The Golden Gate Bridge, Disneyland, and Hollywood are all synonymous with California. As one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of North America, visitors flock to this state to surf and unwind on the beach. So, if you appreciate both city life and breathtaking waves, California is the place for you.
We will be learning more about the 9 best places to live in California so we can help you decide where you can move in.
9 Best Places to Live in California
#9 Santa Monica
Let us start this list with the vibrant Santa Monica. For numerous years, Livability.com ranked Santa Monica among the top 100 places to live in America. This neighborhood combines a laid-back beach town vibe with big-city elegance. While this location does have a high cost of living, it is known to be more family-friendly.
House prices in this neighborhood average at around $1.8 million, as stated on the Realtor website. Despite its expensive housing market, Santa Monica attracts a diverse clientele with its luxury amenities, stunning beaches, and pleasant climate.
#8 Bakersfield
Next up, let us look into the home of country music singers. Unlike Santa Monica, this city is a lot more affordable. With a median home sale price of just $335,817, according to Zillow, more and more people are moving into this area. However, this relatively lower housing rate is not the only perk of living here.
This city has excellent public schools, minimal taxes, and offers a wide range of recreational opportunities. Bakersfield has the atmosphere of a little town while also offering the conveniences of a large city. Some activities you can do here include visiting mountains and parks or walking by the beach.
#7 Fresno
Another place that offers a more affordable cost of living is the city of Fresno, California. The cost of living here is among the most affordable in the nation. Zillow estimates that the median home price in this area is $339,594, which is lower than the state’s average of $793,100. A poll discovered that you could live comfortably in Fresno if you earn at least $44,648 per year.
Another significant advantage of living here is the diversity of the communities. The neighborhood is home to a vibrant creative subculture of gifted artists, musicians, and seasoned residents.
#6 Santa Rosa
We are now moving on to the city known for both the Toyota and Coca-Cola manufacturing plants. Living here provides access to clean air and unlimited wine. Additionally, this is the ideal location for those who are not fond of towering skyscrapers, metro lines, and other extravagant features. This community is also proud of its low unemployment rate and high median household income.
However, housing costs are slightly higher than in comparable cities. Zillow finds this city’s median home value to be approximately $691,650. Additionally, the cost of living is 20.6 percent higher than the national average.
#5 Los Angeles
Of course, this list will have to include the famous Los Angeles. Diversity is one of the primary advantages of living here. Los Angeles is one of the world’s most multicultural cities, with residents hailing from over 140 different countries and speaking approximately 86 different languages. Another perk of living in this city is the high average pay.
However, these benefits are accompanied by a high cost of living. To live comfortably in this city, an annual income of $74,371 is required. The median price of a home is approximately $913,754, according to Zillow. Additionally, the average monthly cost of living in Los Angeles for a single person is around $1,000.
#4 San Diego
Let us now talk about the sunny city of San Diego. Due to its perfect climate and proximity to the beach, this coastal community is ranked as one of the most attractive places to live in the United States by US News. Additionally, residents admire the city’s incredible nightlife, which features an abundance of bars and nightclubs. It is also the ninth happiest place to live in America, according to WalletHub.
San Diego is also the second-largest city in California, with an estimated population of 1,339,000. KPBS reports the median property price of single homes in this area to be approximately $850,000. Moreover, a $100,000 salary should be enough to live comfortably in San Diego, assuming you avoid excessive spending on tourism, casinos, or luxury products.
#3 San Jose
Sitting comfortably at the 3rd spot on our list, we have the lovely city of San Jose. This area is well-known for its low unemployment rate and high levels of educational attainment. The manufacturing, professional, scientific, and technical services, and health care and social assistance industries all employ a large number of people in this area. Additionally, some of the other significant employers in the region are eBay, Adobe, and Cisco.
However, San Jose is an extremely expensive city to live in. To live comfortably here, you’ll need to pay an average monthly rent of $2,000 and earn at least $150,000 a year. According to Realtor.com, the median listing price for a home in San Francisco is an eye-popping $1.1 million.
#2 San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the most adored cities in America. This region is well-known for its chilly summers, fog, distinctive architecture, and other world-class landmarks. Additionally, residents of this neighborhood enjoy the salty sea air, bustling streets, and colorful residences. If you are in the technology industry, the San Francisco Bay Area is unquestionably the place to be. This
metropolis is effectively a magnet for all of the world’s best businesses and talents.
San Francisco’s median listing price for a property was $1.3 million, says Realtor. Additionally, you will have to pay $6,400 per month in mortgage payments, insurance, and taxes on a typical-priced home after making a 20% down payment.
#1 Sacramento
Finally, we can now visit the place dubbed as America’s “Farm-to-Fork” Capital. Sacramento has a thriving arts community and a fantastic food scene. French toast, cream buns, cookies, and pie are just a few of the delectable treats available here. Residents enjoy the pleasant climate, convenient access to outdoor adventure, excellent work prospects, and rich history.
Compared to recent cities on our list, the average cost of a property here is not a million dollars. The median list price of a home in Sacramento County, according to Realtor.com, is $499,000. Moreover, residents of Sacramento must earn more than $90,000 per year to live comfortably.
