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.
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.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
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.
Health & Safety
The low score in this category could be due to challenges related to air quality and the limited accessibility of health-related facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and pharmacies.
Portola Valley is a smaller city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 4,568 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (84% White). Given that fact, Portola Valley could be considered less diverse than other cities. With an average age of 56 years, Portola Valley residents appear to be older compared to the national average. For seniors and retirees, this city presents itself as a compelling choice. If you are looking for a family friendly city, Portola Valley might be a good fit as 74% of the population over 15 years old are married, and 30% have kids who are 18 years old or younger. 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 Portola Valley, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 29 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Portola Valley is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating 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. Finding the best places to live in Portola Valley and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, education, housing and other important metrics.
The livability score in Portola Valley is 54 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 21st percentile of all cities across America. Compared to the national average, this city has a score which ranks among the lowest in the nation, and it is not considered a very livable city. If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Portola Valley ranks well for crime (A+). Regrettably for Portola Valley, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F), cost of living (F) and housing (F).
The unemployment rate in Portola Valley has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.16%. 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 Portola Valley, the average school test scores reached an impressive 86%, 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 Portola Valley an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
Portola Valley 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 Portola Valley. The median home price for Portola Valley homes is $2,000,001, which is 388.6% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Portola Valley, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 8.5, which is 32.8% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Portola Valley | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 29min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 59.3% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 1.0% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 3.2% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.3% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 32.7% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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