I am in Monterey now. Last quarter. Where you should live around here, like anywhere, depends on what you value and if you are single or married with children. If single, I have heard of some pretty decent condos for rent downtown near Cannery Row (bars and breweries) or even in Pacific Grove (probably the niciest area to live in, good schools). If you value money you may want to look up in Marina for a decent townhouse. Downside, you are about 15 car ride to school and the area is up and coming. If you value your time like I do, live in La Mesa base housing. 5 minute bike ride to work, sweet. 10 min bike ride to the coastal bike trail and access to downtown. Housing is pretty standard (takes entire BAH check appox $3400 for me), but they have a elementary school in the neighborhood and a teen center that plans all types of events for older kids. You could also live in Ft Ord housing, much of the same, however you are about 10 min drive from everything that matters and traffic is hit and miss. Don't bother looking in Seaside or Salinas, have you seen Gangland? To be honest I didn't spend a lot of time searching for housing so there may be some deals to be had. I did my due diligence online prior to driving down and found I could not remain within by BAH with the added stress of utilities and what not and be close to school, so I took the easy way as I only planned to be here 18 mos, now I am going to Bahrain unaccompanied for a year so my family gets to stay one more year in some the most expensive housing the Navy has to offer. Enjoy it. See you in the Trident.