Why Live in River Road
River Road, located eight miles from downtown Salinas, is an isolated neighborhood known for its sunny climate, avoiding the fog common in Salinas. Surrounded by mountains and farmland, River Road features large Craftsman and Mediterranean homes, many within gated communities built in the 1990s. The majority of residents are homeowners, with 89% owning their properties. Homes typically have stucco facades, tile roofs, private driveways, and fenced-in yards. The neighborhood boasts a low crime rate, significantly below the national average, contributing to its appeal for families seeking safety.
Children in River Road attend highly rated schools, starting with Spreckles Elementary and continuing to Salinas High, which offers specialized courses in Green Technologies and Sustainable Construction. Local attractions include the Monterey Zoo, Acclaim Park, and Toro Park, which offers 20 miles of unpaved trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. Dining options are limited but notable, with Mo’s River Road Grill providing steak and seafood specials. For wine enthusiasts, Odonata Winery offers daily tastings.
Shopping needs are met by the historic Spreckels Emporium and Nob Hill Foods, located a few miles away. While there is no public transportation, Highway 68 and Highway 1 provide easy access to downtown Salinas and Monterey, respectively. River Road’s combination of newer homes, excellent schools, and low crime rates make it a desirable location for long-term residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is River Road a good place to live?
River Road is a good place to live. River Road is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. River Road is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 1, making it safer than the average neighborhood in the U.S. River Road has 4 parks for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 0.7 people per acre and a median age of 46. The average household income is $186,458 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 62.8% of residents. A majority of residents in River Road are home owners, with 11.3% of residents renting and 88.7% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving River Road can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
River Road neighborhood guide.
Is River Road, CA a safe neighborhood?
River Road, CA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 1 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in River Road?
The median home price in River Road is $525,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $105,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,720 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $117K a year to afford the median home price in River Road. The average household income in River Road is $186K.
What are the best public schools in River Road?
The best public schools that serve River Road are:
What are the most popular zip codes in River Road, Salinas, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near River Road, Salinas, CA?
Home Trends in River Road, CA
On average, homes in River Road, Salinas sell after 72 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in River Road, Salinas over the last 12 months is $470,000, up 96% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$470,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$525,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$595,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$265
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Last 12 months Home Sales
56
Median List Price
$525,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
96%