Salary, Cost of Living & Best Neighborhoods in Santa Fe Springs, CA
Santa Fe Springs, CA
Santa Fe Springs CA Salary And Cost Of Living Overview
Santa Fe Springs, CA is a centrally located community in southeast Los Angeles County, known for its strong industrial base, convenient freeway access, and proximity to major employment centers like Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Orange County. For individuals and families considering a move, it is important to understand the average salary, cost of living, housing market, neighborhoods, and schools in Santa Fe Springs, CA. By reviewing these factors together, you can better gauge whether this city aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle needs.
Average Salary In Santa Fe Springs CA
The job market in Santa Fe Springs, CA is heavily influenced by manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and light industrial operations, as well as healthcare, retail, and public sector jobs. Because of this mix, salaries can vary widely depending on your occupation, skill level, and years of experience. However, residents typically benefit from being in close proximity to the broader Southern California job market.
Below is an approximate overview of average annual salaries in Santa Fe Springs, CA by job category. These figures are estimates compiled from regional data and may change over time.
| Job Category | Approximate Average Salary (Annual) |
|---|---|
| General Office & Administrative | $40,000 – $55,000 |
| Skilled Manufacturing & Technicians | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| Logistics, Warehousing & CDL Drivers | $45,000 – $65,000 |
| Healthcare Support & Nursing | $55,000 – $90,000 |
| Teachers & Education Professionals | $55,000 – $80,000 |
| Managers & Supervisors | $70,000 – $110,000+ |
| Professional & Technical (IT, Engineering, Finance) | $75,000 – $120,000+ |
Compared with national averages, Santa Fe Springs, CA tends to offer higher wages, largely reflecting the elevated cost of living in the greater Los Angeles region. Many residents also commute to neighboring cities such as Los Angeles, Downey, Whittier, or Anaheim to access a wider range of higher-paying positions while still enjoying Santa Fe Springs as a residential base.
Cost Of Living In Santa Fe Springs CA
The cost of living in Santa Fe Springs, CA is generally higher than the U.S. average, driven mainly by housing prices, transportation costs, and California’s state taxes. Everyday expenses such as groceries and healthcare are somewhat above national norms but are relatively similar to much of Los Angeles County.
Below is a simplified comparison of cost of living categories for Santa Fe Springs, CA versus the U.S. average, where 100 represents the national baseline.
| Category | Santa Fe Springs, CA Index | U.S. Average Index |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Cost Of Living | 135 – 145 | 100 |
| Housing | 170 – 190 | 100 |
| Groceries | 110 – 120 | 100 |
| Utilities | 95 – 105 | 100 |
| Transportation | 130 – 140 | 100 |
| Healthcare | 105 – 115 | 100 |
Housing and transportation are the largest budget factors for most households in Santa Fe Springs, CA. Many residents own vehicles because of the city’s freeway connections to the I‑5, I‑605, and nearby 91 and 105 freeways, which can increase monthly fuel and maintenance costs. However, the central location can also reduce commute times compared to more distant suburbs, which helps balance time and travel expenses.
Average Home Values And Rents In Santa Fe Springs CA
Housing demand in Santa Fe Springs, CA reflects broader trends in the Los Angeles County real estate market. While not as expensive as coastal cities or upscale LA neighborhoods, home prices and rents in Santa Fe Springs, CA remain significantly above the national average. Inventory in this community is often limited, which can create competitive conditions for buyers and renters.
The following table offers an approximate snapshot of average home values and typical rents in Santa Fe Springs, CA:
| Property Type | Typical Price / Rent Range |
|---|---|
| Median Single-Family Home Value | $700,000 – $800,000 |
| Entry-Level Single-Family Homes | $600,000 – $700,000 |
| Townhomes & Condominiums | $550,000 – $700,000 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Monthly) | $1,900 – $2,300 |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Monthly) | $2,300 – $2,800 |
| 3-Bedroom Home Rent (Monthly) | $2,800 – $3,500+ |
As you evaluate whether the salary levels in Santa Fe Springs, CA can comfortably support your housing goals, it helps to compare your projected take-home pay with these typical mortgage or rent figures. Prospective buyers should also factor in property taxes, homeowners insurance, and potential HOA fees when calculating their overall housing budget.
Best Neighborhoods In Santa Fe Springs CA
Although Santa Fe Springs, CA is not a large city geographically, it includes several residential pockets, each with distinct advantages. When searching for the best neighborhoods in Santa Fe Springs, CA, buyers and renters often consider proximity to schools, parks, and major commuting routes.
Some notable residential areas and nearby communities to explore include:
| Neighborhood / Area | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Santa Fe Springs Residential Core | Primarily single-family homes, local parks, and community facilities; convenient access to city services and schools. |
| Neighborhoods Near Florence Ave & Pioneer Blvd | Central location, close to shopping, dining, and transit routes; popular with families seeking walkable amenities. |
| Border Areas Near Norwalk & Downey | Access to additional retail, healthcare, and employment options; good for commuters using the I‑5 or 605 freeways. |
| Areas Adjacent To Whittier | Close to Whittier’s historic districts, dining, and higher education options, while still benefiting from Santa Fe Springs’ central industrial employment base. |
Because the city is tightly integrated with surrounding communities, many residents searching for homes in Santa Fe Springs, CA also consider parts of Whittier, Norwalk, and Downey. This broader search can help buyers and renters compare neighborhood amenities, school options, and commuting routes across several nearby cities while still remaining close to Santa Fe Springs employers.
Schools And Education In Santa Fe Springs CA
Families evaluating the cost of living and housing in Santa Fe Springs, CA naturally want to understand the local education landscape. The city is primarily served by the Little Lake City School District and the Whittier Union High School District, along with nearby districts that cover certain boundary areas. These districts offer a mix of elementary, middle, and high schools that support the educational needs of the community.
The table below provides a general overview of school options in and around Santa Fe Springs, CA (note that specific attendance boundaries should always be verified directly with the districts):
| School Level | Examples Of Nearby Schools | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Schools | Schools under Little Lake City School District | Focus on foundational academics and community engagement; some campuses offer bilingual or enrichment programs. |
| Middle Schools | Local middle schools in Little Lake and surrounding districts | Prepare students for high school with expanded coursework, technology integration, and extracurricular activities. |
| High Schools | High schools in Whittier Union High School District | Offer college-preparatory tracks, career and technical education, sports, and arts programs for Santa Fe Springs students. |
| Higher Education (Nearby) | Rio Hondo College, Cerritos College, private universities in the greater LA area | Accessible for commuters from Santa Fe Springs; support workforce development and continuing education. |
School quality can influence both housing demand and property values in Santa Fe Springs, CA, so buyers with children often compare test scores, program offerings, and campus culture when deciding where to live. In addition, the presence of nearby community colleges and universities enhances opportunities for professional advancement, which can help residents increase their earning potential over time.
Living And Working In Santa Fe Springs CA
Bringing all of these factors together, living in Santa Fe Springs, CA involves balancing relatively strong regional salary potential with a higher-than-average cost of living. The city’s strategic location, industrial employment base, and access to multiple freeways make it attractive to professionals in logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and education, as well as to those who commute to major employment centers across Los Angeles and Orange counties.
When planning a move or evaluating whether to stay in Santa Fe Springs, CA, consider the following practical steps:
- Compare your current or projected salary with typical rents or mortgage payments in Santa Fe Springs, CA.
- Factor in commuting distances, fuel costs, and potential tolls when budgeting transportation expenses.
- Research specific neighborhoods and school attendance zones to find the best fit for your household.
- Explore nearby higher education and training programs to support long-term career growth and earning power.
Ultimately, Santa Fe Springs, CA offers a compelling blend of employment opportunities, central location, and community resources. By carefully analyzing salaries, housing costs, and local amenities, individuals and families can make informed decisions about whether this Southeast Los Angeles County city matches their financial plans and lifestyle preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Santa Fe Springs, CA
What is the overall quality of life like in Santa Fe Springs, CA?
Santa Fe Springs offers a comfortable, suburban quality of life with a strong focus on community services, public safety, and business-friendly policies. The city is largely industrial and commercial, which helps support local jobs and city services, while residential neighborhoods are generally well maintained and relatively quiet. Residents benefit from well-kept parks, a senior center, community programs, and convenient access to major freeways for commuting across Los Angeles and Orange Counties. While it is not a major nightlife or tourist destination, it appeals to those seeking a practical, centrally located community with solid municipal infrastructure.
Is Santa Fe Springs a safe place to live?
Santa Fe Springs is generally considered reasonably safe, particularly in residential areas, with an active local public safety presence and cooperation with regional law enforcement agencies. Like many cities in the greater Los Angeles area, it does experience some crime, especially in commercial and industrial zones, but the city invests in safety initiatives, code enforcement, and community-oriented policing. Residents often report feeling secure in neighborhoods, especially where there is strong community involvement and neighborhood watch participation. As always, it is wise to review current crime statistics by neighborhood and visit at different times of day before deciding on a specific area to live in.
How is the commute and transportation in and around Santa Fe Springs?
Santa Fe Springs is strategically located near major Southern California freeways, including the I-5, I-605, and SR-60, which makes commuting by car relatively convenient to Los Angeles, Orange County, and surrounding cities, though rush-hour congestion is common. The city is also served by nearby Metrolink stations in neighboring communities, providing commuter rail access to downtown Los Angeles and other regional destinations. Local and regional bus routes connect residents to employment centers, schools, and shopping areas. Because the city is heavily oriented toward industrial and commercial uses, many residents who work locally have short commutes, but those traveling to central Los Angeles or coastal areas should plan for extended drive times during peak hours.
What are the schools and educational options like in Santa Fe Springs?
Santa Fe Springs is served primarily by the Little Lake City School District and the Whittier Union High School District, as well as portions of other nearby districts depending on the neighborhood. Public schools in the area offer standard K–12 education, with some campuses recognized for strong academic performance and supportive staff. In addition to traditional public schools, families may find nearby charter schools, private schools, and specialized programs in surrounding cities. For higher education, residents typically commute to nearby community colleges such as Rio Hondo College, Cerritos College, and local universities including California State University, Long Beach and California State University, Los Angeles. Prospective residents often review individual school ratings, test scores, and campus visits to determine the best fit for their children.
What amenities, parks, and recreational activities are available in Santa Fe Springs?
Santa Fe Springs provides a range of amenities, including multiple city parks, sports fields, playgrounds, and community facilities. Heritage Park is a popular destination, featuring historic structures, green space, and family-friendly events, while other parks offer picnic areas, walking paths, and recreation programs. The city supports youth and adult sports leagues, fitness and enrichment classes, and cultural programming through its community and senior centers. Shopping and dining options are primarily neighborhood-oriented, with larger retail areas and entertainment venues located in nearby cities such as Whittier, Norwalk, and Downey. Residents who enjoy outdoor activities can easily access regional trails, golf courses, and beaches or mountains within a reasonable driving distance.
latest video
news via inbox
Sign up to get local tips delivered to your inbox.
