Monterey, CA


21 Reviews



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Monterey, CA

About Monterey, CA

Monterey, CA is an iconic beach city located on the Monterey Peninsula of California's central coast. This picturesque coastal community offers stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, fabulous restaurants and galleries, plus numerous other recreational activities. Medium-large metro area set in the valleys and agricultural lands of Callifornia. Primary industries include agriculture and manufacturing. Noteworthy features include shoreline. - In central California, 20 miles southeast of Monterey and 65 miles south of San Jose..

Location Details

State: California
County: Monterey County
Metro Area: Salinas Metro Area
City: Monterey
Zip Codes: 93940 93943
Cost of Living: 51.9% higher
Time zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Elevation: 52 ft above sea level
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Dig Deeper on Monterey

The Salinas, CA metro area, located about 20 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean in central California, is famously known as the "Salad Bowl of the World." This nickname comes from its extensive production of lettuce, broccoli, strawberries, and other crops. Its agricultural history is deep-rooted, with fertile valleys and rolling hills that make up much of its geography. The climate here is Mediterranean, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, which is perfect for farming.

The economy in Salinas heavily depends on agriculture. It's not just about growing crops; the area is also home to many processing plants and distribution centers related to the farming industry. In recent years, there has been some growth in other sectors like healthcare, education, and technology, but farming remains the core of the local economy.

When it comes to politics, the Salinas area generally leans towards the Democratic Party. A significant portion of the population here is Hispanic, which influences voting patterns and the importance of issues such as immigration and labor rights.

Living in Salinas offers a mix of rural and urban lifestyles. Residents enjoy the natural beauty surrounding them, including the nearby Santa Lucia Mountains and the coastline, which are great for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and beach outings. The area also has a strong cultural heritage, with events and festivals celebrating the diverse communities that call Salinas home.

New residents should be aware of a few things. Firstly, the cost of living in Salinas is relatively high, particularly in terms of housing. The demand for housing has driven up prices, making it challenging for some individuals and families to find affordable options. Additionally, while the area enjoys a pleasant climate, it is prone to droughts, and water conservation is a priority for residents.

Another aspect to consider is traffic congestion, especially during peak commuting hours. Salinas is located along major transportation routes, which can lead to heavy traffic. However, the community in Salinas is known for its strong sense of unity and support, making it a welcoming place for newcomers.

In summary, the Salinas, CA metro area offers a unique lifestyle with its agricultural heritage, natural beauty, and economic opportunities. New residents should prepare for the higher cost of living and embrace the community's strong cultural traditions and outdoor recreational activities.

Monterey Cost of Living
$$$$

Hour to San Jose, shoreline, and natural beauty make Monterey a great place to live.

$1,022,100
+66.9% higher than avg
$85,365
+19.1% higher than avg
$3,550 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
+59.7% higher than avg
Monterey Crime
53.6 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in Monterey, California
$195,840
for a family
$116,400
for a single person
Pros & Cons of Monterey
   Hour to San Jose
High home prices
   Shoreline
High unemployment
   Natural beauty
Dry climate
Reviews for Monterey
    See all (21)

Over 7 years ago

The Monterey city area is an excellent place to live and one of the few California locales where it's relatively safe to raise a family. If I could no longer live here I  More

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I grew up on the Monterey Peninsula and had to leave to climb out of poverty. The median income is $35,000 and outside of the military, the jobs are mostly service  More

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My husband and I are just crazy about Monterey. I wonder if we take housing expenses (mortgage or rent) out of the picture, is Monterey still a very expensive city to  More

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