$847,797Average Value$537Average Price per Sq Ft80Homes 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Mike Valdez,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Marina, CA sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Marina, CA over the last 12 months is $1,104,500, up 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
If your desire is to purchase a residence at The Dunes with generous, private views, this home will not disappoint. From the moment you step inside you will be captivated by the unparalleled views from the sunny back patio with firepit and stone slab pathway. The property is in a quiet, rarely available setting at The Dunes with Hilltop Park and its adjoining puppy park nearby. The home is
Introducing 3097 Messinger, a comfortable and move-in ready 3bd/2ba home on a spacious quarter-acre lot in one of Marina's desirable neighborhoods. From the moment you walk in, you'll notice the natural light, wood floors and privacy that give the home a comfortable and inviting feel. The kitchen is bright and functional with ample storage and a large eat-in area that works well for daily meals,
This naturally bright Mediterranean-style corner home in East Garrison offers a rare advantage of a private parking pad with space for up to 4 additional vehicles. The layout is both functional and flexible, with a full bedroom and bathroom on the main level for guests, a home office, or multigenerational living. Upstairs, you'll find a spacious loft, laundry room, private balcony with hill
Welcome to this charming and well maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bath mobile home located in a desirable Marina community just minutes from local shops, dining and the beautiful Monterey Bay Coastline. This home features updated appliances, newer carpet in living room and bedrooms, as well as new laminate flooring in dining and kitchen area. Bright, functional layout with comfortable living spaces and
Well-maintained home in a desirable Marina location, offering comfortable living with functional layout and inviting spaces. Features include a bright living area, updated finishes, and a spacious yard ideal for entertaining or relaxing. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and easy freeway access. A great opportunity to own on the Monterey Peninsula. Some photos have been virtual
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
If your desire is to purchase a residence at The Dunes with generous, private views, this home will not disappoint. From the moment you step inside you will be captivated by the unparalleled views from the sunny back patio with firepit and stone slab pathway. The property is in a quiet, rarely available setting at The Dunes with Hilltop Park and its adjoining puppy park nearby. The home is
Discover modern coastal living at 282 Wharf Terrace Circle, located in the highly desirable Dunes community of Marina. This beautifully designed home offers approximately 2,300+ sq ft with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a spacious loft perfect for a home office, media room, or flexible living space. The bright open-concept layout is ideal for relaxing and entertaining, featuring a stylish kitchen
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
Experience the best of coastal life at The Dunes where you are within walking distance to the picturesque Fort Ord State Beach, the new Promenade with restaurants, cinema, shops, and the Montage Wellness Center. This less than four-year-old Sea House Plan-3 with solar (owned) is the largest in its class. The sun-drenched, finished patio provides a welcome space for plants to flourish and friends
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
The Alder plan at Villosa is a well-designed single-story home featuring private courtyard that leads to the entry. 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 atmosphere. Opt for
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
Bennett is the newest floorplan to join the Layia neighborhood at Sea Haven, and it truly captures the essence of the California coastal lifestyle. This two-story layout offers three elevation styles and a multitude of floorplan options that make the Bennett a perfect choice for families of all sizes. An open floorplan reveals a living area that convenes with dining, and a large kitchen commands
East Garrison remains one of the few new home developments within easy reach of the Monterey Peninsula. Warren Avenue is a wide, sun-drenched street where the community's signature pride of ownership resounds through every manicured yard, and residents enjoy a sprawling park just seconds away. This immaculate home is on the market for the first time since it was built, and it appears in true
This room is wonderfully furnished, and is in the second story of a brand new, two-story home. The house is one of TruMark's building achievements (named Laiya) in the Central Coast of CA. it has 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths and is located about a mile and a half from the shore and is part of Monterey County, dubbed by locals and visitors as "Heaven on Earth". So apropos!Designed for
233 / 235 Carmel Ave in Marina, California is an ideal blend of tranquility and city convenience. Our beautiful residences offer newly renovated interiors and spacious floor plans. Enjoy the convenience of being down town near the city center. Centrally located to a myriad of shops and dining, Marina State Beach, Marina Dunes Open Space Preserve, bicycle trails, public transportation, highway
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
FURNISHED, Avail Short-Term or Year Lease, Gorgeous 3bdrm, 3 bath, Home by the Ocean, Close to The Dunes State Park Beach, Shopping and Cal State University Monterey Bay. Newer Construction Open Concept Home w/Wood-Laminate Flooring, Premium Carpet and Tiled Bathrooms. Large Chef's Kitchen Features Granite w/Barstools, Custom-Tile Backsplash, Stainless Steel Appliances. High Ceilings, Tankless
Thomas McqueenBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate McQueen
This spacious property at 499 Russell Way features 5 bedrooms and 4 baths offering a total of 3,323 square feet of living space in two floors. The living room provides ample room for relaxation and entertainment, while the bathrooms include double vanities and tub/shower combinations for convenience. Master suites has outdoor deck and Master Bath and closet. Each bedroom is designed for
Welcome to comfortable coastal living in this newly constructed modern townhouse! This thoughtfully designed lower-level studio offers a private, efficient living space with contemporary finishes and an unbeatable location in a highly walkable Marina neighborhood.This 275 square foot studio is ideal for those seeking a stylish, turnkey home close to shops, dining, and coastal
This is a beautiful single level built in 2015 with many upgrades. From the entry you see a great room that features many windows,a fireplace and ceiling fan. To your left is a formal dinning room. The kitchen is out fitted with stainless appliances, tons of cabinets and granite counters. The flooring is a combination of carpet and tile. The master suite is spacious and has a beautiful bath and
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