Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Half Moon Bay, CA
Thinking of moving to Half Moon Bay, CA? With a relaxed coastal vibe and a population of nearly 12,000, this city features mild weather year-round, excellent air quality, and a friendly, tight-knit community. Home prices here are higher than average, with a median value of $1.4M and average rents around $3,000, but residents enjoy very low violent crime, great schools, and an easy commute to the Bay Area. If you value great schools, beautiful beaches, and a welcoming atmosphere, Half Moon Bay is a fantastic place to call home.
Demographics - Half Moon Bay, CA
Demographics - Half Moon Bay, CA
Half Moon Bay is home to nearly 12,000 residents, offering a diverse community where about 59% are White and 30% Hispanic or Latino, with a median age of 44. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a significant portion of non-English speakers, reflecting its multicultural character. Its moderate population density provides a relaxed coastal living atmosphere.
Population:
11,795
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.1
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
25.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
59.0%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
5.8%
Others:
4.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Half Moon Bay, CA?
The cost of living in Half Moon Bay is notably high, with a median home value around $1.4 million and average rents at $3,000 per month. Everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation also trend above the national average, making it a premium Bay Area destination. Residents benefit from the area’s amenities but should expect a substantial financial commitment.
Median House Value:
$1,400,000
Gross Rent:
$3,000
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
203
Grocery:
120
Housing:
355
Utilities:
110
Transportation:
140
Health Care:
115
Miscellaneous:
120
Crime
Is Half Moon Bay, CA a safe place to live?
Half Moon Bay boasts a very low violent crime rate, with just 85 incidents per 100,000 people, making it one of the safer communities in California. Property crime is moderate but still below many urban centers, providing peace of mind for residents. Overall, safety is a key advantage for those considering a move to this coastal town.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,180
Crime Index:
1,265
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,180
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 85
Weather
What is the weather like in Half Moon Bay, CA year-round?
The city enjoys a mild, coastal climate with cool summers averaging highs in the upper 60s and mild winters rarely dipping below the mid-40s. With about 64% sunny days and 27 inches of annual rainfall, outdoor activities are accessible year-round. The consistent weather and ocean breezes are a major draw for new residents.
Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
68°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
Half Moon Bay residents enjoy a high median household income of $144,500 and a low poverty rate of 5.3%. The community is well-educated, with over 90% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, and commutes average just under 35 minutes. The area maintains a friendly, affluent vibe with a strong sense of community.
Median Income:
$60,100
Household Income:
$144,500
Family Income:
$167,000
Per Capita Income:
$54,000
Income Male:
$70,000
Income Female:
$54,000
Poverty Rate:
5.3%
Non English Speakers:
25.5%
Rent:
$3,000
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
5.2%
Commute Time:
34.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.7%
Bachelors or More:
46.3%
Education
How are the schools in Half Moon Bay, CA?
Half Moon Bay offers strong educational options, featuring well-regarded public schools like Half Moon Bay High School and Cunha Intermediate, along with private institutions such as Sea Crest School. The city is also conveniently located near colleges including Cañada College and Skyline College, providing ample opportunities for higher education. Families benefit from a supportive academic environment from kindergarten through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Half Moon Bay High School
Street:
1 Lewis Foster Dr
Phone:
650-712-7200
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Cunha Intermediate School
Street:
600 Church St
Phone:
650-712-7160
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.9
Private Schools
Name:
Sea Crest School
Street:
901 Arnold Way
Phone:
650-712-9892
Students:
250
Colleges
Name:
Cañada College
City:
Redwood City
State:
CA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
6,500
Name:
Skyline College
City:
San Bruno
State:
CA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
8,800
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, including local hospitals like Seton Coastside and Mills-Peninsula Medical Center, both offering emergency services. Health coverage is robust, with 96% of residents insured and nearly 3 physicians per 1,000 people. These resources ensure comprehensive medical care is readily available.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Seton Coastside Hospital
Address:
600 Marine Blvd, Moss Beach, CA 94038
Phone:
(650) 563-7100
Type:
General & Rehabilitation
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
Address:
1501 Trousdale Dr, Burlingame, CA 94010
Phone:
(650) 696-5400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.1%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Half Moon Bay, CA?
Half Moon Bay’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $1.4 million and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 68%. Rental options are limited, reflected in a low 3% vacancy rate and average two-bedroom rents just over $3,100. Home values continue to appreciate, making this a desirable but costly place to buy or rent.
Median Home Price:
$1,400,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Half Moon Bay are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in San Mateo. All standard DMV services, including licensing and vehicle registration, are available both in person and online. Access to these services is convenient for local drivers.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1015 N. Amphlett Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94401
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.