Goleta 81 Exceptional
Goleta Livability #36 ranked city in California#1,107 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Goleta

PROS
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

CONS
  • 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.

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What's it like Living in Goleta?

Goleta is a medium-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 32,142 people. Goleta has a population density of 4,093 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. If we look at the most recent Census, Goleta is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Goleta are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 23% of the population also speak Spanish. Goleta is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 50% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Goleta will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 18 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Goleta could be a positive experience compared to other cities in California if you know where to look. 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. With useful information like amenities, crime, education, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Goleta and in the areas around Goleta is a much easier task.

The livability score in Goleta is 78 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 93rd percentile of all cities across America. Compared to the national average, Goleta ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Another exciting tidbit, is that Goleta ranks better than 90% of all US cities! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Goleta scores well for amenities (A+), crime (B) and employment (A+) Goleta does not fare well for the following: cost of living (F) and education (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Goleta, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Goleta undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Sandpiper Golf Course, Fairview Gardens, and Coronado Butterfly Preserve.

Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Goleta gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 149 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Goleta. 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 Goleta are affordable. The median home price for Goleta homes is $813,000, which is 98.6% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Goleta, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 8.3, which is 29.7% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Goleta

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Goleta?

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Compare Goleta, CA Livability

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      Goleta transportation information

      Statistic Goleta California National
      Average one way commute18min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work70.2%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.5%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.3%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle4.4%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.0%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home9.6%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Goleta, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).