Livability Score

71
/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 (11) B
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Sweet & Green
Coffee Shop
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Coffee Shop
Chainline Brew Café
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Cafe Bella
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Memo's Golden Bagel
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Peet's Coffee
Coffee Shop
The Coffee Corner
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Boba Joy
Coffee Shop
Daboba
Coffee Shop
CAFÉ a gogo
Coffee Shop
Kaffee Meister - Santee Coffeehouse
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Kaffee Meister
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (5) F
Regal Parkway Plaza 18
Cinema
La Fiesta Night Club
Nightclub
Parkway Bowl
Bowling Alley
Mabel P. Bryan Amphitheatre
Theatre Arts
Mt. Helix Amphitheater
Theatre Arts
Stagehouse Theatre
Theatre Arts
Santee Drive-In
Cinema
Reading Cinema
Cinema
Food and Drink (105) A+
Rubio's
Fast Food
Quiznos
Fast Food
Jersey Mike's Subs
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Jack in the Box
Fast Food
Creative Creature Brewing Company
Bar
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Fast Food
See's Candies
Sweets
Cinnabon
Fast Food
Quiznos
Fast Food
In-N-Out Burger
Fast Food
El Pollo Loco
Fast Food
Monavala Pizza
Fast Food
Rubio's Baja Grill
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
Main Tap Tavern
Bar
Taco Bell
Fast Food
El Cajon Grand Cocktail Lounge
Bar
Dunkin'
Fast Food
Windy City Liquor Market
Alcohol
Fair Valley Liquor
Alcohol
The Caddyshack
Bar
Victoria Mexican Food
Fast Food
Jack in the Box
Fast Food
Arby's
Fast Food
Fitness (7) F
The Camp Transformation Center
Gym
The Salvation Army East County Red Shield Community Center
Community Centre
Bomber Squad Boxing Academy and Fitness
Gym
Crunch Fitness
Gym
Jaguar Fitness
Gym
Club Pilates
Gym
Glaze Fitness
Gym
24 Hour Fitness Super Sport
Gym
24 Hour Fitness
Gym
Chuze Fitness
Gym
Chuze Fitness
Gym
San Diego Yoga Center
Gym
Cameron Family YMCA
Community Centre
Orangetheory Fitness
Gym
Werk Fitness
Gym
24 Hour Fitness
Gym
Gym
Gym
Groceries (22) A+
Albertsons
Grocery Store
Food 4 Less
Grocery Store
Harvest International Market
Grocery Store
Ol' Rodeo's Market
Grocery Store
Smart & Final Extra!
Grocery Store
Manolo Farmers Market
Grocery Store
Valley Foods
Grocery Store
Grocery Outlet
Grocery Store
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Grocery Store
Sprouts Farmers Market
Grocery Store
Vons
Grocery Store
North Park Produce
Grocery Store
Salsa Market
Grocery Store
El Cajon Bistro & Bakery
Bakery
Saray Butcher Shop
Grocery Store
Vons
Grocery Store
Garcia's Puebla Mercado
Grocery Store
Kaelin's Supermercardo
Grocery Store
Lulu's International Market
Grocery Store
Harvest Ranch Market
Grocery Store
Albertsons
Grocery Store
Smart & Final
Grocery Store
ALDI
Grocery Store
Grocery Outlet
Grocery Store
Albertsons
Grocery Store
Parks (25) B
Red Cross Park
Park
Cajon Valley Park
Park
Prescott Promenade Park
Park
Bill Beck Park
Park
Wells Park
Park
East San Diego County Fairgrounds
Park
Renette Park
Park
Hillside Park
Park
Hillside Park
Park
Tuttle Park
Park
Villa Children's Park
Park
Bostonia Park
Park
Bostonia Park
Park
Albert Van Zanten Park
Park
Harry Griffin Regional Park
Park
Fletcher Hills Park
Park
Fletcher Hills Open Space
Park
John F Kennedy Park
Park
Northmont Park
Park
Northcote Park
Park
La Mesita Park
Park
Shadow Hills Park
Park
Shadow Hill Park
Park
Briercrest Park
Park
Polo Barn Park
Park
Shops (108) A+
HomeGoods
Houseware
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
Best Buy
Electronics
JCPenney
Department Store
RadioShack
Electronics
Parkway Plaza
Mall
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
Disney Store
Gift Shop
Walmart
Department Store
Bride Jewelry
Fashion
Target
Department Store
Bob's Discount Furniture
Furniture
The Home Depot
Home Improvement
Burlington
Department Store
Ashley HomeStore
Furniture
Murphy’s Electronic & Industrial Surplus Warehouse
Electronics
Plato's Closet
Clothing
Jerome's Furniture
Furniture
Boot World
Shoes
George's Lawn Equipment Co
Home Improvement
Boot Barn
Clothing
Ducky's Barber Shop
Hairdresser
Red Wing
Shoes
Marshalls
Department Store
Lily Salon Family Cuts
Hairdresser
See more El Cajon amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 3.5% take public transportation in El Cajon.
Public Transit Stops (104)
Stops & Stations
A+
Arnele Avenue
Transit Station
El Cajon Transit Center
Bus Stop
Fletcher Parkway & Cuyamaca Street
Bus Stop
El Cajon
Transit Station
Fletcher Parkway & Cuyamaca Street
Bus Stop
Washington & first
Bus Stop
Gillespie Field
Transit Station
Winter Gardens Boulevard & Royal Road
Bus Stop
Winter Gardens Boulevard & Royal Road
Bus Stop
Amaya Drive
Transit Station
E Main Street & Lavala Ln
Bus Stop
E Main Street & Lavala Ln
Bus Stop
Santee Town Center
Transit Station
Grossmont
Transit Station
Jamacha Road & Scottys Way
Bus Stop
Camino Canada & Walmart
Bus Stop
Camino Canada & Los Coches Road
Bus Stop
Campo Road & Granada Avenue
Bus Stop
Campo Road & Granada Avenue
Bus Stop
Jamacha Road & Calle Albara
Bus Stop
Jamacha Road & Calle Albara
Bus Stop
Campo Road & Barcelona Street
Bus Stop
Campo Road & Barcelona Street
Bus Stop
Campo Road & Bonita Street
Bus Stop
Campo Road & Bonita Street
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
3.5%
F
See more El Cajon commute data

cost of living F

The cost of living in El Cajon is 147/100 - which is 5% higher than California.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
F
See more El Cajon cost of living data

crime D+

El Cajon crime rates are 2,078 per 100k, which is 27% lower than California
Property Crime
1,609 crimes per 100k
C+
Violent Crime
469 crimes per 100k
D-
See more El Cajon crime data

employment C

The median income in El Cajon is $56,367 - which is 12% lower than California.
Med. Household Income
$56,367
D
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
F
See more El Cajon employment data

health C-

There are many hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (28)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A+
El Cajon Police
Police
Centro Médico El Cajón
Clinic
El Cajon Fire Department 6
Fire Station
Dental Arts San Diego
Dentist
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Fresenius Kidney Care Fletcher Parkway
Clinic
40/30 Dental
Dentist
Sun Valley Dental Care
Dentist
SmilePlus
Dentist
Kaiser Permanente - El Cajon Medical Offices
Clinic
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Western Dental
Dentist
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Rite Aid
Pharmacy
St. Paul's Place
Clinic
Korel Family Dentistry
Dentist
Heartland Fire & Rescue Station 8
Fire Station
Fire Station #7
Fire Station
Lakeside Fire Protection District Station 1
Fire Station
Jamacha Urgent Medical Center
Clinic
Lakeside Fire Protection District Station 1 - Apparatus Bay
Fire Station
Jamacha Dental
Dentist
Kaiser Permanente Bostonia Medical Offices
Clinic
Kaiser Permanente
Clinic
El Cajon Family Dental
Dentist
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
F
See more El Cajon health & safety data

housing C+

El Cajon home prices are $470,800 - which is 15% higher than California
Home Price
$470,800
A+
Home Appreciation Rate
22%
A+
Home Affordability
8.4x (home price to income ratio)
F
See more El Cajon housing data

schools C

The El Cajon graduation rate is 77% - which is 3% lower than California
School Test Scores
39%
F
High School Grad. Rates
77%
D
Elementary Schools (57) A+
Cajon Valley Middle
Learning Latitudes Charter
Empower
Johnson Elementary
Cajon Valley Community Day
Naranca Elementary
Magnolia Elementary
Literacy First Charter
Literacy First Charter
Lexington Elementary
Eje Middle Academy
Eje Middle Academy
Eje Elementary Academy Charter
Holy Trinity Elementary School
Flying Hills Elementary
Diego Valley Charter
Diego Valley East Public Charter
Eje Elementary Academy Charter
Chase Avenue Elementary
Kidinnu Academy
Anza Elementary
Chase Ranch Montessori School
Emerald Middle
Cajon Valley Home
Bostonia Language Academy
High Schools (23) A+
Learning Latitudes Charter
Grossmont Secondary
Grossmont Secondary
El Cajon Valley High
Literacy First Charter
Literacy First Charter
Diego Valley Charter
Diego Valley East Public Charter
Elite Academy
Reach Academy
Chaparral High
Merit Academy
Idea Center
Foothills Christian High School
Grossmont High
Granite Hills High
Grossmont Middle College High
Jcs - Manzanita
Valhalla High
River Valley Charter
River Valley Charter
Santana High
See more El Cajon education data

ratings A

El Cajon has an overall rating of 82% from 18 reviews.
User Reviews (2)
From AreaVibes
A+
User Surveys (16)
From AreaVibes
C
See more El Cajon user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of El Cajon, CA
( 18 Ratings )

Living in El Cajon, CA

El Cajon Area Facts

  • El Cajon has a Livability Score of 71/100, which is considered excellent
  • El Cajon crime rates are 27% lower than the California average
  • Cost of living in El Cajon is 5% higher than the California average
New Real Estate Listings in El Cajon Area
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El Cajon Reviews

Write a review about El Cajon Tell people what you like or don't like about El Cajon…
Fletcher Hills is awesome!!! 5 rating By Sandiego ( Feb 16, 2013) El Cajon and La Mesa are about a dozen miles east of the Pacific Ocean. Fletcher Hills, in particular, is a community within El Cajon on the boarder of La Mesa/Mt. Helix. This beautiful neighborhood was developed in the late 1920's by San Diego developer Ed Fletcher. The weather ...Read More is amazing! Winters are mild; while cold in the evening and early morning to remind you there are seasons, the days are marked by sunshine and "light jacket" temperatures. In the summer, a calm, gentle breeze keeps it comfortable and ALWAYS pleasant. Many homes don't even have air conditioning, although I do think that it is better if you do. It is close to the ocean, the mountains, hiking trails, parks, restaurants and shopping. The schools, kindergarten to college, are over-the-top great. Also particularly notable about Fletcher Hills is the neighborly people, always smiling and taking care of each other, a throw back to an earlier time. Speaking of an earlier time, a quick look at the El Cajon city web site tells of its rich history as an important American city! Fletcher Read Less
El Cajon, CA: A Rarity In Southern California 4 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 06, 2010) Conveniently located along Interstate 8 near San Diego, El Cajon is a great place to visit or relocate to. Dedicated to affordable living, El Cajon makes searching for homes to rent or buy feasible for prospective residents. Neighborhoods provide a safe and beautiful place to liv ...Read More e. Schools are well rated and plentiful in the area.

Visitors traveling to San Diego will want to stop in El Cajon to visit the Heritage of the Americas Museum, featuring a wide variety of historical to anthropological exhibits. Also El Sycuan Casino is a popular attraction, offering all the amenities of a great casino. There are plenty of major stores and other shopping venues in El Cajon too.

I traveled through the city of El Cajon twice and both times I ate at Marechiaro's Fine Italian Restaurant. Living up to every word in its name, this location has some of the best food in the San Diego area. All of the cuisine was delicious and I highly recommend Marechiaro's to anyone who loves Italian food. Thornton's Irish Pub makes an excellent place to enjoy drinks after dinner. With a lively but fun atmosphere, this pub is the perfect spot to relax. Read Less
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Compare El Cajon, CA Livability

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      El Cajon, CA

      El Cajon is a great place to live for both families and singles because of the diverse nightlife, family-friendly attractions, great schools and access to major urban resources in nearby San Diego. The temperature runs between the 60s and 80s year-round, and the city has lots of land, nearby recreational resources, mountain views and desert vistas. The city served as a hub for people moving out west for more than 250 years.

      Named for Spanish words that mean “the box,” the area is surrounded and protected by mountains, but the actual city has rich, boxed-in pasture land. The city is only 17 miles in area with a population over 100,000. You can enjoy living in a place with lots of history, attractions, modern amenities and short distances to San Diego, Mexico and desert landscapes.

      The city offers good public schools, rich nightlife, diverse culture and family-friendly living. Area attractions include the Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center, which is a National Historic Monument. The East County Performing Arts Center has been voted the area’s best concert hall, and El Cajon offers plenty of parks, sports fields, playgrounds and recreation facilities.

      Commuting to the San Diego urban area is fast and easy, but there can be rush hour problems in the San Diego city limits. The cost of living in El Cajon is higher than the average, but that’s mostly based on home costs, which are quite high in all California cities. The average cost of living in the United States is 30 percent less than the cost of living in El Cajon. Health care costs in El Cajon are about 10 percent lower than average, and utilities are about 10 percent higher than the national average. The median home price is around $520,000, but rentals are more affordable because they rank among the lowest for California cities at an average of about $1,200.

      Tips for relocating to El Cajon include registering your vehicle within 20 days and getting a California Driver’s license within 10 days. Like all of California, food costs are higher than the national average, but you can save by getting your produce from the city’s farmer’s market.

      Public transportation in El Cajon is provided by the Metropolitan Transit System and Greyhound Bus Lines. The city is a major commuter hub for local and regional routes that are served by buses and trolley lines. Disabled residents have equivalent access to buses and light rail lines, and those with more severe disabilities can use the MTS paratransit operations if they can't access trolleys and buses. Seniors enjoy affordable transportation to all cities in San Diego County through RideFACT services.

      El Cajon is a perfect blend of historical settings, modern amenities and convenient transportation to some of the world’s most visited sites in San Diego County. Younger people are attracted to the city as evidenced by a 10 percent higher demographic than the average California city.

      A+ Amenities

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

      Parks

      Red Cross Park
      Cajon Valley Park
      Prescott Promenade Park
      Bill Beck Park
      Wells Park
      East San Diego County Fairgrounds
      Renette Park
      Hillside Park

      Entertainment

      Regal Parkway Plaza 18
      La Fiesta Night Club
      Parkway Bowl
      Mabel P. Bryan Amphitheatre
      Mt. Helix Amphitheater
      Stagehouse Theatre
      Santee Drive-In
      Reading Cinema

      Food & Drink

      Rubio's
      Quiznos
      Jersey Mike's Subs
      McDonald's
      Jack in the Box
      Creative Creature Brewing Company
      L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
      See's Candies

      A+ Commute

      Is public transit available in El Cajon? Of all people who commute, 3.5% take public transportation in El Cajon.
      Drive to Work
      77%

      equal to the US average

      Take Public Transit
      4%

      2% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      2%

      1% lower than the US average

      A+ Health & Safety

      Is El Cajon 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

      Doctors