above to find the best places to live in Salinas!
