Salinas is the county seat and most populous city in Monterey County, home to an estimated 155,465 people, of whom about 8.9% are aged 65 and over. The city’s beautiful climate is a factor in its popularity with seniors, as is its excellent medical facilities. Salinas Valley is rich and fertile, resulting in the area becoming known as the “salad bowl of the world.” This fertility seeps into the city, adding to the magnificence of local beauty spots, such as Sherwood Park, and into its cultural wealth. Salinas is the birthplace of John Steinbeck and home to the National Steinbeck Center.
Assisted living provides independent-minded seniors with a comfortable and safe place to live, meals prepared by chefs and housekeeping and laundry services. Many also provide limited medical services, and most organize recreational activities for their residents. Fees can vary, but the typical monthly cost for an assisted living placement in Salinas is $7,100, about 34.7% above the state average.
This guide goes into more detail about assisted living costs in this part of the state, discusses the benefits and drawbacks of living in Salinas and lists some useful resources for seniors in the city.