Salinas ranks in the top 10 best places to live in California

Salinas was just ranked as the ninth best place to live in California by U.S. News & World Report.

California is the most populous state in the country as well as one of the sunniest. Yet nearly half of California residents are considering leaving the state, according to a recent poll. Many cite the cost of living as the main reason why.

The state has already had three consecutive years of population declines, according to U.S. Census data. But Salinas remains toward the top of the list, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The media company's methodology for these "Best Places to Live" takes into account a given city's Quality of Life Index (36%, based on education quality, average commute time, crime rate and air quality index), Value Index (23%, based on housing affordability and price parity), Desirability Index (22%, which includes weather temperatures and net migration) and finally Job Market Index (19%, based on the rate of unemployment and average salary).

While Salinas is more expensive than other major metro areas in the U.S., its high cost of living is primarily driven by real estate prices, according to U.S. news. Yet home prices in Salinas are more affordable by California standards, particularly when compared to nearby coastal towns like Monterey, Pacific Grove and Carmel. Additionally, living costs, such as food, transportation and utilities, are in line with the national average.

U.S. News & World Report described how Salinas' main street lacks chain stores and instead features mom-and-pop businesses. The company also discussed Salinas' mild climate being a factor in its year-round schedule of activities, ranging from the monthly First Fridays Art Walk to music at Sherwood Hall and Hartnell College to the California Rodeo Salinas which puts on a four-day show in July.

This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Salinas ranks in the top 10 best places to live in California