$1,131,481Average Value$513Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
Quiet living near Salinas
Eight miles down the road from downtown Salinas is the isolated and sunny neighborhood of River Road. Mountains to the south and the vast farmland that made Salinas famous to the north keep the neighborhood secluded, and developers took advantage of that, building subdivisions of large homes in gated communities throughout the 1990s. “This area’s known as the Sun Belt,” says Catherine Gheen of Gheen Properties, who has more than 15 years of experience in the area. “It’s a warmer climate than in Salinas as we don’t get the fog that Salinas does off the bay.” Nearly 90% of residents own their homes in River Road, and houses sit on quiet, suburban streets.
River Road in Salinas offers a tranquil retreat close to nature.
Discover the charm of a spacious ranch-style home in the serene River Road neighborhood.
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Homes on large, multi-acre lots
Most homes in River Road are large Craftsman or Mediterranean builds with stucco facades and tile roofs. Some houses under construction are in the $700,000 to $750,000 range, but most properties cost between $850,000 and $1.3 million. Gated properties with significant acreage can cost between $1.7 million and $3 million. “The price point is higher than most of Salians Valley, but you are paying for the newer homes, better schools and safety,” says Gheen. Houses sit on quiet residential roads ending in cul-de-sacs. Some subdivisions have sidewalks, but all homes have private driveways and attached garages.
Spanish-influenced homes sit side-by-side in River Road.
Big homes with even bigger views in River Road.
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1 out of 10 CAP score
River Road has a CAP Index score of 1 out of 10 compared to the national average of 4, ranking extremely low on both violent and property crime. “Salinas has had some crime issues, but you’re isolated, and criminals aren’t going to go out of their way to come down here,” says Terri Cesena of Berkshire Hathaway HS Real Time Realty, who has nearly a decade of experience in the area. “Families can move here and feel safe.”
River Road blends rural charm with modern convenience in Salinas.
Las Palmas Ranch is a planned community nestled in the hills of River Road.
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Schooling at Salinas High
Kids in River Road attend the Spreckles Union Elementary School District, beginning at Spreckles Elementary, which holds a B-plus grade on Niche. “The schools are a big draw and are considered stronger than the ones inside Salinas proper,” says Gheen. Buena Vista Middle School has a B-grade and an 18-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Teens head 6 miles up the road to Salinas High, which has served the area since 1920. Salinas High has a B-plus Niche rating and offers students the opportunity to enroll in the GREEN Academy, a series of courses providing students with an introduction to the field of Green Technologies and Sustainable Construction.
River Road students can attend Spreckels Elementary School, which has just over 600 students.
River Road students can attend Buena Vista Middle School, home to just over 300 students.
Salinas High School fosters academic excellence in Salinas.
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Monterey Zoo and hiking at Toro Park
The Monterey Zoo sits in the heart of River Road. Locals can check out hundreds of animal species, including bears, primates and big cats. The zoo offers special events where patrons can feed the animals. Acclaim Park is in the neighborhood's west end and provides a playground and open space. Hikers, cyclists and horseback riders hit the 20 miles of unpaved trails at Toro Park, which borders the neighborhood to the west. One of the most popular trails at Toro Park is 1800 Trail; the path gets its name from its elevation change, as hikers will go from sea level to 1,800 feet above sea level and enjoy views of Salinas Valley.
Monterey Zoo in River Road Salinas, CA is a favorite for many spreading across Monterey County.
In River Road Salinas, CA you'll be surprised to find a camel as your next door neighbor.
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Lunch at Mo's River Road Grill
When they want to go out to eat, locals head to Mo’s River Road Grill, the neighborhood’s only restaurant. Mo’s customers are greeted with flowers on each table and can dine on a covered patio with heaters and string lights. Residents head 4 miles down River Road to the Odonata Winery, which offers tastings every day of the week. The winery has an indoor tasting room and an outdoor patio with fireplaces and cornhole boards. For shopping, the Spreckels Emporium, a community fixture since 1898, is 2 miles away. The main level features El Valle Market, which sells coffee, domestic beer, wine, greeting cards, craft soaps and locally sourced snacks. Sitting on the store floor is a previous owner’s refurbished 1955 Jeep Willys Station Wagon, which was used to make local deliveries. For a full grocery shop, Nob Hill Foods is 3 miles away in South Salinas.
Order a BBQ bacon burger at T&A Cafe in River Road.
T&A Cafe in River Road is a go-to lunch stop.
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Highway 68 to Salinas
Highway 68 takes locals 6 miles into downtown Salinas for work or more shopping and dining options. Highway 1 provides access to Monterey, 19 miles down the road, and the Monterey Regional Airport. There is no public transportation in the neighborhood, so locals will need a car to get around.
Catch a bus along highway 68 in River Road.
Reach Salinas shopping and dining from River Road via Highway 68 in minutes.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ben Strock,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Fort Ord National Monument
Toro County Park
Spreckels Memorial Park
Picnic Area
Tennis
Trails
Kelton Park
Transit
Airport
Monterey Regional
23 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
River Road
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in River Road, Salinas sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in River Road, Salinas over the last 12 months is $1,149,101, down 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Gorgeous Las Palmas Ranch home is in move-in condition with neutral colors & upgrades throughout. First floor has wood flooring with an office/bedroom, full bathroom, living room, open kitchen/dining/family room, formal dining room, and laundry room. Generous sized rooms. Spacious open floorplan with soaring ceilings, upgraded open kitchen with granite counters and large center butcher block
Welcome to this spacious 4-bedroom, 3.5 bathroom, single story located in the beautiful River Road corridor. Spanning 2,792 SF. Situated on a generous lot of approximately 1 acre with views of Salinas Valley & Santa Lucia Mountains. Open floor plan ensures seamless flow throughout, ideal for gatherings and creating lasting memories. Newly painted exterior, garage doors and approx. 1000 SF
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home located in the beautiful neighborhood of Las Palmas. This turnkey move in ready home offers 1,394 sq ft with a cozy and functional layout. The kitchen is well-equipped with granite countertops, a gas range, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and garbage disposal, making it ideal for home cooking enthusiasts. Enjoy family gatherings in this
PRICE IMPROVEMENT!! Welcome to your new home in the vibrant Las Palmas! This spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom property offers 1,394 sq ft of comfortable living space. The kitchen/family room combo creates an inviting atmosphere, perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy meal times in the dining area, which seamlessly connects to the living room, highlighted by a cozy fireplace.
Nestled in the sought-after Las Palmas Ranch community, this stunning fully upgraded 6-bedroom, 3-bathroom home seamlessly blends modern elegance with serene natural surroundings. Spanning 2,581 sqft on a spacious corner lot, this property offers a rare combination of luxury, space, and tranquility. Step into a chef's paradise with a fully upgraded kitchen featuring top-of-the-line stainless
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ben Strock,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
4,339
Median Age
46
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
23.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$171,065
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$186,458
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.2%
College Graduates
62.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
16''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
72°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
13/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
7/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
