Salinas Apartments For Rent

Overview of Salinas

Just a 20-minute drive from the California coast, Salinas is home to many festivals and attractions that keep its residents busy and plenty of job opportunities that enrich its ever-growing economy. The gorgeous climate in Salinas offers plenty of sunshine, and the proximity to the shore sends breezes that give the city pollutant-free air year-round.

People looking for apartments for rent in Salinas will join a community known as the "Salad bowl of the world," known for its production of crops, plethora of farmers markets, small businesses and easy access to some of the best farmland and agriculture in California - perfect for people living an eco-friendly, healthy lifestyle.

Living in Salinas, CA

Not surprisingly, Salinas has always been known as an agricultural goldmine. Native American tribes first lived on land now known as Salinas, but the farming boom didn't occur until the mid-1800s, when the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks were build in the city and a town plan was formed. Today, that agricultural framework has created a $2 billion industry that supplies America with 80 percent of its lettuce and artichoke crops.

The city also boasts large-scale broccoli, mushroom, strawberry production in addition to acres of lush flowers and grape vineyards. Rather than buying produce from the grocery store aisles, health-minded locals have the luxury of purchasing food directly from Salinas farmers.

Salinas Work and Study

Prospective residents looking for apartments in Salinas don't have to be farmers to find work; in fact, Salinas is home to more than 100 manufacturing firms. The city's largest employers include Dole Fresh Vegetables, Monterey County, Tanimura and Antle, Fresh Express Fresh Food, the Monterey Peninsula School District and local healthcare establishments. The top 10 employers have a workforce of more than 25,000 residents.

Although Salinas is located near well-known colleges and universities, such as Cal Poly, Cal State East Bay, Fresno State, Sacramento State San Francisco State and San Jose State, Stanford, UC Davis and UC Santa Cruz, its proximity to the Academy of Art College in San Francisco is especially notable. The city of Salinas upholds art preservation and is home to local artists, a thriving art scene and numerous galleries and art shows that appeal to a diverse base of art fans.

Rentals in Salinas, CA, and Cost of Living

Salinas residents are younger than the average California resident - 28 years old compared to 45 - and the city's unique housing options reflect that statistic. In addition to the city's Spanish housing influences, urban condominiums and rural cottages, Salinas has a 3.5 percent residential vacancy rate and approximately 10,833 apartment units for the many people who choose to rent in the culturally diverse city.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average apartment or rental property in 2009 was $986, but nearness to local restaurants and the hopping downtown area known as Oldtown Salinas add value, price and desirability to rental properties.

Salinas Attractions and Special Events

Home to world-famous author John Steinbeck, Salinas is home to the annual Steinbeck Festival and the National Steinbeck Center and Museum.

But that's not the only attraction Salinas is home to. Residents can visit the California Rodeo, International Airshow, the Pinnacles National Monument, local wineries in South Monterey County, art walks, live theater productions and the historic missions of San Juan Bautista, Soledad, Carmel and San Antonio de Padua. Who says California is all about its beaches, anyway?

To find a Salinas apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.