Firstly why Concord, California?

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

• City: Concord
• State: California
• Population: 126,083 people
• Concord’s quick summary would be Recognized for its vibrant arts scene and the annual Concord Jazz Festival.

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: 20,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 12,000 annually
• Net Migration: 8000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,000
• Number of Homeless people: 400

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers affordable housing and accessibility to San Francisco appealing to commuters

Perk #1: Concord Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 34%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 48%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $87,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Concord is $88,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $1000 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 & Concord’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 140 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,571
• Property Tax %: 1.37%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,400
• Rent for an average house: $2,400
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Four Corners
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Concord, Pleasant-Hill, Walnut-Creek, Pittsburg, and probably could include Martinez
• Avg. Age of Homes in Concord: 54 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.5%

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 & Concord’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Concord are  Retail, Healthcare, and Manufacturing
• Concord Job Scene: moderate job market focused on healthcare and retail
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech community focused on diversified economy including logistics and tech , ,
• Concord Resident’s pay $1,300 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Concord: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 130 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 14

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 Concord

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $160 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-680 offers significant access through Concord to neighboring cities
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on Ygnacio Valley Road
• Transportation Score: 50 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Concord: 120,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1
• No. of Car Washes: 6 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Concord: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 66 of 100
• Local Airport: Buchanan Field

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: Concord’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in Concord is best described as experiences hot summers with temperatures exceeding 100°F and mild winters with occasional rainfall
• Winter Weather in Concord i’d describe as cool with occasional rain
• Spring Weather in Concord can be described as mild with some rain
• Summer’s in Concord are mostly hot and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Concord is usually mild and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 30 days in summer
• Days in a row in Concord below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 20 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality with urban sources of pollution
• Concord Winter Air mixed air quality with urban development impacts

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: Concord Education & Schools

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

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Concord only Doctors is about 75
• Local Hospitals here is  4
• Full-time Concord only Police Officers is about 200
• Crime Rate Index: 35/100

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

• Concord’s Monthly utility bill average is $190
• Concord’s Monthly Gym Membership: $65
• Concord’s Water Quality Score: 78

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 Concord

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 7 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: a suburban city with parks and family-friendly events
• You might enjoy concerts at the Concord Pavilion
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Concord  features lively local bars and community gatherings offering a comfortable nightlife experience

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 Concord

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes chain restaurants and local favorites
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 50 scattered around Concord
• The Popular Sports Team is Concord High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Concord can be described as moderate to conservative suburb with growing progressive influences
• Concord’s Longer standing religious establishment is Concord Community 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: Concord Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Concord has 30 Parks?
• Newhall Community Park is Concord’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Concord Farmers Market normally open Thursday 4pm-8pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and picnicking

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: Concord Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Concord can be described as steady suburban life with a mix of family-friendly activities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Concord visiting parks local fairs community sports activities
• The Cities people commute to from Concord are Walnut-Creek 8 miles away Pleasant-Hill 6 miles away Pittsburg 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 Concord 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 on Ygnacio Valley Road. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Concord’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Four Corners is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Concord are Walnut-Creek 8 miles away Pleasant-Hill 6 miles away Pittsburg 10 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 35 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Concord has 0 days in a row below freezing and 30 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 Concord people have an average (positive or negative) $1000 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
   400 homeless people living in Concord. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general moderate to conservative suburb with growing progressive influences 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 Concord.

Retiree & Senior Life in Concord

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may be eligible for tax credits easing property tax burdens
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale Concord
• Concord Senior Center features a range of programs health resources and social activities

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 Concord, California?

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