Is El Granada Safe, Pros and cons of living in El Granada
El Granada, a coastal community nestled in San Mateo County, California, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and natural beauty. Its picturesque setting along the Pacific Ocean provides residents with stunning views and a refreshing sea breeze. The village is known for its close-knit community feel and its proximity to both natural attractions and urban centers.
This charming CDP is home to a population of approximately 5,231 individuals, with a median age of 49.7 years (U.S. Census Bureau). The community is characterized by a high population density, suggesting a compact living environment. El Granada’s average individual income stands at $104,601, indicating a relatively affluent resident base (U.S. Census Bureau).
Is it Safe to Live in El Granada?
El Granada presents a mixed safety profile, with overall crime rates comparable to the national average. The community receives a C+ safety grade, indicating that its crime rate is similar to that of an average U.S. city (CrimeGrade.org). While the overall crime rate is 25.16 per 1,000 residents, specific neighborhoods within El Granada offer varying levels of safety.
Residents generally perceive the northern parts of El Granada as the safest. The chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 27 in the southwest to 1 in 62 in the north (CrimeGrade.org). Violent crime rates in El Granada are higher than the average U.S. city, with a D+ safety grade for violent crime (CrimeGrade.org). However, the total crime rate is lower than the California state average, and the violent crime rate is 56% lower than the national average (AMS Bekins).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
The housing market in El Granada is characterized by high prices and a strong homeowner base. The median home price in El Granada was $1.37 million as of March 2026, reflecting a 4.9% decrease from the previous year (Redfin). Most residents are homeowners, with only about 19% of the real estate market being rented out (AMS Bekins).
The cost of living in El Granada is significantly higher than both the national and state averages. Overall living costs are 89% higher than the U.S. national average and 111% higher than California’s state average (Salary.com). This elevated cost is primarily driven by soaring housing expenses, transportation, and food prices (Salary.com).
Home Prices and Rental Costs
El Granada’s median home price was $1.37 million in March 2026, though Redfin data also shows a median sale price of $2.2 million in March 2026, with prices up 67.6% compared to the previous year (Redfin). The median price per square foot is $944, down 11.8% from the previous year (Redfin). Rent prices can start around $2,000 for a studio and go up to $4,700 for a three-bedroom unit (AMS Bekins).
Zillow reported a median home price of $1.91 million in El Granada as of August 2024 (AMS Bekins). Median rent in El Granada is $3,697 per month (Payscale). The homeownership rate is high, at 89%, with only 11% of residents renting (Niche).
Overall Cost of Living
El Granada’s cost of living index is 170, meaning it is approximately 70% more expensive than the average U.S. city (AMS Bekins). Monthly expenses for a single person are estimated at $3,766, and for a family of four, they are around $8,040 (Salary.com). Housing expenses are particularly high, being 131% higher than the national average (Payscale).
Transportation costs are also elevated, at 41% higher than the national average, while grocery prices are 16% higher (Payscale). Healthcare costs in El Granada are 24% higher than the national average (Payscale).
Job Market and Economy
The job market in El Granada is influenced by its proximity to larger economic centers, though specific local employment data is limited. The unemployment rate in El Granada is 4.00%, which is lower than the state average, suggesting a relatively stable job market (MetroStatUSA). The median household income in El Granada is $110,221, which is above the state average (MetroStatUSA).
The average salary for a Manager On Duty in El Granada is $22.00 per hour (Indeed). For a Real Estate Associate, the estimated annual salary is $88,293 (Indeed). The median wage in El Granada is $53.7K per year, with the 75th percentile earning $68.1K annually (ZipRecruiter).
Major Employers
Specific major employers within El Granada are not readily detailed in available data. However, given its location in San Mateo County, residents likely commute to larger employment hubs in the San Francisco Bay Area for opportunities in technology, finance, and healthcare. The county’s economic development initiatives often focus on supporting small businesses and fostering innovation within the region.
The broader economic landscape of San Mateo County is diverse, with sectors like biotechnology, software development, and tourism contributing significantly. Local economic development efforts aim to create jobs and enhance the business environment for both established companies and startups.
Climate and Weather
El Granada experiences a temperate coastal climate characterized by mild temperatures year-round, with distinct dry summers and wet winters. The summers are short, comfortable, and mostly clear, while the winters are longer, cooler, wet, and partly cloudy (Vertex AI Search). Temperatures typically range from 44°F to 66°F and rarely fall below 37°F or exceed 75°F.
The warmest month is August, with average highs around 65°F and lows of 55°F. December is the coldest month, with average lows of 45°F and highs of 58°F (Vertex AI Search). The ocean water temperature is warmest from August to October, averaging 58°F in September.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
The clearest part of the year in El Granada typically runs from late May to late October, with August being the clearest month. Conversely, the cloudier period begins in late October and lasts until late May, with January being the cloudiest month, often experiencing overcast or mostly cloudy skies (Vertex AI Search).
Winds are a notable feature of El Granada’s climate, especially during certain seasons. Rainfall is more common during the winter months, contributing to the lush coastal environment. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean moderates temperatures, preventing extreme heat or cold.
Education and Schools
El Granada is served by the Cabrillo Unified School District, with local schools receiving generally positive ratings. El Granada Elementary School, a public K-5 institution, has an overall Niche grade of B (Niche). It has 335 students with a student-teacher ratio of 22:1 (Niche).
State test scores indicate that 35% of students at El Granada Elementary are proficient in math and 44% in reading (Niche). Other highly-rated public schools serving the area include Kings Mountain Elementary School (A-), Farallone View Elementary School (B+), and Half Moon Bay High School (B+) (Niche).
School Performance and Ratings
El Granada Elementary School is considered above average, with a B grade from Niche (Niche). Farallone View Elementary School and Half Moon Bay High School also receive B+ ratings (Niche). The public schools in El Granada are generally considered above average (Niche).
Niche rankings provide a comprehensive look at school performance, considering factors such as academic achievement, teacher quality, and diversity. These ratings aim to help families make informed decisions about educational options within the community.
Demographics and Community
El Granada is a diverse community with a population of approximately 5,481 residents as of the 2020 census (U.S. Census Bureau). The median age is 48.8 years, with a slightly higher proportion of older adults (U.S. Census Bureau). The population density is around 1,114.3 inhabitants per square mile (U.S. Census Bureau).
The racial makeup of El Granada is predominantly White, with 84.3% identifying as such in the 2010 census (Wikipedia). Hispanic or Latino residents constitute 14.9% of the population (Wikipedia). As of 2024, 92.3% of residents are U.S. citizens, and 18.3% were born outside the country (Data Commons).
Population Characteristics
The age distribution shows 17.5% under 18, 6.1% aged 18-24, 21.3% aged 25-44, 34.5% aged 45-64, and 20.7% aged 65 and older (U.S. Census Bureau). There are slightly more females than males in the population, with a ratio of 94.4 males per 100 females (U.S. Census Bureau).
The community has a suburban-rural mix feel, with most residents owning their homes (Niche). El Granada is known for its liberal leanings and offers a variety of amenities like bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks (Niche).