Living in Mountain View, CA offers a vibrant lifestyle in the heart of Silicon Valley, with the convenience of being close to major urban centers. Located just south of San Francisco and adjacent to Palo Alto, Mountain View is known for its thriving tech industry, excellent weather, and beautiful surroundings. The city is home to the headquarters of several major technology companies, including Google, making it a hub of innovation and economic activity.
Mountain View’s dining scene is diverse, offering a range of options from farm-to-table restaurants to international cuisine. The city’s downtown area, particularly along Castro Street, is a bustling hub of activity, featuring a variety of shops, cafes, and entertainment venues. The annual Mountain View Art & Wine Festival is a highlight of the year, bringing the community together to enjoy art, food, and music in the heart of the city.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Mountain View provides plenty of opportunities for recreation. The city’s parks, including Shoreline Park and Stevens Creek Trail, offer scenic spots for hiking, biking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Bay Area. The nearby San Francisco Bay and Santa Cruz Mountains provide additional opportunities for boating, fishing, and exploring the diverse landscapes of Northern California.
Mountain View is also known for its strong sense of community and cultural vibrancy. The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Summer Outdoor Movie Nights and the Concerts on the Plaza series, which bring residents together to enjoy the arts and connect with their neighbors. The city’s proximity to San Francisco and San Jose means that residents can easily access the amenities of major cities, including theaters, museums, and professional sports venues.
For those considering a move to California, Mountain View offers a perfect blend of suburban comfort, technological innovation, and urban convenience. Whether you're drawn by its outdoor activities, tech-driven economy, or proximity to San Francisco, living in Mountain View, CA provides a fulfilling and dynamic lifestyle.
Amenities
Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.
Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Employment
This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Schools
A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.
Cost Of Living
Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.
Located in the state of California, Mountain View is a mid-sized city with a population of 82,261 inhabitants. Mountain View has a population density of 6,859 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. Individuals of White (52%) and Asian (32%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of Mountain View. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Mountain View is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 24 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Mountain View, California could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, commute, health & safety, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Mountain View and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Mountain View to California and the national average.
Mountain View, CA receives 85 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #9 in California and #442 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Mountain View could be a great choice! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, Mountain View has received high marks for education (A+) and housing (B). Mountain View does not rank well for the following: cost of living (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Mountain View, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Mountain View undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Undiscovered Country Bike Tours, Computer History Museum, and Shoreline Park.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Mountain View, 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.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Mountain View, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 66%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Mountain View has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Mountain View is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Mountain View come in at $2,739,346, which is 274.4% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Mountain View, the home price to income ratio is 12.6, which is 63.6% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Mountain View | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 24min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 64.0% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.1% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 6.8% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 5.5% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.0% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 12.1% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in California
These are the largest cities in California
Safest States In The US
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in California