Loading...Homes For Sale In Salinas, CA
Salinas, CA is a young, prosperous city on California's Central Coast, around an hour's drive south of the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley. The homes for sale in Salinas are also considered to be relatively affordable in the California real estate market. If you're looking for a home in the Golden State, check out the listings below.
More About Salinas, CA Homes For Sale
Salinas, CA is the largest city and the seat of Monterey County, CA, conveniently located west of Fresno, CA and south of San Jose, CA. Residents love the city's slower-paced lifestyle among rolling hills and lush green valleys, as well as the colorful downtown area and proximity to the public beaches & waterfront parks of the Monterey Peninsula.
Being only eight miles east of the California State University and the Pacific Ocean, Salinas provides its over 163,500 residents with top-notch education and access to the nearby coastal cities of Carmel and Monterey. There, they'll find a plethora of delicious restaurants, world-class golf courses, and award-winning wineries to enjoy; not to count the miles of soft, white-sand beaches for swimming, boogie boarding, and surfing.
Salinas has the character of a typical California town, vastly known for its various parks and open spaces. That includes Pinnacles National Park and neighboring Big Sur, home to roughly 90 miles of stunning coastline. The city also has a thriving agricultural sector, from which the area has bequeathed the nickname "Salad Bowl of the World" and prominent cultural history.
American writer and Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck, a native of Salinas, is an important element in the community's heritage. This is reflected in places like The National Steinbeck Center, the only U.S. museum dedicated to a single author's work. And the Steinbeck House, which preserves the childhood memories of the author of "The Grapes Of Wrath."
Salinas Nearby Cities
Salinas, CA Real Estate Market
The Salinas, CA real estate market is one of the most vigorous in Monterey County. The combination of a strong economy, living costs below California's average, and a growing population has led to increased demand for housing, with prices soaring steadily over the past couple of years. However, the prices here are still affordable if we compare them with Los Angeles or neighboring San Jose and San Francisco. The median sale price for real estate for sale in Salinas, CA is just over $749K, slightly under California's median price.
There's a wide variety of houses for sale in Salinas, from the starter dwellings in the form of 3-bedroom, cozy bungalows mostly in the eastern (and more affordable) side of the city to the luxurious estates of five or six bedrooms sitting on generous 2-acre lots of the suburban areas south of Salinas, like Corral de Tierras and San Benancio. There's also a limited number of condos for sale in Salinas, with two bedrooms and situated in gated complexes.
The homes in Salinas CA, typically stay on the market an average of 11 days due to the dwindling existing inventory and the slow growth of new developments in the area. According to local real estate agents, bidding wars are just as frequent in Salinas as they are in the sought-after Monterey Bay Area. It's common for agents to get ten or more offers for a single home, so families considering acquiring a single-family detached home in Salinas should involve an experienced real estate agent in the transaction.
Neighborhoods in Salinas, California
The best areas to purchase a home for sale in Salinas are the northern and southern portions of the city. These are also the areas where properties reach the highest values.
- South Salinas & Maple Park: These adjacent mature neighborhoods are in the southwestern portion of Salinas. These are known to be some of the safest, most affluent communities a family can settle in within the city. Most homes for sale in South Salinas and Maple Park change hands for about $750K on average. The properties here are primarily stately houses with four or more bedrooms on generous lots. Standard features in the area include mature landscaping, swimming pools, and patios.
- Corral De Tierra: This desirable rural Salinas suburb branches off of Hwy 68 west of the Toro Café and runs straight down the center of the Corral De Tierra Canyon to the southeast, where it merges with San Benancio Rd. The homes for sale in Corral De Tierra are eclectic, and a large portion of them have been constructed over the past half a century. It is not uncommon for homebuyers to find newly-built properties right next to 30 to 40-year-old houses. A common characteristic of most homes in Corral De Tierra are the expansive lots, many measuring over an acre, but also three to four acres, and even more are standard. The older, smaller houses sell for around $800K, while the newer, bigger ones jump to the multi-million dollar mark.
- San Benancio: This is a wealthy, well-established community of around 2,500 people in south Salinas filled with carefully-preserved midsize to large homes on acreage that tend to maintain their value over time. The suburb is primarily made up of single-family detached homes with a median sale price of around $1.1M. There is also plenty of natural beauty, impeccable amenities, and top-rated schools in San Benancio, including San Benancio Middle School.
Salinas, CA Schools
Families with children moving to Salinas will have no shortage of educational opportunities. Sixty-five public schools in seven districts serve the city and its adjacent unincorporated places. The largest one, the Salinas Union High School District, has over 13,570 students in grades 7th through 12th registered in 10 schools. Other districts include:
- The Salinas City Elementary School District: The largest elementary district with almost 8,000 students enrolled in 13 campuses.
- Santa Rita Union Elementary School District
- Graves Elementary School District
- Washington Union School District: Here you'll find San Benancio Middle School, one of California's highest-rated public schools
- Lagunita School District
- Alisal Union School District: Is home to Alisal High School, one of the best secondary schools in all of Salinas.
Families who may prefer their children to receive a private education have around 30 elementary schools, 30 middle schools, and 22 high schools serving the area. Keep reading for a list of some of the best schools near the homes for sale in Salinas:
Public Schools In Salinas, California
Elementary & Middle Schools
- Laurelwood Elementary School
- Monterey Park Elementary School
- Mission Park Elementary School
- El Sausal Middle School
- San Benancio Middle School
High Schools
- Alisal High School
- El Puente School
- Salinas High School
Private Schools In Salinas, California
- Palma School (all-boys)
- Sacred Heart School
- Anthem Christian School
- Notre Dame High School (all-girls)
Colleges & Universities In Salinas, California
- California State University, Monterey Bay
- Hartnell College
Frequently Asked Questions About Salinas, CA Homes For Sale
Where Should I Live In Salinas, California?
- Best Neighborhoods for families: South Salinas, Maple Park.
- Best Neighborhoods for outdoor lovers: North Salinas, Creekbridge.
- Best Neighborhoods for luxury homes for sale: Toro Park, San Benancio.
What Is Salinas, California Known For?
Salinas is one of the most productive agricultural regions in California and the United States. As a result, Salinas has been dubbed the "Salad Bowl of the World." In addition to its agricultural significance, Salinas is also known for being the birthplace of the Nobel-prize-winner author John Steinbeck.
What Is The Zip Code For Salinas, California?
Here is a list of some of the best zip codes for homes for sale in Salinas, CA:
Where Is The Nearest Commercial Airport In Salinas, California?
The Monterey Regional Airport (MRY / KMRY), located 16 miles southwest of the city center, is the nearest commercial airport to Salinas, California, and is a 12-minute drive. The airport offers a variety of domestic flights to cities like Phoenix, AZ, Los Angeles, CA, Seattle, WA, Denver CO, Dallas, TX, Las Vegas, NV, etc. For international flights, travelers head to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, located an hour from Salinas, heading north.
What County Is Salinas, California In?
Salinas is the county seat and largest municipality of Monterey County, California.
What Is The Weather Like In Salinas, California?
Salinas has a pleasant climate owing to the cool ocean air and fog that moves from Monterey Bay to the city. Its weather matches the Central Coast of California, a soft Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Owners of homes for sale in Salinas, CA, typically experience high temperatures of around 63 degrees Fahrenheit (dropping at night into the middle 30s) in the winter to approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.
Is Salinas, CA Near Los Angeles, California?
Los Angeles is around 304 miles south of the homes for sale in Salinas, CA, which is approximately a four-hour and 50 minutes drive.
Things To Do In Salinas, CA
Are you ready to discover what excitement awaits for you if you decide to call Salinas, CA home? Whatever your passions, there's undoubtedly something in Salinas that you'll enjoy.
Parks in Salinas, California
- Natividad Creek Park: Big in both size and provision of amenities, this park offers everything for a nice afternoon enjoying the outdoors. It features paved trails for walking and cycling, a skatepark, an off-leash area, picnic tables, a community garden, and a nice playground for children. Adjacent to the park is The Stadium Disc Golf Course.
- Sherwood Park: Conveniently located near most homes for sale in Salinas, this picturesque park is home to the Monterey County Aquatic team (a swim club), the Sherwood Tennis Center with several tennis courts, the Sherwood Hall auditorium, and the fantastic Tatum’s Garden, a playground for children of all ages and abilities.
- Creekside Terrace Trailhead: Packed with hills and scenic views, this popular trail south of Salinas is nice to walk or go for a bike ride near the coast. The area is pet-friendly and open to dogs (on a leash) and horses. Many of the trails have a lot of tree shade.
Museums in Salinas, California
- National Steinbeck Center: The museum's archives house the US' largest collection of John Steinbeck's materials. The exhibits provide visitors with an overview of the writer's themes and ideas. You'll find a variety of items to peruse, including film clips, first editions, and photographs.
- Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum: Located next to the Salinas Amtrak Station, this beloved local museum hosts an interactive HO scale diorama modeling of Monterey County railroads from 1948 to 1965.
Activities & Attractions in Salinas, California
- Monterey Zoo: Clean and with very well-cared-for animals, this little zoo is a must-visit in the Salinas hills. You'll be close to big & small cats, bears, elephants, primates, and other species. Visitors are offered a variety of tour packages including pachyderm tours, VIP tours, Walk With The Animals, and even a safari option.
- Laguna Seca Raceway: The WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a 2.238-mile long paved road race track in California's Central Valley that is a must on any racer’s bucket list. It has a world-class facility and is used for both auto and motorcycle racing. It hosts several international events throughout the year.
- Oldtown Salinas Farmers’ Market: This certified weekly farmers’ market occurs in the center of Carmel Valley, at Main Street and W. Gabilan Street. Here’s where Salina’s residents shop for everyday fresh produce, but also freshly baked sourdough bread, jams, meats, flowers, crafts, plants, and more.
- California Rodeo Salinas: This non-profit organization is California’s largest professional rodeo, the place where the west comes alive. It offers activities for all ages, including the kid’s corral, a bar, a saloon, and several other attractions.
- River Road Wine Trail: The River Road Wine Trail, which starts in Salinas and goes on to the southeast, is a collection of some of the finest local wineries. You'll make frequent halts at picturesque vineyards for tastings as you journey deeper into the Santa Lucia Highlands. A picturesque and easy introduction to the region's countryside and viticulture.
Living in Salinas CA
Cost of Living in Salinas, California
One of the most common questions people ask when they relocate to Salinas, CA, is how much it will cost them to live there. The cost of living in Salinas is 38% higher than the national average but lower than California's average. The city is 25% less expensive than Los Angeles, CA, for example. Groceries, utilities, and transportation are about average, but healthcare and housing are more costly than the national average.
Healthcare in Salinas, California
Salinas provides a variety of medical services, including two of the County's four hospitals: Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. Salinas is home to numerous skilled nursing and convalescent homes, as well as retirement facilities for seniors and more than 200 practicing physicians.
Job Market in Salinas, CA
Salinas is recognized as the emerging AgTech Capital of the United States and a worldwide center for agricultural technology. According to The Salinas Economic Development Division, this activity has an estimated economic impact of more than $8 billion annually. Aside from its agriculture and food processing industries, the city's economy is diversifying into other sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and tourism. Top employers in Salinas, CA include:
- Taylor Farms
- Tanimura & Antle
- Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital
- Natividad Medical Center
- Mann Packing
- Newstar Fresh Foods
- Monterey County
Salinas, CA Average Income
According to Payscale, the average salary in Salinas, CA is $70K per year and $20.23 per hour.
Transportation in Salinas, CA
Salinas, California, is a bustling city with a busy transportation system. Several major highways pass through most homes for sale in Salinas, including Interstate 101, which runs north-south through Salinas, providing access to San Francisco and Los Angeles. State Highway 68 runs east-west, connecting Salinas with Monterey, Carmel, and other destinations in the Monterey Peninsula. In addition, Amtrak serves Salinas, with trains running from San Jose to Santa Barbara. The Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) provides bus service throughout the city. A number of taxi and ride-sharing companies also serve the Salinas area.