A little more than 10 miles north of Salinas, Prunedale offers equal parts seclusion and convenience. “It does feel like country living. There are lots of hills and trees, the homes enjoy large lot sizes and there are a lot of properties with animals like horses and goats,” says Kim Macias, a Re/Max Gold realtor with nearly 20 years of local experience. “Prunedale is a great spot for people who are looking for that kind of country feel, but don’t want to give up their proximity to Salinas for jobs and healthcare.” With U.S. Route 101 running through almost the direct center of the community, the surrounding county is easily accessible, and the local general hospital and municipal airport in Salinas are just a 20-minute drive south. Not only that, the beach is just 20 minutes west. Macias: “It’s like coastal living without the price. Prunedale is one of those ‘just right’ areas, close but not too close to the city, to the beach, to basically everything.”
Inspiring minds at Pajaro Middle School through vibrant colors and creativity.
Tranquil Monterey boats resting in the harbor near Prunedale.
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A wide range of prices and styles
Most homes here sell for between $700,000 and $900,000, but Macias says it’s possible to find properties on either side of the spectrum, too. “You can find homes that are $600,000 or all the way up to $1.5 million, depending on what you’re looking for. Prunedale has different kinds of properties, perfect for all kinds of buyers, really,” she says. Home styles here are just as varied. “There are a lot of ranch-style homes from the ‘50s and ‘60s, but there’s also newer Mediterranean-style construction,” Macias says.
This ranch house whispers serenity in the embrace of nature.
Nestled in the heart of nature, where tranquility whispers through the trees.
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North Monterey County schools
Kids are served by schools in the North Monterey County Unified School District. There are four elementary schools for youngsters between kindergarten and sixth grade, so parents are advised to double-check the boundaries ahead of registration time. Many students go to Prunedale Elementary, then continue to North Monterey County Middle and North Monterey County High. In 2023, Prunedale earned a C-plus grade from Niche. That same year, the middle school earned a C-minus and the high school earned a B-minus. North Monterey County High teens can take advantage of the school’s College & Career Center, which offers students and their families information on college and career options, financial aid and scholarships. The center puts on regular resource fairs, workshops and parent nights.
North Monterey County High School in Castroville, California.
Welcome to Prunedale Elementary School.
North Monterey County Middle School in Castroville, California.
School buses poised to embark on a silent journey, awaiting the call to transport young minds.
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Easy travelling on the 101
U.S. Route 101, a major Californian thoroughfare that stretches from Los Angeles all the way to Washington, runs almost directly through the center of Prunedale. “People are drawn here for the easy access to 101,” says Macias, adding that it’s the main connecting road between here and Salinas. “That’s where the jobs and healthcare, Walmart and Costco are, and it’s all just 10 or 15 minutes away down the 101,” she says. Salinas Valley Health, the closest general hospital, and the Salinas Municipal Airport are both within 11 miles of Prunedale, south down the 101.
More than provincial retail and restaurants
For major big box retailers like Walmart or Costco, locals can head south to Salinas. “But there’s plenty of shopping and dining in Prunedale, too,” says Macias. Off U.S. Route 101, there’s a Safeway in the Prune Tree Center shopping center. A mile north up the 101, there’s a Grocery Outlet, too. In the same cluster of shops as the Grocery Outlet, 101 Wine Press offers smoky Santa Maria BBQ and locally sourced wines and beers. “Any dish there is awesome, but the tri-tip is excellent,” says Macias.
Cherishing memories at Wine Press restaurant.
Quaint Prunedale shops offering local charm.
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Beach and golf around the corner
The Pajaro Valley Golf Club sits off Salinas Road in Prunedale’s northwest corner. The 18-hole, par 72 course was originally opened in 1922 and redesigned in 1962 by Robert Muir Graves. The beach is close by, too. Locals can fish, surf, ride horses and picnic at Moss Landing State Beach, which is about a 20-minute drive west. The beach is also a favorite destination for bird watchers; it's a stop on the Pacific Flyway, along which thousands of birds fly to and from overwintering sites in the fall and spring.
Capturing wildlife wonders together through the lens of curiosity.
Perfecting his swing on the green.
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Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Elie Karam
Video By
Christine Tranchina
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Dani M. Wilcox,
an experienced agent in this area.
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