Situated in the picturesque southern Salinas Valley of the California Central Coast, King City is two and a half hours from San Francisco and four hours from Los Angeles. Tree-lined streets, mountain views and a historic downtown define this community. It was incorporated in 1911 as “City of King,” named after pioneer Charles H. King, who came to the area in 1884. King purchased 13,000 acres of land and founded King Ranch, and its success led to the construction of a local rail line that became known as Kings Station. In the past, King City was a leading shipper of grain, and today, it’s been replaced by fields of row crops and vineyards. Rustic charm draws people to this town, with the rolling hills of the Gablian Mountains and the serenity of the Salinas River serving as the backdrop to everyday life.
New construction in traditional styles
New constructions comprise most of King City, popping up in various architectural styles. American Foursquare, ranch-style, Craftsman-style cottages, Mediterranean villas, A-frames and colonial-revival homes are all found in the area. There are also condominiums, townhouses and quadruplexes in the community. Home prices range from $255,000 to $905,000.
New developments sit on a grid in King City, California.
Bungalows and single-story cottages are common in King CIty.
This traditional home has stucco siding in King City.
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A historic auditorium at King City High School
Children in the area attend Santa Lucia Elementary School, which has an overall Niche grade of C-minus. Next, kids attend Chalone Peaks Middle School, which also has an overall Niche grade of C-minus. Teenagers attend King City High School, which has an overall Niche grade of B-minus. The Robert Stanton Auditorium, also known as the King City High School Auditorium, was built in the late 1930s with the Works Progress Administration and still hosts high school and community events today.
Youth soccer and little league in local parks
After school, students can head to King City Library to study, do homework or delve into the latest bestseller. The three-acre Creek Bridge Soccer Park sits just across the street from Chalone Peaks Middle School. The middle school’s four soccer teams, an adult league and King City’s local youth soccer program use the field to practice and compete. There’s also King City Park, with the Tognetti Little League Baseball Field. The park also features a lighted softball field, a playground and tot lot, a covered barbeque area and horseshoe pits. The nearby Forden Park is three acres and serves as an open green space with a playground and baseball backstop. San Lorenzo County Park sits at the western end of the city. There’s an admission fee of $6 per car during the week and $8 per car on weekends, though seniors and walk-ins are free. The park spans over 200 acres, with an RV campground, playgrounds, volleyball courts, numerous picnic areas and hiking trails. San Lorenzo County Park is also home to the Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum, which includes six buildings: the Exhibit Barn, the Blacksmith Shop, the Irrigation Building, the Spreckels House, the LaGloria Schoolhouse and the King City Depot. Visitors can explore exhibits and artifacts dating from the late 1800s through World War II that follow Salina Valley’s agricultural and rural life.
King City Library provides a space for community gathering.
A golfer practicing his swing in King City, California
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Wall-to-wall art and Mexican street food in local restaurants
When hunger strikes, there are several popular local eateries. Castro’s Surf N’ Turf is covered wall-to-wall with art from the Mona Lisa to 90s cartoons. The restaurant serves Latin staples like Baja burritos, surf n’ turf tacos and fajitas. Tacos La Potranca De Jalisco serves affordable Mexican street foods from its small roadside grill. Named after the Greek goddess of hearth and home, Hestia Café serves coffee, tea and baked goods. The Cork & Plough serves American comfort food, while La Plaza Bakery uses old-world recipes for its Mexican desserts. Groceries are easily accessible from Safeway, Filete de Oro or La Princesa Market.
Castro's Surf N' Turf in King City serves up Mexican street food.
Annual events at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds
The Salinas Valley Fairgrounds sits in King City and hosts fun community events like the annual Salinas Valley Fair, the King City Fall Carnival and rodeos. Locals can catch the latest blockbuster at King City Cinemas, which has a three-screen theater and a stocked snack bar.
Between San Francisco and LA
King City is two and a half hours from San Francisco and four hours from Los Angeles. Salinas, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey are all 45 minutes to an hour away.
Real Estate is my passion. I have been an active real estate broker since 2009.
I love looking at homes and their potential as well as consulting sellers and buyers on how to maximize their return while investing in the real estate market.
I have a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. I have over 7 Years financial accounting experience working for a fortune 500 Company and for the Housing Authority of the County of Monterey. I have also worked as a substitute teacher for the Salinas Union High School District and as a Tax Prepare for HR Block.
I was 1 of 50 students chosen for The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars where I worked for the Missile Defense Agency contract department.
Honor Roll Dean list Recipient at San Diego State University.
On my free time I enjoy Mountain biking, running, snowboarding and spending time with family and friends.
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