Firstly why El-Cajon, California?

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

• City: El-Cajon
• State: California
• Population: 104,710 people
• El-Cajon’s quick summary would be Celebrated for its rich agricultural history and the Sweetwater Reservoir.

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: 8,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 9,000 annually
• Net Migration: -1000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 600
• Number of Homeless people: 800

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a diverse community and affordable living appealing to residents

Perk #1: El-Cajon Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 61%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $62,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in El-Cajon is $66,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $4000 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 & El-Cajon’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 135 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,986
• Property Tax %: 1.17%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,500
• Rent for an average house: $2,300
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: El Cajon
• Top 5 Growing Areas: El-Cajon, La-Mesa, Santee, Lemon-Grove, and probably could include Rancho-San-Diego
• Avg. Age of Homes in El-Cajon: 61 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2%

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 & El-Cajon’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in El-Cajon are  Retail, Healthcare, and Manufacturing
• El-Cajon Job Scene: moderate job market with healthcare and retail opportunities
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech scene focused primarily on retail and service industries , ,
• El-Cajon Resident’s pay $1,300 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in El-Cajon: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 110 (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 El-Cajon

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $150 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-8 offers rapid access across El Cajon through San Diego County
• Commute Time: 24 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic slowing on East Main Street
• Transportation Score: 46 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in El-Cajon: 75,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.7
• No. of Car Washes: 6 in and around the city
• DMV Website for El-Cajon: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 62 of 100
• Local Airport: San Diego International

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: El-Cajon’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
• General Weather in El-Cajon is best described as experiences mild winters with cool temperatures and hot dry summers with occasional heat waves
• Winter Weather in El-Cajon i’d describe as mild with sunny weather
• Spring Weather in El-Cajon can be described as warm and dry
• Summer’s in El-Cajon are mostly hot
• Fall ( the nicest time) in El-Cajon is usually warm and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 17 days in summer
• Days in a row in El-Cajon below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 17 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality affected by urban traffic
• El-Cajon Winter Air average air quality that can worsen with 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: El-Cajon Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in El-Cajon 3
• While the number of trade schools inside El-Cajons’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the El Cajon 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 & El-Cajon Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 7 minutes
• Registered Full-Time El-Cajon only Doctors is about 70
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time El-Cajon only Police Officers is about 150
• Crime Rate Index: 50/100

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

• El-Cajon’s Monthly utility bill average is $180
• El-Cajon’s Monthly Gym Membership: $55
• El-Cajon’s Water Quality Score: 72

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 El-Cajon

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: diverse community with a mix of urban and suburban life
• You might enjoy shows at the East County Performing Arts Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), El-Cajon  offers a variety of nightlife options from local pubs to restaurants featuring live music and entertainment

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 El-Cajon

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a mix of fast food and family restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around El-Cajon
• The Popular Sports Team is Valhalla Norsemen
• Top Level Political Climate in El-Cajon can be described as moderately conservative area with a diverse population
• El-Cajon’s Longer standing religious establishment is Valley View 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: El-Cajon Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know El-Cajon has 25 Parks?
• El Cajon Park is El-Cajon’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is El Cajon Farmers Market normally open Wednesday 10am-2pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing

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: El-Cajon Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in El-Cajon can be described as urban environment with a diverse population and cultural hubs
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in El-Cajon playing sports in parks community festivals craft workshops
• The Cities people commute to from El-Cajon are Santee 8 miles away La-Mesa 12 miles away San-Diego 22 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 El-Cajon 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: traffic slowing on East Main Street. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   El-Cajon’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If El Cajon is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby El-Cajon are Santee 8 miles away La-Mesa 12 miles away San-Diego 22 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 50 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   El-Cajon has 0 days in a row below freezing and 17 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 El-Cajon people have an average (positive or negative) $4000 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
   800 homeless people living in El-Cajon. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general moderately conservative area with a diverse 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 El-Cajon.

Retiree & Senior Life in El-Cajon

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might qualify for local property tax exemptions helping with housing expenses
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Magnolia at El Cajon
• El Cajon Senior Center features programs for seniors including arts and crafts and educational workshops

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 El-Cajon, California?

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