San Carlos 82 Exceptional
San Carlos Livability #30 ranked city in California#1,024 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in San Carlos

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Schools Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

What's it like Living in San Carlos?

San Carlos, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 30,787 residents. In San Carlos, there are 5,584 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. The majority of San Carlos residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in San Carlos, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 29 minutes.

Living in San Carlos can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many amazing 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 San Carlos, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, education, employment and more.

Using data and statistics San Carlos has received a livability score of 82 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 96th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in San Carlos could be a great choice! San Carlos has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that San Carlos has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A-), education (A+) and housing (B). On a more negative note, San Carlos does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (D) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

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 San Carlos, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 78%, 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.

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 San Carlos 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 San Carlos is real estate affordability. The median home price for San Carlos homes is $3,228,487, which is 341.2% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in San Carlos, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 11.3, which is 46.8% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around San Carlos

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How Do You Rate The Livability In San Carlos?

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      San Carlos transportation information

      Statistic San Carlos California National
      Average one way commute29min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work68.8%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.1%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit6.7%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.9%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.5%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home15.3%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The San Carlos, 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.