Living in Mountain View, CA offers a vibrant lifestyle in the heart of Silicon Valley, with the convenience of being close to major urban centers. Located just south of San Francisco and adjacent to Palo Alto, Mountain View is known for its thriving tech industry, excellent weather, and beautiful surroundings. The city is home to the headquarters of several major technology companies, including Google, making it a hub of innovation and economic activity.
Mountain View’s dining scene is diverse, offering a range of options from farm-to-table restaurants to international cuisine. The city’s downtown area, particularly along Castro Street, is a bustling hub of activity, featuring a variety of shops, cafes, and entertainment venues. The annual Mountain View Art & Wine Festival is a highlight of the year, bringing the community together to enjoy art, food, and music in the heart of the city.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Mountain View provides plenty of opportunities for recreation. The city’s parks, including Shoreline Park and Stevens Creek Trail, offer scenic spots for hiking, biking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Bay Area. The nearby San Francisco Bay and Santa Cruz Mountains provide additional opportunities for boating, fishing, and exploring the diverse landscapes of Northern California.
Mountain View is also known for its strong sense of community and cultural vibrancy. The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Summer Outdoor Movie Nights and the Concerts on the Plaza series, which bring residents together to enjoy the arts and connect with their neighbors. The city’s proximity to San Francisco and San Jose means that residents can easily access the amenities of major cities, including theaters, museums, and professional sports venues.
For those considering a move to California, Mountain View offers a perfect blend of suburban comfort, technological innovation, and urban convenience. Whether you're drawn by its outdoor activities, tech-driven economy, or proximity to San Francisco, living in Mountain View, CA provides a fulfilling and dynamic lifestyle.
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.
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.
Located in the state of California, Mountain View is a medium-sized city with a population of 80,104 inhabitants. With a population density of 6,699 people per square mile, Mountain View is well above the nation's average density level. Individuals of White (52%) and Asian (32%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of Mountain View. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Mountain View is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 24 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Mountain View, 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. With useful information like crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Mountain View and in the areas around Mountain View is a much easier task.
Using data and statistics Mountain View has received a livability score of 86/100. This score is ranked in the 99th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Mountain View would be considered a very livable city! Another exciting tidbit, is that Mountain View ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Mountain View has higher than average grades for the following: crime (B), education (A+) and housing (B). Regrettably for Mountain View, 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 Mountain View, 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 Mountain View undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Mountain View are: Undiscovered Country Bike Tours, Computer History Museum, and Shoreline Park.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Mountain View, the unemployment rate stands at 2.48%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Mountain View schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 66%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Mountain View an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Mountain View excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Mountain View real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Mountain View. The median home price for Mountain View homes is $1,560,600, which is 281.3% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Mountain View, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 10.8, which is 68.8% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Mountain View | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 24min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 64.0% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.1% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 6.8% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 5.5% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.0% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 12.1% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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