The Greater Monterey /Salinas California market is ranked #124 and is one of California’s most diverse areas. The market includes 4 major areas: Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, and Carmel.

Monterey:
The City of Monterey is located on Monterey Bay along the Pacific coast in central California. As of 2005, the city population was 30,641. The city has a colorful history dating back to the 1700’s under the flags of Spain and Mexico, and today is home to a diverse ethnic population and a key resort destination for people around the world.

As of the 2000 census, there were 12,600 households, and 6,476 families residing in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 80.83% White, 2.52% African American, 0.57% Native American, 7.43% Asian, 0.29% Pacific Islander, 3.91% from other races, and 4.45% from two or more races. 10.86% of the population were Hispanic. The median income for a household in the city was $49,109. There were 12,600 households out of which 21.8% have children under the age of 18.

Salinas:
Salinas is the county seat and largest municipality of Monterey County, with a metropolitan area population of 412,104. While the city's economy is still largely based on agriculture, Salinas has over the past five years become one of the most expensive cities in the country.

As of the 2000 census, there were 151,060 people, 38,298 households, and 30,025 families residing in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 64.10% Hispanic, 45.16% White, 5.90% Asian American, 3.27% African American, 1.26% Native American out of which 49.2% have children under the age of 18 living with them. The median income for a household in the city was $43,728. While the median household income in Salinas remains near the national median at $44,669, the median home price now lies in excess of $630,000 according to the Monterey County Realtors Association.

Santa Cruz:
Santa Cruz is the county seat of Santa Cruz County, California. As of the 2000 census Santa Cruz had a total population of 54,593. It is located on the northern edge of the Monterey Bay. There are 20,442 households out of which 25.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them. The median income for a household in the city was $50,605. Santa Cruz is home to the University of California, Santa Cruz, which was built starting in the 1960s. The principal industries of Santa Cruz are agriculture, tourism, education (UCSC) and high technology.

Carmel:
Carmel-by-the-Sea, sometimes abbreviated as Carmel, is a small town endowed with a rich artistic history situated on the Monterey Peninsula. As of the 2000 census, there are 4,081 residents. The racial makeup of the city is 94.58% White, 0.44% Black or African American, 0.32% Native American, 2.25% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 0.91% from other races, and 1.35% from two or more races. 2.94% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 2,285 households out of which 11.6% have children under the age of 18. The median income for a household in the city is $58,163