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.
Crime
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.
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 is a medium-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 29,800 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (78% White). Given that fact, Ridgecrest could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Ridgecrest. With an average one way commute time of only 16 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average 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 good experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Ridgecrest, 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Ridgecrest, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, commute and more.
Ridgecrest has a livability score of 70 out of 100 and is ranked #237 in California and #7,164 in the USA. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Ridgecrest has higher than average scores for the following: employment (B-) and housing (A+). Unfortunately for Ridgecrest, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (D) and cost of living (D-).
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Ridgecrest market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest. The median home price for Ridgecrest homes is $337,212, which is 53.9% lower than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Ridgecrest, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 58.4% 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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