Scotts Valley 73 Excellent
Scotts Valley Livability #150 ranked city in California#4,916 ranked city in the USARanks better than 83% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Scotts Valley

PROS
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Schools Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

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 Scotts Valley?

Scotts Valley is a medium-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 12,494 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Scotts Valley is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and American Indian and Alaskan. Something to be aware of when living in Scotts Valley are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 30 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Scotts Valley is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in California, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Scotts Valley and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, health & safety, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.

The livability score in Scotts Valley is 74/100 and the city is ranked in the 85th percentile of all cities across America. Based on the scores for each individual category, Scotts Valley has received high marks for crime (B-) and education (A). The bad news for Scotts Valley, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: cost of living (F).

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Scotts Valley, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 67%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Scotts Valley is actually affordable. The median home price for Scotts Valley homes is $1,468,783, which is 100.7% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Scotts Valley, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 9.4, which is 22.1% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Scotts Valley

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Compare Scotts Valley, CA Livability

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      Scotts Valley transportation information

      Statistic Scotts Valley California National
      Average one way commute30min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work71.9%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.1%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.0%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.0%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home14.0%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Scotts Valley, 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.