Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
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.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
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.
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.
Rancho Santa Margarita is a medium-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 49,889 inhabitants. Rancho Santa Margarita has a population density of 3,869 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. At 76%, the majority of the Rancho Santa Margarita population is White; this is followed by 11% Asian and 2% Black. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Rancho Santa Margarita your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 29 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
Living in Rancho Santa Margarita can be a positive experience for anyone relocating to the city. 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. Finding the best places to live in Rancho Santa Margarita and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, commute, education and other important metrics.
Using data and statistics Rancho Santa Margarita has received a livability score of 74/100. This score is ranked in the 85th percentile when compared to all other cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Rancho Santa Margarita has higher than average rankings for the following: amenities (A), crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (B+). On a less positive note, Rancho Santa Margarita does not have favorable grades for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Tijeras Creek Golf Club, Cismontane Brewing Co., and Spa Gregorie's Day Spa & Salon.
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. Rancho Santa Margarita has a violent crime rate of 81 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 Rancho Santa Margarita, the unemployment rate stands at 2.5%, 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.
Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Rancho Santa Margarita have an average test score of 67%, which is well above the US average.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Rancho Santa Margarita has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Rancho Santa Margarita is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Rancho Santa Margarita come in at $1,193,294, which is 63.1% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Rancho Santa Margarita, the home price to income ratio is 6.4, which is 16.9% lower than the California average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Rancho Santa Margarita | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 29min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 77.6% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.7% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.0% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 11.6% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in California
See the best places to live in Rancho Santa Margarita
These are the 10 cheapest cities in California
Safest States In The US