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River Road

River Road

$1,118,814 Average Value
$509 Average Price per Sq Ft
8 Homes For Sale

Quiet living near Salinas

Eight miles down the road from downtown Salinas is the isolated and sunny neighborhood of River Road. Mountains to the south and the vast farmland that made Salinas famous to the north keep the neighborhood secluded, and developers took advantage of that, building subdivisions of large homes in gated communities throughout the 1990s. “This area’s known as the Sun Belt,” says Catherine Gheen of Gheen Properties, who has more than 15 years of experience in the area. “It’s a warmer climate than in Salinas as we don’t get the fog that Salinas does off the bay.” Nearly 90% of residents own their homes in River Road, and houses sit on quiet, suburban streets.

River Road in Salinas offers a tranquil retreat close to nature.
River Road in Salinas offers a tranquil retreat close to nature.
Discover the charm of a spacious ranch-style home in the serene River Road neighborhood.
Discover the charm of a spacious ranch-style home in the serene River Road neighborhood.
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Homes on large, multi-acre lots

Most homes in River Road are large Craftsman or Mediterranean builds with stucco facades and tile roofs. Some houses under construction are in the $700,000 to $750,000 range, but most properties cost between $850,000 and $1.3 million. Gated properties with significant acreage can cost between $1.7 million and $3 million. “The price point is higher than most of Salians Valley, but you are paying for the newer homes, better schools and safety,” says Gheen. Houses sit on quiet residential roads ending in cul-de-sacs. Some subdivisions have sidewalks, but all homes have private driveways and attached garages.

Spanish-influenced homes sit side-by-side in River Road.
Spanish-influenced homes sit side-by-side in River Road.
Big homes with even bigger views in River Road.
Big homes with even bigger views in River Road.
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1 out of 10 CAP score

River Road has a CAP Index score of 1 out of 10 compared to the national average of 4, ranking extremely low on both violent and property crime. “Salinas has had some crime issues, but you’re isolated, and criminals aren’t going to go out of their way to come down here,” says Terri Cesena of Berkshire Hathaway HS Real Time Realty, who has nearly a decade of experience in the area. “Families can move here and feel safe.”

River Road blends rural charm with modern convenience in Salinas.
River Road blends rural charm with modern convenience in Salinas.
Las Palmas Ranch is a planned community nestled in the hills of River Road.
Las Palmas Ranch is a planned community nestled in the hills of River Road.
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Schooling at Salinas High

Kids in River Road attend the Spreckles Union Elementary School District, beginning at Spreckles Elementary, which holds a B-plus grade on Niche. “The schools are a big draw and are considered stronger than the ones inside Salinas proper,” says Gheen. Buena Vista Middle School has a B-grade and an 18-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Teens head 6 miles up the road to Salinas High, which has served the area since 1920. Salinas High has a B-plus Niche rating and offers students the opportunity to enroll in the GREEN Academy, a series of courses providing students with an introduction to the field of Green Technologies and Sustainable Construction.

River Road students can attend Spreckels Elementary School, which has just over 600 students.
River Road students can attend Spreckels Elementary School, which has just over 600 students.
River Road students can attend Buena Vista Middle School, home to just over 300 students.
River Road students can attend Buena Vista Middle School, home to just over 300 students.
Salinas High School fosters academic excellence in Salinas.
Salinas High School fosters academic excellence in Salinas.
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Monterey Zoo and hiking at Toro Park

The Monterey Zoo sits in the heart of River Road. Locals can check out hundreds of animal species, including bears, primates and big cats. The zoo offers special events where patrons can feed the animals. Acclaim Park is in the neighborhood's west end and provides a playground and open space. Hikers, cyclists and horseback riders hit the 20 miles of unpaved trails at Toro Park, which borders the neighborhood to the west. One of the most popular trails at Toro Park is 1800 Trail; the path gets its name from its elevation change, as hikers will go from sea level to 1,800 feet above sea level and enjoy views of Salinas Valley.

Monterey Zoo in River Road Salinas, CA is a favorite for many spreading across Monterey County.
Monterey Zoo in River Road Salinas, CA is a favorite for many spreading across Monterey County.
In River Road Salinas, CA you'll be surprised to find a camel as your next door neighbor.
In River Road Salinas, CA you'll be surprised to find a camel as your next door neighbor.
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Lunch at Mo's River Road Grill

When they want to go out to eat, locals head to Mo’s River Road Grill, the neighborhood’s only restaurant. Mo’s customers are greeted with flowers on each table and can dine on a covered patio with heaters and string lights. Residents head 4 miles down River Road to the Odonata Winery, which offers tastings every day of the week. The winery has an indoor tasting room and an outdoor patio with fireplaces and cornhole boards. For shopping, the Spreckels Emporium, a community fixture since 1898, is 2 miles away. The main level features El Valle Market, which sells coffee, domestic beer, wine, greeting cards, craft soaps and locally sourced snacks. Sitting on the store floor is a previous owner’s refurbished 1955 Jeep Willys Station Wagon, which was used to make local deliveries. For a full grocery shop, Nob Hill Foods is 3 miles away in South Salinas.

Order a BBQ bacon burger at T&A Cafe in River Road.
Order a BBQ bacon burger at T&A Cafe in River Road.
T&A Cafe in River Road is a go-to lunch stop.
T&A Cafe in River Road is a go-to lunch stop.
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Highway 68 to Salinas

Highway 68 takes locals 6 miles into downtown Salinas for work or more shopping and dining options. Highway 1 provides access to Monterey, 19 miles down the road, and the Monterey Regional Airport. There is no public transportation in the neighborhood, so locals will need a car to get around.

Catch a bus along highway 68 in River Road.
Catch a bus along highway 68 in River Road.
Reach Salinas shopping and dining from River Road via Highway 68 in minutes.
Reach Salinas shopping and dining from River Road via Highway 68 in minutes.
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John Moyer
Written By
John Moyer
Elie Karam
Photography Contributed By
Elie Karam
Chris Freeman
Video By
Chris Freeman

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Monterey Regional

23 min drive

Reviews

Are you familiar with the River Road neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime River Road US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

River Road Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$995,000
Median Sale Price
$935,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$949,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
43
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-7%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$509

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
1,517
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Median Year Built
1991
Months of Supply
2.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,265
Above the national average
1,930
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,583

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Feb 15
    11am - 3pm

    17716 Riverbend Rd, Salinas, CA 93908

    $970,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,029 Sq Ft
    • 17716 Riverbend Rd
    • New 12 days ago

    Seller will consider Broker Concessions. Welcome to Las Palmas Ranch! This sought-after single-story home is located in the highly desirable gated community of Las Palmas Ranch, within the coveted Spreckels School District. Step inside to a bright, open-concept great room with soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and a spacious formal dining area, perfect for entertaining.The kitchen

    Heidi Daniels Coast & Valley Properties, Inc.

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  • Saturday, Feb 14
    11:30am - 1:30pm

    17669 River Run Rd, Salinas, CA 93908

    $1,050,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,417 Sq Ft
    • 17669 River Run Rd

    Welcome to Las Palmas Ranch, a beautiful gated community surrounded by peaceful scenery and mountain views. This refreshed four-bedroom, three-bath home is truly move-in ready with a fully repainted interior, brand-new carpet upstairs, and updated lighting throughout. The floor plan offers comfortable living with a formal dining room, inviting living areas, and an updated kitchen with beautiful

    Wendy Charlton Sotheby’s International Realty

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  • Saturday, Feb 14
    1 - 4pm

    22125 Ranchito Dr, Salinas, CA 93908

    $2,100,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 3,019 Sq Ft
    • 22125 Ranchito Dr
    • New 14 days ago

    This is the largest, most desirable lot in this exclusive community, 1.91 acre corner property offers privacy and potential. At its heart sits a remodeled 3000 plus sq. ft residence with new engineered oak floors flowing throughout. The gourmet kitchen is a showpiece, featuring quartz slab countertops, new maple cabinets and a suite of new stainless steel appliances. The owners suite is a

    Terri Cesena Berkshire Hathaway HS Real Time Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,339
Median Age
46
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
23.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$171,065
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$186,458

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.2%
College Graduates
62.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
16''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
72°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

13 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

4 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
River Road
Enrique 'Henry' Estrada
Hilltop Realty
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