Agent Blog

Aerial view of the recently built Sea Haven community in Marina

 

Marina, Seaside and Sand City are emerging markets across the Monterey Peninsula that are thriving, bustling and booming. These are some of the fastest growing local markets and have so much to offer homebuyers in terms of design, features, investment and proximity to services. Many of our real estate agents are fully integrated into these communities and are proud residents in the area they are selling. This area has seen huge transformations, especially the former Fort Ord in Marina, which has transitioned from a decommissioned army post into an amazing community with a college, parks, trails and more new homes and services being constantly added.

 

Our agents are eager to share some of the most exciting and vibrant features of the community that are enhancing our already wonderful area with more options. These include biking on Fort Ord trails, enjoying newer Marina restaurants like Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette right next to the beach, or quick options like Blaze Pizza, Smash Burger and Dametra Fresh Mediterranean (also located in Carmel and Monterey), the upcoming Brass Tap brewpub, and more.

 

REALTOR® Renee Catania’s first brand-new home with her husband and young children was in the Sea Haven community in Marina, where she also served as a board member. It was a chance for the young family to get the residence they wanted for a relatively affordable price in a developing town while Catania also started selling heavily in the community she quickly grew to love.

 

“The area has so much new energy,” she says. “Between Cal State University Monterey Bay’s growth, the pro soccer team, (Monterey Bay F.C. Union), three new home developments, new restaurants that service the entire Peninsula and future talks of more recreational activities, how can one not get excited?"

 

Photo courtesy of the Monterey Bay F.C.

 

Broker Associate Maria Finkle lives in neighboring East Garrison in Marina, where she has been actively selling homes in the community she values for years. “I love living in East Garrison and the number one reason is how wonderful it has been to get to know my neighbors,” she shares.

 

“There are so many wonderful people in this community, and we watch out for each other. We help each other and enjoy strong friendships that have grown over the years.” —Maria Finkle

 

REALTOR®s Kean Matthams and Emily Weidner live in The Dunes master planned community in Marina, which is located next to bike paths, shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and an upcoming mixed-use retail and residential development known as The Dunes Promenade which will bring live-work townhomes, shopping, a craft beer bar, a grocery store and more.

 

“We take the bike path from our house to Marina State Beach,” Weidner says. “And we love running through Fort Ord State Park. When we first moved to Marina, the appeal was to get a brand-new house with a spacious interior that’s very on-trend and stylish. The area is very clean, and we have great neighbors and are conveniently located to just about everything.”

 

The couple enjoys that there is a distinct flavor and identity to all the towns in the Monterey Peninsula. In Seaside, Sanctuary Climbing and Fitness provides a challenging, fun workout, while nearby, The Butter House offers a unique spin on breakfast: American dishes with Filipino and Pacific Islander flair. At Butter House, their favorite breakfast place, Matthams and Weidner enjoy dishes like pork belly fried rice and loco moco, a seasoned beef patty paired with gravy and eggs. Also noteworthy are popular spots Acme Coffee, Counterpoint Coffee, Maligne restaurant and Other Brother Beer Company.

 

“Broadway Avenue in Seaside appeals to a younger crowd,” Weidner shares.

 

The pair also enjoys the monthly Night Market event in neighboring Sand City, with bands, artist booths and food vendors in the artist’s community that is mixed into large retailers. Sand City also hosts the West End Celebration each August, a popular music and arts festival. But their favorite pastime is attending the Union soccer games they can walk to from their house in Marina.

 

“It’s a great way to bring our community together,” Emily says. “We are season ticket holders and often go with our friends. The games are so much fun, there are fantastic food trucks, and we always have a great time.”

 

Painted murals demonstrate the creative presence in Sand City

 

Broker Associates David and Thérèse Kent fell so quickly in love with The Dunes that they bought their own home there within a week of seeing the neighborhood. The longtime REALTOR®s are now known as The Dunes Team, and frequently sell in the community that they value for its diverse and welcoming demographics.

 

“We love our daily walks to the Fort Ord Dunes State Park, just a few minutes from our front door,” Thérèse says. “We love our neighbors. Everyone’s new so everyone is open to making friends. Proximity is vital with shopping close by, restaurants, fitness centers, Starbucks and our new Promenade due for completion late next year, all within walking distance. There are bike trails galore, along the beach or into the never-ending Fort Ord Monument. Just a quick ride through the college campus and you’re there.

Other nearby attractions include an equestrian center, paragliding, handcar tours and skydiving. It’s a fun place to live.”