A look at San Benito County

San Benito County is known for its natural beauty, temperate climate, and relaxing environment. Situated in the Central Coast region, 95 miles south of San Francisco, 300 miles north of Los Angeles, and 40 miles east of Monterey, between the Santa Cruz and Diablo Mountain ranges, the county comprises 1,396 square miles.

Hollister, with a population of 34,908, is the center of San Benito County. The rural lifestyle and proximity to the heart of Silicon Valley has resulted in record growth in the area prior to a growth moratorium from 2001 to 2009.

Hollister and the surrounding areas abound with recreational opportunities. From the spectacular Pinnacles National Park to Fremont Peak State Park, natural areas for hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities are only a short drive away. Beautiful beaches stretch from Santa Cruz to Monterey and are less than an hour away.

History buffs can visit San Juan Bautista State Park, where the famed Mission San Juan Bautista was founded in 1797 as the fifteenth California mission. The nationally acclaimed El Teatro Campesino Theater Company makes its home in San Juan Bautista, staging performances in its playhouse yeararound.

Major population centers near Hollister include San Jose, located 40 miles to the north, and San Francisco, located 95 miles to the north.

California State University San Jose; California State University Monterey Bay; and the University of California at Santa Cruz are within 60 miles of Hollister and offer a full slate of educational opportunities. Gavilan Community College, 12 miles from Hollister in Gilroy; Hartnell Community College in Salinas, 26 miles away; and Monterey Peninsula Community College, 65 miles from Hollister, in Monterey, offer further educational opportunities.

San Benito County is an ideal place to raise a family. Attractive, affordable housing is readily available. Existing home prices begin at $315,000 to $650,000. Several new subdivisions are under construction in San Benito County. Rentals for one and two bedroom apartments range from $775 to $1800 per month. Rentals for two and three bedroom houses range from $1200 to $2500 per month.