$549,327Average Value$368Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Pine Canyon is a step up the hill from King City
Pine Canyon is in the hills of the Salinas Valley of Central California. It’s often associated with its neighbor, King City, because it was developed as a more spacious alternative. “Pine Canyon is considered part of King City, but it’s not King City proper,” says Realtor Lynnie Oliveira of Lynnie O Real Estate, who’s been selling in the King City and southern Monterey County area for over 40 years. “You’re up above the city, so it’s like being in the countryside with more breathing room.” Yes, Pine Canyon is in a canyon, but it’s elevated above the valley in the Gabilan Range. The location creates space for suburban communities and custom builds with more privacy, while only being a couple of miles from necessities in King City.
Pine Canyon’s suburban streets back up to open hills and peaceful oak woodlands.
The King City sign welcomes Pine Canyon residents just minutes down the hill.
This view shows Pine Canyon’s mix of developments and spacious custom home lots.
Pine Canyon overlooks miles of fertile fields that define California’s produce heartland.
1/4
Breathing room for suburban communities and custom homes
The community has suburban developments and larger plots of land. “It’s a real mix,” Oliveira says. “The developments in the canyon are older and more suburban, but up in the hills, there are custom homes where you can find some acreage.” The median price is about $530,000. This is normal for the 1980s suburban tract homes in Pine Canyon’s larger developments like Pine Canyon Estates. Larger custom homes in the canyon can cost around $700,000, while 10-acre properties in the hills up Pine Canyon Road can go for $800,000.
This Mediterranean-style home in Pine Canyon features arched windows and tiled roofing.
This Pine Canyon ranch-style home features a tile roof and welcoming curb appeal.
This hillside ranch estate in Pine Canyon offers privacy and breathtaking valley views.
This Pine Canyon farmhouse-style home features a wraparound deck and hillside views.
1/4
Hiking in the Gabilan Range
Pine Canyon’s communities have standard playgrounds and parks, but the main source of recreation is the surrounding Gabilan Range. These grassy, brush-covered hills and canyons provide ample hiking area. Just 30 miles north, the range is home to Pinnacles National Park, a stunning display of red-rock geological formations. Pinnacles is also home to California condors. It’s hard to compete with Pinnacles’ scenery, but Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to the west of Pine Canyon might have something to say. Big Sur is arguably the most famous of the Central Coast’s world-renowned landscapes. Its mountain vistas and cliff-lined coastline are just over the mountains from Pine Canyon, but there’s no direct road, so the drive is about 90 miles. Experienced hikers, on the other hand, can trek directly through the mountains to the coast.
Pine Canyon parks offer kids fun outdoor play on modern playground equipment.
Hikers explore Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, just west of Pine Canyon in California’s iconic coast range.
Bird watchers at Pinnacles National Park near Pine Canyon scan the skies for soaring condors.
Pinnacles National Park offers Pine Canyon residents scenic trails and rare condor sightings.
1/4
Restaurants and groceries in King City
Pine Canyon is purely residential, so residents drive to King City to go out to eat and run errands. King City Center, on the near side of the city, has a Safeway and other essential stores. It’s next to Mee Memorial Healthcare System, the local hospital. Broadway Street leads to King City’s small downtown and becomes downtown’s central artery. Its sidewalks are lined with restaurants, bars and bakeries. A few of the restaurants and shops are centered around King City Town Square, an outdoor courtyard that also has a movie theater.
Pine Canyon residents head to King City Center for groceries, dining, and daily needs.
Pine Canyon residents shop at Safeway in King City Center for groceries and essentials.
Just down the hill, King City Center is Pine Canyon’s primary shopping stop.
Pine Canyon locals visit King City’s downtown for restaurants, shops, and community life.
1/4
Schools in King City
Students in Pine Canyon drive to King City for school. King City’s elementary and middle schools are part of the King City Union School District, which gets a D-plus overall grade from Niche. Ninth through 12th graders attend King City High School, which is rated a B; it's part of the South Monterey County Joint Union High School District, which also earns a B. King City High was founded in 1911 and has a strong cross-country program that has won multiple invitationals.
Pine Canyon families send their youngest learners to Del Rey Elementary near downtown King City.
Chalone Peaks Middle School serves as Pine Canyon’s local middle school.
King City High School offers Pine Canyon students strong academics close to home.
King City High School serves all high school students from Pine Canyon and nearby areas.
1/4
U.S. Highway 101 leads 50 miles to Salinas
U.S. Highway 101 runs north and south through California’s Central Valley, right between Pine Canyon and King City. Salinas is the closest bigger city, 50 miles north on the 101. Scenic Monterey is a few miles west of Salinas — just over 60 miles from Pine Canyon. San Jose is the closest large city, just over 100 miles north.
Fires in the Salinas Valley
The Salinas Valley doesn't experience as many wildfires as other areas of the state, but fires have occurred here in the past. They are usually large brush fires like the Lonoak Fire, which burned over 250 acres outside of King City in fall 2024. Homeowners should stay aware of any fire activity and can create a defensible space around their property by removing any overgrown, combustible brush.
Written By
Ed Coombs
Photography Contributed By
Elie Karam
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lynnie Oliveira,
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 Pine Canyon, CA sell after 9 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Pine Canyon, CA over the last 12 months is $562,500, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Single-level home in Pine Meadow Estates on a rare and desirable lot that stretches front to back with no rear neighbors just open fields, sweeping views, and the occasional cow visitor. This flexible 4 bedroom floorplan includes a 3-car drive-through garage and nearly 9,000 SF of outdoor space. The 4th bedroom can serve as a home office or formal dining room. Inside you'll find two generous
Welcome to a spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located In King City the opportunity is knocking once again to own a stunning property in South County. This property offers approximately 1,995 square feet of comfortable living space. The kitchen is a standout feature, equipped with quartz countertops, a built-in oven, microwave, island, pantry, and exhaust fan ideal for culinary enthusiasts and
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.
