Firstly why Burbank, California?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Burbank
- State: California
- Population: 103,340 people
- Burbank’s quick summary would be Known as the ‘Media Capital of the World’ with major studios like Warner Bros. and Disney.
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: 20,000 annually
- Net Migration: -10000 less people annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,500
- Number of Homeless people: 250
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a vibrant entertainment industry attracting those in media and film
Perk #1: Burbank Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 52%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Hispanic
- The median income is (and growing) $85,000
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Burbank is $85,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $0 neutral 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 & Burbank’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 165 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,711
- Property Tax %: 1.2%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2,300
- Rent for an average house: $3,200
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Magnolia Park
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Burbank, Magnolia-Park, Media-District, Downtown, and probably could include Toluca-Lake
- Avg. Age of Homes in Burbank: 63 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 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 & Burbank’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Burbank are Media, Entertainment, and Manufacturing
- Burbank Job Scene: diverse job market focused on entertainment and retail
- The General Tech Scene: developing tech scene in media, film, and entertainment technology sectors
- Burbank Resident’s pay $1,700 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Burbank: 10.25%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 180 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 8
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 Burbank
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $180 on average per person
- Freeway Access: I-5 provides crucial access through Burbank to Los Angeles
- Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: evening congestion on Olive Avenue
- Transportation Score: 61 out of 100 described as Good Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Burbank: 80,000
- Cars registered per Person: 0.8
- No. of Car Washes: 6 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Burbank: dmv.ca.gov
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 67 of 100
- Local Airport: Bob Hope
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: Burbank’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
- General Weather in Burbank is best described as has hot dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F and mild winters with occasional rain
- Winter Weather in Burbank i’d describe as mild and sunny
- Spring Weather in Burbank can be described as warm and dry
- Summer’s in Burbank are mostly warm and dry
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Burbank is usually warm and dry
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 0 days in summer
- Days in a row in Burbank below Freezing: 0
- Average Annual Rainfall: 16 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality impacted by urban emissions
- Burbank Winter Air generally good air quality but can be affected by smog
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: Burbank Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Burbank 0
- While the number of trade schools inside Burbanks’s city limits are 2
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Burbank 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 & Burbank Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 7 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Burbank only Doctors is about 50
- Local Hospitals here is 4
- Full-time Burbank only Police Officers is about 200
- Crime Rate Index: 20/100
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
- Burbank’s Monthly utility bill average is $220
- Burbank’s Monthly Gym Membership: $72
- Burbank’s Water Quality Score: 76
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 Burbank
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 12 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: media hub with a small-town feel and many parks
- You might enjoy shows at the Burbank Center for the Arts
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Burbank features a friendly atmosphere with theaters local bars and dining options for enjoyable nightlife
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 Burbank
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Features family-friendly restaurants and local cafes
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 50 scattered around Burbank
- The Popular Sports Team is Burbank Bulldogs
- Top Level Political Climate in Burbank can be described as politically mixed with a strong focus on media and entertainment
- Burbank’s Longer standing religious establishment is Burbank First United 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: Burbank Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Burbank has 23 Parks?
- Johnny Carson Park is Burbank’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Burbank Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-12:30pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and outdoor film screenings
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: Burbank Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Burbank can be described as active suburban life with a focus on entertainment industry
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Burbank visiting parks community picnics local sports events
- The Cities people commute to from Burbank are Burbank 17 miles away North-Hollywood 4 miles away Glendale 6 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 Burbank 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.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: evening congestion on Olive Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Burbank’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Magnolia Park is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Burbank are Burbank 17 miles away North-Hollywood 4 miles away Glendale 6 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 20 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Burbank has 0 days in a row below freezing and 0 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Burbank people have an average (positive or negative) $0 neutral cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
250 homeless people living in Burbank. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general politically mixed with a strong focus on media and entertainment 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 Burbank.
Retiree & Senior Life in Burbank
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might qualify for tax deductions alleviating the tax burden on retirement income
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Olive Grove
- Burbank Senior Center offers meal programs recreational activities and support services 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 Burbank, California?
If Burbank, 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 Burbank, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!