If you’re dreaming of life by the ocean, surrounded by natural beauty, and close enough to San Francisco to get your city fix, then living in Montara CA may be the perfect fit for you. Situated in San Mateo County along the Pacific Coast, Montara is a hidden gem for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while staying within arm’s reach of the Bay Area.
With its laid-back vibe, stunning coastal views, perfect weather, and endless outdoor activities, Montara is a great place to live. Whether you’re into hiking, beachcombing, or just enjoying everything the community has to offer, moving to Montara means adventure is always right outside your door. Here’s everything you need to know about living in Montara CA.
Is Montara CA a Good Place to Live?
Montara CA is a good place to live. Living in Montara CA offers easy access to San Francisco and San Jose, great weather for outdoor activities, and a top-rated school district. No matter what you are looking for, you’ll find it when living in Montara CA.
Where Is Montara CA?
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What county is Montara CA in? Montara CA is in San Mateo County and is a census-designated place bordering the Pacific Ocean. When living in Montara CA, you’ll be just a short drive away from places in San Mateo County like Moss Beach and Princeton-by-the-Sea. You’ll also have easy access to other locations like San Mateo (20.2 miles away), San Bruno (13 miles away), San Jose (47.6 miles away), and San Francisco (21.2 miles away). Montara is a part of the San Francisco metro area.
After moving to Montara, the best way to get from place to place is by car. Some major roads in the area include Sunshine Valley Road and State Route 1. SamsTrans route 117 also provides service to Montara.
If living in Montara CA sounds like a dream to you, then contact our Montara movers at any time. Our Montara moving company will make your moving day smooth and stress-free from start to finish.
Montara Population & Demographics
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When living in Montara CA, you’ll be a part of a tight-knit community. The Montara population is just 2,649. However, it is a part of the larger San Francisco metro area, which has a population of 3.34 million.
Many of the residents living in Montara CA are retirees, and the average age is 59.1. Out of the 1,033 households, 81% are occupied by married couples, and the median household size is 2.6 persons. Montara is also a very affluent area, with a median household income of $184,692 (nearly double the California average of $91,905).
Additional Montara Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 52% male, 48% female
- Racial & ethnic composition: 98% White (84% non-Hispanic), 2% Asian
- Educational attainment: 96.4% high school degree (or higher), 62.2% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 12.3%
Before moving to Montara, you may want to know more about the safety of the community. Here’s an overview of the Montara crime rate:
- Overall crime rate: 446 crimes per 100,000 people (84% below California average and 81% below the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 78 crimes per 100,000 people (146% below California average and 79% below the national average)
- Property crime rate: 368 crimes per 100,000 people (145% below California average and 81% below the national average)
As you can see, Montara, California is a very safe place to live. The community has crime rates that are well below both the state and national averages. When living in Montara CA, you will be served by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.
Montara Cost of Living
Is living in Montara CA affordable for you and your family? The Cost of Living Index in Montara is 123.75, meaning that the town is 23.75% more expensive than the national average of 100. Although higher than the national average, it is far below the San Francisco average, which has a Cost of Living Index of 245.5.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Montara CA would need to earn $193,184 per year to live comfortably in the city. This takes into account things like housing prices, property taxes, transportation, and child care.
Typical Montara Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $24.00
- Gallon of milk: $5.42
- Carton of eggs: $5.50
- Pound of potatoes: $2.29
- Gallon of gas: $4.77
- Average Montara CA utilities per month: $258.59
Source: Numbeo*
*These numbers are for San Mateo, but you can expect similar figures when living in Montara CA.
Are you on the hunt for Montara houses for sale? Luckily, the Montara real estate market is thriving! According to Redfin, the median home price in Montara is $1.38 million. Although this is on the pricier end, this is not uncommon for the state of California, and prices are actually down 27.3% compared to last year.
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If you’d rather rent when living in Montara CA, then you’ll have a few rental options to choose from. According to RentCafe, you can expect to pay an average rent of about $3,022 after moving to Montara.
Neighborhoods in Montara CA | Best Places to Live in Montara CA
Before moving to Montara, you’ll want to find the perfect place to settle down and plant your roots. Montara is quite small, so there are not many distinct neighborhoods, but you can choose your new home based on what you are looking for. If you want to be near the ocean, then check out the western edge of the city. You’ll find that the cost of homes is higher here, but it’s the perfect place to enjoy the great weather the area has to offer.
Many people find that North Montara is a great place to reside for a quicker commute into San Francisco. This area is also popular among families as it is a bit quieter and closer to some of the CDP’s most popular schools.
Retirees living in Montara CA gravitate toward the eastern section of the city. Here, you’ll find several parks and natural attractions to explore, such as Farmer’s Daughter Trail and Peak Mountain.
If you’re planning to explore the area before making a move or just want to get a feel for the lifestyle, temporary stays can offer a helpful introduction. Platforms like RentbyOwner list a variety of short-term lodging options in Montara, making it easier to experience the community firsthand before deciding where to live.
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Montara CA Weather & Climate
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Living in Montara CA means that you’ll enjoy great weather all year round. Montara has a similar climate to San Francisco and is characterized by a mild year-round climate with little seasonal temperature variation. Throughout the year, the Montara temperature hardly goes below 45ºF or above 65ºF. The CDP gets only 27 inches of rain each year, which is less than the national average of 38 inches.
Things to Do in Montara California
What is there to do when living in Montara CA? After moving to Montara, you can shop at places like Coastside Market, Safeway, Shoppes at Harbor Village, and Linda Mar Shopping Center. You’ll also enjoy easy access to everything that San Francisco has to offer. Check out these fun things to do in Montara California!
McNee Ranch State Park
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When living in Montara CA, you can’t skip out on McNee Ranch State Park. This beautiful mountainside area provides ample opportunities for hiking, biking, walking, and more – all with beautiful ocean views.
N Peak Access Rd, Montara, CA 94037, (650) 726-8819
Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a good place to enjoy the great weather. This sandy beach is the perfect spot for relaxing and is a popular area for whale watching.
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, (650) 726-8819
Frontierland Park
Located in nearby Pacifica, Frontierland Park is a great place to take the kids when living in Montara CA. You’ll find ample parking and plenty of space for children to run around and play.
900 Yosemite Dr, Pacifica, CA 94044, (650) 738-7381
Additional Montara Attractions
These are just a few more fun things to check out when living in Montara CA.
Montara CA Restaurants
One of the best parts about living in Montara CA is all of the incredible food. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, delicious coffee, or spicy Mexican, Montara has it all. These are just a few of the best restaurants in Montara CA.
Sage Bakehouse
Everyone living in Montara CA knows about Sage Bakehouse. Sage Bakehouse makes fresh, from-scratch pies every single day in their bakery. Stop by for a slice of a savory pie in flavors like Chicken Pot Pie, Minced Beef, and Red Curry Lamb.
8455 CA-1, Montara, CA 94037, (415) 271-5590
Gherkin’s Sandwich Shop
This beachside sandwich shop is a great place to grab a burger, sandwich, or quick breakfast on the go.
171 7th St, Montara, CA 94037, (650) 728-2211
Kusina 7107 Beach Cafe and Bar
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Kusina is a cozy Filipino cafe situated along the beach. Enjoy traditional dishes like Tofu Sisig and Ube Pancakes.
1400 Main Street, 8425 Cabrillo Hwy, Montara, CA 94037, (650) 946-7579
Jobs in Montara
Are you going to need a new job when living in Montara CA? Because Montara is so close to San Francisco and San Mateo, many people living in Montara CA commute for work. A few of the major employers in San Mateo County include:
- Franklin Resources
- Kaiser Permanente
- LSA Global
- Plateau Systems
- San Mateo County Behavior
- Youtube LLC
According to Payscale, the average salary in Montara CA is $116,000. If you’re searching for jobs in Montara, then try searching for ‘Montara CA jobs’ on Indeed.
Montara Schools
There is not one sole school district for students living in Montara CA. Instead, students are spread across the San Mateo Union High School District, the Cabrillo Unified School District, and the Millbrae Elementary School District. The public schools in Montara are top-notch, with the San Mateo Union High School District ranking as the 13th-best school district in all of California, according to Niche.
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If you’re searching for higher education options in the area, then the College of San Mateo, Skyline College, and Draper University are all just a short drive away. The College of San Mateo is consistently ranked as a top community college and offers dozens of different study options.
Students living in Montara can take advantage of the Pacifica Sanchez Library.
Montara Statistics & Information
This is the basic information you need to know when living in Montara CA.
- County: San Mateo County
- Montara area: 3.878 square miles
- Montara zip code: 94037
- Montara area code: 650
- Montara elevation: 98 feet
- Montara time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Montara: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), 16 miles away
Montara CA Map
Check out this map you’ll need to reference when living in Montara CA.
Living in Montara CA is a dream. If you’re ready to make this fantastic community your new home, then get in touch with the reliable Montara movers at AMS Relocation. Give our team a call today at (650) 284-2931 to get started with a free quote.
