Is El Cajon, CA a Good Place to Live in 2024?

What Is El Cajon, CA Known For?

El Cajon is located about 17 miles from San Diego, the nearest metro area. The city is renowned for its warm Mediterranean climate and dramatic landscape, surrounded by mountains. The city hosts an annual America on Main Street event celebrating multiculturalism. It's a hub for various local industries, making it a draw for job seekers.

El Cajon leans moderately conservative, so you'll find diverse religious communities here. There's a notable emphasis on traditional values among Christian and Muslim faith groups. While predominantly white, El Cajon is increasingly diverse, with Hispanic and Middle Eastern communities making their mark.

Retirees in El Cajon appreciate the local golf courses and parks where they can unwind. The town center offers a modest selection of bars and restaurants for singles. Families enjoy safe suburban neighborhoods and quality schools, while students find a couple of community colleges to kickstart their higher education. Couples often explore hiking trails in nearby mountains. People of different beliefs and backgrounds gradually form community groups, though they are not as large in number as more established communities.

Highlights

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Pros and Cons

The Pros of living in El Cajon, CA, include job opportunities, outdoor recreation, educational facilities, and more. While some Cons are around cost of living, traffic, and limited nightlife.
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Safety and Crime

El Cajon, CA is ranked 148th out of the top 500 most populated cities in the US for highest overall safety, is ranked 142nd on safety from violent crime, and 194th on safety from property crime.
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Cost of Living

Compared to the rest of the US, the cost of living in El Cajon, CA is 7% lower than the national average.
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Discretionary Income

A gross annual salary of $80,000 in El Cajon, CA leaves $1,301 of “money in the pocket” per month on average.
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Climate and Weather

The average daily temperature in El Cajon, CA in January is 57°F and 70°F in July. Compared to the rest of the 333 most populated cities in the US, this city is on average +14°F warmer in January and is on average -9°F cooler in July.
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Politics and Voting

El Cajon, CA voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential election, with 60.2% of the votes counted going to this party.
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The assessments presented on this website, including those related to crime, safety, cost of living, and other location characteristics (e.g., states, cities, towns, villages, neighborhoods, areas, landmarks), are based on various sources and our internal research methods. These assessments are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete and should not be used as the sole basis for making any decisions.