Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
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.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
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.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
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.
Health & Safety
A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.
Located in the state of California, Foster City is a moderately-sized city with a population of 33,056 people. In Foster City, there are 8,728 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. Individuals of White (40%) and Asian (51%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of Foster City. Something to be aware of when living in Foster City 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.
Living in Foster City can be a great experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Foster City, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, health & safety and more.
With a livability score of 71 out of 100, Foster City is ranked #5,426 in the United States and #225 in California. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Foster City has higher than average rankings for the following: crime (A), education (A-) and housing (B-). Regrettably for Foster City, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).
Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Foster City, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 134 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
The Foster City unemployment rate of 2.24% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Foster City, the average school test scores are an impressive 78%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Foster City market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
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 Foster City is actually affordable. The median home price for Foster City homes is $1,399,600, which is 241.9% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Foster City, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 8.6, which is 34.4% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Foster City | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 33min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 66.6% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.3% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 6.6% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.3% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.8% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 12.6% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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