Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Schools
The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Cost Of Living
This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.
Scotts Valley, California is a mid-sized city with a population of 12,055 residents. According to the most recent Census, 81% of Scotts Valley residents are White, 8% Asian and 1% American Indian and Alaskan. Something to be aware of when living in Scotts Valley are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 30 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Scotts Valley can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many desirable 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 Scotts Valley, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, commute, employment and more.
With a livability score of 73/100, Scotts Valley is ranked #4,369 in the United States and #172 in California. Based on the scores for each individual category, Scotts Valley has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A-). There are some categories that Scotts Valley scores poorly for, including: cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
The unemployment rate in Scotts Valley has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.66%. 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.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Scotts Valley, the average school test scores reached an impressive 67%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Scotts Valley an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
Assuming that Scotts Valley meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Scotts Valley. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Scotts Valley are simply unattainable. The median home price for Scotts Valley homes is $811,900, which is 98.4% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Scotts Valley, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 7.8, which is 21.9% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Scotts Valley | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 30min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 71.9% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.1% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.0% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.0% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 14.0% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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