Name: Fullerton, CA
Rating: 3.8

Home

Livability

Livability score Score breakdown Commute times City comparison Best nearby cities Livability poll Reviews

Cost of living

Cost of living index Cost of living poll Did you know? City comparison Salary calculator State sales tax Cost of living breakdown Best nearby cities

Crime

Reported annual crime Crime poll Crime heat map Did you know? City comparison Daily crime Year over year crime Best nearby cities

Demographics

Demographics profile Did you know? City comparison Race breakdown Languages spoken Age breakdown Marital status

Employment

Employment information Employment poll Am I middle class? Did you know? City comparison Employment status Median earnings Best nearby cities

Real Estate

Homes for sale Market facts Home affordability Affordability calculator Mortgage calculator Demographics Best nearby cities

Rentals Schools Weather

Current weather Weather poll Average temperature Did you know? City comparison Air quality / pollution Heat index Montly precipitation Best nearby cities

Fullerton

Population: 139,491 Median home value: $551,300 72 #310 ranked city in California #8,640 ranked city in USA Ranks better than 70% of areas

For Sale

For Rent

Find real estate listings

Find rental listings

A+ Fullerton Amenities Lots of amenities close to this location

F Fullerton Cost of Living Cost of living is 12% higher than California

Fullerton

15454% more expensive than the US average

California

13838% more expensive than the US average

United States

100National cost of living index

Fullerton cost of living

B- Fullerton Crime Total crime is 2% higher than California

Total crime

2,9979% higher than the US average

Chance of being a victim

1 in 349% higher than the US average

Year-over-year crime

-1%Year over year crime is down

Fullerton crime

C- Fullerton Employment Household income is 5% higher than California

Median household income

$67,11021% higher than the US average

Income per capita

$30,9114% higher than the US average

Unemployment rate

6%20% higher than the US average

Fullerton employment

D+ Fullerton Housing Home value is 35% higher than California

Median home value

$551,300198% higher than the US average

Median rent price

$1,39747% higher than the US average

Home ownership

52%19% lower than the US average

Fullerton real estate or Fullerton rentals

C- Fullerton Schools HS graduation rate is 7% higher than California

High school grad. rates

85%3% higher than the US average

School test scores

49%1% lower than the US average

Student teacher ratio

26:160% higher than the US average

Fullerton K-12 schools or Fullerton colleges

Living in Fullerton, CA

Fullerton, California is a medium-sized city with a population of 139,491 people. In Fullerton, there are 6,218 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. More than a quarter of the residents of Fullerton identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 25% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. If you are looking for a family friendly city, Fullerton might be a good fit as 74% of the population over 15 years old are married, and 57% have kids who are 18 years old or younger.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Fullerton, California could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. To help you find the best places to live in and around Fullerton, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, weather, education, employment and more.

Fullerton, CA receives 72 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #310 in California and #8,529 in the USA. If we explore each of the categories on their own, we see that Fullerton ranks well for amenities (A+), crime (B-) and weather (A+). Fullerton does not rank well for the following: cost of living (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Location, location, location - possibly the three most important words in your search for a new place to live. Fortunately, in Fullerton, there is no shortage of amazing local amenities and interesting things to do. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: SkyThrills, Fullerton Arboretum, and Air Combat USA.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife and proximity to public transportation are all important factors to search for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Fullerton is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Fullerton come in at $551,300, which is 34.7% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Fullerton, the home price to income ratio is 8.2, which is 28.1% higher than the California average. Year over year appreciation rates for homes in the Fullerton area were 5% and the 5 year appreciation rates came in at 7.6%. Why is this important? Knowing the appreciation rates for any area is a quick and easy way to determine if you will see a solid return on your investment.

The best places in California

Here are the best places to live in California

10 best cities to buy a new house in California

Top 10 best public schools in Fullerton

Check out the 10 safest cities in California

Check Your Commute Time

Monthly costs include: fuel, maintenance, tires, insurance, license fees, taxes, depreciation, and financing.

	Walk	Bike	Compact	Car	S.U.V.
Distance
Duration
Cost/Month

See more Fullerton, CA transportation information

Compare Fullerton, CA Livability To Other Cities

Best Neighborhoods In & Around Fullerton, CA

Place	Livability scoreScore	Miles	PopulationPop.
Park Estates, Long Beach	81	13.5	2,646
Northwood Point, Irvine	80	15.2	4,857
Alamitos Heights, Long Beach	80	13.7	2,873
Walnut Village, Irvine	79	14.5	9,197

Place	Livability scoreScore	Miles	PopulationPop.
The Plaza, Long Beach	78	11.3	21,865
City College Area, Long Beach	78	12.4	10,097
Northwood, Irvine	78	15.5	24,509
Lower Peters Canyon, Irvine	77	13.7	22,899

Best Cities Near Fullerton, CA

Place	Livability scoreScore	Miles	PopulationPop.
La Cañada Flintridge, CA	85	27.3	20,477
Marina del Rey, CA	85	30.9	9,782
Hermosa Beach, CA	85	26.9	19,726
Manhattan Beach, CA	84	26.9	35,573

Place	Livability scoreScore	Miles	PopulationPop.
San Marino, CA	84	19.5	13,324
South Pasadena, CA	83	20.2	25,936
Newport Beach, CA	83	18.4	86,813
Laguna Woods, CA	83	22	16,347

See all California cities

Fullerton Reviews

Write a review about Fullerton Tell people what you like or don't like about Fullerton…

Review Fullerton

What Living in Fullerton CA Is Like-My Review Of the City

☆
☆
☆
☆
☆

Attractions4/10

Community4/10

Nightlife9/10

Dining9/10

Shopping8/10

I am a single female in my early 30's who lived in Fullerton, CA for 4 years. Fullerton is apart of, Orange County. Fullerton has a lot to offer for those who are in college or a student, but may become dull and boring for those who are single and past the college age. After finishing college (in a degree that I wasn't going to make any money in), I decided to go for a Bachelor's degree in Illustration at California State Fullerton. As previously noted, Fullerton is more like a college town, so there are a ton of places to rent that are inexpensive; most of these apartments are located near low-income families and other students, but the area is generally safe. My first apartment was $1400 (nowhere near a campus). Fullerton is very expensive in areas that are not close to the major universities. The only reason I was able to afford this apartment in the first place was because of me landing an online gig as a graphic designer for a t-shirt company.

When I wasn't hacking away on my computer for hours, I often met up with a few friends of mine at my favorite Italian restaurant, "Angelo's and Vinci's Restorante". When I wasn't eating or working, I was shopping. There are few malls in Fullerton, but there is a host of shopping outlets. The most popular one is the OC Outlet; where you can get real designer clothes at dirt cheap prices.

Nightlife in Fullerton is great, even for those who are not under 30 years old. "The Twisted Vine" and the "Continental Room" are favorites of people who live in Fullerton. These two party places are for the mature crowd who like to eat and enjoy a beer or wine without being in a club setting.

0 0

Fullerton is great!

☆
☆
☆
☆
☆

Attractions8/10

Community10/10

Nightlife7/10

Dining7/10

Shopping10/10

I've lived here for 37 years, basically my entire life. Some "rough" areas of the city aren't necessarily bad areas. There are many many great family neighborhoods scattered throughout the city. Most of the schools are great and the city allows and open enrollment period which allows you to choose which schools you'd like your kids to attend if there is the space available.
There is shopping restaurants and lots to do. We're a short distance from Disneyland and knotts berry farm. Lots of trails, hiking, etc. it's only about a 30 min drive to the beaches and 1.5 hours to the mountains and an hour or so to deserts.
The communities and people are fantastic and I seriously love the diversity. There are people from all walks of life. Fullerton can easily be referred to as a little big town. With 130 thousand people you'd never know by the small town feel.
The only drawback is that housing is very expensive as with any where you go in Southern California. But if California is what you're looking for then the price can be worth it here.

0 0

Friendly community with many activities to offer

☆
☆
☆
☆
☆

Attractions10/10

Community10/10

Nightlife10/10

Dining10/10

Shopping10/10

Fullerton is a warm, friendly, eclectic community that offers many activities to it's diverse residents and visitors. The highlight of Fullerton is Downtown, where vintage shops, unique and delicious restaurants, and charming coffee houses can be found along tree-lined streets with lights. Several recommended places are Ye Olde Ship (an authentic British pub), Rialto Cafe, Brownstone Cafe, Rutabegorz (great menu for all tastes- has healthy options as well as vegetarian and vegan options), Kento's Greek Kitchen, Chomp Rock 'n Roll Sushi (explosion roll is the best!), Old Spaghetti Factory, Out of Vogue, Brick Basement, Buffalo Exchange, Roadkill Ranch, Tranquil Tea Lounge, Green Bliss Cafe, Night Owl Cafe, and Cafe Veronese. Also, there is a charming train station that has a great view of Disneyland fireworks. Metrolink trains run through here, which makes commuting to L.A. a breeze. You can even take special trains to some events at Edison Field in Anaheim and avoid the parking crunch.

If you are moving to Fullerton, be aware that it can be categorized into several neighborhoods (some of which are recommended over others). South of Commonwealth has some parts that are a little rougher than others. To the far East lies Cal State Fullerton and Hope University, which draw many college students to the apartment complexes nearby. Moving a little West you will find a quiet, affordable, and friendly residential area close to good schools. Several streets from this neighborhood set up great displays for Christmas! A little further West than this is the Downtown neighborhood which has many historic bungalows. In this neighborhood is Fullerton Junior College and the Continuation College Campus, so streets close by can have parking issues in the evening. On the West side of Harbor Blvd (the center of Downtown) is the central library and new Community Center, right next to Downtown. Further West is another safe, quiet, residential neighborhood. North of Chapman Avenue is where most of the expensive Fullerton homes exist in the hills with beautiful views of Orange County and the ocean (facing South), or the hills of Carbon Canyon (East and North). There are many hiking trails in this area. Parks are scattered all throughout the city.

Having been a resident of this community for nearly ten years, I have been really happy living in Fullerton. I would recommend it for fun young couples, families, and retirees.

0 0

Fullerton is Heading South

☆
☆
☆
☆
☆

Attractions5/10

Community7/10

Nightlife7/10

Dining7/10

Shopping5/10

I have lived in Fullerton for 40 years. When I came the police department was "Local" most of the officers were from Fullerton. And they were "Peace Officers" . If you called them for excessive noise after ten PM they would come, and talk to the offender and try to get them to turn down the music. Then they would talk to the caller and try to get them to tolerate slight loud music.

Now they are "Law Enforcement Officers" when they are called out they cite the law breaker, and if they find the caller in violation of any law they cite him as well.

I am afraid if we do not do something to reign them in they are heading toward para-military officers.

In July of this year 6 Fullerton Police Officers beat a homeless to death. The police reports said he was "SUSPECTED" of breaking into cars near the downtown area. The City Council did nothing. All six cops stayed on the job, which sent a signal to the citizens that the police must have been justified in the severe beating because the offender must have put up some major (perhaps on PCP) resistance. To confirm this assumption two of the officers reported broken bones.

As the truth began to emerge the homeless man was not breaking into cars, The cops knew him, they knew he was mentally ill. And aside from trying to run away, did not resist the cops. But he was beaten to nonrecognition, tazzed at least five times and while laying face down cops with their weight on the homeless man compressed his lungs and he suffocated to death.

There can be no reason for a 135 pound man to require six officers to restrain and handcuff.

1 0

Fullerton, CA - Full of Life

☆
☆
☆
☆
☆

Attractions10/10

Community8/10

Nightlife10/10

Dining10/10

Shopping7/10

I have only visited Fullerton once but I was impressed by its cleanliness and concern for nature. Th city of Fullerton is unlike larger cities in California which have been modernized at the expense of natural vegetation. During my stay over the weekend, I visited one of my friends, who works at an Equestrian Center in Coyote Hills. Coyote Hills is a low lying, somewhat barren hilly area, by the Sea. It is popular because of its numerous bicycle, motorbike, equestrian and walking trials.

If you have a family then you should consider moving here because the Fullerton public and private schools are regarded as some of the best in Nation. My friend's son goes to University of California Fullerton campus, even after getting scholarship offer from the famed Los Angeles campus.

It seems that everyone is spellbound by the artistic atmosphere of Fullerton. I haven't visited any theaters but my friend told me that someone coming from New York will never miss anything, as several music companies and Civil Light Opera perform daily shows in many historic theaters, around Fullerton. It also has a great nightlife for people who are Rock N Roll, Punk and Hip Hop, types.

0 0

Source: The Fullerton, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the 2016 United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).

Fullerton, CA Livability

Fullerton

Find real estate listings

Find rental listings

Living in Fullerton, CA

The best places in California

Check Your Commute Time

Compare Fullerton, CA Livability To Other Cities

Best Neighborhoods In & Around Fullerton, CA

Best Cities Near Fullerton, CA

How Do You Rate The Livability In Fullerton?

Fullerton Reviews