San Anselmo 86 Exceptional
San Anselmo Livability #3 ranked city in California#352 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in San Anselmo

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

What's it like Living in San Anselmo?

Located in the state of California, San Anselmo is a moderately-sized city with a population of 13,003 people. In San Anselmo, there are 4,857 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. According to the most recent Census, 88% of San Anselmo residents are White, 4% Asian and 2% Black. An important consideration when living in San Anselmo is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 33 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in San Anselmo, 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. The best areas in San Anselmo and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.

San Anselmo, CA receives 86/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #4 in California and #289 in the USA. Based on this score, San Anselmo would be considered a very livable city! San Anselmo has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. San Anselmo ranks well for amenities (A+), crime (A) and education (A+) Unfortunately for San Anselmo, there are some categories for which it does not rank 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 San Anselmo, 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 San Anselmo undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In San Anselmo, the average school test scores reached an impressive 76%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making San Anselmo an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to San Anselmo is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in San Anselmo come in at $2,117,849, which is 189.5% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In San Anselmo, the home price to income ratio is 9.7, which is 26% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around San Anselmo

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How Do You Rate The Livability In San Anselmo?

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Compare San Anselmo, CA Livability

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      San Anselmo transportation information

      Statistic San Anselmo California National
      Average one way commute33min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work65.6%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool2.8%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit6.8%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle2.9%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.3%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home16.3%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The San Anselmo, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.