Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
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.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this 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.
Rancho Santa Margarita is a moderately-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 48,280 people. Rancho Santa Margarita has a population density of 3,735 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. At 76%, the majority of the Rancho Santa Margarita population is White; this is followed by 11% Asian and 2% Black. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Rancho Santa Margarita, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 29 minutes.
Living in Rancho Santa Margarita can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Rancho Santa Margarita, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, education, housing and more.
With a livability score of 72/100, Rancho Santa Margarita is ranked #4,667 in the United States and #184 in California. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Rancho Santa Margarita has higher than average scores for the following: amenities (A), crime (A+), education (A-) and housing (B-). On a more negative note, Rancho Santa Margarita does not have favorable scores for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Rancho Santa Margarita are: Tijeras Creek Golf Club, Cismontane Brewing Co., and Spa Gregorie's Day Spa & Salon.
Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Rancho Santa Margarita shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 38 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Rancho Santa Margarita has an unemployment rate of 2.35% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Rancho Santa Margarita, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 67%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Rancho Santa Margarita can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Rancho Santa Margarita. 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 Rancho Santa Margarita are affordable. Median real estate prices in Rancho Santa Margarita come in at $679,500, which is 66% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Rancho Santa Margarita, the home price to income ratio is 5.4, which is 15.6% lower than the California average.
| Statistic | Rancho Santa Margarita | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 29min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 77.6% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.7% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.0% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 11.6% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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