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
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.
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.
Ratings
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
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.
California is a mid-sized city located in the state of Maryland. The city has a population of 15,094 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (70% White). Given that fact, California could be considered less diverse than other cities. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make California your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 26 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in California is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in Maryland, 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. Finding the best places to live in California and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, commute, health & safety, education, employment and other important metrics.
The livability score in California is 72 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 80th percentile of all cities across America. For each of the livability categories, we know that California ranks very well for employment (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in California. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).
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 California 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.
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 California is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in California come in at $516,857, which is 0.1% lower than the Maryland average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In California, the home price to income ratio is 3.6, which is 21.7% lower than the Maryland 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 | California | Maryland | National |
| Average one way commute | 26min | 32min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 86.3% | 73.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.9% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 8.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.3% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.9% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.1% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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