Why Live in Downtown Salinas
Downtown Salinas maintains a quaint, small-town atmosphere amidst the broader expansion of Salinas. South Main Street serves as the neighborhood's hub, featuring an array of antique shops, boutique stores, art galleries, and locally owned restaurants. Dining options include First Awakenings, a popular breakfast and lunch spot, The Bakery Station with its 1950s diner décor, and the fine dining establishment Pub’s Prime Rib. Residents can shop for groceries at Salinas Fresh Produce or El Rey Fresh Produce and enjoy the year-round Salinas Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. Homes in Downtown Salinas are primarily older ranch-style, Craftsman, and Victorian builds, often featuring hardwood floors and large windows. Most homes lack attached garages but have private driveways and are shaded by mature trees. The neighborhood has a high rental population, with 81% of residents renting their homes. While there are no parks within Downtown Salinas, Central Park is less than a mile away, offering basketball courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The National Steinbeck Center, dedicated to John Steinbeck, hosts various events, and Bankers Casino provides entertainment with slots, table games, and a full-service restaurant. Maya Cinemas Salinas offers the latest movie releases. Students attend schools in the Salinas City Elementary School District, with Salinas High School being highly rated. Public transportation is accessible via Monterey-Salinas Transit buses, and Highway 1 and Route 101 provide routes to Monterey and San Jose, respectively. The neighborhood's crime rate is lower than the national average, contributing to its appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downtown Salinas a good place to live?
Downtown Salinas is a good place to live. Downtown Salinas is considered very walkable and bikeable with some transit options. Downtown Salinas has 7 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly dense in population with 12.9 people per acre and a median age of 35. The average household income is $59,055 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 15.4% of residents. A majority of residents in Downtown Salinas are renters, with 84.1% of residents renting and 15.9% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Downtown Salinas can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Downtown Salinas neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Downtown Salinas?
The median home price in Downtown Salinas is $650,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $130,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.56%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,310 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $142K a year to afford the median home price in Downtown Salinas. The average household income in Downtown Salinas is $59K.
What are the best public schools in Downtown Salinas?
The best public schools that serve Downtown Salinas are:
What are the best private schools in Downtown Salinas?
The best private schools that serve Downtown Salinas are:
- Notre Dame High School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 12:1 and an average review score of 3.8.
- Palma School has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 20:1 and an average review score of 4.0.
- Sacred Heart School has a student teacher ratio of 26:1.
What are the most popular zip codes in Downtown Salinas, Salinas, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Downtown Salinas, Salinas, CA?
Home Trends in Downtown Salinas, CA
On average, homes in Downtown Salinas, Salinas sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Salinas, Salinas over the last 12 months is $669,000, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$669,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$668,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$596
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
4
Median List Price
$650,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
15%