Mountain View 85 Exceptional
Mountain View Livability #9 ranked city in California#442 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Mountain View

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 Mountain View?

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.

Best Places to Live in and Around Mountain View

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Compare Mountain View, CA Livability

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      Mountain View transportation information

      Statistic Mountain View California National
      Average one way commute24min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work64.0%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.1%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit6.8%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle5.5%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.0%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home12.1%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Mountain View, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).