By Admin
26 December, 2022
Is the West Coast sun calling your name? You may be one of many people who are moving to California. With about 40 million people, California is the most populous state in the country. From the rolling hills of Northern California's wine country to the sandy beachfront beaches of Southern California, the natural beauty, outdoor activities, and climate of the Golden State are simply unmatched.
How Do You Decide Where to Live in California?
Is the West Coast sun calling your name? You may be one of many people who are moving to California. With about 40 million people, California is the most populous state in the country. From the rolling hills of Northern California's wine country to the sandy beachfront beaches of Southern California, the natural beauty, outdoor activities, and climate of the Golden State are simply unmatched.
The 20 Best Places To Live in California
- Berkeley
- Irvine
- San Francisco
- Sunnyvale
- Torrance
- Santa Clara
- Carlsbad
- Pasadena
- Thousand Oaks
- San Diego
- Burbank
- Costa Mesa
- Roseville
- San Jose
- Glendale
- Temecula
- Long Beach
- Orange
- Sacramento
- Oakland
Berkeley
Located on the eastern outskirts of San Francisco Bay, Berkeley is the number one city we should consider if you're moving to California. It is internationally known as the home of UC Berkeley and the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement in the 1960s. People from all over the world come to Berkeley for its famous restaurants, museums, shops and art venues. Because of its location in the heart of San Francisco Bay, it is also a transportation hub with highly functional infrastructure.
Socially diverse and culturally progressive with a vibrant mix of neighborhoods, Berkeley offers its residents both rich history and deep authenticity. Excellent cultural and educational opportunities earn Berkeley a solid international reputation. All in all, it’s a great place to call home. In fact, Niche.com ranks it as the #1 “Healthiest City in America” and “Healthiest Places to Live” and the #8 “Best City to Live in America.”
Population: 117,145
Median household income: $91,259
Median listing home price: $1,220,000
Median rent: $3,200
Cost of living index: 192 (92 percent higher than the national average of 100. Note: The cost of living index in California is 140.)
Irvine
The affluent city of Irvine, located in the heart of sunny Orange County, California, is known for its booming job market, family atmosphere, safe environment, and great weather. Many things about Irvine are impressive, including the fact that Irvine is one of the wealthiest cities in the country. That's because Irvine's economy is strong, with many well-paying jobs - thanks in part to dozens of Fortune 500 companies based in Irvine. Like an apartment in Irvine, it was a tradable and very expensive commodity. Education is a priority, especially considering that the highly ranked University of California, Concordia University and Irvine Valley College are all located in Irvine. The city is also known nationally as one of the most environmentally conscious cities in the United States and remains committed to sustainability and green living.
Population: 309,031
Median household income: $108,318
Median listing home price: $1,480,000
Median rent: $5,000
Cost of living index: 178 (78 percent higher than the national average)
San Francisco
From the Golden Gate Bridge to the legendary cable cars, San Francisco is one of America's most beloved cities. Those looking for a vibrant urban environment, top food and a thriving job market will find it in San Francisco. San Francisco regularly tops the list, especially as a hub for culture, food, and the arts. It has an excellent education system, a well-functioning transport infrastructure, a stable housing market, and excellent weather.
San Francisco also scores well for its vibrant historic districts, artistic and trendy lifestyle, and world-changing technology. Despite skyrocketing property prices, San Francisco is loved and respected around the world for its premier museums, family events, award-winning restaurants, and impressive success in the rights movement. LGBTQ.
Population: 815, 201
Median household income: $119,136
Median listing home price: $1,300,000
Median rent: $4,050
Cost of living index: 203 (103 percent higher than the national average)
Sunnyvale
Sunnyvale is located in the Santa Clara Valley along historic El Camino Real Road and Highway 101. It is adjacent to the cities of San Jose, Los Altos, Mountain View, Cupertino, and Santa Clara. Despite its suburban nature, the city has great restaurants, vibrant nightlife and plenty of outdoor activities.
Since Sunnyvale is a large part of Silicon Valley, many famous technology companies are based here. The city is also considered the cradle of the video game industry. There are many well-paying jobs out there. LinkedIn, Yahoo, Amazon, Target, Deloitte, Apple, Microsoft, Comcast, and Google are some of the famous companies based in Sunnyvale. So if you like laid-back tech culture, Sunnyvale is for you!
Population: 152,258
Median household income: $150,464
Median listing home price: $1,650,000
Median rent: $3,700
Cost of living index: 204 (104 percent higher than the national average)
Torrance
The coastal community of Torrance covers approximately 21 square miles in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Torrance has a lot to offer: 30 parks, 1.5 miles of Pacific beach, over 400 restaurants and about 212 acres of greenery. Also, LAX is only 15 minutes away. A Del Amo Fashion Mall in Torrance is one of the five largest shopping malls in the US, with an area of 2.5 million square feet.
Torrance is also home to the U.S. headquarters of Japanese automaker American Honda Motor Company and its luxury car division, Acura. Robinson Helicopters, Honeywell, and King's Hawaiian Bread Company are other large employers in Torrance. A sustainable and enriching environment offers a high quality of life to those who call it home.
Population: 143,600
Median household income: $94,781
Median listing home price: $999,000
Median rent: $3,750
Cost of living index: 169 (69 percent higher than the national average)
Santa Clara
Santa Clara, or "Mission City," is 45 miles south of San Francisco. Santa Clara was Spain's first missionary agency founded in 1977 and dedicated to Saint Clare of Assisi. Santa Clara is located in the heart of Silicon Valley. As a result, many high-tech corporations have settled here, including Applied Materials, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Oracle and Ericsson. It's the ideal place for people looking to make a career in technology, young families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Additionally, the city is home to Santa Clara University, Mission College, California's Great America theme park, and Levy Stadium. Other attractions of note include the Triton Museum of Art, Central Park, and the Ulitak Wildlife Area, dedicated to preserving California's native vegetation and wildlife. The reserve has a number of distinct natural habitats, including grasslands, coastal shrubs, savannas, coastal forests, and wetlands.
Population: 127,159
Median household income: $136,870
Median listing home price: $1,410,000
Median rent: $3,610
Cost of living index: 190 (90 percent higher than the national average)
Carlsbad
Karlovy Vary is a coastal city in the picturesque Northern District. It is 87 miles south of downtown Los Angeles and 35 miles north of downtown San Diego. Carlsbad, commonly known as the "village by the sea", is named after the popular resort in Carlsbad, where the water was found to have similar mineral content. This California city has several popular beaches such as Tamarack Surf Beach and South Carlsbad State Beach. It is also home to many breweries, world-class resorts, shopping malls, golf courses, restaurants, and more. LEGOLAND and the adjacent SEA LIFE Aquarium are also located in Karlovy Vary. Outdoor activities include the Rancho Leo Carrillo Historical Park, set in the canyon and where peacocks roam freely, and the Carlsbad Ranch flower field, where 50 acres of flowers bloom each spring.
Population: 115,302
Median household income: $112,933
Median listing home price: $1,500,000
Median rent: $5,500
Cost of living index: 175 (75 percent higher than the national average)
Pasadena
Founded in 1886, Pasadena is the second oldest city in the Los Angeles area. Today, it is home to many scientific, educational, and cultural institutions, including the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena City College, and ArtCenter College of Design. You'll also find the Pasadena Theatre, Ambassador Auditorium, Norton Simon Museum, and USC Pacific Asia Museum in the area. When it's time for work, residents turn to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Caltech, Huntington Memorial Hospital, and Kaiser Permanente.
Looking for a fun day? Old Town Pasadena occupies 21 blocks downtown. It is home to many shops and a wide range of restaurants, nightclubs and outdoor cafes. The city also hosts many events, such as the Rose Parade and the Bowl of Roses, one of the first and most popular college football games of the season.
Population: 135,732
Median household income: $85,129
Median listing home price: $1,200,000
Median rent: $3,800
Cost of living index: 168 (68 percent higher than the national average)
Thousand Oaks
Named for thousands of oak trees, Thousand Oaks is located northwest of Greater Los Angeles, about 15 miles from the city of Los Angeles. However, it is not a continuation of Los Angeles. It's a separate city - a quiet, famous village with lots of trees and two lakes. Thousand Oaks' location in the Conejo Valley also provides residents with easy access to Malibu Springs, Point Mugu State Park, and the Satwiwa Indians Wildlife Area. Agriculture was the dominant industry in Thousand Oaks, but many tech companies have dominated the employment statistics since then. For this reason, there are many jobs in the biotech, electronics, automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, medical and financial industries. Amgen, Teledyne Technologies and Skyworks Solutions are headquartered in Thousand Oaks. Not to mention that Bank of America, Verizon, Volkswagen, Audi, General Motors, BMW and Anthem Blue Cross all have regional offices in the city.
Population: 125, 754
Median household income: $108,377
Median listing home price: $1,100,000
Median rent: $4,900
Cost of living index: 171 (71 percent higher than the national average)
San Diego
San Diego is without a doubt one of the best coastal cities in California to call home thanks to its pleasant climate, first-rate dining options, and surfable beaches. Immediately following Los Angeles, it is the second-largest city. San Diego is among the happiest cities in America due to its abundance of outdoor activities, distinctive neighborhoods, and a strong job market. A stable housing market should be added to this for a taste of paradise.
This beach city in Southern California is more than just its sandy shores. San Diego's ability to seamlessly blend beach, urban, and suburban environments into one stunning location full of adventure is one of its most distinctive features. Also, don't miss out on visiting Balboa Park and its many museums, the renowned San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Old Town, all of which are major draws for visitors to the city each year.
Population: 1,381, 611
Median household income: $83,454
Median listing home price: $939,900
Median rent: $4,400
Cost of living index: 150 (50 percent higher than the national average)
Burbank
Burbank is situated at the southernmost point of the San Fernando Valley. It is known as the "Media Capital of the World" due to its proximity to Hollywood and is located about 12 miles northwest of Downtown Los Angeles. Furthermore, Burbank is home to numerous large media and entertainment companies that either have their headquarters there or have sizable production facilities there. Warner Bros. is one of them. The Walt Disney Company, Nickelodeon Animation Studio, and other entertainment-related companies.
It is the perfect place to enjoy the sunny, carefree lifestyle that Southern California is famous for. Nevertheless, the cost is quite high. However, given the seemingly limitless shopping, dining, and outdoor activities that Burbank has to offer both inside and outside the city, it might be worthwhile. In a beautiful setting, you can go on a hike, a bike ride, a horseback ride, or play golf. Or you could visit theme parks with a Hollywood theme, movie tours, or show tapings. Burbank is as varied as it is exceptional, so you get what we mean!
Population: 105,401
Median household income: $79,212
Median listing home price: $1,180,000
Median rent: $3,890
Cost of living index: 163 (63 percent higher than the national average)
Costa Mesa
The "City of the Arts" moniker refers to Costa Mesa, an area of 16 square miles, which is the commercial and cultural hub of Orange County. There are countless opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment in the city, including Michelin-starred restaurants, the South Coast Plaza's luxury shopping district, and a variety of outdoor recreation activities.
At the well-known Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the Orange County Performing Arts Center, or the South Coast Repertory Theater, you can see Broadway plays and musicals as well as concerts. Costa Mesa's proximity to a number of highly regarded beaches is another major draw. San Diego and Los Angeles are both nearby. Think of a luxurious, eco-friendly, fitness-focused lifestyle with access to world-class amenities when considering a move to Costa Mesa.
Population: 110,750
Median household income: $90,370
Median listing home price: $1,230,000
Median rent: $4,600
Cost of living index: 165 (65 percent higher than the national average)
Roseville
Roseville, the largest city in Placer County, is located within the Sacramento Metropolitan Area. The cost of living in Roseville is even eight percent lower than the cost of living in California. When you live in Roseville, you can enjoy its mild Mediterranean climate, which is ideal for year-round outdoor activities. Good thing that Roseville has more than 80 parks and recreational facilities! Better yet, Yosemite is only four hours away, and San Francisco and Lake Tahoe are fun and quick trips for many.
Other advantages of Roseville are its inexpensive, community-owned utilities and city-run municipal services (e. g. , transit, parks, libraries, police, and fire departments), as well as a pro-business outlook. In terms of startups and remote work, Roseville frequently appears on top lists. Union Pacific Railroad, Sutter Roseville Medical Center, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise are the three biggest employers in the area.
Population: 151,901
Median household income: $95,519
Median listing home price: $698,000
Median rent: $2,900
Cost of living index: 132 (32 percent higher than the national average)
San Jose
Often called the capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose is known for its sprawling tech campuses. Just like the nearby Mountain View and Cupertino, San Jose has a solid infrastructure to support this tech hub and is filled with suburban neighborhoods. When it’s time to play, Santana Row in West San Jose is a destination for boutique shopping, while the SAP Center and PayPal Park host hockey and soccer games for the local teams.
San Jose also lucked out in terms of its location. The foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Diablo Range surround it, and the Sierra Nevada is close by. The Santa Cruz beaches are a 45-minute drive. And Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe are only several hours away. Unfortunately, the cost of living in San Jose is one of the highest in the nation. Not just housing but everyday necessities also cost more. But if you can afford it, San Jose is definitely one of the top cities to live in California.
Population: 983, 489
Median household income: $117,324
Median listing home price: $1,300,000
Median rent: $3,800
Cost of living index: 179 (79 percent higher than the national average)
Glendale
Glendale is a very desired locale in the San Fernando Valley and Verdugo Mountain regions of Los Angeles County. It is a suburb in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area that actually sits 10 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles. The city is also known for its vast amounts of office space — over six million, to be exact — and is home to such giants as Walt Disney Imagineering, ServiceTitan, IHOP/Applebee’s, DreamWorks, LegalZoom, and Public Storage.
Residents love Glendale’s well-maintained streets and variety of transportation services, as well. It’s easy to commute to and out of — thanks to the close proximity of LAX and four major freeways. What’s more, Glendale has outstanding schools, state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, and growing restaurant and entertainment options.
Population: 192,366
Median household income: $70,596
Median listing home price: $1,100,000
Median rent: $4,000
Cost of living index: 166 (66 percent higher than the national average)
Temecula
Temecula is a popular tourist and resort area in Riverside County. Temecula is regarded as being a part of the Greater Los Angeles Area despite being physically closer to Downtown San Diego. Temecula Valley Wine Country, Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival, Temecula Valley International Film Festival, and Old Town Temecula are the main draws. Temecula residents enjoy the best things in life and partake in wine tasting, hiking, hot-air ballooning, and eating hyper-local cuisine as a result of these well-liked activities.
Moreover, the Wine Country features more than 2,460 acres of producing vineyards and nearly 50 wineries. Golf is big here, too, with a golf course being part of every resort. Besides tourism, the educational, leisure, professional, finance, and retail sectors contribute to the city’s economy. In a nutshell, Temecula has some of the best features California has to offer, like a great climate, good schools, and close proximity to entertainment and tech hubs.
Population: 110,846
Median household income: $98,631
Median listing home price: $753,450
Median rent: $3,350
Cost of living index: 133 (33 percent higher than the national average)
Long Beach
Long Beach (known as the “LBC” by the locals) is a fun waterfront town located approximately 20 miles south of Downtown Los Angeles. The Port of Long Beach is among the world’s largest shipping ports, but the city itself has a small-town feel with bike-friendly streets, family-friendly attractions, and funky stores. Long Beach also hosts the Grand Prix of Long Beach and an IndyCar race. Plus, the city’s biggest waterfront attractions are the permanently docked RMS Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Just like with many waterfront cities, recreation is tied to water and entertainment. Long Beach is no exception with its whale watching, sailing, family-friendly beaches, busy marinas, and beach-town vibe. So, if your idea of perfect living includes excitement and relaxation on the beach with all the amenities of a prosperous waterfront city, Long Beach is it!
Population: 456,062
Median household income: $66,410
Median listing home price: $799,000
Median rent: $2,810
Cost of living index: 139 (39 percent higher than the national average)
Orange
Orange, which is located approximately 32 miles southeast of Los Angeles, is a great place to live and work. Its historic charm and small-town feel also come with top-rated hospitals, good schools, and over 20 parks.
It is simple to understand the allure of France, whether you picture yourself ambling past cafés near the Eiffel Tower or sipping a glass of Bordeaux in a vineyard. It takes work to relocate from the United States to France in order to live there permanently. Before arriving, you'll need to get a visa, make a list of your possessions, and find housing. You'll need to look for work as well if you can't work remotely or don't already have a job.
Population: 137,264
Median household income: $96,605
Median listing home price: $992,500
Median rent: $3,800
Cost of living index: 156 (56 percent higher than the national average)
Sacramento
The state capital of California offers a higher standard of living while still being more affordable than most California metro areas. It also helps that it's close to places like Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Napa, and Sonoma—all of which can be reached in a few hours. Young professionals and families are driving Sacramento's significant population growth, which has been fueled by the city's relative affordability, a strong job market, and an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. A strong sense of community, a bevy of yearly events, excellent breweries and wineries, and a profusion of farm-to-table restaurants are all products of this passionate population.
Sacramento offers a wealth of outdoor recreation options despite being a city on the inland. Almost 4,255.5 acres of land are divided between 223 parks and parkways. Rivers and foothills can also be explored after that. For instance, consider Folsom Lake. Swimming and water skiing are both fantastic there. So, if the majority of the locations on this list seem overpriced, think about how affordable Sacramento is in comparison to our other choices.
Population: 525,041
Median household income: $65,847
Median listing home price: $499,000
Median rent: $2,000
Cost of living index: 118 (18 percent higher than the national average)
Oakland
Oakland may not have as many attractions or amenities as nearby San Francisco, but it is significantly less expensive than the majority of the Bay Area. In addition, it is extremely diverse and welcoming to families, can be explored without a car (by walking, biking, or using dependable public transportation).
In addition to Chinatown, the Oakland Museum of California, the Fox and Paramount theaters, and the Old Oakland neighborhood with its restored Victorian architecture, Oakland is a popular tourist destination. It is situated on the east side of San Francisco Bay. There are also numerous eateries, bars, and art galleries to visit. In conclusion, Oakland is a great place to live for a variety of reasons, including its diversity and relative affordability.
Population: 433,823
Median household income: $80,143
Median listing home price: $789,000
Median rent: $2,400
Cost of living index: 156 (56 percent higher than the national average)
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