If the idea of waking up to the sound of waves crashing along the California coast sounds like a dream, then living in Moss Beach CA might just be calling your name. Tucked away in San Mateo County and just a short drive from San Bruno, San Francisco, and San Mateo, Moss Beach offers both coastal charm and Bay Area convenience.
With its serene atmosphere, easy access to the beauty of Half Moon Bay, and a tight-knit community, moving to Moss Beach gives you all of the perks of coastal living without the hustle of city life. Let’s dive into what makes living in Moss Beach CA so special.
Is Moss Beach CA a Good Place to Live?
Moss Beach CA is a good place to live. Living in Moss Beach CA is great for nature lovers, as it is situated along the California coast and close to attractions like Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. On the other hand, it is good for city lovers as it is close to San Francisco.
Where Is Moss Beach CA?
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Moss Beach CA is in San Mateo County and is close to communities like Half Moon Bay and Montara. When living in Moss Beach, you’ll be just a 30-minute drive from the bustling city of San Francisco. Moss Beach is known for its gorgeous nature, with nearby natural attractions like Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and Pillar Point Bluff.
When living in Moss Beach CA, the best way to get around is by car. You’ll find quick and convenient access to surrounding cities via streets like Sunshine Valley and Marine Blvd. San Francisco International Airport is just 20.8 miles from Moss Beach, making it a great spot to live for those who travel frequently.
Does living in Moss Beach CA sound wonderful to you? Our Moss Beach movers are ready to help you get settled into your new home. Just contact our Moss Beach moving company at any time for a free quote.
Moss Beach Population & Demographics
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The population of residents living in Moss Beach CA is 3,165, giving the area a population density of 1,414.7 people per square mile. Moving to Moss Beach is a very popular choice among families, and 76% of households are occupied by married couples. Additionally, the median age in Moss Beach is 46.6.
Additional Moss Beach Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 52% male, 48% female
- Racial & ethnic composition: 86% White (57% non-Hispanic), 7% two or more races, 5% Asian, 1% Native
- Educational attainment: 83.7% high school degree (or higher), 51.9% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Median household income: $116,950 (compared to the California average of $91,905)
- Foreign-born population: 24.1%
Is living in Moss Beach CA safe? Before moving to Moss Beach, you’ll want to consider the crime rate in the area.
- Overall crime rate: 542 crimes per 100,000 people (81% lower than the state average and 77% lower than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 95 crimes per 100,000 people (136% lower than the state average and 74% lower than the national average)
- Property crime rate: 446 crimes per 100,000 people (136% lower than the state average and 77% lower than the national average)
Based on the above numbers, you can see that Moss Beach is a very safe place to live. When living in Moss Beach CA, you’ll be protected by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.
Moss Beach Cost of Living
Is moving to Moss Beach affordable for you and your family? The Cost of Living Index in Moss Beach is 149, which means that living in Moss Beach CA is 49% more expensive than the national average. Housing, utilities, and groceries are all above the national average, with housing being the most significant expense.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Moss Beach CA would need to earn $193,184 per year ($16,099 per month) to live comfortably in the CDP.
Typical Moss Beach Living Expenses
These are the typical expenses you’ll encounter when living in Moss Beach CA
- Average Moss Beach utilities per month: $295.10
- Phone bill (monthly): $285.47
- Gallon of gas: $4.75
- Loaf of bread: $4.86
- Gallon of milk: $5.73
- Doctor’s visit: $175.58
Source: Payscale
Are you thinking about purchasing Moss Beach real estate? As mentioned before, real estate in Moss Beach is one of the most significant expenses in the area. According to Redfin, the median home price in Moss Beach is $1.55 million. This is well above the national average of $438,000. However, buying a house in California is notoriously expensive, and the median home price in California is $818,000.
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Would you rather rent when living in Moss Beach CA? According to Payscale, the median rent in Moss Beach CA is $3,389 per month.
Neighborhoods in Moss Beach | Best Places to Live in Moss Beach
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You’ll have plenty of wonderful areas to choose from when moving to Moss Beach. Moss Beach is a very small area, so there aren’t many distinct neighborhoods. If you are interested in waterfront real estate when living in Moss Beach CA, then check out the western border of the community. Here, you’ll find gorgeous cliffs with some of the best real estate in California.
Families and nature lovers living in Moss Beach CA love the eastern portion of the community. Here, you’ll find top-rated schools, quieter streets, and natural attractions like Rancho Corral de Tierra.
Moss Beach CA Weather & Climate
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When living in Moss Beach CA, you can enjoy incredible weather all year-round. Moss Beach has a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and mild to warm summers. The average year-round Moss Beach temperature is 55ºF. Here are a few Moss Beach climate statistics:
- Average summer Moss Beach temperature: 65ºF
- Average winter Moss Beach temperature: 45ºF
- Average annual rainfall in Moss Beach: 27 inches
- Sunny days in Moss Beach (per year): 258
Things to Do in Moss Beach
Living in Moss Beach CA provides residents with easy access to necessities like San Francisco International Airport, Coastside Market, and Shoppes at Harbor Village. These are just a few of the best things to do in Moss Beach CA.
J V Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
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J V Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is easily one of the best things to do in Moss Beach. J V Fitzgerald Marine Reserve offers three miles of beaches and tide pools filled with marine life like sea stars, octopuses, and crabs.
200 Nevada Ave, Moss Beach, CA 94038, (650) 728-3584
Pillar Point Bluff
Hikers living in Moss Beach CA can’t skip out on Pillar Point Bluff. This attraction offers miles and miles of coastal trails with guided posts along the way. As you walk along these cliffs, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
Airport St, Moss Beach, CA 94038, (650) 355-8289
Ross’ Cove
Walk along this beautiful beach and enjoy shells, fresh seaweed, stones, and even small pieces of shell fossils. It’s a wonderful place to play beach volleyball, have a picnic, or watch the sunset.
280 W Point St, Moss Beach, CA 94038
Additional Moss Beach Attractions
Still aren’t sure what to do in Moss Beach CA? The San Mateo County Parks Foundation runs several parks in the area for you to check out when living in Moss Beach CA.
Moss Beach Restaurants
When living in Moss Beach CA, there’s no shortage of fantastic restaurants to try. From beachside eateries to cozy cafes, these are the best restaurants in Moss Beach.
Moss Beach Distillery
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When living in Moss Beach CA, you can’t skip out on Moss Beach Distillery. Moss Bay Distillery is an oceanside restaurant serving up fresh seafood like crab cakes, lobster, and oysters. They even have a dog-friendly patio, so bring your furry friends!
140 Beach Way, Moss Beach, CA 94038, (650) 728-5595
El Gran Amigo Taqueria
Stop by this fantastic Mexican restaurant for burritos, tacos, and nachos.
2448 Cabrillo Hwy, Moss Beach, CA 94038, (650) 728-3815
Mezza Luna Restaurant
Craving Italian food? This delicious Italian restaurant is just a short drive or walk away in Half Moon Bay and serves up Italian dishes with a ‘California flair.’ Here, you’ll find high-quality meats and fish, as well as fresh produce.
459 Prospect Way, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, (650) 728-8108
Jobs in Moss Beach
If you’re going to be moving to Moss Beach, then you may want to find a new job in the area. While Moss Beach is mostly residential, you’ll find plenty of employment options in nearby communities. With San Francisco such a short drive away, many people living in Moss Beach CA commute into the city for work. A few of San Francisco’s top employers include:
- Github
- Gourmet Gate
- Oracle Park
- Pier 39
- University of CA San Francisco
- Princewaterhouse Coopers
How much can you expect to make each year when living in Moss Beach CA? According to Payscale, the average salary for the San Francisco/Moss Beach area is $114,000. If you are on the hunt for jobs in the area, try searching for ‘Moss Beach jobs’ on Indeed.
Moss Beach Schools
If you are living in Moss Beach CA with students, then you’re in luck! Students in Moss Beach are mostly a part of the Cabrillo Unified School District. This school district contains four elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. Half Moon Bay High School offers several AP classes, and the graduating senior’s SAT scores have consistently averaged above the California average.
If you’re searching for private schools in Moss Beach, then you have a few options to choose from. Pacific Bay Christian School is located nearby and is among the top private schools in California. The yearly tuition for this school is about $25,000, and there is a student-to-teacher ratio of 7 to 1.
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When it comes to higher education options, the College of San Mateo, Cañada College, and Mt. San Jacinto College are all nearby.
Students and residents living in Moss Beach CA can find a good book or a quiet place to study at the Half Moon Bay Library.
Moss Beach California Statistics & Information
These are the must-know statistics when living in Moss Beach CA.
- County: San Mateo County
- Moss Beach area: 2.254 square miles
- Moss Beach zip code: 94038
- Moss Beach area code: 650
- Moss Beach elevation: 66 feet
- Moss Beach time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Moss Beach: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), 20.8 miles away
Moss Beach CA Map
Check out this map to discover fun things you can do when living in Moss Beach CA!
Living in Moss Beach CA has never been better! If moving to Moss Beach sounds fantastic to you, then get in touch with AMS Relocation! Give our Moss Beach movers a call today at (650) 284-2931 for a free quote.
