Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Big Basin, CA
Considering a move to Big Basin, CA? This scenic community of about 1,700 residents offers tranquil forest surroundings and a high quality of life, with a median home price around $1,150,000 and average rents near $2,850. Crime rates are low, and residents enjoy 68% sunny days annually with mild temperatures. Commute times average 35 minutes, and the area boasts strong incomes and high educational attainment. With access to good schools and nearby healthcare, Big Basin is ideal for those seeking peaceful living in the heart of California’s redwood country.
Demographics - Big Basin, CA
Demographics - Big Basin, CA
Big Basin is a small, close-knit community of approximately 1,700 residents, with a median age of 48 years and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, with Hispanic and Asian minorities, and about 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its low population density and mature demographic make it a peaceful and welcoming place for newcomers.
Population:
Approx. 1,700
Density:
50 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.0
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
77.0%
Asian:
6.0%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Big Basin, CA?
Living in Big Basin comes with a high cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $1,150,000 and an average rent of $2,850 per month. The overall cost of living index is significantly above the national average, primarily due to elevated housing and transportation expenses. Residents should budget accordingly for state taxes and daily expenses, which are generally higher than in many other California towns.
Median House Value:
$1,150,000
Gross Rent:
$2,850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,930
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$810
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
181.0
Grocery:
126.0
Housing:
285.0
Utilities:
119.0
Transportation:
140.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Big Basin, CA a safe place to live?
Big Basin enjoys a low crime rate, with only 110 violent crimes and 950 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it a safe place to live. The chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 900, while property crime risk is 1 in 105. This secure environment is attractive for families and individuals seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
950
Crime Index:
1,060
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 105
Weather
What is the weather like in Big Basin, CA year-round?
Residents of Big Basin experience mild temperatures year-round, with winter lows around 38°F and summer highs reaching 79°F. The area boasts 68% sunny days annually and receives about 34 inches of rainfall, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor enthusiasts. Seasonal changes are gentle, making it comfortable for most lifestyles.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
59°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
79°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
68%
Neighbors
Big Basin's neighbors typically enjoy strong household incomes, with a median of $136,000 and a low poverty rate of 4.7%. Educational attainment is high, with over 56% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and unemployment remains low at just 3.2%. Residents benefit from a supportive, well-educated, and prosperous local community.
Median Income:
$63,000
Household Income:
$136,000
Family Income:
$148,500
Per Capita Income:
$65,000
Income Male:
$80,000
Income Female:
$58,000
Poverty Rate:
4.7%
Non English Speakers:
10.5%
Rent:
$2,850
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
35.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.5%
Bachelors or More:
56.2%
Education
How are the schools in Big Basin, CA?
Families in Big Basin have access to quality public and private schools, including Boulder Creek Elementary and nearby institutions like Gateway School. Higher education opportunities are within reach, with the University of California, Santa Cruz just 22 miles away. The community values education, as reflected in its high rates of high school and college graduates.
Public Schools
Name:
Boulder Creek Elementary School
Street:
400 W Park Ave, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
Phone:
831-338-6413
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.2
Private Schools
Name:
Gateway School
Street:
126 Eucalyptus Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone:
831-423-0341
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
University of California, Santa Cruz
City:
Santa Cruz
State:
CA
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
19,000
Name:
Cabrillo College
City:
Aptos
State:
CA
Distance:
30 miles
Students:
11,500
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is robust in Big Basin, with two major hospitals nearby and 3.2 physicians per 1,000 residents. About 93% of locals have health insurance, ensuring most residents can access medical care when needed. The area offers a solid healthcare infrastructure for both routine and emergency services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Dominican Hospital
Address:
1555 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Phone:
(831) 462-7700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Watsonville Community Hospital
Address:
75 Nielson St, Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone:
(831) 724-4741
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.0%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Big Basin, CA?
The housing market in Big Basin is competitive, with a median home price of $1,150,000 and most residents owning their homes. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $2,850 and a low vacancy rate of 4.2%. Home values have appreciated nearly 4% in the past year, reflecting ongoing demand.
Median Home Price:
$1,150,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,850
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Big Basin residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with accessible services both online and at statewide offices. The main DMV office is located in Sacramento, and assistance is available by phone or through the official website. Local DMV resources support all standard vehicle registration and licensing needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1400 Tenth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.