Del Rey Oaks, CA

Tucked between Monterey and Seaside, Del Rey Oaks offers a quiet, relaxed neighborhood feel right in the heart of the Monterey Peninsula. With roughly 1,600 residents, it has a friendly, small-town charm with tree-lined streets and mostly single-family homes. A favorite local spot is the Frog Pond Wetland Preserve, where residents enjoy shaded walking trails, serene ponds, and peaceful spots to walk the dog among native oaks and willows.

Location is one of the biggest perks of settling down here. Route 218 runs straight through town, putting Monterey State Beach just five minutes to the west and connecting you easily to Highway 68 for trips toward Salinas. Everyday essentials, restaurants, and schools in neighboring Seaside and Monterey are just a short drive away, giving you the perks of Peninsula living alongside a calm, tucked-away home base.