Monterey 79 Exceptional
Monterey Livability #61 ranked city in California#2,017 ranked city in the USARanks better than 93% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Monterey

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.

  • 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.

  • Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

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 Monterey?

Monterey is a mid-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 28,575 people. In Monterey, there are 3,305 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (76% White). Given that fact, Monterey could be considered less diverse than other cities. Monterey is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 48%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Monterey. With an average one way commute time of only 19 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Monterey could be a positive experience compared to other cities in California if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, commute, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Monterey and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Monterey to California and the national average.

Monterey, CA receives 78/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #70 in California and #1,869 in the USA. This is a terrific score, as Monterey ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Monterey also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we take a closer look at each of the categories on their own, we see that Monterey ranks well for education (A-) and employment (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Monterey. The following was graded with a disappointing score: cost of living (F).

If you're living in Monterey, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Monterey an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Monterey: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and Wine Trolley Tours.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Monterey, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.14% 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.

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 Monterey is real estate affordability. The median home price for Monterey homes is $813,600, which is 98.8% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Monterey, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 10.1, which is 57.8% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Monterey

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Monterey?

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Compare Monterey, CA Livability

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      Monterey transportation information

      Statistic Monterey California National
      Average one way commute19min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work62.6%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.2%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.8%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.4%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk10.6%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home14.0%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Monterey, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).