Menlo Park 83 Exceptional
Menlo Park Livability #20 ranked city in California#749 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Menlo Park

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.

  • 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.

  • Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

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 Menlo Park?

Menlo Park, California is a moderately-sized city with a population of 35,211 residents. In Menlo Park, there are 3,525 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Menlo Park is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 27 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Menlo Park, California could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the effort 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Menlo Park, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, commute, health & safety, employment, housing and more.

Menlo Park, CA receives 84 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #15 in California and #467 in the USA. Clearly, Menlo Park is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Menlo Park also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Menlo Park has higher than average rankings for the following: crime (B+) and education (A). Regrettably for Menlo Park, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: cost of living (F).

Menlo Park has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Menlo Park has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Menlo Park, the unemployment rate stands at 2.45%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Menlo Park. 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 Menlo Park are affordable. The median home price for Menlo Park homes is $2,000,001, which is 388.6% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Menlo Park, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 11.9, which is 85.9% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Menlo Park

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Menlo Park?

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Compare Menlo Park, CA Livability

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      Menlo Park transportation information

      Statistic Menlo Park California National
      Average one way commute27min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work59.7%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.5%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit6.0%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle7.3%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.6%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home15.9%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Menlo Park, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).