Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Seaside, CA
Thinking of moving to Seaside, CA? With a population of 32,366, Seaside offers coastal living with easy access to Monterey Bay and a pleasant year-round climate—expect about 71% sunny days and mild temperatures. Median home prices are around $680,000, with average rents about $2,350, reflecting California’s higher cost of living. Commute times are short (23 minutes on average), and local schools and healthcare options are readily accessible. While property crime rates are higher than average, Seaside’s vibrant, diverse community and proximity to the coast make it an appealing choice for those seeking a relaxed yet connected lifestyle.
Demographics - Seaside, CA
Demographics - Seaside, CA
Seaside is home to around 32,000 residents, with a youthful median age of 33.6 and a nearly balanced gender ratio. The city is known for its diversity, with no single ethnic group in the majority and a significant portion of households speaking a language other than English. This cultural richness creates a welcoming environment for newcomers seeking a vibrant community.
Population:
32,366
Density:
4,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.6
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
41%
Ethnic Composition
White:
27.1%
Black:
7.1%
Asian:
9.3%
Others:
56.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Seaside, CA?
Living in Seaside comes with a higher cost of living, as reflected by a median home value of $680,000 and average monthly rent of $2,350. Expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation are above the national average, indicative of California’s overall price levels. Residents should budget accordingly for housing and daily necessities.
Median House Value:
$680,000
Gross Rent:
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
151.5
Grocery:
126.7
Housing:
221.2
Utilities:
110.5
Transportation:
150.4
Health Care:
108.9
Miscellaneous:
109.5
Crime
Is Seaside, CA a safe place to live?
Seaside experiences a moderate crime rate, with a 1 in 299 chance of being a victim of violent crime and property crimes being more common. While the risk is somewhat higher than the national average, the community is proactive about safety. Prospective residents should take standard precautions but will find many safe and welcoming neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
335
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,080
Crime Index:
2,415
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 299
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Seaside, CA year-round?
Seaside enjoys a mild coastal climate, with summer highs averaging around 70°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 44°F. The city sees about 71% sunny days each year and receives roughly 18.5 inches of rain annually. This temperate weather supports an active, outdoor lifestyle throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
61°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
70°F
Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
71%
Neighbors
Seaside's households have a median income of about $67,000, with a poverty rate of 14.2% and an unemployment rate just under 6%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and a quarter hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The area features a mix of renters and homeowners, with average commutes of around 23 minutes.
Median Income:
$31,020
Household Income:
$67,191
Family Income:
$76,200
Per Capita Income:
$26,500
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
14.2%
Non English Speakers:
41%
Rent:
$2,350
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
2.7%
Commute Time:
23.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80.7%
Bachelors or More:
23.5%
Education
How are the schools in Seaside, CA?
Seaside offers a variety of educational options, including public schools like Seaside High and Martin Luther King Jr. School of the Arts, as well as private institutions such as Chartwell School. The community is also near higher education opportunities, with California State University, Monterey Bay located just 2 miles away. These resources make Seaside a strong choice for families and students.
Public Schools
Name:
Seaside High School
Street:
2200 Noche Buena St
Phone:
831-392-3530
Students:
1,120
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Name:
Martin Luther King Jr. School of the Arts
Street:
1713 Broadway Ave
Phone:
831-899-4734
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.2
Private Schools
Name:
Chartwell School
Street:
2511 Numa Watson Rd
Phone:
831-394-3468
Students:
150
Colleges
Name:
California State University, Monterey Bay
City:
Seaside
State:
CA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
7,500
Name:
Monterey Peninsula College
City:
Monterey
State:
CA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
7,300
Healthcare
Seaside residents have access to quality healthcare, with two major hospitals nearby and a high rate of health insurance coverage at nearly 92%. There are about 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring accessible medical care. The region's healthcare index suggests services are generally reliable and efficient.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
Address:
23625 Holman Hwy, Monterey, CA 93940
Phone:
(831) 624-5311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Natividad Medical Center
Address:
1441 Constitution Blvd, Salinas, CA 93906
Phone:
(831) 755-4111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Seaside, CA?
The housing market in Seaside is competitive, with a median home price of $680,000 and a rental vacancy rate under 5%. About 42% of homes are owner-occupied, and property values have seen modest appreciation in the past year. The market offers a range of options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$680,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
41.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Seaside residents can access DMV services at the conveniently located California Department of Motor Vehicles office on Palm Ave. Standard vehicle registration, licensing, and other motor services are available both in-person and online. The DMV provides resources to help new residents transition their documentation smoothly.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
535 Palm Ave, Seaside, CA 93955
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.