El Centro, CA


1 Reviews



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El Centro, CA

About El Centro, CA

El Centro, California is a city located in Imperial County that has become known for its nearby attractions like the Imperial Valley Mall and El Centro Recreation Center. Medium-size metro area set in the desert and agricultural lands of Callifornia. Primary industries include agriculture and manufacturing. - Situated in south California, near the Mexican border, 120 miles east of San Diego and 150 miles southeast of Los Angeles..

Location Details

State: California
County: Imperial County
Metro Area: El Centro Metro Area
City: El Centro
Zip Codes: 92243
Cost of Living: -1.1% lower
Time zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Elevation: -39 ft above sea level
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Dig Deeper on El Centro

El Centro, California, has a unique story and various features that make it stand out. Located in the southern part of California, it is the most significant city in Imperial County. The city was established in 1906 and quickly became important for farming because of its fertile soil and smart use of water for irrigation. This area is in the Colorado Desert, which means it gets a lot of sun and can get very hot.

The geography around El Centro is interesting because it's below sea level, which is unusual for populated areas in the US. The desert surrounds it, and the region depends on the Colorado River for water to support its farms. Despite the tough environment, the area is known for growing vegetables like lettuce and alfalfa, which plays a big part in its economy.

When it comes to the economy, El Centro started with a focus on agriculture due to its location in the productive Imperial Valley. Over time, the economy has grown to include retail, education, and healthcare jobs. The Naval Air Facility El Centro also adds to the local economy, especially when it hosts the annual Blue Angels event, which brings people together and boosts the economy.

In terms of voting, El Centro and the larger Imperial County tend to support the Democratic Party in recent elections. This reflects the overall trend in California, but local issues and candidates can sometimes sway election results differently.

Living in El Centro means experiencing a mix of small-city life and the simplicity of rural living. The community is close, and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy, like exploring the Algodones Dunes or visiting the Salton Sea. There are also cultural events and festivals that celebrate the area's diverse population and farming history.

New residents should be ready for the weather. The summers are extremely hot, with temperatures often going above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winters are mild and nice. It's also important to know about water conservation in this desert area. Getting involved in local culture and attending community events can make living in El Centro an enjoyable experience.

To sum up, El Centro, CA, has its own set of characteristics, from its history and geography to its lifestyle. Its economy has roots in agriculture but has expanded over the years. The community's voting behavior shows its diverse views and interests. Life in El Centro includes a strong community feeling, lots of outdoor and cultural activities, and adapting to the desert surroundings. For those moving to El Centro, getting to know what makes this place special can lead to a rewarding life.

El Centro Cost of Living
$$$$

Very low humidity, natural beauty, and mild winters make El Centro a great place to live.

$306,900
-10.2% lower than avg
$49,244
-40.2% lower than avg
$1,170 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
-22.2% lower than avg
El Centro Crime
69.1 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in El Centro, California
$58,680
for a family
$36,400
for a single person
Pros & Cons of El Centro
   Very low humidity
High unemployment
   Natural beauty
Isolated
   Mild winters
Summer heat
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