The Naval Postgraduate School is located in Monterey, California, in Monterey County. The city of Monterey has a population of almost 28,000 people. Nearby communities are Pacific Grove, population 15,300, Carmel (3,700), and Seaside (33,000). 20 miles northeast of base is Salinas, the largest city in Monterey County with a population over 150,000.

Local Rental Prices: The average price to rent a home in Monterey ranges from $930 to $1,500, with a median of about $1,170 per month.

Local Housing Prices: The average cost to purchase a home in Monterey County is about $566,300, compared to $370,900 for California.

Short Description of the Area: Monterey is located on Monterey Bay in central coastal California. It is about 73 miles south of San Jose and about 120 miles south of San Francisco. This area has both beaches and inland forested hillsides and lends itself to a variety of outdoor experiences and activities.

Climate and Weather: The Monterey area has a Mediterranean-style climate with mild year-round temperatures. The summers can be cool and foggy, with average temperatures reaching only into the mid-60s and often warmer weather in the fall reaching the mid-70s. The average temp during winter months is about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. There are about 40 days with measurable rain every year, with most falling during October through April. The annual average is about 19-22 inches of rain. Snow is virtually unheard of in Monterey, however the nearby mountains can accumulate some. Though the chance of an earthquake is slightly less than that of California, Monterey does sit near fault lines so it is probably best to be prepared.