Presidio of Monterey Comprehensive Guide
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Presidio of Monterey Housing Guide
The Presidio of Monterey, located in beautiful Monterey, California, is home to the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC).
This guide will help veterans and military families navigate the local housing market, understand VA loan benefits, explore the best neighborhoods, learn about on-base housing options, and discover off-base rental options.
On-Base Housing Options
For military families assigned to the Presidio of Monterey, on-base housing is available through Monterey Bay Military Housing. Managed by Lincoln Military Housing, the base offers various housing options, including family-friendly neighborhoods with proximity to the Defense Language Institute and essential amenities.
| Neighborhood | Home Type | Features | Pricing (Approximate) |
|---|
| La Mesa Village | Single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes | Located near the Naval Postgraduate School, this neighborhood offers playgrounds, community centers, and easy access to schools. | $2,200 – $3,000/month (depending on rank and family size) |
| Ord Military Community | Single-family homes and duplexes | Situated close to Marina, Ord Military Community offers spacious homes, parks, and walking trails, along with a commissary and exchange. | $2,100 – $3,200/month |
| Fritzsche Village | Duplexes and townhomes | Located near the heart of the Presidio, this area offers smaller homes ideal for smaller families or individuals. | $2,000 – $2,800/month |
| La Mesa Terrace | Apartments and townhomes | Offers more compact living, ideal for service members without large families, and provides convenient access to the base. | $1,800 – $2,500/month |
On-base housing includes services such as 24/7 maintenance, community events, and a pet-friendly environment. Visit the Monterey Bay Military Housing website for more details and to apply for on-base housing.
Off-Base Rental Options
For veterans and military families who prefer to live off-base, there are several rental options in the Monterey area. Below are local apartments with pricing for 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units.
| Apartment Name | Location | 1-Bedroom Price | 2-Bedroom Price |
|---|
| Ocean View Apartments | Monterey, CA | $2,100/month | $2,600/month |
| Villa Del Mar Apartments | Seaside, CA | $1,900/month | $2,300/month |
| Seabreeze Apartments | Marina, CA | $1,800/month | $2,200/month |
| Monterey Pines Apartments | Monterey, CA | $2,000/month | $2,500/month |
| The Herald Apartments | Pacific Grove, CA | $2,300/month | $2,700/month |
| Cypress Ridge Apartments | Salinas, CA | $1,750/month | $2,150/month |
| Del Monte Apartments | Monterey, CA | $2,100/month | $2,600/month |
These rental options provide a range of pricing based on location and amenities, and many apartments offer military discounts or flexible leasing terms for military families.
Best Off-Base Neighborhoods for Veterans
The Monterey area offers a range of housing options, from coastal communities to more suburban neighborhoods. Veterans and military families will find various amenities and community support throughout the region. Here are some of the top neighborhoods near the Presidio of Monterey that cater to veterans and their families.
| Neighborhood | Average Home Price | Overview | Benefits |
|---|
| Pacific Grove | $1,100,000 | A charming coastal town known for its Victorian homes and scenic waterfront. | Access to top-rated schools, beaches, and vibrant cultural events. |
| Seaside | $700,000 | A diverse, family-friendly community with affordable housing options. | Close to the base, budget-friendly, and near shopping and dining. |
| Monterey | $950,000 | The heart of the Monterey Peninsula, offering a mix of historic homes and modern developments. | Scenic coastal views, close to the base, and access to outdoor activities. |
| Marina | $650,000 | A growing community with newer homes, just a short drive from the Presidio. | Affordable housing, beaches, and growing amenities. |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea | $1,500,000 | An upscale, artistic community known for its galleries, fine dining, and beautiful beaches. | High-end living, stunning views, and cultural experiences. |
| Del Rey Oaks | $850,000 | A small, quiet residential community offering suburban living close to the base. | Family-friendly, peaceful, and close to local amenities. |
| Salinas | $600,000 | A larger city offering more affordable housing options with suburban and rural areas. | Budget-friendly, access to agriculture and outdoor activities. |
| Pebble Beach | $2,000,000+ | A luxurious gated community known for its world-class golf courses and exclusive amenities. | High-end living, golf, and stunning ocean views. |
Local Housing Market Overview
Current Market Trends
| Trend | Description |
|---|
| High Demand | Monterey Peninsula is a highly desirable area with competitive housing options. |
| Luxury and Budget-Friendly Options | The market offers a mix of high-end luxury homes and more affordable options in surrounding communities. |
| Strong Rental Market | Many rental properties cater to military families, ranging from apartments to single-family homes. |
| Tight Inventory | Due to high demand and limited space, inventory can be tight, so act quickly when finding a suitable property. |
| Military Community Support | Neighborhoods around the base, such as Seaside and Marina, are particularly supportive of military families and offer a sense of community. |
Understanding VA Loans
Key Benefits of VA Loans
| Benefit | Description |
|---|
| No Down Payment Required | Veterans can purchase a home without needing a down payment, which is crucial in higher-cost markets like Monterey. |
| Lower Interest Rates | VA loans offer competitive rates, making homeownership more affordable for veterans. |
| No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) | VA loans do not require PMI, reducing the overall cost of homeownership. |
| Flexible Credit Guidelines | Veterans with less-than-perfect credit can still qualify for VA loans, making homeownership more accessible. |
| Limited Closing Costs | VA caps closing costs, which can be significant savings for veterans. |
| Ability to Reuse Benefits | Veterans can use their VA loan benefits multiple times for new purchases or refinancing. |
Community and Lifestyle
Local Amenities and Attractions
Tips for Navigating the Housing Market
- Research and Plan Ahead: Monterey Peninsula’s competitive market means planning and quick decision-making are essential.
- Utilize VA Benefits: Work with knowledgeable VA loan lenders to take advantage of the benefits in high-cost areas like Monterey.
- Explore Different Areas: Visit multiple neighborhoods to find the best fit for your lifestyle and commute.
- Work with Military-Focused Real Estate Agents: Real estate agents familiar with military relocations can streamline the home-buying process.
- Consider Long-Term Needs: Factor in future deployments and assignments when choosing a neighborhood and home.
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Things to Do Near Presidio of Monterey
Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, family-friendly attractions, or veteran services, this guide provides helpful information to make the most of your time near the base.
Outdoor Activities
| Business Name | Details | Address | Veteran Discount |
|---|
| Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail | Scenic 18-mile trail for biking, jogging, or walking with views of the Pacific Ocean. | Monterey Bay, CA | No discount listed |
| Point Lobos State Natural Reserve | Spectacular ocean views, hiking trails, and wildlife watching, including sea otters. | 62 CA-1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923 | No discount listed |
| Veterans Memorial Park | Offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and camping for veterans and families. | 1200 Veterans Dr, Monterey, CA 93940 | Free for veterans |
| Garland Ranch Regional Park | Ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and picnicking with scenic views of Carmel Valley. | 700 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924 | No discount listed |
| Monterey Bay Aquarium | Famous aquarium featuring marine life exhibits, including jellyfish and sea otters. | 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 | Discount for veterans |
Dining Options
| Business Name | Details | Address | Veteran Discount |
|---|
| Rosine’s Restaurant | Popular for American comfort food and signature desserts. | 434 Alvarado St, Monterey, CA 93940 | 10% discount for veterans |
| Hula’s Island Grill | Hawaiian-inspired dishes in a fun, tropical setting. | 622 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA 93940 | No discount listed |
| Montrio Bistro | Upscale farm-to-table American cuisine. | 414 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA 93940 | No discount listed |
| The Fish Hopper | Seafood restaurant with stunning ocean views. | 700 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 | 10% discount for veterans |
| Tarpy’s Roadhouse | Casual dining with steaks, seafood, and comfort food. | 2999 Monterey Salinas Hwy, Monterey, CA 93940 | 10% discount for veterans |
| Alvarado Street Brewery | Local brewery with craft beers and casual pub fare. | 426 Alvarado St, Monterey, CA 93940 | No discount listed |
| Wild Plum Café | Health-conscious café offering organic, locally sourced meals. | 731 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA 93940 | No discount listed |
Entertainment
| Business Name | Details | Address | Veteran Discount |
|---|
| Monterey Bay Aquarium | Interactive exhibits showcasing marine life. | 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 | Discounts for veterans |
| Carmel Mission Basilica | Historic mission with tours and museum exhibits. | 3080 Rio Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923 | No discount listed |
| Golden State Theatre | Restored theater hosting concerts and live performances. | 417 Alvarado St, Monterey, CA 93940 | Discounts for veterans |
| Cannery Row | Historic waterfront district with shops and entertainment. | Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 | No discount listed |
| Pacific Repertory Theatre | Regional theater company offering diverse performances. | Monte Verde St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923 | Discounts for veterans |
Family-Friendly Activities
| Business Name | Details | Address | Veteran Discount |
|---|
| Dennis the Menace Park | Playground with slides, swings, and paddleboat rentals. | 777 Pearl St, Monterey, CA 93940 | No discount listed |
| Monterey County Youth Museum | Interactive exhibits for children and families. | 425 Washington St, Monterey, CA 93940 | No discount listed |
| Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History | Exhibits on local wildlife and ecosystems. | 165 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 | No discount listed |
| Lovers Point Park | Scenic park with beach access and picnic areas. | 17th St & Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA | No discount listed |
| Asilomar State Beach | Beach with tide pools, sandy shores, and picnic spots. | Sunset Dr & Asilomar Ave, Pacific Grove, CA | No discount listed |
Veteran Resources and Discounts
| Business Name | Details | Address | Veteran Discount |
|---|
| Veterans Transition Center | Housing and support services for veterans and families. | 220 12th St, Marina, CA 93933 | Free services for veterans |
| VFW Post 694 | Support, advocacy, and social events for veterans. | 800 Stewart Dr, Marina, CA 93933 | Free membership for veterans |
| American Legion Post 41 | Advocacy and social services for veterans and their families. | 2 Aero Club Dr, Monterey, CA 93940 | Discounted membership for veterans |
| California Department of Veterans Affairs | Employment, education, and healthcare resources for veterans. | 1227 O St, Sacramento, CA 95814 | Free services for veterans |
| Monterey Vet Center | Counseling and outreach services for veterans and their families. | 201 13th St, Marina, CA 93933 | Free services for veterans |
Events and Community Services
| Business Name | Details | Address | Veteran Discount |
|---|
| Monterey Veterans Day Parade | Annual parade to honor veterans. | Downtown Monterey, CA | Free for veterans |
| Presidio of Monterey Open House | Base tours, military demonstrations, and community engagement. | Presidio of Monterey, CA | Free for veterans |
| Monterey County Fair | Fair with rides, games, and military appreciation events. | 2004 Fairground Rd, Monterey, CA 93940 | Discounted entry for veterans |
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Military Discounts Near Presidio of Monterey
This guide covers local dining, retail, entertainment, and other services that offer discounts to veterans and active-duty military personnel.
Attractions & Activities Discounts
| Place | Discount | Address |
|---|
| Monterey Bay Aquarium | 20% off admission for veterans | 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA |
| Monterey State Historic Park | 15% off admission | 20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA |
| Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History | Free admission for veterans | 165 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA |
| Lovers Point Park | Free entry | 17th St, Pacific Grove, CA |
| Carmel Mission Basilica | 10% off admission for veterans | 3080 Rio Rd, Carmel, CA |
| Point Lobos State Natural Reserve | Free admission for military personnel | 62 CA-1, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA |
| Dennis the Menace Park | Free admission | 777 Pearl St, Monterey, CA |
| Monterey Museum of Art | 15% off admission for veterans | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA |
Health & Fitness Discounts
| Place | Discount | Address |
|---|
| Monterey Sports Center | 20% off membership for military | 301 E Franklin St, Monterey, CA |
| Carmel Valley Athletic Club | 15% off membership for veterans | 27300 Rancho San Carlos Rd, Carmel, CA |
| In-Shape Monterey | 10% off membership | 2370 Fremont St, Monterey, CA |
| Pacific Grove Health & Fitness | 15% off membership for military | 191 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA |
| Monterey Yoga Shala | 20% off all classes | 611 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA |
| Monterey Peninsula CrossFit | 15% off membership | 1850 Fremont Blvd, Seaside, CA |
Travel Discounts
| Place | Discount | Address |
|---|
| Hertz | 10% off car rentals | 200 Fred Kane Dr, Monterey, CA |
| Enterprise Rent-A-Car | 10% off car rentals | 1178 Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA |
| Amtrak | 15% off train tickets | Various Monterey Locations |
| Hyatt Regency Monterey | 15% off stays for veterans | 1 Old Golf Course Rd, Monterey, CA |
| Carmel Valley Ranch | 10% off stays | 1 Old Ranch Rd, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA |
| Hilton Hotels | 12% off stays | Various Locations |
| La Quinta by Wyndham | 10% off stays | 2401 Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA |
Dining Discounts
| Restaurant | Discount | Address |
|---|
| Old Fisherman’s Grotto | 15% off meals for veterans | 39 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, CA |
| First Awakenings | 10% off meals for veterans | 125 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA |
| Montrio Bistro | 15% off meals | 414 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA |
| Rosine’s Restaurant | 15% off meals | 434 Alvarado St, Monterey, CA |
| Compagno’s Market & Deli | 10% off meals | 2000 Prescott Ave, Monterey, CA |
| The Sardine Factory | 20% off meals for military members | 701 Wave St, Monterey, CA |
| Basil Seasonal Dining | 10% off meals | 7th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA |
| Rocky Point Restaurant | 10% off meals for veterans | 36700 CA-1, Carmel, CA |
Retail Discounts
| Place | Discount | Address |
|---|
| Lowe’s | 10% off purchases | 1130 N Main St, Salinas, CA |
| Home Depot | 10% off purchases | 1890 N Davis Rd, Salinas, CA |
| Target | 10% off total purchase | 2040 California Ave, Sand City, CA |
| Best Buy | 10% off select electronics | 3900 General Jim Moore Blvd, Seaside, CA |
| Costco | Special veteran pricing on memberships | 801 Tioga Ave, Sand City, CA |
| Monterey Bay Clothing Company | 10% off total purchase | 411 Alvarado St, Monterey, CA |
| Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill | 15% off purchases | 426 Alvarado St, Monterey, CA |
| CVS | 10% off total purchase | 686 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA |
Dry Cleaning Discounts
Automotive Discounts
| Place | Discount | Address |
|---|
| Jiffy Lube | 15% off oil changes | 635 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA |
| Firestone Complete Auto Care | 10% off services | 399 E Franklin St, Monterey, CA |
| O’Reilly Auto Parts | 10% off parts | 1401 Del Monte Blvd, Seaside, CA |
| Monterey Motors | 15% off repair services | 636 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA |
| Monterey Peninsula Tires & Auto Repair | 10% off tire services for veterans | 1319 Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA |
Medical & Health Services Discounts
| Place | Discount | Address |
|---|
| CVS Pharmacy | 10% off prescriptions | 686 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA |
| LensCrafters | 20% off eyewear | 1447 Fremont Blvd, Seaside, CA |
| America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses | 10% off glasses | 1552 Fremont Blvd, Seaside, CA |
| Monterey Bay Urgent Care | 15% off services | 245 Washington St, Monterey, CA |
| Pacific Grove Optometry | 10% off exams for veterans | 1095 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA |
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Presidio of Monterey Financial Guide
This financial guide provides essential resources for veterans and their families transitioning to life near Presidio of Monterey in Monterey, California. It includes information on financial advisers, local banks, healthcare services, legal assistance, and additional services tailored specifically to the Monterey area, along with veteran-specific discounts offered by local businesses.
Financial Advisers
| Business Name | Services Offered | Veteran Discount Information | Address |
|---|
| Monterey Financial Advisors | Financial planning, retirement, and investment advice | Waived consultation fees for veterans | 1010 Cass St, Monterey, CA |
| Krilogy Financial | Wealth management, retirement planning, and investments | 10% discount on financial planning services | 2560 Garden Rd, Monterey, CA |
| Pinnacle Financial Services | Tax planning, retirement planning, financial services | Free consultations for veterans | 2511 Garden Rd, Monterey, CA |
| Presidio Financial Planning | Investment management, estate planning, and retirement | 15% off initial financial planning for veterans | 24550 Silver Cloud Ct, Monterey, CA |
| Edward Jones | Financial planning, retirement planning, investments | Waived setup fees for veterans | 26382 Carmel Rancho Ln, Carmel, CA |
Local Banks
| Business Name | Services Offered | Veteran Discount Information | Address |
|---|
| Monterey Credit Union | Personal banking, loans, mortgages, military banking | Special low-interest rates for veterans | 501 E Franklin St, Monterey, CA |
| Central Coast Federal Credit Union | Personal banking, loans, and mortgages | No-fee checking accounts for veterans | 4242 Gigling Rd, Seaside, CA |
| Navy Federal Credit Union | Military banking, loans, credit cards | No-fee checking and low-interest loans for veterans | 1130 Fremont Blvd, Seaside, CA |
| Wells Fargo Bank | Checking, savings, mortgages, personal loans | Waived monthly fees for veterans | 299 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA |
| Chase Bank | Personal banking, savings, loans, and credit cards | Special loan rates and waived monthly fees for veterans | 799 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA |
Legal Assistance
| Business Name | Services Offered | Veteran Discount Information | Address |
|---|
| Davis & Leal Law Offices | Estate planning, veterans’ legal services, family law | 10% discount on legal services for veterans | 200 Camino Aguajito, Monterey, CA |
| Law Office of Alexander Collins | Family law, estate planning, veterans’ legal assistance | Free consultation for veterans | 215 W Franklin St, Monterey, CA |
| Noland Hamerly Etienne & Hoss | Estate planning, personal injury, veterans’ legal services | 15% off legal fees for veterans | 333 Salinas St, Salinas, CA |
| Fenton & Keller | Employment law, estate planning, family law | 10% off services for veterans | 2801 Monterey Salinas Hwy, Monterey, CA |
Employment Resources
| Business Name | Services Offered | Veteran Discount Information | Address |
|---|
| Monterey County Workforce Development | Job placement, training, resume assistance | Free employment services for veterans | 344 Salinas St, Salinas, CA |
| Goodwill Job Connection | Job placement, career services | Free job placement services for veterans | 570 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA |
| California Veterans Employment Services | Employment services, veteran career programs | Free job placement and career counseling for veterans | 420 Fremont Blvd, Seaside, CA |
Healthcare Services
| Business Name | Services Offered | Veteran Discount Information | Address |
|---|
| VA Monterey Clinic | Primary care, mental health, and veteran healthcare | Free healthcare services for eligible veterans | 3401 Engineer Ln, Seaside, CA |
| Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula | General healthcare, surgeries, and veterans’ services | 10% discount on services for veterans | 23625 Holman Hwy, Monterey, CA |
| SVMH Outpatient Care Center | Urgent care, family medicine, veterans’ services | 15% discount on medical services for veterans | 611 Abbott St, Salinas, CA |
| Montage Health | Behavioral health, physical therapy, urgent care | Reduced rates for veterans | 23625 Holman Hwy, Monterey, CA |
| CVS MinuteClinic | Urgent care, vaccines, family medicine | 10% discount on services for veterans | 686 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA |
Veterans Organizations
| Business Name | Services Offered | Veteran Discount Information | Address |
|---|
| American Legion Post 41 | Veterans’ benefits, social events, advocacy | Free membership for active-duty military | 646 Franklin St, Monterey, CA |
| VFW Post 1620 | Veterans support, benefits assistance, community events | Free membership for veterans and active-duty personnel | 1215 S Main St, Salinas, CA |
| DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Chapter 23 | VA claims assistance, benefits support, veteran advocacy | Free services for veterans and families | 649 E Laurel Dr, Salinas, CA |
Childcare and Family Services
| Business Name | Services Offered | Veteran Discount Information | Address |
|---|
| Presidio Child Development Center | Full-time childcare services for military families | Special rates for active-duty military families | 4260 Gigling Rd, Seaside, CA |
| Monterey Peninsula Preschool | Daycare, preschool, and after-school programs | 10% discount for military families | 1232 Broadway Ave, Seaside, CA |
| Bright Horizons Childcare | Full-time and part-time childcare | 15% discount for military families | 3401 Monitor Rd, Monterey, CA |
Transportation Services
| Business Name | Services Offered | Veteran Discount Information | Address |
|---|
| Monterey-Salinas Transit | Public transportation, bus services | Free rides for veterans with valid military ID | 1 Ryan Ranch Rd, Monterey, CA |
| Enterprise Rent-A-Car | Car rentals | 10% discount on car rentals for veterans | 1178 Fremont Blvd, Seaside, CA |
| Hertz | Car rentals | 10% discount for military personnel | 100 Sky Park Dr, Monterey, CA |
| Avis Car Rental | Car rentals | 5% discount for military personnel | 2801 Monterey Salinas Hwy, Monterey, CA |
Counseling and Mental Health Services
| Business Name | Services Offered | Veteran Discount Information | Address |
|---|
| Monterey County Mental Health | Counseling services, substance abuse support for veterans | Free services for veterans | 1270 Natividad Rd, Salinas, CA |
| Montage Behavioral Health | Counseling, mental health services, PTSD support | Reduced rates for veterans | 1000 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA |
| Veterans Crisis Line | Emergency counseling, mental health support | Free, confidential support for veterans | [Online Resource] |
| VA Monterey Clinic | PTSD support, mental health counseling for veterans | Free services for veterans | 3401 Engineer Ln, Seaside, CA |
Transition Tips for Veterans
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