Mill Valley 87 Exceptional
Mill Valley Livability #2 ranked city in California#213 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Mill Valley

PROS
  • 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.

  • Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • 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

    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.

CONS
  • 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.

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What's it like Living in Mill Valley?

Located in the state of California, Mill Valley is a moderately-sized city with a population of 14,456 inhabitants. With a population density of 3,023 people per square mile, Mill Valley is well above the nation's average density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (88% White). Given that fact, Mill Valley could be considered less diverse than other cities. The Mill Valley population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 48, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. 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 Mill Valley entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 35 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Mill Valley, California. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Mill Valley and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, health & safety, employment, housing and other important metrics.

The livability score in Mill Valley is 85 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 98th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Mill Valley would be considered a very livable city! Mill Valley is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Mill Valley ranks well for amenities (A+), crime (A) and education (A+). Regrettably for Mill Valley, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: cost of living (F).

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Mill Valley, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Mill Valley undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.

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 64 crimes per 100,000 residents, Mill Valley has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Mill Valley, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.36% 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.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Mill Valley, the average school test scores reached an impressive 79%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Mill Valley an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Mill Valley. 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 Mill Valley are affordable. Median real estate prices in Mill Valley come in at $1,625,400, which is 297.1% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Mill Valley, the home price to income ratio is 9.5, which is 48.4% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Mill Valley

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Compare Mill Valley, CA Livability

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      Mill Valley transportation information

      Statistic Mill Valley California National
      Average one way commute35min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work59.9%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.5%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit9.2%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle2.7%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.9%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home21.4%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Mill Valley, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).