Seaside, a city in Monterey County with a population of just over 31,000, was once near the bustling Fort Ord military base, but today the town on the Central California Coast is known as a quiet alternative to some of the busier areas of the Monterey Peninsula. “It’s a great starter place for people who want to be on the peninsula,” says Susan Bianchi of Above and Beyond Real Estate, who has over two decades of experience in Seaside. “Historically, there has been less industry here than in other parts of the peninsula, but that’s changing. However, the area is still probably mostly people who commute to Monterey, Salinas or up to San Jose for work.” Bianchi credits the one-way streets near the ocean for giving Seaside the feel of a classic beach town, while inland golf courses, new restaurants and large homes further inland give the town a suburban feel.
Savor artisanal brews at Seaside's Acme Coffee Roasting.
A lot of beach homes are built near Del Monte Beach in Seaside.
Locals in Seaside love watching the waves crashing on to the shore.
Seaside is a great place for suburban and beachfront living.
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Single-family houses with ocean views
As of December 2024, the median price for a single-family home in Seaside was $840,000. Historically, Seaside had three-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath homes spanning about 1,000 square feet, but many of those homes are being torn down and rebuilt into larger residences, Bianchi says. “It’s a unique mix of brand-new builds and midcentury homes,” she says. Many of the more expensive properties are located further inland at a high elevation with views of the ocean. While most Seaside properties are single-family homes, condos and manufactured homes also exist within city limits.
Seaside community with ocean in background in Seaside, California
Unique landscaping in Seaside, California
Spanish contemporary home in Seaside, California
Aerial capturing Spanish style homes with close proximity to the ocean in Seaside, California
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Golf courses and Monterey State Beach
Seaside has 25 city-sponsored parks and sports complexes. The largest is Laguna Grande Regional Park, a 13-acre space with a soccer field, playgrounds, a walking path and a large lagoon for fishing and goose feeding. Two par 72 golf courses are in the north end of town on land that used to belong to Fort Ord. In 1997, the city of Seaside purchased and renovated the courses, which currently host tournaments throughout the year. Seaside residents also have direct access to Monterey State Beach, where locals fish, surf and play volleyball on the soft sand beach. “I used to take my kids out there to go crawdad fishing in the tidepools,” says Bianchi. “You can park right across from the Costco and walk to the beach, so you have your shopping and your fun right there.”
Challenge your skills at the renowned Bayonet & Black Horse, Seaside's pride.
Unwind at this serene stretch of Monterey State Beach, a haven for beachcombing and sunset views
Laguna Grande Regional Park playground in Seaside, California
Laguna Grande Regional Park soccer field in Seaside, California
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Festivals at Laguna Grande Regional Park
The city hosts events throughout the year, including Movies in the Park and Sunday Blues in the Park in the summer at Laguna Grande Regional Park. The town celebrates its military history at the Red, White and Blues festival each July 4th at City Hall, and the Pattullo Swim Center hosts events like the Summer Kick Off Party and the Pumpkin Plunge each October.
Dining on Del Monte Boulevard
New restaurants and breweries have popped up in Seaside over the past few years along Del Monte and Fremont boulevards. “Before that, people had to go into Monterey for a decent meal, but that’s not the case anymore,” says Bianchi. Fremont Boulevard has boutique clothing and grocery stores, and big box retailers are just west of Fremont in Sand City. The Del Monte Shopping Center has plenty of retail options just south in Monterey.
Other Brother Beer Company offers artisan beers in the Seaside area.
Grocery Outlet has the best prices for budget conscious shoppers in Seaside.
Revitalize your space with supplies from Seaside's Home Depot.
Shop the latest trends and essentials at Seaside's Target.
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Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
Kids in the area attend the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, which has a B-plus grade on Niche. The district serves 9,200 students and has ten elementary schools, six middle schools and four high schools. On the northern end of the city is Cal State Monterey Bay, a four-year college offering 23 bachelor's degrees and seven master's programs.
Seaside High School’s inclusive environment supports every student in Seaside.
Seaside Middle School emphasizes STEM education and creative arts.
Ord Terrace Elementary School in Seaside, California
Chartwell School in Seaside fosters creativity and critical thinking.
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Traveling Highway 1 and Route 101
Residents can take a 6-mile drive down Highway 1 to get to Monterey, which is home to the nearest commercial airport, or take the 1 to Route 101 and drive 70 miles north to San Jose. Salinas is 14 miles northeast. Monterey-Salinas Transit buses provide transportation to Marina, Sand City and other nearby cities. The city of Seaside is working to renovate local roads and to create a multi-use trail for exercise throughout the town. There are also plans in place to completely remodel two Seaside Fire Stations.
Mild climate all year long
According to the FBI, property crime in Seaside has decreased over the past five years. The city’s property crime rate is lower than both state and national averages. Violent crime rates have remained steady and are slightly above California and U.S. averages. Seaside Police participates in National Night Out, an event encouraging neighbors to engage in stronger relationships with one another and the local police department. The weather in Seaside stays steady between 60 and 70 degrees for most of the year; precipitation increases during the winter months.
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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.
