Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Cost Of Living
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.
Health & Safety
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.
Portola Valley, California is a small city with a population of 4,678 inhabitants. At 84%, the majority of the Portola Valley population is White; this is followed by 9% Asian and 0% Black. With an average age of 56 years, Portola Valley residents appear to be older compared to the national average. For seniors and retirees, this city presents itself as a compelling choice. Portola Valley is known to be family friendly as more than 74% of the population has already tied the knot. It might also be worth noting that 30% of residents also have children under the age of 18. 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 Portola Valley is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 29 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Portola Valley, 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety, you can easily compare the best places to live in Portola Valley and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Portola Valley to California and the national average.
Portola Valley has a livability score of 58/100 and is ranked #712 in California and #20,748 in the USA. This is a poor rating when compared to the average of other places in the country. Based on the grades for each individual category, Portola Valley has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A+) and education (A+). There are some categories that Portola Valley ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F), cost of living (F) and housing (D). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Portola Valley, the unemployment rate stands at 1.2%, 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.
Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Portola Valley have an average test score of 86%, which is well above the US average.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Portola Valley. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Portola Valley are affordable. Median real estate prices in Portola Valley come in at $3,591,310, which is 390.8% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Portola Valley, the home price to income ratio is 10.3, which is 33.8% higher than the California average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Portola Valley | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 29min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 59.3% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 1.0% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 3.2% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.3% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 32.7% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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