Prunedale, CA

Prunedale retained its orchard-inspired name even after early plum trees failed for lack of irrigation and fertilizer. Charles Langley, a Watsonville banker and early settler, operated the local post office; it opened in 1894, closed in 1908, and reopened in 1953. Langley Canyon Road recalls his family. The Monterey County community grew from 17,560 residents in 2010 to 18,885 in 2020. U.S. Route 101 places Salinas about seven miles south and Gilroy 20 miles north. Langley Creek follows the highway through Prunedale and is visible near Tustin Road and again near Prunedale South and Blackie roads.