Livability Score

73
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities A+

There are lots of amenities close to this location.
Coffee (10) F
Cafe Noir
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Coffee Time
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
The Natural Cafe
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Moxie
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Donut Time
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (10) F
Ethel Pope Auditorium
Theatre Arts
Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum
Museum
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Museum
Museum
Santa Maria Natural History Museum
Museum
Edwards Santa Maria Stadium 14 & RPX
Cinema
Edwards Santa Maria 10
Cinema
Performing Arts Center
Theatre Arts
Santa Maria Museum of Flight
Museum
Hi-Way Drive In
Cinema
SMKA Kart Track
Stadium
Food and Drink (97) A+
Senor Kim's Fusion at Cornerstone
Fast Food
Jumbo Buffet
Fast Food
Broadway Liquor
Alcohol
El Rinconcito
Fast Food
Del Taco
Fast Food
Great Scott's Pizza
Fast Food
Dunkin'
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Straw Hat Pizza
Fast Food
Santa Maria Burgers
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
Taqueria Salsa Brava
Fast Food
Fatte's Pizza
Fast Food
Taco Bell
Fast Food
Senor Taco
Fast Food
Santa Maria BBQ Land
Fast Food
Taco Roco Express
Fast Food
El Pollo Norteno
Fast Food
Klondike Pizza
Fast Food
Burger King
Fast Food
Jack in the Box
Fast Food
Jim's
Fast Food
Carl's Jr.
Fast Food
Carl's Jr.
Fast Food
Fitness (8) F
Minami Community Center
Community Centre
Abel Maldonado Youth Center
Community Centre
Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center
Community Centre
Veterans' Memorial Community Center
Community Centre
Atkinson Community Center
Community Centre
Anytime Fitness
Gym
Edwards Community Center
Community Centre
Edwards Community Center
Community Centre
Grogan Community Center
Community Centre
Groceries (19) A+
Foods Co
Grocery Store
Baby's Nutrition
Grocery Store
Smart & Final Extra!
Grocery Store
Vallarta
Grocery Store
Lassen's Natural Food & Vitamins
Grocery Store
Grocery Outlet
Grocery Store
Master's Donuts
Bakery
Albertsons
Grocery Store
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Grocery Store
Trader Joe's
Grocery Store
FoodMaxx
Grocery Store
La Perla Market
Grocery Store
Jovi's Delights
Bakery
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Grocery Store
Vons
Grocery Store
La Princesa Market
Grocery Store
KK's Gourmet Bundt Cakes
Bakery
Spencer's Fresh Markets
Grocery Store
Vallarta
Grocery Store
FoodMaxx
Grocery Store
Parks (69) A+
Minami Park
Park
Adam Park
Park
Adam Park
Park
Santa Maria Fairpark
Park
Buena Vista Park
Park
Heritage Playground
Playground
Westgate Park
Park
Heritage Square Community Park
Park
Westgate Park
Park
Alice Trefts Park
Park
Simas Park
Park
Simas Park
Park
Marilyn Stanley Park
Park
Crossroads Open Space
Park
Russell Park
Park
Russell Park
Park
Fletcher Park
Park
Central Plaza Park
Park
Rosalind Perlman Park
Park
Veterans' Memorial Park
Park
Rodenberger Park
Park
Rodenberger Park
Park
Rodenberger Park
Park
Maramonte Park (North)
Park
Rotary Centennial Park
Park
Shops (54) A+
Stowell Center
Mall
Red Wing
Shoes
Carr's Boots & Western Wear
Clothing
J & S Wireless
Electronics
Kimodo's Fashions
Clothing
Big Lots
Department Store
Santa Maria Shopping Center
Mall
JCPenney
Department Store
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
Tuesday Morning
Houseware
Plum Tree Plaza
Mall
7 Stars Food Store
Convenience Store
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
Western Village Shopping Center
Mall
Orchard Supply Hardware
Home Improvement
Target
Department Store
California Electric Supply
Electronics
BiciCentro
Bicycle
Ross
Department Store
99 Cent Only Store
Discount Store
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
Petco
Pets
College Square
Mall
College Square
Mall
See more Santa Maria amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 2.0% take public transportation in Santa Maria.
Public Transit Stops (19)
Stops & Stations
A+
Santa Maria Transit Center
Bus Station
SMAT
Bus Stop
Santa Maria, CA - (SAT)
Bus Stop
Fluxbus
Bus Stop
Orcutt at Winter
Bus Stop
Orcutt at Winter
Bus Stop
Airport Mobile Home Park
Bus Stop
Foster at California
Bus Stop
Foster at Foodbank
Bus Stop
Foster at California
Bus Stop
Foster at Foodbank
Bus Stop
Foster at Jetty
Bus Stop
Foster at Michelle
Bus Stop
Foster at Dartmouth
Bus Stop
Foster at YOYO Youth Center
Bus Stop
Foster at Hillview
Bus Stop
Foster at Bradley (RHS)
Bus Stop
Bradley at Parkland
Bus Stop
Blosser at Foxenwood
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
2.0%
F
See more Santa Maria commute data

cost of living F

The cost of living in Santa Maria is 135/100 - which is 3% lower than California.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
F
See more Santa Maria cost of living data

crime F

Santa Maria crime rates are 3,425 per 100k, which is 20% higher than California
Property Crime
2,775 crimes per 100k
F
Violent Crime
650 crimes per 100k
F
See more Santa Maria crime data

employment B

The median income in Santa Maria is $67,634 - which is 6% higher than California.
Med. Household Income
$67,634
C+
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
C-
See more Santa Maria employment data

health A

There are many hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (22)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A
Santa Maria Fire Department Station #2
Fire Station
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
SM Police Station 1
Police
Santa Maria Fire Department Station #1
Fire Station
Walgreens
Pharmacy
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Rite Aid
Pharmacy
Walmart Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Walmart Pharmacy
Pharmacy
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Santa Maria Fire Department Station #4
Fire Station
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Marian Medical Center
Hospital
Santa Maria Fire Department Station #6
Fire Station
Santa Maria City Fire Station #3 (Old)
Fire Station
CHC Santa Maria Vallarta
Doctor
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
California Highway Patrol Station 14
Police
Santa Maria Fire Department Station #5
Fire Station
Santa Maria Fire Department Station #3
Fire Station
SB County Sheriff Santa Maria Substation
Police
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
D+
See more Santa Maria health & safety data

housing A

Santa Maria home prices are $359,700 - which is 12% lower than California
Home Price
$359,700
A+
Home Appreciation Rate
23%
A+
Home Affordability
5.3x (home price to income ratio)
F
See more Santa Maria housing data

schools F

The Santa Maria graduation rate is 56% - which is 29% lower than California
School Test Scores
35%
F
High School Grad. Rates
56%
F
Elementary Schools (28) B-
Adam (William Laird) Elementary
Sanchez (David J.) Elementary
Jim?Nez Roberto And Dr. Francisco Elementary School
Liberty Elementary
Battles (Washington) Elementary
Miller (Isaac) Elementary
Family Partnership Home Study Charter
Trivium Charter
Fairlawn Elementary
Agape School Of Christian Education
Bruce (Robert) Elementary
Alvin Elementary
Oakley (Calvin C.) Elementary
Joe Nightingale Elementary
Rice (William) Elementary
Tunnell (Martin Luther) Elementary
Pacific Christian School
Ontiveros (Juan Pacifico) Elementary
Taylor (Ida Redmond) Elementary
Alice Shaw Elementary
Arellanes (Don Juan Bautista) Elementary
High Schools (9) F
Santa Maria High
Family Partnership Home Study Charter
Trivium Charter
Pioneer Valley High
Ernest Righetti High
St Joseph High School
See more Santa Maria education data

ratings B-

Santa Maria has an overall rating of 68% from 20 reviews.
User Reviews (1)
From AreaVibes
B-
User Surveys (19)
From AreaVibes
C
See more Santa Maria user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Santa Maria, CA
( 20 Ratings )

Living in Santa Maria, CA

Santa Maria Area Facts

  • Santa Maria has a Livability Score of 73/100, which is considered excellent
  • Santa Maria crime rates are 20% higher than the California average
  • Cost of living in Santa Maria is 3% lower than the California average
New Real Estate Listings in Santa Maria Area
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Santa Maria Reviews

Write a review about Santa Maria Tell people what you like or don't like about Santa Maria…
Santa Maria, CA: Luxury By The Sea 3.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 28, 2010) Located in the scenic county of Santa Barbara, Santa Maria is a coastal Southern California city with beauty and charm. Year-round Santa Maria city is mild in temperature and sees little rain since it is so close to the ocean. I have traveled to Santa Maria as a destination sever ...Read More al times, mostly for dining at various restaurants or spa treatments.

Santa Maria was put on the map of fame by their renowned and delectable BBQ style. One of the best places in this city to find great BBQ is Barbecue Land. The food is delicious and fresh, served with a gourmet twist. There are several great spas in Santa Maria too, all very clean and luxurious. Boutique stores are present in plentiful numbers here. Several upscale nightlife venues and cocktail lounges are also found throughout the city.

Living in Santa Maria is a notion many people in the greater Los Angeles area strive toward or just fantasize about. Real estate rates are fairly average for California and the city is far enough away from the Los Angeles area that commuting would be impossible or extremely undesirable. Those who are able to work in Santa Maria will enjoy living there though. Read Less
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      vs

      Santa Maria, CA

      Santa Maria is a city that is surprisingly known for BBQ, and this local favorite's fame has spread far beyond the Central California Coast. In addition to offering delicious smoked meats, the city provides its residents with affordable housing and good schools. Santa Maria has a population of over 100,000 making it one of the largest cities in the area. Its population is larger than neighboring San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Santa Maria is a great place to raise a family thanks to the many outdoor activities that the area has to offer. There are parks and playgrounds where your kids will be able to run wild and free.

      Allan Hancock College and Laurus College are two institutions of higher learning that also provide a large number of employment opportunities to teachers and administrative staff. The local area high schools also provide a lot of job opportunities to people in the local community. Speaking of schools, parents speak highly about Juan Pacifico Ontiveros Elementary School, Santa Maria High School, and Joe Nightingale Elementary. Each of these schools are located in nice areas in the city where families should consider renting or buying a home.

      In general, Santa Maria is a safe place to live. The area does not have nearly as many problems with traffic as some of the other cities in California. The city also offers public transit services for those who want to leave their car at home. Busses and shuttles serve a number of fixed routes throughout the city and beyond. Bicycle is also a popular means of travel in and around the city thanks to the beautiful weather that blesses the city throughout the majority of the year.

      Guadaloupe-Nipomo Dunes is one of the area's leading attractions. Locals love to escape to this sand-filled area of the city to go for hikes along the miles of coastal trails. Presqui'ile Winery is one of the best in the area, and wine lovers from near and far come to sample the vintage offerings that are sold in their store. The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum gives kids hands-on opportunities to learn about science and nature in a setting that is designed specifically for them.

      The area has a number of restaurants and shops that are quite popular. The Swiss Restaurant is a long-time favorite of Santa Maria that offers a delicious taste of the Old World with a couple of modern additions. North China Restaurant is a good option for those who have a craving for some General Tso's Chicken. Jaffa Cafe on Broadway offers diners classic comfort dishes that are perfect after a late night in the office or a long night out on the town.

      A+ Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Santa Maria? Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Minami Park
      Adam Park
      Adam Park
      Santa Maria Fairpark
      Buena Vista Park
      Heritage Playground
      Westgate Park
      Heritage Square Community Park

      Entertainment

      Ethel Pope Auditorium
      Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum
      Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Museum
      Santa Maria Natural History Museum
      Edwards Santa Maria Stadium 14 & RPX
      Edwards Santa Maria 10
      Performing Arts Center
      Santa Maria Museum of Flight

      Food & Drink

      Senor Kim's Fusion at Cornerstone
      Jumbo Buffet
      Broadway Liquor
      El Rinconcito
      Del Taco
      Great Scott's Pizza
      Dunkin'
      Subway

      B+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Santa Maria? Of all people who commute, 2.0% take public transportation in Santa Maria.
      Drive to Work
      69%

      7% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      2%

      3% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      1%

      2% lower than the US average

      A+ Health & Safety

      Is Santa Maria a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Marian Medical Center

      Pharmacies

      CVS Pharmacy
      Walgreens
      Rite Aid
      CVS Pharmacy
      Walgreens
      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      Walmart Pharmacy

      Doctors

      CHC Santa Maria Vallarta