Salinas hottest housing market in Monterey County

There’s a housing market boom in Salinas.

“The hottest market, hands down, is Salinas,” said Kevin Stone with the Monterey County Association of Realtors.

Stone said the Peninsula isn’t nearly has hot of a market as Salinas. The major agriculture community is more affordable and that’s a big attraction for younger people and first time home buyers.

The average sale price of a home is $444,000. The buyersrange from 25 to 40 years old.

“I think you’re seeing a lot of individuals that just want to take advantage of getting into the market, and having and obtaining the home ownership dream, and Salinas is a good place to do that,” said Stone.

Salinas police Chief Kelly McMillin said it’s no surprise to him.

“I think maybe people are finally figuring out what those of us that have lived here for many, many years, have figured out. That Salinas is an amazing place,” McMillin said.

McMillin said the city often gets a bad reputation because of gang violence.Images of caution tape and police lights can make Salinas look dangerous.

“Salinas gets painted(with a)broad brush because we have a gang violence problem. But people, once they start thinking about it, come to understand that that’s confined to a very small community of people who are active in a gang lifestyle,” McMillin said.

The only problem now, Stone said, is finding enough homes to keep up with the demand.

“May and June have been the strongest months year-to-date. We’re seeing a very competitive market – it’s changed a bit,” Stone said.