Livability Score

66
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities F

There are not many amenities close to this location.
Coffee (14) F
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Main Street Treats
Coffee Shop
Rollick's Specialty Coffee
Coffee Shop
Old Town Deli & Cafe
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Honey Berry
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Erik's DeliCafe
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (9) F
Outdoor Theater / Stage
Theatre Arts
Maya Cinemas
Cinema
National Steinbeck Center
Museum
TheFoxTheaterSalinas
Theatre Arts
John Steinbeck House
Museum
ARIEL Theatrical, Inc.
Theatre Arts
Century 14 Northridge Mall
Cinema
Valley Center Bowl
Bowling Alley
Boronda History Center
Museum
Food and Drink (60) F
In-N-Out Burger
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
Baskin-Robbins
Sweets
BKM Healthy Foods
Fast Food
Jack in the Box
Fast Food
Panda Express
Fast Food
Bozzos Liquor
Alcohol
Winchell's Donut House
Fast Food
Quality Market & Liquors
Alcohol
A Taste of Monterey
Deli
Old Town Deli & Cafe
Deli
Michael's Grill & Taqueria
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Grapes 'n' Grain
Alcohol
Subway
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
Taquería Los Grullenses
Fast Food
Jack in the Box
Fast Food
Sonic
Fast Food
Wingstop
Fast Food
Carl's Jr & Green Burrito
Fast Food
La Michoacana
Sweets
Subway
Fast Food
The Bagel Bakery
Fast Food
El Pollo Loco
Fast Food
Fitness (8) F
Creekbridge Fitness
Gym
In-Shape
Gym
Salud
Gym
Anytime Fitness
Gym
Gold's Gym
Gym
Groceries (22) F
Safeway
Grocery Store
Santa Fe
Grocery Store
Winchell's Donut House
Bakery
Cake Express
Bakery
Foods Co
Grocery Store
Del's Farmers Produce
Grocery Store
El Rey Market
Grocery Store
The Bakery Station
Bakery
Grocery Outlet
Grocery Store
El Super
Grocery Store
La Plaza Bakery
Bakery
La Princesa Market
Grocery Store
Safeway
Grocery Store
La Vina # 4 Carniceria
Butcher
La Vina # 4 Panaderia
Bakery
Acambaritas
Bakery
Food 4 Less
Grocery Store
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Lucky
Grocery Store
Star Market
Grocery Store
Nob Hill Foods
Grocery Store
Oak Park Market
Grocery Store
Parks (226) A+
All Veterans Memorial Park
Park
Constitution Soccer Fields
Park
Laurel Heights Park
Park
Cesar Chavez Community Park
Park
Tatum's Garden
Park
Exposition Grounds
Park
Sherwood Park
Park
Santa Lucia Park
Park
Natividad Park
Park
Closter Park
Park
Gabilan Creek Wilderness Sanctuary
Park
El Dorado Community Park
Park
Nativiad Creek Park
Park
Laurel Park
Park
Bataan Memoiral Park
Park
Steinbeck Park
Park
Los Padres Elementary School
Park
Los Padres Park
Park
Frank Paul Park
Park
Laurelwood Park
Park
Gene Robinson Park / American Little League
Park
Rossi Rico Linear Parkway
Park
Harden Neighborhood Park
Park
McKinnon Park
Park
Creekbridge Neighborhood Park
Park
Shops (86) F
Quik Mart
Convenience Store
Cork-n-Bottle Fastmart
Discount Store
Express Mart
Discount Store
Supercuts
Hairdresser
Mattress Land
Furniture
Wheeler's Flooring
Furniture
Rent-A-Center
Furniture
99 Cents Only Stores
Discount Store
Harbor Freight Tools
Home Improvement
Dollar General
Discount Store
Wayne's College of Beauty Inc
Beauty
Bladez Salon and Barbershop
Hairdresser
Cricket Wireless
Electronics
LBC Salinas
Mall
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
Dollar City & More
Discount Store
Ringlets and Roots
Hairdresser
Aquablue - Skin & Body Spa
Beauty
Halltree Antique Mall
Furniture
Tony's Jewelry
Fashion
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
Andrus Jewelers
Fashion
9M - nine months & beyond
Clothing
Head Over Heels
Fashion
Bliss Boutique
Fashion
See more Salinas amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 1.0% take public transportation in Salinas.
Public Transit Stops (313)
Stops & Stations
A+
E Laurel / Entrance To ROP & Monterey County P
Bus Stop
Medical Center Dr / Hospital
Bus Stop
Medical Center Dr / Hospital
Bus Stop
Natividad / Sorrentini
Bus Stop
Natividad / Laurel
Bus Stop
Natividad / Lunsford
Bus Stop
Medical Center Drive / Medical Center Drive
Bus Stop
Natividad / Laurel
Bus Stop
Laurel / Ramona
Bus Stop
Medical Center Drive / Medical Center Drive
Bus Stop
Natividad / Pacheco
Bus Stop
Laurel / Granada
Bus Stop
Sherwood Drive / La Posada Way
Bus Stop
Sherwood Drive / Bernal
Bus Stop
E Laurel / St. Edwards
Bus Stop
Chaparral / Natividad
Bus Stop
Natividad / Chaparral
Bus Stop
Sherwood Drive / Sherwood Place
Bus Stop
Laurel / Linwood
Bus Stop
E Laurel / Sanborn
Bus Stop
Laurel / Santa Teresa
Bus Stop
N Sanborn / Laurel
Bus Stop
N Sanborn / Eucalyptus
Bus Stop
Rider / Garner
Bus Stop
Garner / Rider
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
1.0%
F
See more Salinas commute data

cost of living F

The cost of living in Salinas is 147/100 - which is 5% higher than California.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
F
See more Salinas cost of living data

crime D

Salinas crime rates are 2,198 per 100k, which is 23% lower than California
Property Crime
1,677 crimes per 100k
C+
Violent Crime
521 crimes per 100k
F
See more Salinas crime data

employment B

The median income in Salinas is $67,914 - which is 6% higher than California.
Med. Household Income
$67,914
C+
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
B-
See more Salinas employment data

health A+

There are not many hospitals, police and fire stations,
Health & Safety (20)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
B+
Natividad Medical Center
Hospital
Monterey County Sheriff's Office
Police
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
American Red Cross
Doctor
Monterey County Health Clinic
Clinic
Fire Station
Fire Station
AllCare Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Fire Station 5
Fire Station
Salinas Valley Medical Clinic | PrimeCare
Clinic
Monterey County Sheriff's Dept
Police
Kaiser Permanente
Clinic
Crystal Dental
Dentist
Dr. Kevin McWilliams DDS
Dentist
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System
Hospital
Pacific Endodontics: Root Canal and Dental Surgical Center
Dentist
Central Coast Allergy & Asthma
Clinic
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Salinas Fire Department Station 6
Fire Station
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
A+
See more Salinas health & safety data

housing B

Salinas home prices are $451,000 - which is 10% higher than California
Home Price
$451,000
A+
Home Appreciation Rate
33%
A+
Home Affordability
6.6x (home price to income ratio)
F
See more Salinas housing data

schools F

The Salinas graduation rate is 56% - which is 30% lower than California
School Test Scores
33%
F
High School Grad. Rates
56%
F
Elementary Schools (56) F
Wellington M. Smith Jr.
Madonna Del Sasso School
El Gabilan Elementary
Jesse G. Sanchez Elementary
Natividad Elementary
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy
Millennium Charter High
Virginia Rocca Barton Elementary
Fremont Elementary
Sherwood Elementary
Anthem Christian School
Loma Vista Elementary
Temple Philadelphia Christian Academy
Frank Paul Elementary
Los Padres Elementary
Henry F. Kammann Elementary
John E. Steinbeck Elementary
New Republic Elementary
Creekside Elementary
Cesar E. Chavez Elementary
Laurel Wood Elementary
Sacred Heart School
Alisal Community
Roosevelt Elementary
Lincoln Elementary
High Schools (20) A+
Mission Trails Rop
Carr Lake Community Day
Mount Toro High
El Puente
Salinas Community
Wellington M. Smith Jr.
North Salinas High
Temple Philadelphia Christian Academy
Everett Alvarez High
Alisal High
Salinas High
Palma School
Monterey County Home Charter
Millennium Charter High
Monterey County Special Education
Notre Dame High School
Rancho San Juan High
See more Salinas education data

ratings F

Salinas has an overall rating of 39% from 25 reviews.
User Reviews (7)
From AreaVibes
F
User Surveys (18)
From AreaVibes
F
See more Salinas user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Salinas, CA
( 25 Ratings )

Living in Salinas, CA

Salinas Area Facts

New Real Estate Listings in Salinas Area
Search Homes for Sale in Salinas, CA

Salinas Reviews

Write a review about Salinas Tell people what you like or don't like about Salinas…
Not family friendly 0.5 rating By Anonymous ( Feb 06, 2021) I've lived here my entire life. Not a family friendly city. Absolutely nothing for kid's or teenagers to do. High gang activity. Multiple families in one dwelling do to high cost of living make neighborhoods parking impossible. City roads are crap. Not many restaurants to choose ...Read More from. Especially grocery. No Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. Only thing good here is the weather. Looking forward to finally relocating. Salinas city council caters to higher class citizens. Not your average people. It's sad really. Read Less
Not safe, bad schools 1 rating By Anonymous ( Mar 08, 2020) Sure, it’s 20 minutes from Monterey but living or working in Salinas is a gamble. I work at the county hospital and the majority of our patients are gangsters, junkies, and homeless. The labor and delivery unit is always busy but most of the moms don’t speak English so you ca ...Read More n’t work there unless you speak Spanish. This is not a safe place to live. I carry pepper spray to and from my car whenever I go anywhere. They just built a huge jail because the old jail wasn’t suitable to house dangerous inmates. Check the school ratings, the statistics don’t lie. I feel sorry for the youth of Salinas. Without a solid supportive family structure, they don’t have a chance. Read Less
Not a place to visit 3 rating By Anonymous ( Oct 15, 2018) I've lived here all my life and yes, the gangs are a problem, there are not many touristic places around here. Those who live here and do not interfere with the gangs are just fine with living here. We are California's salad bowl, offering many immigrants a chance to better their ...Read More family's lives. All I wanted to say is, no, you should not move here as an adult or bring your teenagers here. Oh, and you should definitely not visit; for those who visit automatically come on sites like these and claim to know everything about Salinas after a week of visiting and staying in a motel. Guess what, Salinas is not Hollywood. If you insist on moving here, be ready to make some changes. Do not bring grown children here because they will not adapt the right way and you as a parent will suffer. Me, as a high school student, will have to suffer through lectures from our school about violence and drugs. Just know, Salinas is not a tourist place, do not visit if you're not planning to stay. Read Less
Relocating To Salinas, CA 3.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jan 13, 2015) I relocated to Salinas, California after living in Texas. I moved because of my job but have lived here since for about 7 years. I have found that the cost of living, especially for living in California, is pretty cheap. From what I've heard, the city used to be more like a small ...Read More town but now, not at all. A lot of people have moved here because of the agricultural industry, and there are still jobs. Most of the jobs are related to working manually in the farming part, such as farming the food, production of it, delivery, and so forth. However, there are quite a few jobs related to the administration aspect to it, but still all are related to the agriculture industry. It is a little crowded but city is still beautiful aesthetically. Because it has become a big city than before, there is a heightened crime rate. There is a bit of a drug and gang problem but only certain areas of the city. Usually if you stay farther like around the hills rather than downtown, you are safe in terms of crime activity. Try to avoid the east side of town just overall. A lot of its old small-town charm still exists with lots of little shops and cafes. There is a mall but most people shop at the smaller upscale shops around town because there is more selection to pick from and more individuality in the clothes than department stores. One thing about Salinas is that it is a unique town by Californian standards. The quality of food is pretty good and there are lots of healthy options-not just a lot of fast food places. The weather is moderate, usually a little warm but not too hot. Read Less
Show All Reviews
Not a place to visit 3 rating By Anonymous ( Oct 15, 2018) I've lived here all my life and yes, the gangs are a problem, there are not many touristic places around here. Those who live here and do not interfere with the gangs are just fine with living here. We are California's salad bowl, offering many immigrants a chance to better their ...Read More family's lives. All I wanted to say is, no, you should not move here as an adult or bring your teenagers here. Oh, and you should definitely not visit; for those who visit automatically come on sites like these and claim to know everything about Salinas after a week of visiting and staying in a motel. Guess what, Salinas is not Hollywood. If you insist on moving here, be ready to make some changes. Do not bring grown children here because they will not adapt the right way and you as a parent will suffer. Me, as a high school student, will have to suffer through lectures from our school about violence and drugs. Just know, Salinas is not a tourist place, do not visit if you're not planning to stay. Read Less
Relocating To Salinas, CA 3.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jan 13, 2015) I relocated to Salinas, California after living in Texas. I moved because of my job but have lived here since for about 7 years. I have found that the cost of living, especially for living in California, is pretty cheap. From what I've heard, the city used to be more like a small ...Read More town but now, not at all. A lot of people have moved here because of the agricultural industry, and there are still jobs. Most of the jobs are related to working manually in the farming part, such as farming the food, production of it, delivery, and so forth. However, there are quite a few jobs related to the administration aspect to it, but still all are related to the agriculture industry. It is a little crowded but city is still beautiful aesthetically. Because it has become a big city than before, there is a heightened crime rate. There is a bit of a drug and gang problem but only certain areas of the city. Usually if you stay farther like around the hills rather than downtown, you are safe in terms of crime activity. Try to avoid the east side of town just overall. A lot of its old small-town charm still exists with lots of little shops and cafes. There is a mall but most people shop at the smaller upscale shops around town because there is more selection to pick from and more individuality in the clothes than department stores. One thing about Salinas is that it is a unique town by Californian standards. The quality of food is pretty good and there are lots of healthy options-not just a lot of fast food places. The weather is moderate, usually a little warm but not too hot. Read Less
Don't live here! 0.5 rating By Algbry ( Jun 11, 2014) Salinas is a terrible place to live. The schools are terrible and the over-all attitude of the locals is that of entitlement. There is a major gang problem that is worsened by the locals that refuse to report crimes. Murder is in the news weekly. The price of housing is very high ...Read More and the average wage low. I can only describe this area as dreadful and dangerous.

The weather here is moderate, which is great if you like overcast days and months but not great if you prefer more sun shine. It's commonly 68 degrees as a high during the summer months which is nice compared to the heat in a lot of areas. But, did I mention the gangs, crime and ignorant locals that refuse to report the crimes they've seen?

Beware, it's awful.

I was forced to recommend a family type to post this review. I chose "single" but I can only recommend that if you like misery and don't mind taking a chance of dying in gang gun fire. Read Less
Beautiful city, damaged 1.5 rating By Blessed2B1 ( Apr 19, 2012) I grew up here back when there was only 50,000 people. Its a big agriculture place, and the vegetables are all around and plenty of them. We grew tons of lettuce, they still do. One of my oldest friends owns most of the land there, a Tanimura of "Tanimura and Antle."

It was a ve
...Read More ry serene, clean city, that was safe and a beautiful place to live. Perfect weather, close to the coastline in Monterey which is only 20 minutes away. It has since grown way too large. Lots of criminal element has moved in. Nortenos and Soreno constantly in battle, and the wannabees. Also new to the area, Mexican Mafia. There are still some areas that are cared for and a great place to live, but you have to head up to the hills, and out of the city environment.

There are alot of great resturants to eat heading out towards Monterey. Preferrable, I eat in Monterey and stay there near the beach in the summer.

There has been a great influx of illegal immigrants that have the taken over the Welfare assistance and housing for the needy. I had many friends there in the Alisal area. But now I would not go there at all. Criminal element is high in this area of eastside Salinas. And its a shame. This once beautiful city with perfect weather and once good schools has gone to pot. Cars are parked on the once pristine lawns, garbage is spewed around the homes and street. Even the parks are infested with young gangbangers near the once very nice Hartnell area where I grew up. Now it houses illegal hispanics, garbage, dirty diapers, gangbangers, and filth sucking the life out of this town. Its a shame because I remember what it was like. So beautiful and perfect little town, now degraded and ugly. Gunshots are heard in once great family neighborhoods. Ahhh well thats life in good old California, or Little Mexico. No wonder people are leaving California.

Very pretty in some place, if your in the hills away from town. Just look around and you will see why! Read Less
Salinas, CA - America's Salad Bowl 4 rating By Anonymous ( May 06, 2010) Here's and interesting fact: Salinas is famous for producing most of the lettuce in the United States. I traveled to this city once and thought it was an interesting place to visit.

For rodeo fans, visiting Salinas is a must when it hosts the California State Rodeo each year. W
...Read More hile I was there, I enjoyed seeing the Boronda Adobe. Built in the 1840s, this adobe house is the oldest standing building in Salinas. Also featuring John Steinbeck's grave, a museum dedicated to him and his birth home (now converted to a restaurant), Salinas is a great place for anyone wanting to learn more about the famous Nobel and Pulitzer prize-winning author.

Residents of Salinas are friendly, neighborhoods are clean, real estate rates are affordable and the cost of living is lower than most cities in California. Because of the farming opportunities throughout the city, jobs are found fairly easily for those who work in the agriculture business. Reflecting a true 1950s charm, the downtown area still retains its olden-day identity, featuring several unique and exciting shops. For restaurants, travelers should visit the Steinbeck House Restaurant, where John Steinbeck grew up. The atmosphere of the charming Victorian home mixes well with the delicious food and rich history. Read Less

How Do You Rate The Livability In Salinas?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Salinas, CA Livability

      vs

      Salinas, CA

      Salinas is a beautiful inland city in Monterrey County, California, that has seen its population rise steadily over the past decade. Today, the city is home to over 150,000 residents who enjoy a very high quality of life with an accompanying high cost of living. The city has a vibrant arts scene and a thriving economy that have helped it attract an influx of new residents. Home prices in Salinas are expensive, but they are much cheaper than homes that you would find for sale or rent that are closer to the coast. Salinas has a temperate climate that makes it pleasant to live her the majority of the time during the year.

      Pacific International Marketing is a large regional employer that has clients in Salinas and throughout the Northern California area. Hartnell College employs a large number of professors, faculty, and other school administrators. It offers a quality liberal arts education for the students who decide to matriculate there. D'Arrigo California is another company in Salinas with deep roots that has provided good employment opportunities in the area for as long as anyone can remember.

      Alisal, Santa Rita, and Spreckels Junction are three areas of the city that are typically part of a homebuyer's search. Salinas High School is a highly rated school in the area, but it has a school body size that exceeds 2,000 if that is important to you as a parent. While that figure may seem high, it is actually pretty common for the area. North Salinas High School may be the right fit for your student if student to teacher ratios are something that you value.

      The National Steinbeck Center is an interactive museum in Salinas that has a gift shop that is also worth checking out. Salinas Rodeo is a large park in the area that is filled with children on weekends when parents like to come and visit with their friends while their children play on the swings or slides. Tatum's Garden is another popular park that has some of the prettiest gardens in town.

      Salinas' traffic is typically not an issue, but you can always do your part to reduce the number of the cars that are out on the streets by taking advantage of the city's outstanding public transit system. Monterey-Salinas Transit offers bus service to many of the city's most important businesses and landmarks.

      Salinas' downtown area has a number of can't miss restaurants that are pushing the envelope with modern and fresh dishes. Patria, Salinas City BBQ, and El Zacatecano are all worth a visit since they consistently nail on the presentation and flavor of the dishes that come out of their kitchens.

      F Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Salinas? Well, there are not many amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      All Veterans Memorial Park
      Constitution Soccer Fields
      Laurel Heights Park
      Cesar Chavez Community Park
      Tatum's Garden
      Exposition Grounds
      Sherwood Park
      Santa Lucia Park

      Entertainment

      Outdoor Theater / Stage
      Maya Cinemas
      National Steinbeck Center
      TheFoxTheaterSalinas
      John Steinbeck House
      ARIEL Theatrical, Inc.
      Century 14 Northridge Mall
      Valley Center Bowl

      Food & Drink

      In-N-Out Burger
      Subway
      Baskin-Robbins
      BKM Healthy Foods
      Jack in the Box
      Panda Express
      Bozzos Liquor
      Winchell's Donut House

      A+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Salinas? Of all people who commute, 1.0% take public transportation in Salinas.
      Drive to Work
      71%

      5% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      1%

      4% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      1%

      2% lower than the US average

      A- Health & Safety

      Is Salinas a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Natividad Medical Center
      Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System

      Pharmacies

      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      AllCare Pharmacy

      Doctors

      American Red Cross