Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
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
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
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
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.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
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
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.
Located in the state of California, Foster City is a medium-sized city with a population of 34,247 inhabitants. In Foster City, there are 9,022 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. Individuals of White (40%) and Asian (51%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of Foster City. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Foster City entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 33 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Foster City could be a positive experience compared to other cities in California if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Foster City and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.
Foster City has a livability score of 73 out of 100 and is ranked #163 in California and #4,869 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Foster City ranks very well for crime (A), education (A+) and housing (B). There are some categories that Foster City ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
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. Foster City has a violent crime rate of 69 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Foster City, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.3% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Foster City schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 78%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Foster City an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Foster City can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Foster City. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Foster City are affordable. The median home price for Foster City homes is $2,572,042, which is 251.5% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Foster City, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 10.8, which is 40.3% higher than the California 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 | Foster City | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 33min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 66.6% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.3% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 6.6% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.3% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.8% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 12.6% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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