Ensconced in the valley just south of Salinas, Spreckels got its start as a company town built around the Spreckels Sugar Plant in the late 1890s. The sugar beet factory was the largest in the world at the time. Spreckels Sugar has since moved its operations out of the tiny town, but vestiges of the town’s original atmosphere remain, preserved in the layout of the wide residential streets and the many early-20th-century homes and buildings still standing today. Even the park at its heart remains, though it’s been updated with 21st-century play structures and sports courts. “If it weren’t for the modern amenities, the town would seem like a perfect time capsule,” says Realtor Angela Savage, with Steinbeck Real Estate. The Salinas local has worked with clients buying and selling homes in the area for more than 15 years. While the farmhouse and Craftsman-style homes in Spreckels aren’t often for sale, Savage says that when they do go on the market, they sell quickly. “There are a few reasons, but it really boils down to the fact that it’s a nice, well-maintained little town with good schools,” she says.
Monterey Zoo is a just a quick drive from Spreckels, California.
In Spreckels, California vast field of agriculture are grown.
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Living in a time capsule
The town’s agricultural roots are on display even today in the early 20th-century farmhouse-style homes that still stand on the wide residential streets. But there are also 1920s and ‘30s Craftsman-style homes, 1970s bungalows and even homes built in the early 2000s and designed to fit the town’s vintage aesthetic. Prices here range from $770,000 for a single-story, four-bedroom ‘70s bungalow to $975,000 for a two-story, three-bedroom 1910s farmhouse. “Homes sell for less than the median for Monterey County and homes sell for about the median for Monterey County there, it’s a decently wide range,” says Savage. “But like in Salinas, there’s an inventory problem,” she says. “It’s a tiny town to begin with, so there aren’t usually that many homes on the market. But there’s really been nothing available recently. And when a house does go on the market, it sells quickly.”
Spreckels Veterans' Memorial Building in Spreckels, California is worth the visit.
Row of new Colonials and two-story Craftsmans line the streets in Spreckels, California.
A two story new colonial craftsman blend in Spreckels, California has an inviting feel.
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Highly rated Spreckels and Salinas schools
Neighborhood kids attend highly sought-after Spreckels and Salinas school districts between kindergarten and 12th grade. Youngsters go to Spreckels for elementary school and continue to Buena Vista for middle school. Teens finish their grade school careers at Salinas High. In 2023, Spreckels got a B-minus from Niche, Buena Vista got a B and Salinas High got a B-plus. Salinas High Cowboys can join the school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter. Members compete in county fairs in nearby Monterey and San Benito showing swine, sheep, goats and rabbits, attend National FFA conferences out-of-state and participate in public speaking competitions.
Spreckels Elementary School in Spreckels, California has a lovely campus and an inviting feel.
In Spreckels, California you can have the backdrop of the green fields at Spreckels Elementary.
Salinas High School services Spreckels, California and is now in session!
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Historic neighborhood park
Spreckels Memorial Park lies between Second and Third Streets in the middle of Spreckels’ grid-patterned residential section. It dates back to the town’s early days; though the amenities have been updated, its location and layout in relation to the neighborhood are original. Today, Spreckels youngsters can burn off their boundless energy on the playground and locals of all ages enjoy the paved multiuse path, practice baseball field and tennis court.
In Spreckels, California get in a game of tennis at Spreckels Memorial Park
In Spreckels, California basketball is available at Spreckels Memorial Park
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Local market down the street
Residents can visit El Valle Market for everyday groceries, snacks and beverages. The market’s vintage Western Main Street-style exterior is complemented by old-timey touches on the inside, like a 1950s van being used as a display case and a cheery red Coca-Cola cooler. It’s located less than half a mile from most homes, on Spreckels Avenue next to the local post office and the Spreckels Volunteer Fire Department. For a retail therapy session or to stock up at big box stores like Costco and Walmart, most residents head north up Highway 68 into Salinas.
In Spreckels, California, hats are on display at El Valle Market.
In Spreckels, California, El Valle Market is great place to grab a coffee.
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In Spreckels, California, you'll find a historical district perfect for its small 373 population
Getting around Salinas Valley
Because there’s no public transportation readily available, most residents use cars to get around. But locals can hop on Highway 68, just over a mile and a half west down Spreckels Avenue, to drive wherever they need to go easily. Downtown Salinas is just 5 miles north up the highway. Access to Highway 101 and the Salinas Municipal Airport are even closer. It takes about 10 minutes to do the 4-mile drive to the 101 and just a couple of minutes longer to cross it to get to the airport.
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
Jorge Edeza,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Toro County Park
Clairmont Park
Claremont Manor Park
Spreckels Memorial Park
Picnic Area
Tennis
Trails
Kelton Park
Transit
Airport
Monterey Regional
21 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Spreckels
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Spreckels, CA sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Spreckels, CA over the last 12 months is $864,743, down 4% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$860,000
Median Single Family Price
$860,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$478
Last 12 months Home Sales
15
Median List Price
$965,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
5%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-10%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
85
Median Year Built
1972
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,718
Below the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jorge Edeza,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
655
Median Age
34
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
30.5%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$80,416
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$109,289
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
71.2%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
19.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.9%
% Population in Labor Force
61.5%
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®
30/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
41/ 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.
