Millbrae 83 Exceptional
Millbrae Livability #22 ranked city in California#855 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Millbrae

PROS
  • Amenities 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 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 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 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.

CONS
  • 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 Millbrae?

Millbrae is a medium-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 23,726 residents. In Millbrae, there are 7,298 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. Individuals of White (41%) and Asian (46%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of Millbrae. An important consideration when living in Millbrae is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 30 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in Millbrae can be a good experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many desirable 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Millbrae and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Millbrae to California and the national average.

With a livability score of 83/100, Millbrae is ranked #701 in the United States and #19 in California. Compared to the US average, Millbrae ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Millbrae also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we take a closer look at each of the categories individually, we see that Millbrae ranks well for amenities (B+), crime (A-), education (A+) and housing (B). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Millbrae. The following was graded with a concerning score: 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 Millbrae, 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 Millbrae undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.

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 Millbrae, the average school test scores are an impressive 68%, 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.

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 Millbrae 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.

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 Millbrae is actually affordable. The median home price for Millbrae homes is $2,794,133, which is 281.9% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Millbrae, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 14.8, which is 92.2% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Millbrae

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Compare Millbrae, CA Livability

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      Millbrae transportation information

      Statistic Millbrae California National
      Average one way commute30min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work64.3%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.5%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit12.5%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.7%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.3%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home6.4%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Millbrae, 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.