Brea 76 Excellent
Brea Livability #98 ranked city in California#3,437 ranked city in the USARanks better than 88% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Brea

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Commute Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Schools Schools

    High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.

What's it like Living in Brea?

Located in the state of California, Brea is a moderately-sized city with a population of 45,637 people. With a population density of 3,743 people per square mile, Brea is well above the nation's average density level. More than a quarter of the residents of Brea identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 14% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. Something to be aware of when living in Brea are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 33 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Brea could be a positive experience compared to other cities in California if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Brea and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Brea to California and the national average.

Using data and statistics Brea has received a livability score of 76/100. This score is ranked in the 89th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the national average, Brea ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Brea has higher than average rankings for the following: education (A-). There are some categories that Brea scores poorly for, including: cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.

If you're considering living in Brea, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Brea provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Brea. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Brea are affordable. The median home price for Brea homes is $1,255,202, which is 71.6% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Brea, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 8.5, which is 10.4% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Brea

See all the best places to live around Brea

How Do You Rate The Livability In Brea?

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Compare Brea, CA Livability

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      Brea transportation information

      Statistic Brea California National
      Average one way commute33min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work80.6%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.9%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.0%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.7%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home6.9%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Brea, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.