Downey, California, known as the "Birthplace of the Apollo Space Program," is a vibrant and historic city located in Los Angeles County. With its rich aerospace history, diverse community, and strong local economy, Downey offers a high quality of life for its residents. The city's blend of suburban charm and urban amenities makes living in Downey an attractive option for families and professionals.
Residents of Downey enjoy a variety of recreational activities and cultural events. The city's numerous parks, museums, and recreational facilities provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The Columbia Memorial Space Center and the Downey Theatre are popular destinations that celebrate the city's aerospace heritage and cultural richness. The annual International Food and Music Festival is an event that showcases Downey's vibrant community spirit.
Downey's strong economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. The city's strategic location near major highways and transportation hubs provides residents with easy access to job opportunities throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Major employers in the area include Kaiser Permanente and PIH Health Hospital - Downey.
The cost of living in Downey is relatively affordable compared to other parts of Los Angeles County, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals. The housing market includes a variety of options, from single-family homes in suburban neighborhoods to modern apartments and condos. The city's strong sense of community and welcoming atmosphere further enhance its appeal.
Public transportation in Downey is well-developed, with access to Metro buses and the Metrolink commuter train, facilitating easy commutes within the city and to neighboring areas. Downey's climate features hot summers and mild winters, allowing for year-round outdoor activities. Overall, Downey offers a blend of economic opportunity, cultural richness, and community spirit, making it a desirable place to live.
Amenities
The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
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.
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.
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.
Located in the state of California, Downey is a mid-sized city with a population of 114,056 residents. In Downey, there are 9,192 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. More than a quarter of the residents of Downey identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 58% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. In Downey, only 50% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. An important consideration when living in Downey is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 32 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Downey, California. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Downey and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety, 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 Downey has received a livability score of 72/100. This score is ranked in the 80th percentile when compared to all other cities. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Downey scores well for amenities (A+) and employment (A) Unfortunately for Downey, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (D-) and cost of living (F).
If you're living in Downey, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Downey an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Downey: Kandy Kays of California, Downey Museum of Art, and Downey History Center.
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 Downey is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Downey come in at $1,040,411, which is 42.2% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Downey, the home price to income ratio is 9.3, which is 20.8% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Downey | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 32min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.3% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.7% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.0% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.6% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.7% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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