The City of Salinas anchors the northern part of the Salinas Valley and is the Monterey County seat. The city stands in its historic rural setting, poised to capitalize on the opportunities of the future. With a population exceeding 130,000 there is constant pressure to grow.

Oldtown Salinas continues is the heart and soul of this thriving community. Splendid examples of Victorian and later era architecture create a pleasurable atmosphere for visitors, professionals, specialty shops, restaurants and community events. The new National Steinbeck Center, a 40,000 square-foot facility in the heart of Oldtown, pays tribute to the Salinas-bred Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Prize winning author John Steinbeck and attracts hundreds of visitors each day.