California, renowned for its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, offers an array of cities and towns that stand out as the best places to live in California. These locales encompass a mix of natural beauty, economic opportunities, and an unparalleled quality of life.
One of the best places to live in California is San Francisco. Nestled along the iconic Bay Area, this city combines breathtaking views, a thriving tech industry, and a rich cultural scene. From the historic charm of Alamo Square to the bustling streets of Chinatown, San Francisco caters to diverse interests, making it a compelling choice for those seeking an urban lifestyle.
Moving south, Palo Alto emerges as another prime location, especially for tech enthusiasts. As the heart of Silicon Valley, it boasts proximity to major tech companies, world-class educational institutions like Stanford University, and a welcoming community. The emphasis on innovation and a high standard of living make Palo Alto stand out among the best places to live in California.
Best Places to Live in California
For those desiring a more laid-back atmosphere, Santa Barbara, with its Mediterranean-style architecture, pristine beaches, and a mild climate, is an idyllic choice. Known as the "American Riviera," it offers a perfect blend of outdoor recreation, cultural events, and a relaxed pace of life, earning its spot on the list of the best places to live in California.
Further down the coast, San Diego captures hearts with its diverse neighborhoods, world-class attractions, and a thriving job market. From the historic Gaslamp Quarter to the family-friendly suburbs, San Diego caters to various preferences, making it one of the best places to live in California for individuals and families alike.
Inland, Irvine shines as a planned community that prioritizes safety, education, and a high quality of life. With top-rated schools, numerous parks, and a strong economy, Irvine consistently ranks among the best places to live in California. The city's commitment to sustainability and innovation adds to its appeal.
Venturing into the northern part of the state, Sacramento, the capital, boasts a rich history, a growing arts scene, and affordable living. As a hub for government activities, Sacramento offers a mix of urban amenities and a more relaxed pace, making it one of the best places to live in California for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
01. San Diego
San Diego's many beaches, family-friendly amenities, and mild climate are some of the main draws for newcomers. In the past decade, the city has grown a lot more diverse — and cool — with distinct neighborhoods, vibrant arts communities, and exciting restaurants. San Diego's economy also has plenty to offer.
"The nation's leaders in industries like biotechnology and semiconductor manufacturing are here, and it's easy to see why the area has become so popular," said Zane Burnett, chief digital officer at Willis Allen Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International.
Unfortunately, like many other Southern California cities, the great weather and modern amenities come at a steep price for homeowners.
"During [the] COVID-19 [pandemic], San Diego quickly became one of the most active housing markets in the nation. The median price of a single-family home in San Diego at the beginning of April [2023] was $915,000 — 173% higher than the national average of $281,4000 — so it isn't exactly an inexpensive market," Burnett explained. "These premiums are what we wryly refer to the 'the Sunshine Tax.'"
02. Sacramento
Northern California, and especially the state's capital, is an increasingly popular option for people seeking a more affordable cost of living and ample job opportunities.
Sacramento's top-notch medical facilities, colleges, and family-friendly communities attract young professionals who are also treated to beautiful natural sights and plenty of outdoor activities — the city is at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, so there's lots of scenic riverside attractions here.
Sacramento's real estate market is much more affordable than many coastal urban communities in California. According to Zillow, the median home value is $460,329, making it a relatively wise time to invest in a property here.
"Do it now, because prices always go up in the state of California, regardless of what's happening in the rest of the country," said Pat Shea, president of Lyon Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International. "There's nothing that compares to this area in California: large homes, excellent year-round weather, and affordability."
Some of the city's most popular neighborhoods for home buyers include East Sacramento, El Dorado Hills, Granite Bay, and Land Park.
03. Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa, the "urban heart" of California wine country, is the perfect home base for those working in winemaking — and those who enjoy the fruits of that labor. Located just 55 miles north of San Francisco, this city of about 177,000 (and half a million in its greater metro area) is also known as a creative hub for artists and one of Northern California's best luxury resort destinations. But there's much more to this northern Napa Valley destination than sipping wine.
"One could easily start the day with a morning hike up Hood Mountain before floating down the peaceful Russian river on a kayak, stopping for a quick picnic at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, and finishing the day watching surfers at one of many Sonoma Coast Beaches," Robby Dearth, a realtor at Vanguard Properties/Luxury Portfolio International and a Sonoma County-native told Travel+Leisure.
The city's strong jobs market and proximity to the Bay Area have kept Santa Rosa's real estate market stable, which is great news for potential homebuyers.
And according to Dearth, there are plenty of options for every taste, from modern new-builds in Coffey Park to homes "with a ton of character and charm" in Montgomery Village and Grace Tract.
04. Los Angeles
While living in Los Angeles has its challenges, heavy traffic and steep real estate prices included, the city remains one of the best places in California to call home.
As the global hub for the film and television industry, and with myriad world-class museums and restaurants, Los Angeles is a magnet for creative people. The sunny weather, beaches, outdoor recreational opportunities, and diverse neighborhoods attract newcomers, too.
"There are great neighborhood pockets perfect for buying your first home, and they are chock-full of culture, friendly people, and cool spots to grab a coffee or a bite to eat," said Pam Lumpkin, a broker at Hilton & Hyland/Luxury Portfolio International.
05. San Jose
San Jose is at the heart of Silicon Valley, and it has all the features of a large metro area but with a laid-back and tranquil lifestyle. In fact, the city ranks in the top five places to live in the country, surrounded by quaint areas with family-friendly amenities.
Multiple Fortune 100 companies are here, providing San Jose residents with a strong and high-paying jobs market, as well as top-rated schools, all while enjoying proximity to some of California's most famous and beautiful vacation destinations, such as Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Big Sur.
"Our local market aligns with tech workers' job confidence. When the tech [industry] is doing well, hiring fast and paying large bonuses, our local housing prices seem to follow," said Alex Bouja of Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty.
Bouja added that current prices for entry-level homes here are between $1.2 and $1.5 million, with the city's most desirable neighborhoods being located near major highways and downtown.
"For those looking for upscale charm, the Willow Glen neighborhood is always a favorite, with a mix of classic architectural styles and its downtown 'Avenue' lined with boutiques and bustling restaurants.
The neighborhood surrounding San Jose's Municipal Rose Garden is also a draw, especially for those who love older, more historic homes," added Katie Duus of Christie's International Real Estate Sereno/Luxury Portfolio International.
06. Santa Barbara
Foodies love Santa Barbara for its Michelin-rated restaurants (the city currently has eight eateries rated or recommended by the prestigious guide), while outdoor and water-sports enthusiasts flock to the area for its many hiking trails and surf breaks.
Architecture and culture aficionados love strolling through the streets here, too, as its a great city in which to admire Mediterranean Spanish-style buildings. Excellent private and public schools, healthcare facilities, and natural beauty are treats for residents, as is a moderate climate.
The downside? Santa Barbara and neighboring Montecito are home to lots of celebrities, and some of the priciest real estate in the state (the median home value hovers around $1.6 million).
"Santa Barbara real estate was, is, and will always be a strong investment," said Jasmine Tennis, partner at Riskin Partners Estate Group at Village. "Our unique geographical boundaries mean we will always have a relatively fixed amount of inventory, as we don't have the same abilities to expand as other markets do."
07. Laguna Beach
With seven miles of coastline and some of the most scenic stretches of sand in the state, this friendly beach town in Orange County is perfect for ocean lovers. The streets of downtown Laguna Beach are lined art galleries (the town has always been known as an enclave for artists), plus restaurants, independent boutiques, and surf shops.
One of the most popular neighborhoods in the city to own real estate is Three Arch Bay in South Laguna. In addition to its many resort-style amenities (a park and tennis courts among them), the area attracts families with top-rated schools within Laguna Beach Unified School District.
But as inventory here is very limited, it's wise for home buyers to work with a real estate agent who can alert you to for-sale properties that won't necessarily be advertised publicly, as many home are sold off-market here, according to Donna Pfanner of Pacific Sotheby's International Realty.
08. Fresno/Clovis
Originally an unassuming stop among the farmed landscapes of the San Joaquin Valley and along the Central Pacific Railroad, Fresno and neighboring Clovis are now bustling with activity. While agriculture provides about a fifth of jobs in the area, other large employers include government and military organizations, hospitals, and schools.
But Fresno and Clovis's biggest draw is the cities' proximity to several national parks and historical sites, including Yosemite National Park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, and Sierra National Forest.
"In Fresno, there are several exciting events such as art hops, local wineries, and the beautiful Woodward Park, which has plenty of walking and biking trails," said Christy Sasser, a Redfin principal agent who grew up in the region.
"Downtown Clovis is a fantastic area to explore, too, with a plethora of shops, restaurants, bars, and farmers' markets. The famous Clovis Rodeo is also held here, and it's an ideal location for a leisurely stroll."
Despite increasing interest rates, the real estate market in Fresno and Clovis remains strong. Even though home values are at an all-time high, the area is still much more affordable than other major markets in the state. In Fresno, the median home value is $357,908, and in Clovis: $487,059.
09. San Francisco
With its steep hills overlooking the city, eclectic blend of architecture, and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Coit Tower, San Francisco remains an exciting city for newcomers to explore.
Add to that list diverse and family-friendly neighborhoods, beautiful parks, a stellar dining scene, and a strong job market, it's no wonder many choose to make San Francisco their home.
"While the cost of living in San Francisco can be high, the tradeoff is the ability to live in one of the most socially dynamic and uniquely beautiful cities in the world — where urban life and nature's beauty collide," said David Chol, chief operating officer of Vanguard Properties/Luxury Portfolio International.
He explained that despite the recent layoffs and turmoil in the city's tech industry, the local housing market is still stable, and the median home price is $1,277,409.
"As the old adage goes, 'real estate is all about location, location, location,' something that San Francisco will always have in spades," Chol added, noting that the most sought-after areas in the city are Pacific Heights, Noe Valley, Russian Hill, and the Mission District.
FAQ
Q1: What are some factors to consider when looking for the best places to live in California?
A1: Consider factors such as cost of living, job opportunities, quality of schools, and proximity to amenities when searching for the best places to live in California.
Q2: Are there any affordable places to live in California?
A2: Yes, some affordable places in California include cities like Bakersfield, Fresno, and Riverside. These areas offer a lower cost of living compared to some other parts of the state.
Q3: How is the job market in California, and which cities have the best job opportunities?
A3: California has a diverse job market, with tech-related opportunities in Silicon Valley, entertainment industry jobs in Los Angeles, and agricultural jobs in the Central Valley. Cities like San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles often have robust job markets.
Q4: What are some family-friendly neighborhoods in California?
A4: Family-friendly neighborhoods in California include Irvine, Palo Alto, and Davis. These areas are known for their good schools, parks, and overall safety for families.
Q5: How can I assess the safety of a neighborhood in California before moving?
A5: Research crime rates, speak to local residents, and utilize online tools like neighborhood crime maps to assess the safety of a neighborhood in California before making a decision to move.
Conclusion: In the wine country, Napa Valley and Sonoma County stand out as picturesque regions that offer a slower pace of life amidst vineyards and rolling hills. These areas provide a tranquil escape while still being within driving distance of the bustling Bay Area, earning them a spot among the best places to live in California.
The best places to live in California are as diverse as the state itself, catering to a wide range of preferences. From the tech hubs of San Francisco and Palo Alto to the coastal beauty of Santa Barbara and San Diego, and the planned communities like Irvine, each city and town offers a unique experience, contributing to California's reputation as a place of endless opportunities and unparalleled lifestyle. Whether you're drawn to the excitement of the city or the tranquility of the countryside, California has a perfect spot for you among the best places to live in California.
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