La Mesa 74 Excellent
La Mesa Livability #132 ranked city in California#4,041 ranked city in the USARanks better than 86% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in La Mesa

PROS
  • Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Ratings

    Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.

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What's it like Living in La Mesa?

La Mesa is a mid-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 60,208 residents. In La Mesa, there are 6,622 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. At 67%, the majority of the La Mesa population is White; this is followed by 8% Black and 8% Asian. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 48% of the La Mesa population is married. 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 La Mesa, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in La Mesa is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in California, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in La Mesa and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.

The livability score in La Mesa is 77/100 and the city is ranked in the 92nd percentile of all cities across America. Compared to the national average, La Mesa ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Another exciting tidbit, is that La Mesa ranks better than 90% of all US cities! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. La Mesa scores well for crime (B-), education (A+) and employment (B+) Unfortunately for La Mesa, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: cost of living (F).

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in La Mesa, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in La Mesa undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.

La Mesa 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 La Mesa. Median real estate prices in La Mesa come in at $564,900, which is 38% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In La Mesa, the home price to income ratio is 7.9, which is 23.4% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around La Mesa

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Compare La Mesa, CA Livability

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      La Mesa transportation information

      Statistic La Mesa California National
      Average one way commute26min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work77.3%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.2%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.9%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.5%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home8.5%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The La Mesa, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).