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Monterey, CA

Population: 28,472 livability score shield

Key findings

  • Monterey has a Livability Score of 72/100, which is considered excellent
  • Monterey crime rates are 37% higher than the California average
  • Cost of living in Monterey is 27% higher than the California average
  • Monterey real estate prices are 62% higher than the California average
  • Rental prices in Monterey are 18% higher than the California average

Best Places to Live in and Around Monterey

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Compare Monterey, CA Livability

      vs

      What do the locals think about Monterey?

      36%Family friendly 36%Public transit is accessible 27%Walkable to grocery stores 45%Yards are well-kept 82%Lots of parks 45%Walkable to restaurants 45%Friendly neighbors 64%Safe at night 36%Pet friendly 64%Streets have sidewalks 82%A quiet area 36%Sense of community
      Based on 11 votes from AreaVibes users. See all Monterey poll results.

      Monterey Real estate & Rental prices

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      Monterey Demographics

      Population28,472 Median Age37.2 Have Kids (under 18)40%
      See more Monterey demographic data

      Top Rated Schools in Monterey

      Name Grades Students Proficiency
      Walter Colton6 - 8595n/a
      Santa Catalina SchoolPK - 12463n/a
      Monterey High9 - 121,306n/a
      Big Sur CharterKG - 12103n/a
      Trinity Christian High School7 - 12130n/a
      Foothill Elementary SchoolKG - 5322n/a
      San Carlos SchoolKG - 8301n/a
      Monte VistaKG - 5372n/a
      See all Monterey schools

      The best places in California

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      Monterey Reviews

      Write a review about Monterey Tell people what you like or don't like about Monterey…
      Best Weather in the USA, but Worst Policitics
      Attractions10/10
      Community8/10
      Nightlife8/10
      Dining10/10
      Shopping8/10
      I've lived all around the U.S. (SE, NE, NW, SW) and also various locations in Europe, and can say definitively that this little piece of real estate on the CA central coast is the best weather anywhere! We have maybe 4-5 days each Summer of uncomfortably warm weather (defined by us as above ~85), and few days of truly cold weather. Our Springs and Summers are very comfortable temps and humidity (LOW), with only some occasional fog to spoil the otherwise regular sunny skies. Our Falls are simply perfect, and our Winters are only slightly less perfect that the Fall. Winter brings mostly clear skies (clearer than Summer), and temps that only require you to wear a mid-weight coat. Not sure WHY this area gets such a low score for crime... I've lived here for almost 20 years and barely notice any "sense" of it; only what you see on the news. Bad things happen here, as elsewhere, but it is not like you are looking over your shoulder all the time or fearing for you life. 99% of the people I deal with are rather pleasant... only a few possible road-rage scenes that are easy to deflate by simply yielding to the other (stressed-out) person. Now for the down-side. House prices are very high... as you would expect for the weather/views/climate/etc. Also, traffic is getting worse. To find a house in your budget range, you likely have to purchase farther away; e.g., in Salinas (much higher crime problems) or Prunedale (longer commute). Of course, that then makes traffic a bigger issue. Also, the city and state seem hell-bent on adopting progressive/socialist/communist policies that--in the end--only serve to reward the ultra-rich and ultra-poor: i.e., they destroy the backbone of any healthy nations... it's middle class. I originally wrote several more sentences elaborating on this... but decided to leave it at that. Many of you reading this may embrace the form of government that offers (but never delivers) to "take care of you", but as a student of history, I KNOW that never ends well. In the final analysis; however, if you can afford to live here and either embrace the far-left worldview, or can at least tolerate it; then this is a GREAT place to live. LOTS to do, and LOTS of beautiful days with which to DO it!
      • Anonymous (Current resident)
      • Oct 05, 2019
      6 -4
      No Longer Paradise
      Attractions10/10
      Community6/10
      Nightlife7/10
      Dining10/10
      Shopping9/10
      The Good: Beautiful weather. Nice parks. Good Food.
      The Bad: Rent Prices/Real Estate Prices
      The Ugly: Homeless. High Crime Rate. Cost of Living.

      I have lived in Monterey five years and the issues above are getting worse.

      Purposefully I elected NOT to live in Seaside or Marina, since Monterey is suppose to be a 'better place to live.'

      We are turning into anther Santa Cruz. Cost of living too high to enjoy life.

      The Board of Supervisors, who are in control of the County Budget, are not taking into consideration those who work at the front lines. Example: 911 Dispatch Workers in Monterey County have had well over 80% turn over. How can they attract and retain Employees.
      • Anonymous (Current resident)
      • May 16, 2019
      6 -1
      A Beautiful City by the Sea: Love it!
      Attractions10/10
      Community9/10
      Nightlife7/10
      Dining7/10
      Shopping9/10
      During the five years that I lived in Monterey, I have to say it was absolutely amazing. It is a quiet, and peaceful city to live in, and you won't find better weather anywhere than while living in Monterey. The cost of living can be quite high, but in my opinion is worth it if you can afford it!

      Looking for work? There are plenty of opportunities in Monterey. A quick search in your favorite online job search website will show a huge amount of available jobs in Monterey.

      Your family will also love come to visit you if you live in Monterey. One of the best areas in Monterey, is the Monterey Bay Aquarium! A must see/visit for anyone who has never been, and you will most likely find yourself going back for a second, or even a third time. So whether you're coming to live in Monterey for work, or just to get away from big city life, one thing is certain, you will love it here!
      • Anonymous
      • May 14, 2018
      2 -3
      Source: The Monterey, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the 2016 United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
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