Los Osos 68 Good
Los Osos Livability #296 ranked city in California#9,911 ranked city in the USARanks better than 66% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Los Osos

PROS
  • Employment Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Health & Safety 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.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Cost Of Living 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.

What's it like Living in Los Osos?

Located in the state of California, Los Osos is a mid-sized city with a population of 16,776 residents. At 85%, the majority of the Los Osos population is White; this is followed by 4% Asian and 1% American Indian and Alaskan.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Los Osos, California could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Los Osos, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, health & safety, education and more.

The livability score in Los Osos is 66 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 64th percentile of all cities across America. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Los Osos has received high marks for education (B), employment (A+) and housing (B-). The bad news for Los Osos, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F), crime (D) and cost of living (F).

The Los Osos unemployment rate of 2.4% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Los Osos market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

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 Los Osos is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Los Osos come in at $1,072,080, which is 46.5% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Los Osos, the home price to income ratio is 8.7, which is 13% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Los Osos

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Compare Los Osos, CA Livability

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      Los Osos transportation information

      Statistic Los Osos California National
      Average one way commute22min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work73.8%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.2%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.2%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.8%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.4%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home8.8%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Los Osos, 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.