Seal Beach 61 Average
Seal Beach Livability #567 ranked city in California#17,347 ranked city in the USARanks better than 40% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Seal Beach

PROS
  • Employment

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

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • 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
  • Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

  • 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.

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What's it like Living in Seal Beach?

Located in the state of California, Seal Beach is a medium-sized city with a population of 24,268 residents. At 80%, the majority of the Seal Beach population is White; this is followed by 11% Asian and 2% Black. The Seal Beach population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 59, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. Something to be aware of when living in Seal Beach 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 33 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Seal Beach could be a positive experience compared to other cities in California if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Seal Beach and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from 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.

With a livability score of 60/100, Seal Beach is ranked #17,059 in the United States and #619 in California. Compared to the US average, this area has a score which ranks among the lowest in the nation, and it is not considered a very livable city. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Seal Beach scores well for crime (B+), employment (A) and housing (B) On a less positive note, Seal Beach does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Seal Beach has an unemployment rate of 1.71% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Seal Beach schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 75%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Seal Beach an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

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 Seal Beach 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.

Seal Beach 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 Seal Beach. Median real estate prices in Seal Beach come in at $417,700, which is 2.1% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Seal Beach, the home price to income ratio is 5.8, which is 9.4% lower than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Seal Beach

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Seal Beach?

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Compare Seal Beach, CA Livability

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      Seal Beach transportation information

      Statistic Seal Beach California National
      Average one way commute33min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work78.4%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.9%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.0%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.1%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.6%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home10.5%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Seal Beach, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).