Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
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.
Ridgecrest, California is a mid-sized city with a population of 28,905 residents. The majority of Ridgecrest residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Ridgecrest offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 16 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Ridgecrest can be a fulfilling experience for anyone relocating to the town. 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. The best areas in Ridgecrest and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.
Using data and statistics Ridgecrest has received a livability score of 70 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 79th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Ridgecrest has received high marks for education (B-), employment (B-) and housing (A). Ridgecrest does not do well for the following: cost of living (D). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
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 Ridgecrest 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.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Ridgecrest. 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 Ridgecrest are affordable. Median real estate prices in Ridgecrest come in at $184,600, which is 54.9% lower than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Ridgecrest, the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 59.4% lower than the California average.
| Statistic | Ridgecrest | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 72.1% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 14.8% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.1% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.6% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 9.0% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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