Firstly why Fullerton, California?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Fullerton
• State: California
• Population: 144,384 people
• Fullerton’s quick summary would be Known for its historic downtown and as the home of California State University, Fullerton.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 28,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 12,000 annually
• Net Migration: 16000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 3,000
• Number of Homeless people: 500

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to California State University attracts students and professionals

Perk #1: Fullerton Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 55%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Asian
• The median income is (and growing)  $80,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Fullerton is $79,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-1000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Fullerton’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 155 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,163
• Property Tax %: 1.06%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,750
• Rent for an average house: $2,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Downtown Fullerton
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Fullerton, Brea, Anaheim, Placentia, and probably could include La-Habra
• Avg. Age of Homes in Fullerton: 65 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.3%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Fullerton’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Fullerton are  Education, Healthcare, and Retail
• Fullerton Job Scene: healthy job market centered on education and retail
• The General Tech Scene: home to local universities with a developing focus on tech startups and innovation , ,
• Fullerton Resident’s pay $1,600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Fullerton: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 150 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 17

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Fullerton

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $170 on average per person
• Freeway Access: Highway 91 connects Fullerton to various areas in Orange County
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening congestion near the train station
• Transportation Score: 41 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Fullerton: 74,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Fullerton: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 70 of 100
• Local Airport: Fullerton Municipal

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Fullerton’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in Fullerton is best described as has warm summers with temperatures in the 90s and mild winters with occasional light rain
• Winter Weather in Fullerton i’d describe as mild and dry
• Spring Weather in Fullerton can be described as warm and dry
• Summer’s in Fullerton are mostly hot and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Fullerton is usually mild and pleasant
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 45 days in summer
• Days in a row in Fullerton below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 15 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by urban surroundings
• Fullerton Winter Air generally good air quality but can spike during winter

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Fullerton Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Fullerton 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Fullertons’s city limits are 3
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Fullerton Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Fullerton Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Fullerton only Doctors is about 95
• Local Hospitals here is  5
• Full-time Fullerton only Police Officers is about 170
• Crime Rate Index: 25/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Fullerton’s Monthly utility bill average is $200
• Fullerton’s Monthly Gym Membership: $58
• Fullerton’s Water Quality Score: 71

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Fullerton

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 12 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: college town with a rich history and vibrant arts scene
• You might enjoy live theater at the Fullerton Community Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Fullerton  has a lively nightlife with a mix of bars clubs and live music art shows in downtown

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Fullerton

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers a variety of international and chain restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 40 scattered around Fullerton
• The Popular Sports Team is Fullerton College
• Top Level Political Climate in Fullerton can be described as politically mixed area with a strong progressive student population
• Fullerton’s Longer standing religious establishment is Fullerton Free Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Fullerton Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Fullerton has 45 Parks?
• Fullerton Arboretum is Fullerton’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Fullerton Farmers Market normally open Thursday 4pm-8pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and outdoor markets

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Fullerton Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Fullerton can be described as steady college town atmosphere with vibrant culture
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Fullerton local amusement parks hiking trails community sports leagues
• The Cities people commute to from Fullerton are Anaheim 3 miles away Brea 6 miles away Yorba-Linda 15 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Fullerton or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: evening congestion near the train station. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Fullerton’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Downtown Fullerton is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Fullerton are Anaheim 3 miles away Brea 6 miles away Yorba-Linda 15 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 25 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Fullerton has 0 days in a row below freezing and 45 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Fullerton people have an average (positive or negative) $-1000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   500 homeless people living in Fullerton. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed area with a strong progressive student population could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Fullerton.

Retiree & Senior Life in Fullerton

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might enjoy exemptions aimed at reducing property taxes
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Sunnycrest Senior Living
• Fullerton Senior Center features various programs classes and events tailored for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Fullerton, California?

If Fullerton, California ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Fullerton, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!