Downey, California, known as the "Birthplace of the Apollo Space Program," is a vibrant and historic city located in Los Angeles County. With its rich aerospace history, diverse community, and strong local economy, Downey offers a high quality of life for its residents. The city's blend of suburban charm and urban amenities makes living in Downey an attractive option for families and professionals.
Residents of Downey enjoy a variety of recreational activities and cultural events. The city's numerous parks, museums, and recreational facilities provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The Columbia Memorial Space Center and the Downey Theatre are popular destinations that celebrate the city's aerospace heritage and cultural richness. The annual International Food and Music Festival is an event that showcases Downey's vibrant community spirit.
Downey's strong economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. The city's strategic location near major highways and transportation hubs provides residents with easy access to job opportunities throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Major employers in the area include Kaiser Permanente and PIH Health Hospital - Downey.
The cost of living in Downey is relatively affordable compared to other parts of Los Angeles County, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals. The housing market includes a variety of options, from single-family homes in suburban neighborhoods to modern apartments and condos. The city's strong sense of community and welcoming atmosphere further enhance its appeal.
Public transportation in Downey is well-developed, with access to Metro buses and the Metrolink commuter train, facilitating easy commutes within the city and to neighboring areas. Downey's climate features hot summers and mild winters, allowing for year-round outdoor activities. Overall, Downey offers a blend of economic opportunity, cultural richness, and community spirit, making it a desirable place to live.
Amenities
The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Ratings
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.
Crime
This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.
Downey, California is a mid-sized city with a population of 111,263 residents. With a population density of 8,967 people per square mile, Downey is well above the nation's average density level. More than a quarter of the residents of Downey identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 58% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. In Downey, only 50% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Downey offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 32 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Downey, 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Downey and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Downey to California and the national average.
The livability score in Downey is 75/100 and the city is ranked in the 89th percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Downey could be a great choice! There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Downey ranks well for amenities (A+), crime (B-), education (A) and employment (A-) There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Downey. The following was graded with a concerning score: cost of living (F).
Downey has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Downey has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Downey: Kandy Kays of California, Downey Museum of Art, and Downey History Center.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Downey. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Downey are affordable. Median real estate prices in Downey come in at $582,500, which is 42.3% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Downey, the home price to income ratio is 7.7, which is 20.3% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Downey | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 32min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.3% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.7% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.0% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.6% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.7% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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