
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.
The low score in this category could be due to challenges related to air quality and the limited accessibility of health-related facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and pharmacies.
Located in the state of California, National City is a mid-sized city with a population of 63,422 residents. National City has a population density of 8,713 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. More than a quarter of the residents of National City identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 52% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. National City is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 48%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. 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 National City is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 27 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.
Living in National City can be a positive experience for anyone relocating to the area. 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, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in National City and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare National City to California and the national average.
National City, CA receives 66 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #353 in California and #11,102 in the USA. If we examine each of the categories on their own, we see that National City ranks well for amenities (B-) and housing (B-). Regrettably for National City, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (F), cost of living (F) and education (D).
If you're living in National City, 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 National City an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their National City apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Assuming that National City meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in National City. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in National City are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in National City come in at $769,254, which is 5.1% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In National City, the home price to income ratio is 10.4, which is 35.1% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | National City | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 27min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 66.0% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 15.5% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 5.1% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 7.0% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.1% | 5.4% | 4.6% |