Del Mar 74 Excellent
Del Mar Livability #146 ranked city in California#4,806 ranked city in the USARanks better than 83% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Del Mar

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Schools Schools

    The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.

What's it like Living in Del Mar?

Del Mar is a small city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 4,455 people. The majority of Del Mar residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. The Del Mar population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 53, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Del Mar will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 17 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Living in Del Mar can be a great experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many incredible 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. Finding the best places to live in Del Mar and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, commute, employment and other important metrics.

Del Mar has a livability score of 72 out of 100 and is ranked #179 in California and #5,148 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Del Mar ranks very well for crime (B-) and education (A+). There are some categories that Del Mar scores poorly for, including: cost of living (F) and housing (D). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Del Mar, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 130 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Del Mar has an unemployment rate of 1.3% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Del Mar, the average school test scores are an impressive 86%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

Del Mar real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Del Mar. The median home price for Del Mar homes is $3,624,479, which is 395.4% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Del Mar, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 14.9, which is 93.5% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Del Mar

See all the best places to live around Del Mar

How Do You Rate The Livability In Del Mar?

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      Del Mar transportation information

      Statistic Del Mar California National
      Average one way commute17min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work59.0%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool0.4%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.5%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.3%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.6%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home36.2%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Del Mar, 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.