Best Neighborhoods in Salinas, California

Salinas' neighborhoods split by price and by who lives there. River Road and Parker Road is an upscale rural area with a median home price of $1.15M, average rent of $5.2K or more, large lots and mostly three-bedroom-plus homes, feeding Boronda Meadows or Spreckels Elementary, El Sausal Middle and Salinas High. San Benancio Road and Harper Canyon Road is another upscale area, with evergreen-lined streets and homes selling around $1M or renting for about $4,900.

East Boronda Road and Constitution Boulevard is the lower-priced option, with a median home price of $755,000 and rent of $2,840. It's home to many students at Hartnell College and Cal State Monterey Bay, and unlike most Salinas neighborhoods, it has many apartment rentals for students or young professionals.

River Rd / Parker Rd

Families

River Rd/Parker Rd is an upscale rural neighborhood with a median home price of $1.15m and average rent for a home of $5.2k+ The blocks are beautiful and tree-lined and the homes are on large lots and are mostly 3+ bedrooms. Most of the children attend either Boronda Meadows Elementary School or Spreckels Elementary School, El Sausal Middle School, and Salinas High School.

San Benancio Rd / Harper Canyon Rd

Families

The San Benancio Rd / Harper Canyon Rd neighborhood is another upscale area with beautiful homes along streets filled with evergreen trees. The more densely laid out homes sell for an average median of $1 million or rent for an avg $4900. Homes are typically 3+ bedrooms and highly valued for the strong community feel throughout the neighborhood.
One of the great prizes of the neighborhood is Toro County Park. It's smack dab in the middle of the area and has riding trails, playgrounds, volleyball courts, and baseball diamonds and acts as a hub for the local community.

E Boronda Rd / Constitution Blvd

Families/DINKs/SINKs

The E Boronda Rd / Constitution Blvd neighborhood offers lower-priced housing options. It's home to many students who attend colleges in nearby downtown, including Hartnell College and California State University, Monterey Bay.
The median home price is $755,000 and the rent is $2,840. Unlike many neighborhoods in Salinas, this area has many apartment rental options, for either students or young professionals looking for cheaper options than Monterey. Harden Ranch and Boronda Manor are two popular options.

Locals appreciate the short walk to major shopping/restaurant options as well as the fact several parks are within walking distance including Santa Rita and Soto Square Playground. Ideal for young families looking to keep the kiddos active outdoors.