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.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
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.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
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.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
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.
Castro Valley is a medium-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 66,114 inhabitants. Castro Valley has a population density of 3,985 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. Individuals of White (48%) and Asian (28%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of Castro Valley. An important consideration when living in Castro Valley is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 36 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Castro Valley can be a good experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Castro Valley, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, health & safety, employment, housing and more.
With a livability score of 73/100, Castro Valley is ranked #4,931 in the United States and #169 in California. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Castro Valley has received high marks for education (A) and housing (B-). The bad news for Castro Valley, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Castro Valley, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.6% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Castro Valley market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Castro Valley is real estate affordability. The median home price for Castro Valley homes is $1,465,409, which is 100.3% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Castro Valley, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 8.6, which is 11.7% higher than the California average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Castro Valley | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 36min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 69.2% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.4% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 10.5% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.0% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 9.2% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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