Firstly why Downey, California?

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

• City: Downey
• State: California
• Population: 113,248 people
• Downey’s quick summary would be Famous as the hometown of The Beach Boys and for the Columbia Memorial Space Center.

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: 10,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 9,000 annually
• Net Migration: 1000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,500
• Number of Homeless people: 500

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a family-friendly atmosphere and good schools attracting families

Perk #1: Downey Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 54%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $64,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Downey is $73,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $9000 in positive 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 & Downey’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 140 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,074
• Property Tax %: 1%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,700
• Rent for an average house: $2,700
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Downey Landing
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Downey, Bellflower, Norwalk, Paramount, and probably could include South-Gate
• Avg. Age of Homes in Downey: 64 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 & Downey’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Downey are  Retail, Healthcare, and Manufacturing
• Downey Job Scene: moderate job market focused on retail and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech engagement primarily in local services and aerospace industries , ,
• Downey Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Downey: 10.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 150 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 12

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 Downey

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $160 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-105 connects Downey to Los Angeles and surrounding areas
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns at the intersection of Firestone Blvd
• Transportation Score: 53 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Downey: 70,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 9 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Downey: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 60 of 100
• Local Airport: Long Beach

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: Downey’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in Downey is best described as has mild winters with cool temperatures and warm dry summers with occasional heat waves
• Winter Weather in Downey i’d describe as mild and dry
• Spring Weather in Downey can be described as warm and dry
• Summer’s in Downey are mostly warm and sunny
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Downey is usually warm and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 9 days in summer
• Days in a row in Downey below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 16 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by regional pollution
• Downey Winter Air average air quality with urban sources of pollution

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: Downey Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Downey 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Downeys’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Downey City 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 & Downey Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Downey only Doctors is about 90
• Local Hospitals here is  5
• Full-time Downey only Police Officers is about 240
• Crime Rate Index: 45/100

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

• Downey’s Monthly utility bill average is $190
• Downey’s Monthly Gym Membership: $58
• Downey’s Water Quality Score: 68

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 Downey

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 10 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: suburban city with a rich history and community events
• You might enjoy local events at the Downey Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Downey  has a friendly nightlife scene with local restaurants and community events appealing to residents

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 Downey

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a mix of casual dining and fast food
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Downey
• The Popular Sports Team is Downey High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Downey can be described as diverse community with a mix of political ideologies
• Downey’s Longer standing religious establishment is Downey First Baptist 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: Downey Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Downey has 25 Parks?
• Downey Park is Downey’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Downey Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Cycling, parks, and skating

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: Downey Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Downey can be described as active suburban community with a mix of residential and commercial areas
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Downey community events sports tournaments visiting local parks
• The Cities people commute to from Downey are Los-Angeles 14 miles away Paramount 5 miles away South-Gate 10 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 Downey 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: slowdowns at the intersection of Firestone Blvd. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Downey’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Downey Landing is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Downey are Los-Angeles 14 miles away Paramount 5 miles away South-Gate 10 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 45 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Downey has 0 days in a row below freezing and 9 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 Downey people have an average (positive or negative) $9000 in positive 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 Downey. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general diverse community with a mix of political ideologies 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 Downey.

Retiree & Senior Life in Downey

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access special exemptions on property tax for low-income
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Lakewood Park
• Downey Senior Center hosts recreational programs educational classes and health resources

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 Downey, California?

If Downey, 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 Downey, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!