What Are the 9 Best Places to Live in California?

California attracts travelers with its beaches, small towns, national parks, and relaxed lifestyle. The Golden State is home to almost 39 million people. Contrary to common assumption, the most densely inhabited places are agricultural regions like Greenfield, Arvin, and Parlier, rather than major towns along the coast.

Regardless of where you travel or live, you’re certain to love California’s wonderful sunny weather, thriving economy, and varied cultures. If you’re hoping to move to a city with contemporary facilities and a vibrant social scene, consider California’s lesser-known metropolitan regions – Sacramento, for example, is an excellent choice for individuals who want to escape the high expense of living in a metropolis like Los Angeles (as beautiful as that city is). If you’re seeking for a strong feeling of community in a small-town environment, California’s picturesque coastal towns could be the finest option.

Here are the nine finest spots to settle in California, according to knowledgeable real estate brokers.

San Diego

San Diego’s beaches, family-friendly activities, and temperate climate attract immigrants. Over the last decade, the city has become increasingly varied and trendy, with unique neighborhoods, lively artistic communities, and intriguing eateries. San Diego’s economy also has plenty to offer.

According to Zane Burnett, chief digital officer of Willis Allen Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, the area’s popularity stems from the presence of national leaders in fields such as biotechnology and semiconductor production.

Unfortunately, like many other Southern California communities, the excellent weather and contemporary facilities come at a high cost to homeowners.

“During the COVID-19 epidemic, San Diego swiftly became one of the most active home markets in the country. The typical price of a single-family house in San Diego at the beginning of April [2023] was $915,000, which is 173% more than the national average of $281,4000, so it isn’t exactly an affordable market,” Burnett noted. “These premiums are what we wryly refer to the ‘the Sunshine Tax.'”

Sacramento

Northern California, particularly the state’s capital, is a popular choice for those seeking a lower cost of living and many work options. Sacramento’s top-tier 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 located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, so there are numerous scenic riverside attractions.

Sacramento’s real estate market is far less expensive than many of California’s coastal cities. According to Zillow, the median house value is $460,329, indicating that now is a good time to buy real estate in this area.

Pat Shea, president of Lyon Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, advises buying now since values in California tend to rise independent of national trends. “There’s nothing that compares to this area in California: large homes, excellent year-round weather, and affordability.”

East Sacramento, El Dorado Hills, Granite Bay, and Land Park are among the city’s most desirable communities for homebuyers.

Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa, the “urban heart” of California wine country, is an ideal home base for individuals involved in winemaking and those who appreciate the results of their labor. Located only 55 miles north of San Francisco, this city of around 177,000 (plus half a million in its surrounding metropolitan area) is also regarded as a creative center for artists and one of Northern California’s greatest luxury resort destinations.

Robby Dearth, a realtor at Vanguard Properties/Luxury Portfolio International and a Sonoma County native, recommends starting the day with a hike up Hood Mountain, kayaking down the Russian River, stopping for a picnic at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, and watching surfers at one of the many Sonoma Coast beaches.

Santa Rosa’s real estate market has remained steady due to the city’s robust employment market and closeness to the Bay Area, which is good news for prospective purchasers. According to Dearth, there are plenty of alternatives to suit every taste, from sleek new-builds in Coffey Park to houses “with a ton of character and charm” in Montgomery Village and Grace Tract.

Los Angeles

While there are disadvantages to living in Los Angeles, such as excessive traffic and high real estate costs, the city remains one of the greatest cities in California to live. Los Angeles, known for its film and television industry, world-class museums, and restaurants, attracts creative individuals from throughout the globe. The bright weather, beaches, outdoor recreational possibilities, and various communities all draw immigrants.

Pam Lumpkin, a broker with Hilton & Hyland/Luxury Portfolio International, suggests that there are fantastic neighborhoods for first-time homebuyers that are full of culture, pleasant people, and hip venues for coffee or food.

San Jose

San Jose, located in Silicon Valley, offers the benefits of a bustling metropolis while maintaining a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. The city is one of the top five best places to live in the nation, with charming neighborhoods and family-friendly services. San Jose is home to several Fortune 100 companies, offering high-paying jobs and top-rated schools. It is also close to popular vacation destinations like Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Big Sur.

“Our local market supports IT workers’ employment confidence. According to Alex Bouja of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty, when the IT business hires quickly and offers generous incentives, nearby house values tend to rise. Bouja stated that current entry-level housing prices in the city range between $1.2 and $1.5 million, with the most attractive districts being near major roads and downtown.

“For those seeking premium appeal, the Willow Glen area is a perennial favorite, with a mix of classic architectural types and a downtown ‘Avenue’ packed with stores and vibrant eateries. According to Katie Duus of Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno/Luxury Portfolio International, the area around San Jose’s Municipal Rose Garden is appealing to individuals interested in older, historic houses.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a popular destination for both foodies and outdoor lovers, with eight Michelin-rated restaurants and several hiking routes and surf breaks. Architecture and culture enthusiasts like wandering through the streets of this city, which is ideal for admiring Mediterranean Spanish-style structures. Residents have excellent private and public schools, healthcare facilities, natural beauty, and a mild temperature. What’s the downside? Santa Barbara and adjacent Montecito are home to many celebrities and some of the most expensive real estate in the state (the typical house value is over $1.6 million).

According to Jasmine Tennis, a partner with Riskin Partners Estate Group at Village, Santa Barbara real estate has historically been a profitable investment. “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.”

Laguna Beach

This welcoming seaside town in Orange County has seven miles of coastline and some of the state’s most gorgeous stretches of sand, making it ideal for ocean enthusiasts. Laguna Beach’s downtown streets are dotted with art galleries (the area has long been recognized as an artist’s haven), restaurants, independent boutiques, and surf shops.

Three Arch Bay in South Laguna is one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods for real estate ownership. In addition to its numerous resort-style features (including a park and tennis courts), the region draws families with top-rated schools in the Laguna Beach Unified School District.

Home purchasers should collaborate with a real estate agent to access off-market houses, since inventory is restricted. Donna Pfanner of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty recommends this approach.

Fresno/Clovis

Fresno and adjacent Clovis, formerly a sleepy halt amid the cultivated landscapes of the San Joaquin Valley and along the Central Pacific Railroad, are today thriving hubs. While agriculture accounts for around one-fifth of employment in the region, other major employers include government and military agencies, hospitals, and schools.

Fresno and Clovis are popular for their closeness to national parks and historical landmarks, including as Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks, as well as the 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 principle agent who grew up in the area.

“Downtown Clovis is also a great place to visit, with plenty of shops, restaurants, pubs, and farmers’ markets. The legendary Clovis Rodeo is also hosted here, and it’s an excellent spot for a leisurely walk.”

Despite rising interest rates, the real estate markets in Fresno and Clovis remain robust. Even though property prices are at an all-time high, the region remains far more affordable than other major markets in the state. Fresno’s median house value is $357,908, while Clovis’s is $487,059.

San Francisco

With its high hills surrounding the city, unique mix of architecture, and renowned sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Coit Tower, San Francisco remains a fascinating place for visitors to discover. It’s no surprise that many people prefer to phrazle live in San Francisco, given its varied and family-friendly neighborhoods, gorgeous parks, a thriving eating scene, and a solid employment market.

According to David Chol, chief operating officer of Vanguard Properties/Luxury Portfolio International, living in San Francisco offers a unique blend of urban and natural beauty, despite the high cost of living.

He noted that, despite recent layoffs and turbulence in the city’s technology sector, the local property market remains solid, with a typical house price of $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 said, adding that the city’s most desirable neighborhoods include Pacific Heights, Noe Valley, Russian Hill, and the Mission District.