Living in Salinas California
Salinas is one of California's most charming towns located about 45 minutes to the south of Santa Cruz. It is the largest city in Monterey County and overflowing with some of the nation's and California's most interesting history. Knicknamed "The Salad Bowl of the World," for its rich heritage in farmlands. This city on the eastern border of the Monterey Bay area is one of the most desirable to live and visit in California.
The word Salinas is Spanish for Salt Marsh or Salt Flats. This area is just 8 miles inland from Monterey Bay and benefits from its Pacific Ocean climate. The marine climate makes for a lucrative market in farming florals, grapes, and several types of fruits and vegetables including lettuce, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes, and peppers. Though there are many lucrative farms with rich soil, Salinas is a very urban area of Monterey Bay. The town thrived on its agriculture to get it through the Great Depression, but it is also home to thriving local businesses.
Notable Salinas History
Salinas, being part of California was once part of Mexico. As the Spanish explored and settled in the area it was mostly given through land grants to Catholic Missions. As settlement went on, smaller land grants were awarded to ranching efforts and the area was home to cattle. It became a thriving trade area for cattle hide and a world hub of hide shipping out of the Port of Monterey. 1984 brought California into the United States the highest peak in the Gabilan Mountains near Salinas was the sight of John Fremont waving the American flag and claiming California as part of the U.S.
After Salinas officially became a town with the placement of a post office at the junction of two stage couch routes, much of the land was drained and became farmland. Farms were mostly worked through Chinese immigrant laborers and Salinas soon became the site of the second largest Chinatown in the country behind San Francisco.The new highly productive farms soon earned Salinas to have the highest per capita income of any location in the United States in 1924.
There is so much to unravel about the history of Salinas, some of the most popular parts of Salinas's history include that it was home to world Famous Author John Steinbeck. Steinbeck is best known for his book "The Grapes of Wrath" which he wrote from inspiration gathered in the vineyard settings of Salinas. The town is very proud to be the brithplace and home of Steinbeck.
Areas of Interest in Salinas
There is never lack of activities to enjoy in Salinas. It is one of the reasons the town is so popular to settle into. Its mild year round climate allowing for events and outdoor enjoyment everyday also play a role.
The Rodeo
California Rodeo Salinas takes place every July and draws a huge crowd. It is a top 10 rodeo in the country and the state of California's largest rodeo. There are countless rodeo events to enjoy during the rodeo ground's most popular event in one of the largest arenas on the rodeo circuit. This rodeo has a focus on giving back to the community with a non-profit organization status.
There are several other events held at the rodeo grounds throughout the year as well including live concerts, monster truck rallies, golf tournaments, cowboy events, parades, and more.
John Steinbeck History
Salinas is home to the National Steinbeck Center, one of the largest literary museums in the country. Learn about Steinbeck and many other impressive authors. Just down the street from the museum is the house Steinbeck grew up in. Dont forget to stop in at the John Steinbeck Library also known as the Salinas Public Library.
Old Town
Old Town Salinas is the main downtown area of the city along Main Street. The shops/restaurants/commerce of Salinas are housed in charming historic buildings. Salinas prides itself of having local charming shops and restaurants without out a big box chain store in sight. The Old Town Salinas Foundation plays a large role in keeping fun community events going like the First Friday events.
Toro Park
Toro Park is just six miles from downtown it is just over 4,7000 acres. Toro Psrk is most popular for the hiking trail system, also popular with horseback riders. It also features playgrounds, sports fields, and more.
Monterey Zoo
Located at 400 River Road, the Monterrey Zoo is fairly new to the area. The zoo is full of great animal encounters and experiences and educational opportunities. The zoo offers daily passes and full-year memberships.
Real Estate in Salinas
There are many beautiful properties in Salinas and surroundings areas. Single family homes offer the largest variety of properties. Close to Old Town you can find beautiful and unique Victorian homes. Homes that have been in California since the late 1800s. Salinas is becoming more desirable to live and the area is building. Some of the most sought after homes lie in the southern portion of Salinas offering large lots of land big enough to house horses or grow a small vineyard. Homes are affordable as compared to other popular coastal towns along the Monterrey Bay.
Finding Available Real Estate in Salinas California
If you are interested in purchasing a home in Salinas please feel free to browse the included available Salinas homes for sale in the listings above. If you have a question about a certain property or would like to schedule a private showing please contact us anytime with the form below. We are also happy to start a customized home search of Salinas properties that meet your specific search criteria. We are highly knowledgeable in all greater Santa Cruz area real estate and make it our focus to find a home you will love.
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