Kensington 84 Exceptional
Kensington Livability #10 ranked city in California#497 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Kensington

PROS
  • Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.

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What's it like Living in Kensington?

Located in the state of California, Kensington is a small-sized city with a population of 5,171 residents. In Kensington, there are 5,366 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. At 76%, the majority of the Kensington population is White; this is followed by 10% Asian and 2% Black. Kensington is considered to be a city with an aging population. The average age of all residents is 49, which is well beyond the United States median age average. 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 Kensington offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 36 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Kensington, 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, cost of living, health & safety, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Kensington and in the areas around Kensington is a much easier task.

Kensington, CA receives 83/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #24 in California and #689 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Kensington could be a great choice! Kensington has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we see that Kensington ranks very well for amenities (A), crime (A+) and education (A-). On a less positive note, Kensington does not have favorable grades for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

If you're living in Kensington, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Kensington an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.

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. Kensington gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 40 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.

The Kensington unemployment rate of 2.28% 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 Kensington, the average school test scores are an impressive 80%, 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.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Kensington is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Kensington come in at $1,022,400, which is 149.8% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Kensington, the home price to income ratio is 6.3, which is 1.6% lower than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Kensington

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Compare Kensington, CA Livability

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      Kensington transportation information

      Statistic Kensington California National
      Average one way commute36min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work45.8%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.8%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit17.5%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.9%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.6%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home25.2%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Kensington, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).