Renters face limited housing market in Monterey

Beautiful beaches and great weather make Monterey an attractive place to live. But for new residents like Katie Kleeberger, it’s a test to find an apartment, especially one that doesn’t break the bank.

“I didn’t realize it was going to be that expensive to move out here. I knew it was going to be expensive but not quite as expensive as it is,” said Kleeberger.

In April, Kleeberger and her dogs moved from Minnesota to Monterey. She said finding a place to live was near impossible and extremely competitive.

“With so many people moving here it’s really hard to even get your foot in the door. So it was hard to find any place to live,” said Kleeberger.

Principal planner Elizabeth Carakar announced the city is turning to mixed-use development at a housing workshop Monday night. She said the city of Monterey is updating its housing plan for the future. But while city planners want to create more housing, they’re facing one big challenge – there’s just not many vacant lots available anymore.

“(Mixed use development) is building those apartments and condominiums above office space and commercial space. That’s what we have room for because we don’t have a lot of vacant land here in the city but we do have opportunities to increase densities,” said Carakar.

Carakar said those opportunities are in the downtown area, North Fremont and Lighthouse Avenue – places where people can live close to jobs and public transportation.

“That’s better for the environment, better for traffic congestion and more energy efficient,” said Carakar.

But Kleeberger said pet friendly housing also needs to be part of the conversation.

“I think it’s the huge because it is such a dog friendly area except when it comes to renting,” said Kleeberger.