Dana Point 65 Good
Dana Point Livability #403 ranked city in California#12,537 ranked city in the USARanks better than 57% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Dana Point

PROS
  • Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

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What's it like Living in Dana Point?

Dana Point, California is a mid-sized city with a population of 33,782 residents. With a population density of 5,207 people per square mile, Dana Point is well above the nation's average density level. According to the most recent Census, 84% of Dana Point residents are White, 4% Asian and 2% Black. The Dana Point population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 49, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Dana Point, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 28 minutes.

Living in Dana Point can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving 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. Finding the best places to live in Dana Point and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, cost of living, health & safety, employment and other important metrics.

Dana Point has a livability score of 65 out of 100 and is ranked #402 in California and #11,199 in the USA. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Dana Point has received high marks for crime (A+) and education (C+). Unfortunately for Dana Point, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F), cost of living (F) and housing (D).

Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Dana Point has a violent crime rate of 169 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Dana Point, the unemployment rate stands at 2.56%, 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.

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 Dana Point is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Dana Point come in at $923,100, which is 125.5% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Dana Point, the home price to income ratio is 8.8, which is 37.5% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Dana Point

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Dana Point?

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Compare Dana Point, CA Livability

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      Dana Point transportation information

      Statistic Dana Point California National
      Average one way commute28min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work70.8%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.3%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.9%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.5%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.1%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home18.6%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Dana Point, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).