Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Montara, CA
Considering a move to Montara, CA? This scenic coastal town of 2,833 residents offers a relaxed lifestyle, high median home values around $1.35 million, and spacious rental options averaging $3,400. Crime rates are much lower than national averages, and the area boasts excellent educational attainment (62% with a bachelor’s or higher) and high household incomes. Enjoy cool, foggy summers, mild winters, and quick access to beaches, trails, and top Bay Area schools—perfect for outdoorsy families seeking a safe and tranquil community.
Demographics - Montara, CA
Demographics - Montara, CA
Montara is a small coastal community of 2,833 residents with a median age of 48.6, offering a balanced gender ratio and a predominantly White population alongside a notable Asian presence. The area features moderate population density and a diverse linguistic background, with 15% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This creates a welcoming and mature environment ideal for those seeking a close-knit, multicultural neighborhood.
Population:
2,833
Density:
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.6
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15%

Ethnic Composition
White:
77.5%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
7.7%
Others:
13.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Montara, CA?
Montara offers an upscale lifestyle, with a median home value of $1,350,000 and average rents around $3,400, reflecting Bay Area housing costs. The cost of living index is notably high at 186, and expenses for utilities, transportation, and groceries are above national averages. Residents should expect premium pricing in most categories, making this town ideal for those with higher incomes.
Median House Value:
$1,350,000
Gross Rent:
$3,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$175
Auto Insurance:
$2,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$880
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
186.0
Grocery:
127.7
Housing:
326.5
Utilities:
120.3
Transportation:
148.2
Health Care:
121.9
Miscellaneous:
119.8
Crime
Is Montara, CA a safe place to live?
Montara is recognized for its low crime rates, with violent crime at just 78 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime risk lower than many U.S. communities. Residents have a 1 in 1,282 chance of experiencing violent crime, contributing to the area’s reputation as a safe, family-friendly place. This strong sense of security is a key draw for newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
78
Property Crimes Per 100k:
983
Crime Index:
1,061
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,282
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 102
Weather
What is the weather like in Montara, CA year-round?
Montara enjoys a mild coastal climate, with cool, foggy summers averaging 52°F to 67°F and mild winters ranging from 42°F to 59°F. The town receives about 27 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine around 62% of the year. This weather pattern is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate temperate conditions year-round.

Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
59°F

Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
67°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Montara’s residents are highly educated, with 62% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher and a median household income of $168,000. The community maintains a low poverty rate of 3.4% and an unemployment rate of just 3.2%, reflecting economic stability and strong employment opportunities. Commute times average about 39 minutes, and public transit usage is modest.
Median Income:
$79,000
Household Income:
$168,000
Family Income:
$180,500
Per Capita Income:
$74,000
Income Male:
$98,000
Income Female:
$71,000
Poverty Rate:
3.4%
Non English Speakers:
15%
Rent:
$3,400
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
7.1%
Commute Time:
39.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
96.5%
Bachelors or More:
62.0%
Education
How are the schools in Montara, CA?
Montara offers quality education through Farallone View Elementary School, known for its favorable 18:1 student-teacher ratio, and proximity to reputable colleges such as Cañada College and Skyline College within a short drive. The area’s high educational attainment rate fosters a supportive learning environment for students of all ages. This makes Montara a strong choice for families prioritizing academic opportunity.

Public Schools
Name:
Farallone View Elementary School
Street:
1100 Le Conte Ave
Phone:
650-712-7160
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
18:1

Colleges
Name:
Cañada College
City:
Redwood City
State:
CA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
6,500
Name:
Skyline College
City:
San Bruno
State:
CA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
7,000
Healthcare
Montara residents have convenient access to major healthcare facilities, including Seton Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco, both offering emergency services. With 3.3 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 96% health insurance coverage, the community benefits from excellent healthcare access and quality. This ensures peace of mind for individuals and families seeking comprehensive medical support.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Seton Medical Center
Address:
1900 Sullivan Ave, Daly City, CA 94015
Phone:
(650) 992-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center
Address:
1200 El Camino Real, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Phone:
(650) 742-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.8%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Montara, CA?
Montara’s housing market features a high median home price of $1,350,000 and strong owner occupancy at 83.5%. Home values continue to appreciate, with a 6.1% annual increase, and rental options remain competitive with a low vacancy rate. This stable real estate environment appeals to buyers and long-term residents alike.
Median Home Price:
$1,350,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Montara are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located in nearby Daly City. The DMV provides convenient access for license, registration, and other vehicle-related services. For more information or to schedule appointments, the official website and customer service hotline are available.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1500 Sullivan Ave, Daly City, CA 94015
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.