Half Moon Bay 77 Exceptional
Half Moon Bay Livability #79 ranked city in California#2,583 ranked city in the USARanks better than 91% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Half Moon Bay

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 Half Moon Bay?

Half Moon Bay is a moderately-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 12,583 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 75% of Half Moon Bay residents are White, 6% Asian and 1% Black. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Half Moon Bay are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 29% of the population also speak Spanish. The Half Moon Bay population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 48, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. An important consideration when living in Half Moon Bay is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 31 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Half Moon Bay, California could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like crime, commute, education and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Half Moon Bay and in the areas around Half Moon Bay is a much easier task.

Half Moon Bay, CA receives 78 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #71 in California and #1,873 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Half Moon Bay could be a great choice! The cherry on top is that Half Moon Bay also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Half Moon Bay scores well for amenities (A+), crime (A+), education (B-) and housing (B-) Half Moon Bay does not rank well for the following: cost of living (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Living in Half Moon Bay offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Half Moon Bay provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale.

The unemployment rate in Half Moon Bay has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 0.83%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Half Moon Bay apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Half Moon Bay. 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 Half Moon Bay are affordable. Median real estate prices in Half Moon Bay come in at $1,155,000, which is 182.2% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Half Moon Bay, the home price to income ratio is 8.8, which is 37.5% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Half Moon Bay

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Compare Half Moon Bay, CA Livability

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      Half Moon Bay transportation information

      Statistic Half Moon Bay California National
      Average one way commute31min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work71.1%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.0%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.2%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.7%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.0%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home13.2%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Half Moon Bay, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).