Hillsborough 68 Good
Hillsborough Livability #276 ranked city in California#9,152 ranked city in the USARanks better than 68% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Hillsborough

PROS
  • 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
  • Amenities Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • 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.

What's it like Living in Hillsborough?

Hillsborough is a medium-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 11,923 inhabitants. Hillsborough has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. In total, more than 75% of the population is classified as married and 46% have kids. Something to be aware of when living in Hillsborough are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 33 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in Hillsborough can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many amazing 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. With useful information like crime, education, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Hillsborough and in the areas around Hillsborough is a much easier task.

With a livability score of 68 out of 100, Hillsborough is ranked #8,450 in the United States and #279 in California. If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that Hillsborough ranks well for crime (A+) and education (A+). Hillsborough does not score well for the following: amenities (F), cost of living (F) and housing (D). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 93 crimes per 100,000 residents, Hillsborough has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Hillsborough has an unemployment rate of 2.1% 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 Hillsborough, 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.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Hillsborough. 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 Hillsborough are affordable. Median real estate prices in Hillsborough come in at $3,695,850, which is 405.1% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Hillsborough, the home price to income ratio is 9.8, which is 27.3% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Hillsborough

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Hillsborough?

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Compare Hillsborough, CA Livability

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      Hillsborough transportation information

      Statistic Hillsborough California National
      Average one way commute33min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work69.4%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.6%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit4.0%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.1%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home17.7%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Hillsborough, 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.