Aliso Viejo 78 Exceptional
Aliso Viejo Livability #66 ranked city in California#2,403 ranked city in the USARanks better than 91% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Aliso Viejo

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.

  • Crime 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 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.

  • Housing 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
  • 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 Aliso Viejo?

Aliso Viejo, California is a mid-sized city with a population of 51,870 residents. In Aliso Viejo, there are 7,496 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. According to the most recent Census, 68% of Aliso Viejo residents are White, 15% Asian and 3% Black. 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 Aliso Viejo is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 27 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Aliso Viejo is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in California, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Aliso Viejo and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, health & safety, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.

Using data and statistics Aliso Viejo has received a livability score of 79/100. This score is ranked in the 93rd percentile when compared to all other cities. Clearly, Aliso Viejo is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Aliso Viejo has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Aliso Viejo has higher than average rankings for the following: amenities (A+), crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (B+). On a more negative note, Aliso Viejo does not have favorable ranks for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can 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 Aliso Viejo, 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 Aliso Viejo undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.

Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Aliso Viejo has a violent crime rate of 135 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.

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 Aliso Viejo, 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.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Aliso Viejo apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

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 Aliso Viejo is actually affordable. The median home price for Aliso Viejo homes is $1,164,717, which is 59.2% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Aliso Viejo, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 6.6, which is 14.3% lower than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Aliso Viejo

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Compare Aliso Viejo, CA Livability

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      Aliso Viejo transportation information

      Statistic Aliso Viejo California National
      Average one way commute27min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work76.1%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.2%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.7%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.2%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home13.8%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Aliso Viejo, 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.