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Installation Guide

Presidio of Monterey

Army Monterey, California

Off-Base Living

Top neighborhoods near Presidio of Monterey

Seaside

City bordering the Presidio with the most affordable housing on the Monterey Peninsula — a diverse military community with direct gate access.

5–10 min to main gate

Military communityAffordableSuburban

Monterey (Downtown / New Monterey)

Beautiful historic city adjacent to the Presidio with world-class restaurants, the aquarium, and scenic coastal living.

10–15 min to main gate

HistoricWalkableWaterfront

Pacific Grove

Charming Victorian seaside city on the peninsula tip known as 'Butterfly Town, USA' with some of the best coastline on the peninsula.

15–20 min to main gate

HistoricWaterfrontFamily-friendly
Schools

Monterey Peninsula Unified School District

MPUSD serves Monterey, Seaside, and Pacific Grove with a diverse student population reflecting the international student body at the Defense Language Institute.

What families should know

  • Monterey High School has strong arts and language programs
  • Pacific Grove Unified (separate district) consistently rates higher than MPUSD
  • DLI brings an extraordinary linguistic diversity to local schools
Things to Do

Life around Presidio of Monterey

Attraction

Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the world's great aquariums with stunning exhibits on the Cannery Row waterfront — a must-experience for every Presidio family.

Outdoors

17-Mile Drive

Iconic scenic coastal drive through Pebble Beach with world-famous views, cypress trees, and the Lone Cypress.

Outdoors

Lovers Point Park

Stunning Pacific Grove park on Monterey Bay with beach access, snorkeling, and incredible whale watching from the shore.

Dining

Schooner's Coastal Kitchen

Beachfront dining at the Monterey Marriott with fresh seafood and Bay views — a local favorite for special occasions.

Shopping

Del Monte Shopping Center

The primary shopping center in Monterey with major retailers and restaurants convenient to the Presidio.

Attraction

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Fairy-tale ocean village minutes from the Presidio with galleries, wine tasting, and the white sand beach at Carmel Beach.

Housing Market

Buying or renting near Presidio of Monterey

Home Prices

$700,000–$1,200,000

Typical Rent

$2,400–$3,800/mo

The Monterey Peninsula is one of the most expensive coastal California markets. Seaside is the most affordable option for military families. BAH is generous but ownership remains a challenge on most military salaries.

Popular neighborhoods: Seaside, Del Rey Oaks, Pacific Grove

Buying near Presidio of Monterey with a VA loan: $0 down and no PMI. Estimate your allowance with the BAH calculator, follow the PCS checklist, and read the full VA Loan Guide before you go under contract.

Orders to Presidio of Monterey?

Get pre-approved before you arrive. A VA loan specialist can have your numbers ready this week.

Call (719) 259-2246