Looking for information on Monterey area and good places to live. (Santa Cruz: to rent, crime)

[pyratman]

I am moving to Monterey, Ca for a new job. Wanted to know of a good area to live. I was looking at Watsonville area. I am willing to commute but not sure about the traffic.

Any suggestions?

[coyoteskye]

Originally Posted by pyratman

I am moving to Monterey, Ca for a new job. Wanted to know of a good area to live. I was looking at Watsonville area. I am willing to commute but not sure about the traffic.

Any suggestions?

Watsonville is in Santa Cruz county.
There are parts of Watsonville that are fine.
There are parts of Watsonville where you may not want to live.
The commute to Monterey (down HWY1) is going against the crazy rush hour traffic so it's not too bad although i'm wondering why you'd not just live in Monterey?
MtnSurfer who posts regularly on the CA forum knows a lot about Monterey area.
Perhaps he'll be along soon.

[MtnSurfer]

Well,

I would start with Monterey, then Seaside and Marina. The latter two are more affordable with some good and not so good areas. But Watsonville has some good and bad parts as well. Like Castroville it is home to many farm laborers and higher crime with some gang issues.

A lot really depends on you and your family (if any). Why wouldn't you look closer to work first? Are you looking to rent/buy? If price is the issue I don't think Watsonville is much less than Seaside or Marina, especially when you factor in gas and wear and tear on your car. I work in Seaside and we do have ppl who commute in from Santa Cruz. But you need a good reason to spend that much extra time on the road every day.

My 2c,

Derek