California doesn’t just follow the trends—it defines them! With the world’s 5th-largest economy and the highest number of Fortune 500 companies, no wonder the Golden State leads in innovation, entertainment, and business.
From the cinematic streets of LA to the historic charm of Sacramento, every city tells a story. Whether you crave urban bustle or coastal serenity, the Golden State has a place for you. Let’s dive into the best places to live in California, so you can find your perfect match!
What Are the Best Places to Live in California?
| # City | Weighted Average Scores* | Median Income | Median Expenses | Cost of Living | Community Wellbeing | Crime Index Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Roseville | 57.9 | $133K | $143K | 17.1% ⬆️ | 68 | 20 |
| 2. Orange | 55.3 | $124K | $136K | 40.6% ⬆️ | 74 | 21 |
| 3. Visalia | 55.3 | $80K | $93K | 0.3% ⬇️ | 48 | 9 |
| 4. Simi Valley | 55.2 | $133K | $147K | 38.9% ⬆️ | 69 | 49 |
| 5. Elk Grove | 54.4 | $124K | $136K | 17.2% ⬆️ | 64 | 26 |
| 6. Sacramento | 54.2 | $93K | $105K | 17.4% ⬆️ | 64 | 4 |
| 7. Bakersfield | 53.7 | $82K | $93K | 1.4% ⬇️ | 49 | 3 |
| 8. Santa Clarita | 53.5 | $129K | $141K | 41.9% ⬆️ | 69 | 38 |
| 9. Long Beach | 47.4 | $89K | $101K | 38.4% ⬆️ | 69 | 9 |
| 10. Huntington Beach | 44.8 | $136K | $147K | 40.6% ⬆️ | 74 | 15 |
*These cities are ranked based on our research methodology.
To simplify your search in the California housing market, we’ve sorted the top 10 cities into four categories: for young adults, for families, for retirees, and near the beaches. Each city is evaluated based on career opportunities, affordability, community well-being, and lifestyle.
3 Best Places to Live in California for Young Adults 💼
1. Orange
- Median House Price: $1.1M
- Cost of Living: 40.6%⬆️ than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 21% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 5.4%
- Walkability Score: 54; somewhat walkable.
Orange is like a California dream wrapped in a cozy blanket of nostalgia. The city’s historical downtown is lively with shops and eateries, while Chapman University anchors its intellectual charm. Plus, with events like the Treats in the Streets, there’s always something to do.
Just 32 minutes from LA and a short drive from Anaheim and Santa Ana, Orange is perfect for commuters. Additionally, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail sectors dominate with over 33% of the residents employed in them. So, it’s a no-brainer for young adults!
» Orange Homes for Sale: Find homes in one of the best places to live in California for young adults.
2. Bakersfield
- Median House Price: $405K
- Cost of Living: 1.4% ⬇️ than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 3% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 7.1%
- Walkability Score: 83; very walkable.
Home to the iconic Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra and the historic Fox Theater, Bakersfield is the epicenter of live music in the West Coast. Additionally, downtown offers a fun mix of shops and food joints like Noriega’s, renowned for traditional Basque cuisine.
The best part? Bakersfield’s a bargain for those looking to live in California! With housing costs that are lower than the national average, it’s the perfect place for college students and young adults. You get the West Coast lifestyle without the West Coast price tag!
» Bakersfield Homes for Sale: Find homes in one of the best places for young adults to live in California.
3. Santa Clarita
- Median House Price: $765K
- Cost of Living: 41.9%⬆️ than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 38% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 5.5%
- Walkability Score: 76; very walkable.
Santa Clarita is the key to your SoCal dreams! Six Flags Magic Mountain brings the thrill, while the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival keeps the western spirit alive. The California Institute of the Arts adds a creative spark, making the city a true blend of excitement and culture.
Additionally, its safety and stable job market—which employs over 33% of residents in the healthcare, retail, and education sectors—set this city apart. These factors make Santa Clarita one of the best places to live in California for young professionals.
» Santa Clarita Homes for Sale: Look for properties in one of the best cities to live in California.
3 Best Places to Live in California With Family 👨👩👧👦
1. Roseville
- Median House Price: $640K
- Cost of Living: 17.1%⬆️ than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 20% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 4.5%
- Walkability Score: 69; somewhat walkable.
Roseville is California’s best-kept secret—it offers big-city perks without all the chaos! Lake Tahoe’s ski resort is a renowned location for skiing, while Folsom Lake is perfect for summer. At Roseville, outdoor activities and recreation are always within your reach.
You can also stroll through the Historic Old Town or get retail therapy at Westfield Galleria. Moreover, healthcare and retail dominate, with around 30% of jobs in the city. Plus, housing here is affordable, which makes it a solid choice for families.
» Roseville Homes for Sale: Look for homes in the best place to live in California for families.
2. Simi Valley
- Median House Price: $850K
- Cost of Living: 38.9%⬆️ than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 49% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 4.4%
- Walkability Score: 80; very walkable.
Just 40 miles from LA, Simi Valley offers the best of both worlds. It’s close enough for city thrills, but far enough to ditch the traffic jams. Rocky Peak and Rancho Simi Community Parks are the perfect place for recreation, thanks to the city’s warm Mediterranean climate.
The city also hosts the annual Round-up Rockin’ Music Fest, that features classic country music and a fun-zone for kids. Moreover, Simi Valley’s school district beats 67.4% of schools districts in CA. This, along with the low crime rate, makes it perfect for families.
» Simi Valley Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the best places to live in California with family.
3. Elk Grove
- Median House Price: $655K
- Cost of Living: 17.2% ⬆️ than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 26% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 6.4%
- Walkability Score: 87; very walkable.
Elk Grove combines small community-living with quick access to cities like Sacramento and San Francisco. The city annually hosts the lively Multicultural Festival and the epic Brewfest, while the Cosumnes River Preserve offers a peaceful escape into nature.
Elk Grove’s relatively affordable cost of living and growing job market make it a hotspot for families. With a high safety index and a strong sense of community, it’s the kind of place where you can enjoy all the perks of California without breaking the bank.
» Elk Grove Homes for Sale: Find homes in one of the best towns to live in California for families.
2 Best Places to Retire in California 🏖️
1. Visalia
- Median House Price: $410K
- Cost of Living: 0.3%⬇️ than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 9% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 5.6%
- Walkability Score: 39; car-dependent city.
Visalia is where where fresh air and produce meet vibrant arts and culture. The annual Taste the Arts Festival offers a mix of local eats, live jams, and a slice of Visalia’s creative side. There’s also Kings Canyon National Park for outdoor adventures.
If you’re tired of the hustle and seek tranquility, Visalia is your ticket to peace of mind. Affordable housing and top healthcare institutions like Kaweah Health Medical Center make it an ideal place for retirees.
» Visalia Homes for Sale: Find homes in one of the best places for retirees to live in California.
2. Sacramento
- Median House Price: $485K
- Cost of Living: 17.4%⬆️ than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 4% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 6.3%
- Walkability Score: 98; walkers paradise.
Sacramento is where California slows down just enough to let you enjoy the ride. Forget traffic jams and sky-high rent, this city gives you space to breathe. With over 237 parks, a 200-mile-plus trail system, and a growing craft beer scene, it’s perfect for a laid-back lifestyle.
Sacramento is also home to the legendary Sacramento Kings, and hosts sports events all year round. With its great walkability and excellent healthcare, it’s a top choice for retirees who seek a relaxed yet eventful place to call home.
» Sacramento Homes for Sale: Look for properties in one of the best places to retire in California.
2 Best Coastal Towns to Live in California🏄♀️
1. Long Beach
- Median House Price: $825K
Cost of Living: 38.40% ⬆️ than the national average.
Crime Rate: Safer than 9% of US cities.
Unemployment: 6.60%
Walkability Score: 96; walker’s paradise.
Long Beach isn’t just a place, it’s a whole mood. You’ve got sandy beaches, lively marinas, and a hopping downtown. Additionally, the Long Beach Grand Prix brings the speed, while Naples Island is known for its serene waterfront properties.
Ambition meets opportunity in this city. With the largest port in the US, Long Beach is an epicenter for commerce. Its booming healthcare industry and top-ranked universities make it one of the best beach cities to live in California.
» Long Beach Homes for Sale: Search homes in one of the best beach cities in California to live.
2. Huntington Beach
- Median House Price: $1.3M
Cost of Living: 40.60% ⬆️ than the national average.
Crime Rate: Safer than 15% of US cities.
Unemployment: 5.40%
Walkability Score: 79; very walkable.
You can’t get more “California” than Huntington Beach! Known as Surf City USA, it brings sun, sand, and a whole lot of heart. It’s a place where you can take a morning stroll along the marina, hit the shops in the afternoon, and grab a drink on the pier as the sun sets.
From the exciting US Open of Surfing to its weekly Surf City Nights street fair, there’s never a dull moment. With jobs in industries like retail and healthcare, Huntington Beach provides a coastal lifestyle that’s anything but ordinary.
» Huntington Beach Homes for Sale: Find properties in one of the best places to live in California near the beach.
Mortgage Pre-Approval: Your First Step to Buy a Home 🏡
Mortgage pre-approval simplifies the home-buying process by giving you a clear picture of your budget and borrowing capacity. Additionally, the sellers are more likely to accept your offer if you’re pre-approved since it shows you’re a serious buyer.
With the current low mortgage rate of 6.7%, there is an increase in home-buying demand in California. So, don’t wait. Get a mortgage pre-approval today and avoid bidding wars!
Is California a Good Place to Live for You?
California is more than a state—it’s a lifestyle. From tech hubs to taco trucks, it leads the way in innovation, entertainment, and good living. Whether you’re chasing dreams in Orange, raising a family in Simi Valley, or kicking back in Visalia, there’s a perfect spot for you.
Despite the price of living in California being 56% higher than the US average, its $4.1 trillion economy makes it one of the best places to live in the US for ambitious minds.
Research Methodology for the Best Areas to Live in California
This study ranks cities using a weighted average scoring model based on eight parameters. We’ve linked the resources used in our study of the best places to live in the Golden State:
- Redfin[1]: Median House Price
- Zipatlas[2]: Population, Median Income, Expenses, Unemployment Rate
- Salary.com[3]: Cost of Living
- Sharecare[4]: Community Well-Being
- Neighborhoodscout[5]: Crime Index Score
The total score for each city combines a weighted score for its rank. Here’s the weightage: population (10%), home price (20%), income (20%), expenses (15%), unemployment (15%), cost of living (10%), crime index (5%), and well-being (5%).
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in California for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, and retirees.
