East San Gabriel Valley in California and West Adams in Colorado, while both distinct and beautiful in their own rights, offer varying living experiences. East San Gabriel Valley is known for its beautifully warm climate, high cost of living, diverse industries, and cultural richness. On the other hand, West Adams is characterized by a quieter, rural lifestyle with lower living costs, budding educational opportunities, and emerging industries. Bearing in mind that personal preferences may vary, the comparison between these two locations presents various factors that should be relevant to potential residents and tourists alike.
East San Gabriel Valley's population is larger by 207%.
Population | ||
Type | East San Gabriel Valley | West Adams |
---|---|---|
Population | 952,352 | 310,409 |
Female / male percentage | 50.8% / 49.2%
|
49.9% / 50.1%
|
East San Gabriel Valley, being a part of the greater Los Angeles County, sees a somewhat higher crime rate compared to West Adams. However, neighborhoods like Walnut and Diamond Bar within East San Gabriel Valley consistently rank as some of the safest in California. West Adams, conversely, has a lower crime rate, characteristic of its relatively rural setting. Both areas have experienced decreases in crime rates over the past decade, but potential residents and visitors should stay informed and vigilant about safety regardless of the location.
The cost of living in East San Gabriel Valley is significantly higher than the national average due to California's high housing costs. By contrast, West Adams has lower living costs with housing prices well below the national average. However, the overall quality of living in West Adams may not match up to that in East San Gabriel Valley because of the upscale amenities, shopping, and dining options found in the latter.
The state of California, home to East San Gabriel Valley, has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3%. Conversely, Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.63%, which is applicable to all residents of West Adams, making income taxation in the latter more straightforward.
Property taxes in East San Gabriel Valley are relatively high, at around 1.16% of assessed home value, due in part to California's high property values. In contrast, West Adams has a median property tax rate of 0.57% of a property's assessed fair market value, which is lower than the national average.
In East San Gabriel Valley, the sales tax can go as high as 10.25%, which is considerably higher than the national average. On the other hand, West Adams levies a considerably lower sales tax, in line with Colorado's state average, offering potential savings for both residents and visitors.
Income | ||
Type | East San Gabriel Valley | West Adams |
---|---|---|
Estimated median household income | $95,242 | $86,329 |
Estimated per capita income | $34,474 | $37,504 |
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100) | 150.2 | 117.6 |
If you make $50,000 in West Adams, you will have to make $63,861 in East San Gabriel Valley to maintain the same standard of living.
East San Gabriel Valley offers beautiful landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and man-made reservoirs. West Adams offers its residents a predominantly plateau-based topography, framed by the Rocky Mountains, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities such as hiking and biking.
Geographical information | ||
Type | East San Gabriel Valley | West Adams |
---|---|---|
Land area | 212.6 sq. miles | 74.5 sq. miles |
Population density | 4,478.5 people per sq. mile | 4,165.7 people per sq. mile |
The East San Gabriel Valley is known for its well-rated public and private schools, plus it's closeness to renowned higher education institutions like CalTech and the University of Southern California. Barriers to educational attainment in West Adams may be higher due to its rural setting, but there are initiatives underway to enhance educational opportunities in the area.
Education level (25-year-olds and older) | ||
Type | East San Gabriel Valley | West Adams |
---|---|---|
Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 20% |
Graduate or professional degree | 7.4% | 5.5% |
High school or higher | 72% | 82.8% |
The economy of the East San Gabriel Valley is significantly diversified, ranging from technology to entertainment and healthcare. West Adams, in contrast, has a more agriculture-oriented economy, but efforts are underway to diversify it, particularly in green industries and local entrepreneurship. This diversification could potentially bring new job opportunities to the region.
In the East San Gabriel Valley, some of the largest employers include Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, Citrus Valley Medical Center, and Mt. San Antonio College. In West Adams, the Adams County School District, Vestas Wind Systems, and the Colorado Air National Guard are among the most prominent employers.
In East San Gabriel Valley (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In West Adams (Adams County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 40.4% for Republicans.
East San Gabriel Valley enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. West Adams, in contrast, experiences a semi-arid climate marked by cold, snowy winters, and hot, dry summers. The weather patterns in both areas are generally consistent, making it important for anyone considering a move or a visit to pack appropriately for the season they'll be arriving in.
Weather and climate | ||
Type | East San Gabriel Valley | West Adams |
---|---|---|
Temperature - Average | 62.7°F | 49.9°F |
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity | 64.7% | 50.6% |
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity | 19.6% | 20% |
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity | 70.7% | 55% |
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity | 51% | 35% |
Precipitation - Yearly average | 19.1 in | 13.3 in |
Snowfall - Yearly average | 0 in | 114 in |
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds | 28.3% | 19.2% |
Sunshine amount - Average | 78.4% | 75.6% |
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year | 22% | 10% |
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly | 85% | 74% |
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly | 63% | 64% |
Wind speed - Average | 3.7 mph | 8.6 mph |
Natural disasters | ||
Type | East San Gabriel Valley | West Adams |
---|---|---|
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average | 18.5% | 130.2% |
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average | 7,292.4% | 809.2% |
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average | 57% | 11% |
In the East San Gabriel Valley, there is a robust network of public transportation, with options like the Metrolink train service and Foothill Transit buses. West Adams, being rural, has limited public transit options. Nevertheless, it is characterized by low traffic and scenic drives compared to East San Gabriel Valley's often congested freeways.
Transport | ||
Type | East San Gabriel Valley | West Adams |
---|---|---|
Amtrak stations nearby | 3 | 3 |
The real estate market in the East San Gabriel Valley can be quite pricy due to the higher cost of living. West Adams offers more affordable housing options, making it a good option for people looking for a lower cost alternative. However, potential homeowners should evaluate not only the cost but also the availability and quality of amenities in their chosen area.
The East San Gabriel Valley contains several upscale neighborhoods such as Walnut and Diamond Bar. West Adams, in contrast, consists of mostly rural or semi-rural communities like Rex and Antero. Each type of neighborhood has its own unique charm and characteristics and can appeal to very different groups of people.
Houses and residents | ||
Type | East San Gabriel Valley | West Adams |
---|---|---|
Houses | 270,240 | 96,976 |
Average household size (people) | 3.5 | 2.7 |
Houses occupied | 263,338 (97.4%) | 94,294 (97.2%) |
Houses occupied by owners | 180,683 (68.6%) | 68,196 (72.3%) |
Houses occupied by renters | 82,655 (31.4%) | 26,098 (27.7%) |
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units | $1,935 | $1,683 |
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos | $1,138,428 | $576,371 |
Estimated median house or condo value | $643,048 | $438,983 |
Median number of rooms in apartments | 3.7 | 4.1 |
Median number of rooms in houses and condos | 5.9 | 6.8 |
Renting percentage | 32.3% | 35.7% |
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile) | 1,270.8 | 1,301.4 |
Household income disparities | 40.3% | 38.2% |
Housing units without a mortgage | 26,635 (16.4%) | 8,555 (15.5%) |
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan | 515 (0.3%) | 181 (0.3%) |
Housing units with a mortgage | 136,243 (83.6%) | 46,792 (84.5%) |
Housing units with a home equity loan | 11,429 (7%) | 4,321 (7.8%) |
Housing units with a second mortgage | 21,150 (13%) | 10,023 (18.1%) |
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities | 1% | 0.3% |
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities | 0.8% | 0.3% |
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units | ||
Type | East San Gabriel Valley | West Adams |
---|---|---|
Property tax | $179,800 (0.9%) | $146,500 (0.8%) |
Major industries in East San Gabriel Valley include healthcare, education, retail, and professional services, with healthcare workers, teachers, and managers among the most common occupations. West Adams, conversely, has an economy centred around agriculture, manufacturing, and construction. Farmers, construction workers, and machine operators are among the most common occupations in the region.
East San Gabriel Valley is served by numerous health care facilities, from community health centers to specialized hospitals. West Adams, meanwhile, has less-developed health care services catering to its relatively smaller population, but residents have access to several regional medical centers located nearby.
Health (county statistics) | ||
Type | East San Gabriel Valley | West Adams |
---|---|---|
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) | 3.5 | 3.6 |
Average weight of females (lbs) | 154.6 lbs | 156.3 lbs |
Average weight of males (lbs) | 185 lbs | 190.9 lbs |
Residents visited a dentist within the past year | 68.1% | 72.3% |
Residents exercised in the past month | 74.7% | 79.1% |
Adult residents drank alcohol in the past 30 days | 69.2% | 62.4% |
Residents smoked 100+ cigarettes in their lives | 37.8% | 41.8% |
East San Gabriel Valley benefits from comprehensive and modern infrastructure, including extensive freeways, high-speed internet, and public facilities. West Adams, on the other hand, is still developing its infrastructure. It does, however, offer idyllic countryside scenery that can be quite appealing to some people.
Infrastructure | ||
Type | East San Gabriel Valley | West Adams |
---|---|---|
TV stations | 24 | 17 |
The East San Gabriel Valley is known for its immense cultural diversity reflected in its food scene, with a variety of ethnic cuisines available, from Mexican to Asian. West Adams has a more homegrown culture, with local eateries offering traditional American fare along with Mexican and other Western cuisines reflective of Colorado's history.
The proximity of East San Gabriel Valley to Los Angeles provides residents with the opportunity to support professional sports teams like the Lakers (NBA), Dodgers (MLB), Kings (NHL), and Rams (NFL). However, West Adams lacks professional teams but offers a range of recreational sports activities and community teams, which are integral to local life.