Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Playa, CA
Considering a move to Playa, CA? This vibrant beachside community of 16,230 offers year-round mild weather with 73% sunny days, a high median home price around $1.25M, and rents averaging $3,200. Commute times are reasonable at 29 minutes, and the area boasts excellent access to healthcare and top-rated schools. While the cost of living is high, Playa is well known for its educated residents, low unemployment, and coastal lifestyle—making it a standout choice for those seeking an active, upscale environment.
Demographics - Playa, CA
Playa is home to 16,230 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 35.2, reflecting a youthful and diverse population. The community features a mix of ethnic backgrounds, with 60% identifying as White, and nearly a quarter of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density and vibrant cultural mix make Playa an energetic and cosmopolitan neighborhood.
Population:
16,230
Density:
6,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
24.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
60.1%
Black:
7.4%
Asian:
13.2%
Others:
19.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Playa, CA?
Living in Playa comes with a high cost of living, as reflected by a median home value of $1,250,000 and average rent around $3,200 per month. The cost of living index stands at 185, well above the national average, driven largely by housing expenses. Residents should also expect higher-than-average costs for groceries, utilities, and transportation, making Playa a premium location for those seeking coastal amenities.
Median House Value:
$1,250,000
Gross Rent:
$3,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$2,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,250
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
185.0
Grocery:
120.5
Housing:
255.0
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
136.4
Health Care:
112.3
Miscellaneous:
109.8
Crime
Is Playa, CA a safe place to live?
Playa experiences a relatively low violent crime rate of 210 incidents per 100,000 people, with property crimes being more common at 1,750 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 476, while property crime risk is 1 in 57. Overall, the area maintains a reputation as a safe and secure community for families and professionals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,750
Crime Index:
1,960
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 57
Weather
What is the weather like in Playa, CA year-round?
Playa enjoys a mild coastal climate, with summer highs averaging 76°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 48°F. Residents benefit from 73% sunny days and moderate annual rainfall of about 13 inches, making the area ideal for year-round outdoor activities. The pleasant weather contributes to Playa’s strong appeal for those seeking an active, beachside lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
48°F
Max:
66°F
Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
71°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
76°F
Fall
Min:
58°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Playa’s residents are well-educated and affluent, with a median household income of $128,700 and nearly 68% holding at least a bachelor’s degree. The poverty rate is low at just under 7%, and unemployment stands at a modest 3.6%. Commute times average about 29 minutes, reflecting the area’s balance between residential comfort and accessibility to greater Los Angeles.
Median Income:
$60,200
Household Income:
$128,700
Family Income:
$152,500
Per Capita Income:
$75,300
Income Male:
$82,000
Income Female:
$68,000
Poverty Rate:
6.8%
Non English Speakers:
24.5%
Rent:
$3,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
5.9%
Commute Time:
29.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.4%
Bachelors or More:
67.8%
Education
How are the schools in Playa, CA?
Playa offers a variety of educational opportunities, including public schools such as Playa del Rey Elementary and Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets, as well as private options like St. Bernard High School. The area is also close to higher education institutions, with Loyola Marymount University just two miles away and Santa Monica College within easy reach. This robust educational environment supports families and lifelong learners throughout the community.
Public Schools
Name:
Playa del Rey Elementary School
Street:
12221 Playa St
Phone:
310-827-3560
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.5
Name:
Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets
Street:
7400 W. Manchester Ave
Phone:
310-338-2400
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Bernard High School
Street:
9100 Falmouth Ave
Phone:
310-823-4651
Students:
410
Colleges
Name:
Loyola Marymount University
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
9,695
Name:
Santa Monica College
City:
Santa Monica
State:
CA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
29,760
Healthcare
Playa offers excellent access to healthcare, with major facilities like Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital and UCLA Health Primary Care nearby. The area boasts a high physician-to-resident ratio at 3.1 per 1,000 people, and over 91% of residents have health insurance coverage. These resources ensure quality medical care is readily available for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital
Address:
4650 Lincoln Blvd, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Phone:
(310) 823-8911
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UCLA Health - Playa Vista Primary Care
Address:
13160 Mindanao Way Ste 301, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Phone:
(310) 862-0400
Type:
Primary Care
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Playa, CA?
The Playa housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $1,250,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $3,200. About one-third of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of just 0.3%. Steady home appreciation and a healthy rental market highlight Playa as a desirable place to invest and live.
Median Home Price:
$1,250,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
33.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Playa residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Los Angeles on E. Washington Blvd. Services include driver licensing, vehicle registration, and related needs, and more information can be found on the California DMV website. Access to DMV resources is convenient for new and current residents alike.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2235 E. Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90021
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.