Livability Score

60
/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 F

There are not many amenities close to this location.
Coffee (11) F
The Yellow Deli
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Lush Lounge
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Cat & Craft Cafe
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (28) F
Cinépolis Vista
Cinema
Wave Waterpark
Attraction
Wave Waterpark
Water Park
Vista Entertainment Center
Attraction
Vista Entertainment Center
Bowling Alley
Avo Playhouse
Theatre Arts
Moonlight Amphitheatre
Theatre Arts
Boomer's
Theme Park
Vista Historical Society
Museum
G - Blacksmith/Wheelwright Shop
Museum
D - Harvester Barn
Museum
C - Assembly Building
Museum
J - Steam Tractor Barn
Museum
I - Jack Collins Museum Building
Museum
B - California Barn (Wagon Exhibit)
Museum
F - School of Times Past
Museum
L - Mike Ashbeck Shop Building
Museum
K - Museum Building
Museum
E - Farmhouse
Museum
M - Weavers Building
Museum
Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum
Museum
Museum Office and Giftshop
Museum
Steam Engine Row
Museum
Unknown Name
Museum
AGSEM Stage
Theatre Arts
Food and Drink (52) C+
McDonald's
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
Danny's Donuts
Fast Food
Pepper Tree Frosty
Fast Food
Zappy Pizza
Fast Food
Raising Cane's
Fast Food
Smittys Downtown
Bar
Subway
Fast Food
Panda Express
Fast Food
Cold Stone Creamery
Sweets
Sonic
Fast Food
Burger King
Fast Food
Chipotle
Fast Food
Jack in the Box
Fast Food
Panera Bread
Fast Food
Pick Up Stix
Fast Food
Papa John's
Fast Food
Vista Village Pub
Bar
Wendy's
Fast Food
Carl's Jr.
Fast Food
Jack in the Box
Fast Food
Taco Bell
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Scotland Yard Restaurant
Bar
Taco Bell
Fast Food
Fitness (3) F
LA Fitness
Gym
EōS Fitness
Gym
24 Hour Fitness
Gym
181 Fitness
Gym
Unknown Name
Gym
Unknown Name
Gym
Groceries (12) F
Vons
Grocery Store
Frazier Farms
Grocery Store
Food 4 Less
Grocery Store
Los Reyes Tortilleria
Bakery
Ralphs
Grocery Store
Albertsons
Grocery Store
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
ALDI
Grocery Store
Northgate Market
Grocery Store
Stater Bros.
Grocery Store
Stater Bros.
Grocery Store
Albertsons
Grocery Store
Sprouts Farmers Market
Grocery Store
ALDI
Grocery Store
Albertsons
Grocery Store
Albertsons
Grocery Store
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Grocery Outlet
Grocery Store
Prager Brothers
Bakery
Parks (30) F
Unknown Name
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Breeze Hill Park
Park
Civic Center Park
Park
Wildwood Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Thibodo Park
Park
Thibodo Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Lake Park
Park
Unknown Name
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Raintree Park
Park
Luz Duran Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Brengle Terrace Park
Park
Buena Vista Park Ballfields
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Oak Riparian Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Oak Riparian Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Park
Shops (45) D-
Lowe's
Home Improvement
Supercuts
Hairdresser
Vista Village
Department Store
Petco
Pets
T-Mobile
Electronics
John Shakarian Jeweler
Fashion
Twice on Main Street
Clothing
Chevron
Convenience Store
ampm
Convenience Store
North County Regional Center San Diego County Law Library
Department Store
99 Cents Only Stores
Discount Store
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
Living Spaces
Furniture
Dollar Tree
Discount Store
PetSmart
Pets
GNC
Nutrition Supplements
T-Mobile
Electronics
Ross
Department Store
Circle K
Convenience Store
Old Navy
Clothing
Famous Footwear
Shoes
ampm
Convenience Store
See more Vista amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 1.2% take public transportation in Vista.
Public Transit Stops (135)
Stops & Stations
A+
Civic Center–Vista
Transit Station
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
1
Bus Stop
Vista Transit Center
Transit Station
2
Bus Stop
line 334
Bus Stop
3
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
4
Bus Stop
5
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
1.2%
F
See more Vista commute data

cost of living F

The cost of living in Vista is 153/100 - which is 10% higher than California.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
F
See more Vista cost of living data

crime C

Vista crime rates are 1,854 per 100k, which is 35% lower than California
Property Crime
1,472 crimes per 100k
B-
Violent Crime
383 crimes per 100k
D+
See more Vista crime data

employment A-

The median income in Vista is $73,163 - which is 15% higher than California.
Med. Household Income
$73,163
B
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
B+
See more Vista employment data

health F

There are not many hospitals, police and fire stations,
Health & Safety (20)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
D-
Graybill Medical Group - Melrose Office
Clinic
Tri-City Dental Excellence
Dentist
Vista Detention Facility
Police
Vista Fire Dept.
Fire Station
Vista Fire Dept.
Fire Station
Fresenius Medical Care Buena Creek Dialysis
Clinic
North County Dental Care
Dentist
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Walmart Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Vista Fire Station 4
Fire Station
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Dr. Nieva R. Bautista
Dentist
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Unknown Name
Dentist
Vista Community Clinic
Clinic
Sheriff Substation
Police
Rite Aid
Pharmacy
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Vista Fire Department
Fire Station
Vista Fire Dept.
Fire Station
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Tri-City Medical Center
Hospital
Western Dental
Dentist
Carlsbad Police
Police
Carlsbad Fire Department
Fire Station
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
F
See more Vista health & safety data

housing C+

Vista home prices are $503,500 - which is 23% higher than California
Home Price
$503,500
A+
Home Appreciation Rate
22%
A+
Home Affordability
6.9x (home price to income ratio)
F
See more Vista housing data

schools F

The Vista graduation rate is 76% - which is 5% lower than California
School Test Scores
38%
F
High School Grad. Rates
76%
D
Elementary Schools (35) F
St Francis Of Assisi Catholic School
Breeze Hill Elementary
Vista Magnet Middle School Of Technology Science And Math
Beaumont Elementary
Vista Christian School
Vista Academy Of Visual And Performing Arts
California Avenue Elementary
West Coast Baptist School
Montessori School Of Oceanside
Lake Elementary
Vista Innovation And Design Academy
Hannalei Elementary
Monte Vista Elementary
Madison Middle
Big Tree Little Preschool Kindergarten
Olive Elementary
National University Academy
National University Academy Dual Language Institute
New Haven Yfs
Stars Montessori Academy
Vista Visions Academy
Maryland Elementary
Rancho Minerva Middle
Vista Springs Charter
Bobier Elementary
High Schools (15) F
North County Trade Tech High
Major General Raymond Murray High
National University Academy
New Haven Yfs
Rancho Buena Vista High
North County Trade Tech High
Vista Visions Academy
Vista Springs Charter
Vista High
Tri-City Christian Schools
Alta Vista High (Continuation)
Siatech
Siatech
Guajome Learning Center
Guajome Learning Center
Guajome Park Academy Charter
Guajome Park Academy Charter
Audeo Charter Ii
Audeo Charter Ii
Coastal Academy Charter
Coastal Academy Charter
Sage Creek High
Taylion San Diego Academy
St Joseph Academy
See more Vista education data

ratings D

Vista has an overall rating of 56% from 27 reviews.
User Reviews (7)
From AreaVibes
D-
User Surveys (20)
From AreaVibes
B-
See more Vista user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Vista, CA
( 27 Ratings )

Living in Vista, CA

Vista Area Facts

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Vista Reviews

Write a review about Vista Tell people what you like or don't like about Vista…
My City Review 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( Apr 05, 2019) So vista is a safe city to live in and it's not a "Hood" like wannabe "thugs" say it. Is theirs some gunshots from time to time, but overall it's pretty cool and there is some soccer fields that are good to play in like the sports park and townsite(luz duran) park if you find tha ...Read More t interesting and some cool trampoline places like altitude,tempest,get air Read Less
North County Gem 4 rating By Anonymous ( Nov 25, 2018) I don't agree with the first review saying white trash lives in Vista. Home prices are from the mid 500K to well over a million. I live in west Vista and am only 10 minutes from some of the best San Diego beaches in the county. The cities of San Marcos, Carlsbad, Encinitas and ...Read More Oceanside are minutes away. Yes,, Vista is an old North County town, Their has been an aggressive revitalization projects happening to bring Vista into a Carlsbad scale of living.I live in a relatively new gated community and fell in love with the area. Incredible shopping, restaurants and micro breweries abound. Read Less
Worst Place Ever 0.5 rating By jblow22 ( Jun 01, 2018) Really rednecky, hillbilly, white trash, blue collar, low class, neck of the woods kind of place. Basically all the poor white ppl who can't afford to live on the coast end up here. ...Read More Read Less
Trashy, Inland Hellhole 0.5 rating By jblow22 ( May 18, 2018) Truck drivin' hillbilly, country, white trash, middle age, rednecks Everywhere. A lot of poor gangbanging Mexicans too. Basically you get all the poor low class blue collar whites who can't afford to live in Carlsbad, a slightly "better" but still trashy neighbor city. Other than ...Read More that the usual Kalifornia perks: superficial fake people, rude people, shallow people, and poor people who think they are livin the dream. Read Less
Show All Reviews
Worst Place Ever 0.5 rating By jblow22 ( Jun 01, 2018) Really rednecky, hillbilly, white trash, blue collar, low class, neck of the woods kind of place. Basically all the poor white ppl who can't afford to live on the coast end up here. ...Read More Read Less
Trashy, Inland Hellhole 0.5 rating By jblow22 ( May 18, 2018) Truck drivin' hillbilly, country, white trash, middle age, rednecks Everywhere. A lot of poor gangbanging Mexicans too. Basically you get all the poor low class blue collar whites who can't afford to live in Carlsbad, a slightly "better" but still trashy neighbor city. Other than ...Read More that the usual Kalifornia perks: superficial fake people, rude people, shallow people, and poor people who think they are livin the dream. Read Less
Moved To Vista, CA 3.5 rating By Common Sense Senior ( Sep 13, 2016) Grew up in San Diego (near Mission Bay). Moved out of the area for employment and then returned after retiring in 2014. Couldn't afford area near Mission Bay and buy a reasonably sized/priced home, so we bought a home in North County (San Marcos). After two years we decided we ...Read More wanted more space (larger home) but Carlsbad and San Marcos (our desired area) home prices are out of this world. Insane prices for what you get. So we explored Vista. Well kept secret. Much more home and lot size for the price. Yes, Vista is more culturally diverse than the other area's, but we don't mind. Yes, Vista is spotty, however, the nicer areas like Buena Creek, East Vista foothills offer some great deals on home size and land if you are willing to search and wait. Took us 10 months but came across a nice home in the foothills. Things of note. Nice weather. Nice neighborhood. See more patrols of law enforcement than in San Marcos. Feel safe. No hazards or crime in our area. So far we feel Vista is a well kept secret in home value versus other area's such as Carlsbad, Lake San Marcos, San Marcos, Oceanside. Nice town to live. There is a lot of traffic during rush hour, but so do the other area's. Especially San Marcos Blvd and Palomar Airport Rd. Read Less
Terrible place to live 0.5 rating By Cupofjoe ( Mar 29, 2015) ok, there is a few good places in vista. But, crime is everywhere, police and firefighters every day going up and down. Lots of rude people who refuse to learn english and play loud music up until 2 in the morning. Trailer parks are taking over, and families of twenty live in eac ...Read More h of those trailers ( which makes me question how safe and sanitary the city really is). Schools are terrible and low rated, areavibes is mistaken giving it a c average, its actually way worse than that. Thanks Obama! Anyway, i recommend oceanside better than vista, but i am out of vista asap Read Less
Vista, CA: The Best Mix Of San Diego and Los Angeles 4 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 06, 2010) Located between San Diego and Los Angeles near the famous Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base is Vista, California. A great place to visit, I have stopped in Vista several times on the way from Los Angeles to San Diego. Museum lovers will enjoy the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum. ...Read More With admission tickets at $5.00, the museum offers plenty of exhibits and information about the structure and history of many machines. Several other attractions are found, such as the Krikorian Theaters, Wave Water Park and Museum Farm Tractor. Numerous restaurants and nightlife venues are scattered throughout the city of Vista as well.

This lovely California city was voted the seventh best place to live in 2008, a huge honour that residents don't hesitate to talk about. Plenty of businesses abound, giving several employment opportunities. The weather is mild all year round with Vista being located just a few miles from the ocean. Vista's community and neighborhoods are safe and clean, the school systems are good and the people seem to take pride in keeping their city this way. Those wanting to relocate to either Los Angeles or San Diego will enjoy this city, as it is close to both cities and offers plenty of its own amenities. Read Less

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Compare Vista, CA Livability

      vs

      F Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Vista? Well, there are not many amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Unknown Name
      Unknown Name
      Breeze Hill Park
      Civic Center Park
      Wildwood Park
      Unknown Name
      Unknown Name
      Thibodo Park

      Entertainment

      Cinépolis Vista
      Wave Waterpark
      Wave Waterpark
      Vista Entertainment Center
      Vista Entertainment Center
      Avo Playhouse
      Moonlight Amphitheatre
      Boomer's

      Food & Drink

      McDonald's
      Subway
      Danny's Donuts
      Pepper Tree Frosty
      Zappy Pizza
      Raising Cane's
      Smittys Downtown
      Subway

      A+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Vista? Of all people who commute, 1.2% take public transportation in Vista.
      Drive to Work
      82%

      6% higher than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      1%

      4% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      2%

      1% lower than the US average

      A+ Health & Safety

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

      Hospitals

      Pharmacies

      Walgreens
      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      Rite Aid
      Walmart Pharmacy
      Walgreens

      Doctors