Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Nice, CA
Considering a move to Nice, CA? This small lakeside community has about 2,700 residents and offers affordable living, with median home prices around $275,000 and rents near $1,120. Expect sunny weather most of the year and a relaxed atmosphere, though crime is somewhat higher than average for the region. Commute times are short, schools are small and community-focused, and you’ll find ready access to beautiful outdoor spaces around Clear Lake. Nice is a great choice for those seeking quiet, affordability, and abundant sunshine.
Demographics - Nice, CA
Nice, CA is a small community of approximately 2,700 residents, with a median age of 48 and a population density of 1,560 people per square mile. The area features a predominantly White population with a modest mix of other ethnicities, and about 15% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its balanced gender ratio and mature population create a laid-back, neighborly environment.
Population:
2,700
Density:
1,560 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
75.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
20.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Nice, CA?
Living in Nice is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $275,000 and average rents around $1,120 per month. Overall, the cost of living index sits just above the national average, but housing remains more affordable compared to many parts of California. Utilities and transportation costs are slightly higher, yet residents benefit from reasonable state tax rates and manageable monthly expenses.
Median House Value:
$275,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,540
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
102.5
Grocery:
105.6
Housing:
93.4
Utilities:
109.0
Transportation:
110.2
Health Care:
104.1
Miscellaneous:
101.0
Crime
Is Nice, CA a safe place to live?
Nice experiences a higher-than-average crime rate for its size, with a property crime risk of about 1 in 43 and violent crime at 1 in 204. While many residents feel safe, newcomers should be aware of these risks and take standard safety precautions. The community continues to work towards improving neighborhood security and quality of life.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
490
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,340
Crime Index:
2,830
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 204
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Nice, CA year-round?
Residents of Nice enjoy a Mediterranean climate, featuring warm, dry summers with highs reaching 90°F and mild winters that rarely dip below freezing. The area benefits from 72% sunny days each year and receives about 28.5 inches of rainfall annually. This pleasant weather encourages outdoor recreation and lakeside activities nearly all year round.

Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
53°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
28.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
The local community is close-knit, with a median household income of $44,200 and a poverty rate of 22%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and average commutes are just under 26 minutes. While public transportation use is minimal, Nice offers a relaxed pace and friendly neighbors, making it easy to settle in.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$44,200
Family Income:
$51,000
Per Capita Income:
$21,600
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
22.1%
Non English Speakers:
15.0%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
7.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
25.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
83.6%
Bachelors or More:
13.2%
Education
How are the schools in Nice, CA?
Education in Nice centers around small, community-focused public schools like Upper Lake High School and Upper Lake Elementary, each with under 400 students and favorable student-teacher ratios. For higher education, Mendocino College’s Lake Center campus is just a short drive away in Lakeport. Families appreciate the personal attention students receive in this supportive learning environment.

Public Schools
Name:
Upper Lake High School
Street:
675 Clover Valley Rd
Phone:
707-275-2338
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Name:
Upper Lake Elementary
Street:
679 Clover Valley Rd
Phone:
707-275-2357
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.8

Colleges
Name:
Mendocino College – Lake Center
City:
Lakeport
State:
CA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
900
Healthcare
Healthcare in Nice is supported by nearby facilities like Sutter Lakeside Hospital in Lakeport, offering general and emergency services. The area provides about 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 90% of locals have health insurance coverage. Residents have convenient access to essential medical care within a short drive.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
Address:
5176 Hill Road East, Lakeport, CA 95453
Phone:
(707) 262-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.0%
Health Care Index:
68.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Nice, CA?
Nice’s housing market is affordable and steady, with a median home price of $275,000 and owner-occupied homes making up over half of the market. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $1,120, and the area has a moderate vacancy rate of 8.4%. Home values have seen modest appreciation, making Nice attractive for buyers seeking value.
Median Home Price:
$275,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Nice residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Lakeport. DMV services, including licensing and vehicle registration, are easily accessible both in person and online through the official California DMV website. The location and contact details make it convenient for locals to manage all motor vehicle needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
965 Parallel Dr, Lakeport, CA 95453
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.