Last Updated on January 26, 2023
Do you want to move to California for any specific purpose be it for business, vacation, or to pursue a career and you are looking for a place to live in that will suit your desired lifestyle and aspiration? Then you are on the right post. Here’s a list of the 11 best places to live in California.
Table of Contents
11 Best Places to Live in California
1. San Diego
A beachy metropolitan city with incredible nightlife.
With 840 miles of coastal beachline, most people move to California to be close to the iconic SoCal beaches.
San Diego is a prominent U.S. destination and one of the best places to live in California. This beach city is home to remote workers, surfers, and families alike. San Diego is a good place to move with kids, as there are hundreds of San Diego activities including public parks, a zoo, schools, museums, and much more.
Adults also love the abundance of restaurants, shopping, and nightlife in the area. San Diego is a beautiful city and highly coveted among California locals. The only downside, however, is that the cost of living is on the high side.
2. Sonoma
The capital of wine country USA
A water fountain in the downtown area of Sonoma
Sonoma City is in the heart of the winemaking region of Sonoma Valley. This Northern California town is less crowded than other major California cities and encompasses both a metropolitan and small countryside atmosphere.
Sonoma bears a rich history, with a colonial-era plaza, adobe buildings, and the historic Mission San Francisco Solano that once served as a Mexican military outpost.
Residents over 21 love the variability of the 425 local wineries in the region. This is perhaps the most popular reason why people move to Northern California’s wine country. There are also various family activities around the town like weekly farmer’s markets and hiking among the looming redwood trees.
Only 30 miles north of San Francisco, Sonoma is the perfect escape to the countryside, with big city amenities just a short car ride away. Santa Rosa is a Sonoma County neighborhood that’s ideal for families. Sonoma City and neighboring Santa Rosa are both safe communities with public amenities.
3. Los Angeles
The largest city in California with thousands of activities and attractions
Los Angeles is the second most populous city in the United States, but don’t let its big numbers intimidate you. The “City of Angels” is inhabited by over 3 million residents and spans 34,000 square miles.
Los Angeles is one of the best places to live in California and is the most popular destination to visit in the United States. The big city has everything you need with an overabundance of public and private schools, nightlife, entertainment, tourist attractions, public parks and libraries, and the list goes on.
With a city as big as Los Angeles, you will definitely want to do your research before discerning which LA neighborhood is best to suit your wants and needs.
You will find cheap places to live in LA, but these often compromise a strong sense of security. You may want to spend a little more to live in a safe community in Los Angeles. Or, opt to live on the outskirts in a small town like Claremont or Azusa.
4. Redlands
A family city with local amenities and affordable home prices
Redlands is one of the best places to live in California. This San Bernardino County city has a nationally-acclaimed university, the University of Redlands, and a quaint surrounding college town.
There are local community events found in Redlands almost every day of the week from car shows, farmer’s markets, public park events, and concerts. Just outside of Los Angeles, Redlands is the perfect family town in Southern California.
Many Redlands residents hike and camp in the nearby San Bernardino Mountains, just outside of town. City folks can enjoy watching a concert at the Redlands Bowl or browsing through the San Bernardino County Museum’s natural history exhibits.
Because Redlands is just outside of LA, the cost of living can be on the higher end. If you are trying to budget, there are many affordable apartment options in the area. Redlands is one of the top places to stay in San Bernardino, so don’t miss out.
5. Lake Tahoe
A small town in the great outdoors with a tight-knit community
Lake Tahoe is a Northern California mountain town. The village is established around the boundary of the lake, the largest alpine lake in North America.
This is the perfect place for individuals who love nature and aren’t afraid of winter weather. Lake Tahoe is nestled between high-altitude Sierra Mountain peaks on the border of Nevada and experiences a proper California snowy winter.
As a result, skiing is one of the main attractions of Lake Tahoe. With a small year-round population of 40,000, this is one of the smallest and most beautiful mountain towns in California.
There are 8 public schools in Tahoe and the main attractions for both families and individuals are outdoor activities like snowboarding, cycling, water skiing, and mountaineering.
6. Santa Monica
A LA County beach city with a low crime rate and easy access to the beach
Santa Monica is just a short drive from downtown Los Angeles and is the perfect residential city for beachgoers. Not only will you find high-end shopping centers and top-notch dining options, but also clean public parks and beaches.
The Santa Monica-Malibu School District offers 17 public schools in this Los Angeles County region. The nightlife in Santa Monica is favored by adults but kids also love the area for the close access to the beach.
There are also arcade games on the Santa Monica pier, which is one of the best things to do in Santa Monica. Although the cost of living isn’t exactly inexpensive in Santa Monica, the area is worth the price tag. Not to mention, your neighbor may just be a Hollywood celebrity.
7. Santa Barbara
A Spanish-style beach town with a luxurious ambiance
Santa Barbara is not only an ideal place to stop on your ultimate California road trip, but it’s also one of the top places to live in California. This Spanish-style seaside town is pretty close to surfing paradise.
Most people who live in Santa Barbara are surfers, beach lovers, or college students. UC Santa Barbara is one of the top universities in California and the downtown area of the city caters to the students.
You will find a plethora of bars and restaurants in downtown Santa Barbara. Other fun attractions include visiting the Old Santa Barbara Mission or hanging out at East Beach.
Although the town caters more to college-aged adults, there are 21 public schools in the unified school district. This ensures your children’s top-grade education.
8. San Francisco
A Northern California gem with rich history and a multitude of activities
San Francisco is one of the best places in California for both visiting and living. It is an iconic California city and was one of the first established during the Gold Rush Era.
Living in downtown San Francisco won’t be easy on your wallet, but you can find more affordable options just outside of the city. San Francisco is a Northern Californian hub for shopping, eating, tourist attractions, beaches, and cruising on the bay.
This is one of the best places to live in California because it caters to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. You will find an abundance of parks, playgrounds, libraries, schools, colleges, a healthy job market, special events, and more around the city.
9. San Jose
A business-oriented city in Northern California
Business people and entrepreneurs are brought to San Jose’s Silicon Valley each year. Home to major companies like Apple, Facebook, and Google, Silicon Valley is ideal for technology-driven workers looking to relocate for their careers.
Other homeowners are drawn to San Jose for the beautiful weather, safe neighborhoods, and nearby nature excursions. While the city isn’t exactly low-cost, it is far less expensive than nearby San Francisco.
On your tour of San Jose, be sure to check out the Rose Garden neighborhood and admire the 19th-century architecture. The Alameda neighborhood is another highly sought-after historic neighborhood that is known for its tasty restaurants.
10. Irvine
The perfect location in between a bustling city and the sunny beach
Many people moving to California consider Orange County for their forever home. Irvine is in the perfect location, near the beach but centrally located near schools and metropolitan shopping centers.
Irvine is a heavily populated city in Orange County with great city life, an accredited university, and a huge job market. Many people who move to the golden state consider Irvine due to its proximity to major businesses.
Less than 9 miles from Newport Beach, Irvine is one of the entertainment capitals of Southern California. Things to do in Irvine include browsing around the Irvine Spectrum shopping center, catching a concert at the FivePoint Amphitheater, or going surfing at the nearby beach.
11. Pasadena
An elegant, historic city just outside of LA
Pasadena is hands down one of the places to live in California. Just outside of Los Angeles, Pasadena is less populated than the Hollywood city and is a great place to live for families.
Settled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, the downtown Colorado Boulevard area offers high-end stores and delicious, 3-5-star restaurants. Pasadena neighborhoods are clean and the municipality is one of the safest in California.
Home of the Rose Bowl (the giant sports stadium) this city offers luxurious housing options for residents who aren’t necessarily looking to budget for their dream home. Pasadena has all of the amenities you could hope for in a city and does not disappoint its inhabitants.
FAQs About Living in California
What are some good reasons to live in California?
California has some of the best sunny weather year-round. This west coast state also has great beaches and surfing opportunities. Another advantage of living in California is its large job market.
What are the pros and cons of living in California?
Some pros of living in California include beautiful scenery, national parks, and an overall median home price. Some cons include poor public transportation and expensive living costs in the major cities.
Is California a good place to live?
California is one of the top places to live in the United States. Famous for sites like Hollywood, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the beautiful Pacific Coast, California is the perfect place to live.