Amenities
Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.
Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Cost Of Living
Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.
Employment
The combination of low income levels and high unemployment rates contributes to a low score in the employment category, which could make it challenging to secure well-paying jobs.
Housing
Expensive homes, poor home affordability and an unhealthy real estate market with lower than average home prices could all be reasons why this area received a low housing score.
Schools
Factors such as lower than average graduation rates, lackluster reading and math scores and the limited accessibility of local elementary and high schools could contribute to the low schools score.
Isla Vista, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 16,124 inhabitants. Isla Vista has a population density of 8,716 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. With an average age of 21 years old, Isla Vista could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. In Isla Vista, only 4% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Isla Vista is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 14 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Isla Vista can be a good experience for anyone moving to the town. 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. The best areas in Isla Vista and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, health & safety, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.
Isla Vista has a livability score of 64/100 and is ranked #434 in California and #13,298 in the USA. Regrettably for Isla Vista, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (F), cost of living (F), education (F), employment (F) and housing (F).
Living in Isla Vista offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Isla Vista provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Isla Vista is actually affordable. The median home price for Isla Vista homes is $0, which is 100% lower than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Isla Vista, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 0, which is 100% lower 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 | Isla Vista | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 14min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 43.0% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.1% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 6.7% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 25.6% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 10.5% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.3% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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