Pros vs. Cons of moving to Salinas. Help Please (Davis: low income, rent)

[jeffredo]

I lived in Salinas seven years (worked in Monterey) and the only thing that happened was my car stereo was stolen from an apartment complex on Casentini when I first moved there. The security officer caught the kid and the court made his parents pay for my deductible.

I had scores of friends in Salinas living all over the city save for the east side. In those seven years I don't know of anyone personally who's been seriously affected by crime. The worse thing was a school teacher who left her purse behind her pickup seat in the school parking lot (and it was broken into). That was her fault for being so careless.

I never feared for my safety there, was out with my friends many evenings going to dinner and movies. I went to a huge church on San Juan Grade (over 1,200 people) and never heard of anyone being a victim of serious crime. Again, worst thing that happened was theft (usually petty). I defy you to find a town or city anywhere that doesn't happen in. The only part of town I avoided was the east side - wasn't there a half dozen times. I will admit the only part of town I really enjoyed living in was South Salinas. It wasn't filled with cheap McMansions and apartments like the Northside - homes are mostly nice ranch houses from the 50s and 60s that have been well taken care of.

If you can afford it, Las Palmas and Toro Park are nice areas. I wouldn't hesitate at all living there.

[Californiagreengal]

Now that I have lived here for a while I can update some a little on what I think of the areas. So I still think there is not much wrong with South Salinas and areas up along highway 68 which is still Salinas. One commenter said don't live in Salinas, but then recommended anywhere off hwy 68, which is still Salinas until the Monterey Border. In most of South Salinas you will see older retirees, lots of white people (if that's what you want to hear), and many working class families, hispanic or white. Old Town Salinas, which is still South is safe enough. I have been there to the movies in afternoon with my hubby and little one and also to some of the shops and theatre and there is nothing wrong with going there. The old town is cute and has a home feeling about it. I was not scared or saw any weirdos that freaked me out at all. I am sure when the economy starts going up, there will be more businesses opening back up down there as well. There is a great little mexican food place and also barbeque place on Market Street. Even though that is not the best street to go down at night (some homeless), it is ok to grab something to eat inside the BBQ and grab some take out at the mexican place (El Charro, I think it's called has the best rice and beans I have tasted anywhere).
There is crime in virtually every city you move to , it is hard to escape. But I have not went to East side to look for it and I hardly hear of crime in the rest of the areas, maybe sometimes in North.
Salinas is a huge city and has many areas.
Personally I do not like Seaside or SandCity, Marina, or SantaCruz. I think most of the areas are ugly and I hear about crime in those cities as well. I like that the sun comes out more here and we don't get so much fog.
So far I like it and my son's school is great!
I have looked at the Monterey districts school scores and the school my son goes to has better scores than Monterey's. He is going to a public school.

[jeffredo]

Thanks for a stereotype breaker Californiagreengal. The best observations and advice come from people who have actually lived in a place for some time, not from those who just repeat what they hear or base a recommendation on driving through a place. Salinas isn't the nicest place in California, but a good two thirds of the town is just fine for day to day living. The climate is awesome and the air is pretty clean. Its location just a stone's throw from some very beautiful places is also compelling.

I had friends and relatives visit while I lived there and many were expecting to walk into this giant gang war between the Norteños and Sureños. Most were pleasantly surprised to find a fairly attractive small city with some pretty neighborhoods, a cute old downtown and a smattering of nice restaurants. The ones from inland California marveled at the 75 degree days in the middle of summer. I still go to Salinas about four times a year (visiting a medical specialist whom I don't want to stop seeing) and I could easily live there again.

[Californiagreengal]

Originally Posted by jeffredo

I had friends and relatives visit while I lived there and many were expecting to walk into this giant gang war between the Norteños and Sureños. Most were pleasantly surprised to find a fairly attractive small city with some pretty neighborhoods, a cute old downtown and a smattering of nice restaurants.

Same thing, my sis told me no, don't live there. It is horrible and gang and violence fill the town. She has never lived here and only hearsay from where she lives near SF . She came to visit and was surprised after seeing the areas. I tell you, I would rather live here than San Francisco or San Jose.

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by Californiagreengal

Same thing, my sis told me no, don't live there. It is horrible and gang and violence fill the town. She has never lived here and only hearsay from where she lives near SF . She came to visit and was surprised after seeing the areas. I tell you, I would rather live here than San Francisco or San Jose.

Glad to hear you are enjoying the area Californiagreengal. I seem to recall you found a place in Las Palmas, right? I have a number of friends living there who seem happy with both Las Palmas I & II developments. One of them have a pretty good middle school also.

Derek

[Hawk J]

If Smalley's Roundup is still open on Market Street, they have real good BBQ Rib's,etc.

Carlo's Pizza was on Alisal street, had great delicious, square pizza's.

[steel7]

When i lived in salinas my home was broken into twice & my car once. It was the low life next door neighbor. I lived near the main post office. I did though like the often cool & foggy summer days. It was refreshing to see the fog come inland from the monterey peninsula on a warm summer day. The summer nights were always cool (50s & low 60s). San francisco is about a 2 hrs drive from salinas.

[Ragnar]

Thanks for giving us the update, Californiagreengal. Glad you a diggin' Salinas. Salinas was not really someplace in the Monterey area that I was interested in checking out until I read your post. I will definitely need to visit next time I am in the area.

Where do typically you go to visit the Pacific Ocean, and how long does it take to get there? Marina State Beach seems a fairly direct drive from Salinas.

[Hawk J]

Originally Posted by Ragnar

Thanks for giving us the update, Californiagreengal. Glad you a diggin' Salinas. Salinas was not really someplace in the Monterey area that I was interested in checking out until I read your post. I will definitely need to visit next time I am in the area.

Where do typically you go to visit the Pacific Ocean, and how long does it take to get there? Marina State Beach seems a fairly direct drive from Salinas.

Marina beach is where all the Hang gliders all go. At least they used to. I don't know about
now. It's about 18-20 mile from Salinas. My friend built a motorized hang glider several lustrums ago.

I used to surf fish by Moss Landing. It's about the same distance. Stop by & get some deepfried Artichoke Hearts from the Giant Artichoke in Castroville. Used to be delicious BBQ at Bing's Diner next door. Might not be there, any more.

Del Monte Beach & Monterey Beach aren't much farther. Take hwy 68.

[steel7]

Dont forget to checkout the red, white & blue beach near santa cruz. Its a intresting beach.