Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Health & Safety
The low score in this category could be due to challenges related to air quality and the limited accessibility of health-related facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and pharmacies.
Novato, California is a mid-sized city with a population of 53,781 inhabitants. The majority of Novato residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. With an average age of 49 years, Novato residents appear to be older compared to the national average. For seniors and retirees, this city presents itself as a compelling choice. An important consideration when living in Novato 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 33 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 Novato, California could be a great 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, commute, education, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Novato and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Novato to California and the national average.
Novato, CA receives 69 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #279 in California and #7,400 in the USA. There are some categories that Novato ranks poorly for, including: amenities (D) and cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
The Novato unemployment rate of 2.65% 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.
Novato real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Novato. The median home price for Novato homes is $804,900, which is 96.7% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Novato, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 7.9, which is 23.4% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Novato | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 33min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 69.7% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.6% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 6.4% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.4% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 10.3% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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