Catalina 56 Below average
Catalina Livability #228 ranked city in Arizona#22,148 ranked city in the USARanks better than 24% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Catalina

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • 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.

  • Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

  • Health & Safety

    Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.

  • Schools

    Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.

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What's it like Living in Catalina?

Catalina, Arizona is a smaller city with a population of 6,738 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Catalina is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. In Catalina, there seems to be a shift in population towards an older age group. The average age of the population is now 56, which is significantly higher than the nation’s average. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Catalina offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 34 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Catalina, Arizona. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Catalina and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Arizona and national averages.

Catalina, AZ receives 55 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #239 in Arizona and #22,750 in the USA. This is a poor rating when compared to the average of other places in the country. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Catalina has higher than average scores for the following: cost of living (A-) and housing (A). On a more negative note, Catalina does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F) and education (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Catalina, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.51% 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 Catalina 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.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Catalina. 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 Catalina are affordable. The median home price for Catalina homes is $175,700, which is 0.7% lower than the Arizona average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Catalina, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 17.1% lower than the Arizona average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Catalina

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Catalina?

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Compare Catalina, AZ Livability

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      Catalina transportation information

      Statistic Catalina Arizona National
      Average one way commute34min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work73.7%76.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool15.7%10.9%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.2%2.0%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%1.0%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.9%2.0%2.8%
      Working from home7.9%5.7%4.6%
      Source: The Catalina, AZ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).