The American dream remains elusive in the valley that inspired East of Eden

John Steinbeck’s hometown of Salinas has been identified as the most unaffordable city in the United States for the middle class, according to a recent analysis by the Brookings Institution. Salinas, nestled between two mountain ranges along California’s central coastline, is famously known as the "salad bowl of the world," producing over half of the nation’s lettuce and nearly a third of its strawberries.

Steinbeck, the renowned author, once depicted the Salinas valley as the American Dream in his literary works, which have been adapted into a Netflix series starring Florence Pugh. However, despite his characters' aspirations for a better life, many remained trapped in low-paying jobs, barely managing to make ends meet. Even today, the Salinas of today faces an affordability crisis that mirrors a nationwide trend, affecting both renters and homeowners.

A Brookings Institution analysis revealed that 60% of the middle class in the Salinas area struggle to afford basic necessities, double the national average. For the Latino middle class, which makes up 40% of all middle-class households in Salinas, 75% face difficulties in affording everyday life. Homeownership, often seen as a symbol of the American Dream, has become unattainable for many.

The rising cost of living has exacerbated the situation, with new housing growth lagging and a rent-stabilization policy dividing residents. While Salinas initially served as a refuge from high-priced cities, it now presents a greater challenge for its residents. Critics argue that the middle class is becoming increasingly out of reach in towns like Salinas.

John Steinbeck himself grappled with his conflicted relationship with his hometown, often reflecting this in his writing. He was born into a solidly middle-class family, raised in a Victorian-style house still standing near downtown Salinas, and worked alongside immigrant farmers while attending Stanford University. Steinbeck's idealized vision of social mobility and agency may have been dismayed by the current affordability struggles faced by many in the US, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Gaye Freedman, a 75-year-old resident who moved to Salinas in 2017 seeking affordability, currently earns a combined income of $75,000, with rent consuming nearly half of her household budget. Freedman and her husband, who both work minimum wage jobs, struggle to afford essential expenses and have resorted to eating cheaper meals to make ends meet. They have considered relocating but face difficulties due to the lack of affordable cities nearby with necessary medical care facilities.