Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gorda, CA
Thinking of moving to Gorda, CA? This tiny coastal enclave boasts a population of about 50, with median home prices around $700,000 and average rents near $2,100. Residents enjoy a mild climate with 65% sunny days, low crime rates, and an average commute of just 18 minutes. While amenities and schools are limited due to its rural setting, Gorda is perfect for those seeking scenic tranquility and beautiful Pacific views—just be prepared for higher-than-average living costs and a slower pace of life.
Demographics - Gorda, CA
Gorda, CA is a very small and close-knit community with only about 50 residents and a low population density of 5 people per square mile. The median age is 48, and the area is predominantly White, with a mix of other ethnicities and around 15% non-English speakers. This peaceful coastal setting is ideal for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle.
Population:
50
Density:
5 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.0
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
65.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
3.0%
Others:
30.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gorda, CA?
Living in Gorda comes with a high cost of living, as reflected by a cost of living index of 165 and median home values at $700,000. Rent and utility costs are above average for California, and state taxes range from 1% to 13.3%. Residents should budget for higher grocery and housing expenses compared to national averages.
Median House Value:
$700,000
Gross Rent:
$2,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$190
Auto Insurance:
$1,800
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
165.0
Grocery:
120.0
Housing:
220.0
Utilities:
115.0
Transportation:
130.0
Health Care:
110.0
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Gorda, CA a safe place to live?
Gorda enjoys very low crime rates, with only 60 violent crimes and 180 property crimes per 100,000 people annually. The odds of experiencing violent crime are about 1 in 1,600, making it a safe and peaceful place to live. This tranquility is one of the community's greatest appeals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
60
Property Crimes Per 100k:
180
Crime Index:
240
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,600
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 555
Weather
What is the weather like in Gorda, CA year-round?
The climate in Gorda is mild year-round, with summer highs reaching 70°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 42°F. The area receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 65% of the year. Its coastal location ensures comfortable temperatures and scenic ocean views.
Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
61°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
70°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Households in Gorda have a median income of $62,000, and the area has a moderate poverty rate of 16.5%. Most residents commute about 18 minutes for work, and educational attainment is relatively high, with 87% holding at least a high school diploma. The community is quiet and primarily residential, with little public transportation use.
Median Income:
$31,000
Household Income:
$62,000
Family Income:
$75,000
Per Capita Income:
$31,000
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
16.5%
Non English Speakers:
15.0%
Rent:
$2,100
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
18.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.0%
Bachelors or More:
27.0%
Education
How are the schools in Gorda, CA?
Education options within Gorda are limited, with Pacific Valley School serving the local student population in a small, low-ratio setting. For higher education, residents can access nearby colleges such as California State University Monterey Bay and Monterey Peninsula College, both about an hour’s drive away. The area offers a close-knit learning environment but requires commuting for broader academic opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Pacific Valley School
Street:
69325 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Phone:
831-667-2574
Students:
20
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.0
Colleges
Name:
California State University Monterey Bay
City:
Seaside
State:
CA
Distance:
58 miles
Students:
7,500
Name:
Monterey Peninsula College
City:
Monterey
State:
CA
Distance:
60 miles
Students:
7,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to major hospitals such as Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and Natividad Medical Center, both within reasonable driving distance. Healthcare coverage is strong, with 93% of locals insured and about 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents. Medical facilities offer comprehensive emergency and general care services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
Address:
23625 Holman Hwy, Monterey, CA 93940
Phone:
(831) 624-5311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Natividad Medical Center
Address:
1441 Constitution Blvd, Salinas, CA 93906
Phone:
(831) 755-4111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.0%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gorda, CA?
Gorda’s housing market is characterized by high home prices, with a median value of $700,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom around $2,100. Most homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low. The market has seen steady appreciation, making it attractive for long-term investment.
Median Home Price:
$700,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Gorda residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles branch in Salinas, located at 1377 S. Main St. Essential services such as licensing and vehicle registration are accessible by phone or online at the official DMV website. Plan ahead for travel to the nearest DMV office, as it is some distance from the community.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1377 S. Main St, Salinas, CA 93901
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.