$850,561Average Value$536Average Price per Sq Ft61Homes For Sale
Living in Marina
Located along Highway 1 on California’s Central Coast just 9 miles north of Monterey, Marina is a centrally located city with a rich military history. For most of the 20th century, it was home to Fort Ord, which trained over 1.5 million soldiers from the beginning of World War I to its closing in 1994. Since the base closed, it’s been a commuter town for the Carmel and Monterey workforce. “My grandfather was in the military, so like a lot of people, that’s how my family ended up in Marina,” says Lori Clark of Monterey Peninsula Properties, who has nearly two decades of experience in the area. “But since the base closed, a lot of people have just settled here because it’s a nice place to raise a family and you are so close to Monterey, Salinas and San Jose just a short drive away.” The area is growing, with new subdivisions and retail stores, plus an urban improvement plan. Today, most of the old base has been turned into Fort Ord Dunes State Park, a 1,000-acre recreation destination popular with Marina’s 23,000 residents.
Enjoy the serene surroundings at Marina State Beach in Marina.
Explore Santa Cruz’s boardwalk and amusements, only 8 miles from Marina.
1/2
Homes with ocean views
As of December 2024, the median price for a single-family home in Marina was $879,000. Newly constructed homes with views of the ocean are quickly popping up, keeping home prices higher in Marina compared to Seaside and other surrounding communities, says Susan Bianchi of Above and Beyond Real Estate, who has 25 years of experience in the area. These homes tend to sit at a high elevation in subdivisions inland enough for large lots. Outside of that, single-family homes are on close-together lots with small yards. “There are also plenty of condos and a couple of manufactured home parks that have much lower entry prices,” says Bianchi.
The Dunes by Shea Homes, beautiful new builds in Marina, California.
Classic Mediterranean design meets coastal living in Marina.
1/2
Playing at Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Marina’s bayside location means it’s easy to access outdoor recreation. “We’re right on the water, so we have the beaches, but we also have some great hiking,” says Clark. Fort Ord Dunes State Park has 1,000 acres of public land, including 4 miles of shoreline and 4 miles of territory for hiking and biking. Locals head to the 170-acre Marina State Beach for kite flying or surfing; the beach’s intense winds have made it a popular destination for hang gliding. Marina is also home to a handful of local green spaces, skate parks and sports complexes, including Toro Park, which has over 20 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. A few major community events are held every year, including a large Labor Day party with a parade, carnival rides and food from local vendors. There’s a Halloween Fright Night for kids and an annual Holiday Tree Lighting each December.
Enjoy four miles of peaceful shoreline at Fort Ord Dunes in Marina.
Fort Ord Dunes State Park offers 1,000 scenic acres in Marina.
1/2
Shopping at The Dunes on Monterey Bay-Retail Center
After Ford Ord closed, Marina was mostly a residential area for commuters, but new shopping and dining options have come to the city in recent years. “They just opened up a Trader Joe’s, and there are a lot of cute places to eat along Reservation Road,” says Clark. “There have been a of things opening lately so people don’t have to drive to Monterey for a night out anymore.” The Dunes on Monterey Bay-Retail Center is a shopping mall with classic big box chain stores and a movie theatre, while Marina Square Shopping Center is home to locally owned restaurants. For more restaurants and stores, dozens of dining establishments are located just 9 miles down the road in Monterey.
Target in Marina offers a wide selection of everyday essentials.
The Dunes on Monterey Bay in Marina offers diverse shopping and dining options.
1/2
Cal State University at Monterey Bay
Kids attend the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, which has a B-plus Niche rating. The district includes 20 different schools and serves 9,200 students. California State University at Monterey Bay is located on the town’s southern end. The campus of nearly 7,000 students opened in 1994 and offers over 30 different degree paths.
Marina High School is the No. 5 best public high school in the Monterey County.
CSUMB is a top ranked University in Marina.
California State University Monterey Bay is a public university in Monterey County in Marina.
Cardinale Stadium regularly hosts soccer matches for hundreds of local fans in Marina.
1/4
Marina City Capital Improvement Program
The city of Marina is investing in the city’s infrastructure and beautification. Improvements include widening major roads, adding plants and hardscapes to the streets downtown and improving parks.
Crime and transportation
The weather in Marina is mild; temperatures stay between 60 and 70 degrees for most of the year. The town’s coastal location means it can get windy. “I always associate Marina with wind, and it is worse the further north you go,” says Bianchi. “A lot of homes have glass wind screens for their patios.”
Violent crime in Marina has seen a slight uptick since 2020, however, the violent crime rate is still lower than the state and national average. Property crime has decreased every year since 2022 but is still slightly higher than the California average. Marina’s location along Highway 1 makes it an easy 9-mile drive to Monterey and the Monterey Regional Airport. Locals can take the 1 to Route 101 and drive 60 miles north to San Jose or 10 miles east to Salinas. Locals can take the Marina Transit Exchange buses to Salinas, Monterey, Sand City and other nearby municipalities. There are no major hospitals in Marina, but three health care centers are within 10 miles.
Written By
John Moyer
Photography Contributed By
Christopher Lau
Video By
Kyle Keyes
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Alecia Hull,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Marina, CA sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Marina, CA over the last 12 months is $1,002,500, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in the heart of The Dunes with three nearby parks, this Plan-2 Sea House is situated on a raised lot with spacious front garden and is within a few minutes walk to Trader Joes, Montage Wellness Center and the new Promenade shopping, entertaining and dining venues. The home features a popular U-shaped kitchen, ceiling fans, stainless steel kitchen appliances, granite countertops, dual zone
How long has it been since you felt the sand on your feet, taking a sunset stroll on the beach as the gentle surf brushes your legs? Living here, this type of peak experience becomes a daily possibility for you. Walk or take an easy drive to Marina State Beach from your single-level home in the Locke Paddon area of Marina, minutes away from coffee shops, local restaurants, specialty stores, and
Beautifully maintained two-story home in the heart of Sea Haven, offered by the original owner and presented in immaculate condition. From the moment you enter, the home exudes calm and serenity, with abundant east-facing natural light filling the space throughout the day. Thoughtfully designed and truly move-in ready. Ideally located just minutes from shopping, dining, the beach, and endless
Homesite 955 is the Hopkins plan at Villosa at Sea Haven, a stunning two-story residence that epitomizes elegance and modern living. Upon entering, you'll find an optional office to the left, an ideal spot for remote work or study. French doors can be added here for a stylish touch and direct access to the front porch. On the other side of the entry sits Bedroom 4, conveniently located near a
Preston at Layia at Sea Haven is a single-story home with a beautifully designed floor plan to fit your family's unique needs. Just off the entry, the office/dining room has front-facing windows and optional French-door access to the porch. Also located off the entry, the luxurious Owner’s Suite includes a large walk-in closet, dual sink vanities, tub, and front-facing windows for ample natural
Introducing the Ribera at Villosa, the epitome of luxury living in Sea Haven. This grand two-story home boasts a thoughtfully designed floor plan that seamlessly blends functionality and elegance. The heart of the home lies on the first floor, where a gourmet kitchen takes center stage. Equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, a beautiful center island, and a breakfast bar that comfortably
Discover the charm of the Alder at Villosa, a quaint single-story home featuring a unique courtyard leading to the entryway. This thoughtfully designed residence offers an optional sliding glass door entry to the den, providing flexibility in creating a welcoming and customizable space. The living room effortlessly flows into the kitchen and dining areas, creating a harmonious and open
Welcome to the exquisite Hopkins floor plan at Villosa, a stunning two-story residence that epitomizes elegance and modern living. As you step through the front door, you'll be captivated by the grandeur of the sweeping staircase that gracefully ascends to the second floor. Natural light pours in from the abundance of windows, illuminating the formal dining room just off the entry. For those who
Homesite 958 is the Partington at Villosa, a thoughtfully designed two-story home that seamlessly blends comfort and elegance. As you enter through the inviting front porch, the first floor unveils a cozy den, perfect for a home office or reading nook. A coat closet near the entry provides additional storage, or perhaps, the perfect spot for a wine enthusiast's collection. A convenient powder
Homesite 804 is the Bardin at Layia, a thoughtfully designed single-story floor plan that seamlessly combines elegance with functionality, offering a distinctive living experience. Located on a corner homesite and within walking distance to a future neighborhood park. This home features white cabinets, quartz countertops, brushed nickel finishes, and stainless-steel appliances including a
Introducing the Tate Plan, the largest of the Layia homes and offering a variety of options for personalization. Step into a world of modern elegance and thoughtful design with this exceptional floor plan. The Tate Plan boasts a spacious and light-filled living area, seamlessly blending the kitchen, dining, and family room into a versatile space for entertaining or everyday living. Large windows
Welcome to Partington at Villosa, a thoughtfully designed two-story home that seamlessly blends comfort and elegance. As you enter through the inviting front porch, the first floor unveils a cozy den, perfect for a home office or reading nook. A coat closet near the entry provides additional storage, or perhaps, the perfect spot for a wine enthusiast's collection. A convenient powder room and a
Bardin at Layia is a thoughtfully designed floor plan which seamlessly combines elegance with functionality, offering a distinctive living experience. Step into the heart of the home—a spacious great room that effortlessly connects the living room and kitchen. This open-concept space serves as the perfect backdrop for special occasions. The gourmet kitchen, a focal point of modern living,
Shows like a brand-new model home. All three bedrooms are upstairs, with a convenient half bath on the main level. Detached and ideally positioned within the community on a corner lot, with an easy-care side yard and bright east-facing morning light. Features include air conditioning, a tankless water heater, a Culligan water softener, and a Tesla EV wall connector installed in the garage.
Welcome to the Bixby plan – a beautiful two-story residence that seamlessly combines modern design with timeless charm. The inviting front porch sets the stage for this meticulously crafted home, featuring a cozy entry that leads to an open foyer. On the main level, discover two bedrooms, a powder room, and an elegant dining room. Beyond the dining room, the kitchen is a culinary haven, complete
Nestled in the cypress trees and a short walk to Marina State Beach, this well maintained and freshly updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers coastal living with privacy and convenience. Located on a quiet private cul de sac, the two story residence features approx. 1,330 sqft with a desirable floor plan that includes one bedroom and a full bath on the ground level, ideal for guests,
Lake View Terrace in Marina, California is an ideal blend of tranquility and city convenience. Our beautiful residences offer newly renovated interiors and spacious floor plans. Enjoy relaxing in our pool or taking a stroll to the Marina coastline. Centrally located to a myriad of shops and dining, Marina State Beach, Marina Dunes Open Space Preserve, bicycle trails, public transportation,
Beautifully updated one and two-bedroom apartment homes for rent on 3094 Lake Drive in Marina, CA. Our leasing office is open Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm. We look forward to meeting you soon!
We like to pride ourselves on being a community, not an apartment complex. Our community is welcoming and kind. When you live here you are family. Our location provides easy access to Highway 1 sending you to either Monterey or towards Santa Cruz. You can also go the other direction to Salinas providing you with many options to make your way across the Peninsula.OFFICE HOURS ARE BY
Experience coastal living in this modern, state of the art equipped home in Monterey Bay, CA. Feel at home in this peaceful place, whether relaxing with the whole family or traveling with friends in a small group.This beautiful home features an open-concept living space, a chef-inspired kitchen, spacious bathrooms, and a playroom with a Smart TV and arcade games for all ages. It is equipped
LUXURY RENTAL$5,000 RENT/MONTH (1-2 PERSONS IN ENSUITE BEDROOM ON 1ST FLOOR); $3,000 RENT/MONTH IN OWN ROOM (3 ROOMS AVAILABLE ON 2ND FLOOR); AND ALL SHARE A BRAND NEW, BEAUTIFUL HOUSE IN MARINA WITH ALL AMENITIES LOCATION: SEA HAVEN (LAIYA) DEVELOPMENT, BY TRUMARK, WITH COUNTRY CLUBBEDROOMS/BATHROOMS: 4 BEDROOMS; 2 ½ BATHROOMSMINIMUM LEASE: 1 YEAR; NEGOTIATED
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.