El Centro 72 Excellent
El Centro Livability #190 ranked city in California#5,488 ranked city in the USARanks better than 81% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in El Centro

PROS
  • Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute

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

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Employment

    Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.

  • Ratings

    Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.

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What's it like Living in El Centro?

El Centro, California is a medium-sized city with a population of 43,881 people. In El Centro, there are 3,666 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. More than a quarter of the residents of El Centro identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 73% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. El Centro could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 32 years old is below the nation’s average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, El Centro is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in El Centro, California. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in El Centro and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, commute, health & safety and other important metrics.

El Centro, CA receives 73/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #164 in California and #4,129 in the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, El Centro has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (A+), education (A) and housing (B+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in El Centro. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: employment (D-).

El Centro 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 El Centro has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The El Centro market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

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 El Centro is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in El Centro come in at $210,100, which is 48.7% lower than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In El Centro, the home price to income ratio is 4.4, which is 31.3% lower than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around El Centro

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How Do You Rate The Livability In El Centro?

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Compare El Centro, CA Livability

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      El Centro transportation information

      Statistic El Centro California National
      Average one way commute20min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.8%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.2%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.7%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.8%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home5.4%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The El Centro, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).