$857,543Average Value$532Average Price per Sq Ft97Homes 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
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On average, homes in Marina, CA sell after 102 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Marina, CA over the last 12 months is $1,158,907, up 33% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover coastal living at its finest in this stunning Sea Haven residence, ideally positioned on a coveted corner lot in the heart of Marina one of the Monterey Peninsulas fastest-growing and most sought-after communities. This exceptional 4-bedroom home showcases every builder upgrade available, blending luxury, comfort, and modern design. Step inside to find thoughtfully curated finishes
Welcome to 445 Russell Way, a beautifully upgraded Sea Haven residence designed for modern coastal living. This spacious two-story home offers an open-concept kitchen, dining area, and great room with high ceilings, plantation shutters, and abundant natural light. The gourmet kitchen features quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, extended cabinetry and counter space, plus a large center
Set on an expansive, unusually private lot at the end of a sweeping driveway, this immaculate Hopkins plan residence offers a quiet study in space, light, and understated luxury on the Monterey Peninsula. The main level unfolds in a seamless, light filled open concept designed for effortless living and gathering. A chefs kitchen anchors the space, anchored by a custom granite island, top tier
Some homes are just houses, but this one is a feeling. Warm stucco catching the afternoon light, sweeping valley views that stop you mid-sentence, and a quiet that's hard to find anywhere else in East Garrison. Inside, the open-concept living and dining area flows seamlessly into a well-appointed kitchen featuring stone countertops, rich cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a breakfast bar
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,
Perfectly positioned near top commute routes, local restaurants, gorgeous stretches of beach, and grocery stores, and more, this property offers location done right. Built in 2018, this immaculate, move-in-ready home offers 2,430 sqft of thoughtfully designed living space on a 6,903 sqft lot. Venture inside to an open-concept layout that fills every corner with beautiful natural light, while
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
Experience luxury beach life with this opportunity to own a beautiful and meticulously maintained house in a sought-after, quiet neighborhood of Marina. With high-end upgrades and finishes such as: luxury flooring, high quality bamboo blinds, water filtration, and a spacious garage, you wont come across a deal like this again. You'll enjoy the convenience of nearby grocery stores, restaurants,
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
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
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
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,
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
Welcome to your next home in the vibrant Marina district of California! This property offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to settle in this charming area. Key Property Features include a modern layout with ample space to accommodate your lifestyle. With nearby access to several great restaurants and department stores, you'll find
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
Welcome to your new home at The Dunes on Monterey Bay in Marina! This stunning 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom house offers a beautiful view of Monterey Bay, a modern gourmet kitchen with granite slab countertops and stainless steel appliances. The spacious open concept layout allows lots of natural light, and a cozy fireplace is perfect for setting an ambiance for relaxing or entertaining guests. The
Impeccable 2 bedroom 2 bath home with large formal dining room,office or third bedroom, as you prefer with many upgrades. Gorgeous kitchen with custom refrigerator. Laundry room with state of the art washer, dryer. and plenty of storage .Large, 2 car garage.Beautiful, serene back yard.Free access to the Cove Community Center Clubouse and Owner pays HOA dues!Money saving
Darling furnished studio in Marina. $2100 a month including utilities. Not attached to an apartment building. Security deposit $2100. Close to shopping, freeway, beach, walking biking trail to Monterey. No pets. Looking for one person or a couple. Quiet neighborhood. Landlord owner lives next door. Furnished studio. One year old gas stove with oven, fridge, microwave, flatscreen TV, one
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