Is Alhambra Safe, Pros and cons of living in Alhambra

Alhambra, California, nestled in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. This vibrant city, incorporated in 1903, is known for its diverse population and a strong sense of community. Its strategic location, just east of downtown Los Angeles, makes it an attractive place for those seeking a balance between city life and a more relaxed residential environment. Alhambra is a city that has evolved significantly over the decades, embracing its multicultural heritage while continuing to grow and adapt.

The city’s dynamic character is shaped by its rich history and the waves of immigration that have contributed to its unique cultural tapestry. From its early days to the present, Alhambra has been a welcoming home to various communities, each adding its distinct flavor to the city’s identity. This ongoing evolution has cemented Alhambra’s reputation as a place of opportunity and a desirable location for a wide range of residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Alhambra?

Alhambra’s overall crime rate is 26% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). The city experiences an average of 5.78 daily crimes, with 0.48 being violent incidents and 5.29 being property-related offenses (as reported by AreaVibes). While the overall crime rate is higher than the national average, violent crimes in Alhambra are 37.5% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

When considering personal safety, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Alhambra is approximately 1 in 38 (as reported by AreaVibes). However, this varies by neighborhood, with residents generally considering the south part of the city to be the safest (according to CrimeGrade). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 446, while the chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 41 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Market and Costs

Alhambra’s housing market is characterized by a median listing price of $788,000, indicating a competitive yet stable selling environment (according to Redfin). The median rental price stands at approximately $3,100 per month, reflecting a solid demand from renters in the area (as reported by Redfin).

The cost of living in Alhambra is notably higher than the national average, with housing expenses being 138% higher than the national average (according to Payscale). Overall, Alhambra’s cost of living is estimated to be 52% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This elevated cost is influenced by various factors, including housing, utilities, and transportation expenses, which are all above the national average (as reported by Payscale).

For those considering renting, the average rent for all bedroom types and property types in Alhambra, CA, was approximately $2,393 as of a recent report (according to Zillow). Month-over-month, there has been a slight increase of $18, and year-over-year, rents have risen by $93 (as reported by Zillow). Rent prices for apartments show an average of $1,658 for a one-bedroom and around $1,996 for a two-bedroom unit (as reported by Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

Alhambra boasts a robust job market with a labor force of 44,220 individuals (as reported by ZoomProspector). The unemployment rate in Alhambra is currently reported at 5.10%, which is lower than the long-term average of 6.23% (according to YCharts). This indicates a healthy employment landscape within the city.

The city’s economy is driven by key employment sectors, with education and health services leading the way, followed by professional and management roles (as reported by Town Square Publications). Major employers in Alhambra include AHMC Healthcare Inc., with approximately 6,000 employees, and the Alhambra Unified School District, employing around 2,006 individuals (according to Wikipedia). Other significant employers include Costco and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (as reported by Wikipedia).

The average annual salary in Alhambra is reported to be around $51,522, with most salaries falling between $36,513 and $64,264 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). More broadly, the average salary for jobs in Alhambra, California, is $77,015 per year or $37 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert). The median household income in Alhambra was $88,024 (as reported by Data USA), with a poverty rate of 12.62% (as reported by World Population Review).

Climate and Weather

Alhambra, California, enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average annual temperature range falls between 44°F and 88°F, with summer highs typically around 87°F in August and winter lows around 47°F in December (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Apartments.com). The city experiences a significant number of comfortable weather days throughout the year, estimated at 304 days annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The annual precipitation in Alhambra averages about 17 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The wettest month is typically February, receiving an average of 3.2 inches of rain, while July is the driest, with almost no rainfall (as reported by Apartments.com). Alhambra experiences a distinct dry season from April to October, with the rainy season extending from October to April (as reported by Apartments.com).

Humidity levels remain comfortable throughout the summer months, contributing to a pleasant environment for residents and visitors alike (as reported by myPerfectWeather). This agreeable climate makes Alhambra an appealing place to live year-round, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, averaging over 3,400 hours of sunshine annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and Schools

Alhambra is served by the Alhambra Unified School District, which is highly regarded and consistently ranks among the top school districts in California. The district encompasses 16 schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools, serving a diverse student population (as reported by SchoolDigger). Overall performance for the district ranks in the top 20% of California school districts (as reported by SchoolDigger).

Notable schools within the district include Mark Keppel High School, which has a 5-star rating and significantly outperforms state averages in English and math proficiency (as reported by SchoolDigger). Martha Baldwin Elementary School and Ramona Elementary School are also recognized as top-performing public schools (as reported by Niche). Alhambra public schools generally show higher math and reading proficiency scores compared to the California state average (as reported by Niche).

Minority enrollment in Alhambra’s public schools is high, at 98% of the student body, with a majority being Hispanic (as reported by Niche). Despite some schools facing academic challenges, the district excels in graduation rates, with all high schools exceeding 94% (as reported by SchoolDigger).

Demographics and Diversity

Alhambra is a city renowned for its rich cultural diversity, with a significant portion of its population being of Asian and Hispanic descent. As of the latest data, Asian residents constitute approximately 50.7% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 34.9%, and White residents at 9% (as reported by Data USA and ZoomProspector). This demographic makeup contributes to a vibrant and multicultural community.

The city is home to a population of approximately 81,000 residents, making it one of the more populated cities in Los Angeles County (as reported by Data USA and ZoomProspector). The median age in Alhambra is around 41.5 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (as reported by World Population Review and ZoomProspector). A notable characteristic of Alhambra’s population is its diversity in origin, with a substantial percentage of residents born outside the country (as reported by Data USA).

Educational attainment in Alhambra reflects a well-educated populace. Approximately 14% of residents hold a master’s degree or higher, and 27% have a bachelor’s degree (as reported by Niche). This indicates a strong emphasis on higher education within the community.