5 Best places to live in California

By Jared McKinney

California has long presented itself to the world as a desirable location to live. From beautiful weather and sunny weather year-round to the robust city life of Los Angeles, it's no doubt that the Golden State has the right to make travelers or soon-to-be residents star-struck.

Why Should I Live in California?

But what makes California so appealing? For some it may be the local amenities or professional opportunities available. For others, it may be the great schools like Stanford University or University of California. Whatever it may be, California is one of the best places to live.


Hollywood Boulevard mid day

The state is packed with the great outdoors, top notch entertainment, family friendly activities, a competitive job market, and more. Narrowing down the best places to live in California was tough, but we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover which California cities are the best places to live!

5 Best Places to Live in California

While Los Angeles or Santa Barbara are known worldwide, there are other cities that prove to be best places to live in California. 

1. San Diego, California

San Diego beaches

Known best for its warm climate and sunny weather, San Diego is the best coastal city in California. It's a melting pot of culture as it's only 20 miles from the Mexican Border. San Diego has a wide range of outdoor activities and is excellent for young families, health enthusiasts, and beachgoers.

Local favorites include the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and Coronado Beach.

 

Fun Fact: It once made the seventh-happiest place to live in America for WalletHub's study.

 

Median Home Price: In December 2021, the median listing home price in San Diego, CA was $829K, according to Realtor.

2. San Francisco, California (Bay Area)

San Fransisco golden gate bridge

If there's anything you think about when you hear the word California, it may be the Golden Gate Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge is the most iconic point of San Francisco. While San Francisco has a rich history, it's undoubtedly the most eccentric out of the cities. It's as if the city dubbed the term hipster as it's filled with trendy boutiques and eateries. However, it is also the most expensive place to live in California.

 

Local favorites include Alcatraz Island, the Painted Ladies, and Pier 39 in the Fisherman's Wharf District.

 

Median Home Price: In December 2021, the median listing home price in San Francisco, CA was $1.3M, according to Realtor.

3. Santa Rosa, California

Santa Rosa is right in the center of Northern California, not too far from San Francisco. It's perfect for anyone and is mainly known for its wineries, agriculture, and restaurants - it is home to 65 parks! While considered a small town, Santa Rosa is actually the fifth most populous city in the Bay Area that often attracts those who prefer a laid-back life. If you want to be right in Northern California’s Wine Country, then Santa Rosa is the city for you to raise your glass in.

 

Median Home Price: In December 2021, the median listing home price in Santa Rosa, CA, was $699K, according to Realtor.

4. Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica beach pier and carnival

Santa Monica has consistently been ranked as one of California's best suburbs to live in. Santa Monica has grade A public schools if you want to raise a family. Santa Monica is also regarded as one of the ten most sustainable cities, famous for its beaches and art, similar to Santa Barbara. Did you know the Santa Monica Beach stretches 3.5 miles north and south of the Santa Monica Pier? Santa Monica was home to the original Muscle Beach and still remains with workout areas and outdoor fitness stations.

 

Median Home Price: In December 2021, the median listing home price in Santa Monica, CA, was $1.8M, according to Realtor.

5. San Jose, California

Interchanged with Silicon Valley, San Jose is only an hour south of the San Francisco. San Jose mixes many Spanish architectures with modern styles, a place for innovative thinkers and minds. Many young professionals and college students tend to flock here to work for large companies like Apple, Netflix, or Google (these tech companies give Silicon Valley its name). San Jose is also actually the largest city in Northern California, not far behind from Los Angeles or San Diego.

 

Local favorites include Santana Row, an outdoor shopping mall with over 50 shops, and the Los Gatos Creek Trail, which will take you through San Jose to Los Gatos and Levi's Stadium!

 

Median Home Price: In December 2021, the median listing home price in San Jose, CA, was $1.1M, according to Realtor.

Apartments for Rent in California

Aerial view of Los Angeles

It's no doubt it's a high cost to live in California. According to U.S. News Best States to Live in 2021, California made 24 on the list – considering crime rates, college readiness, and home prices, that's not a lousy placing for a populous state with sunny weather year round.

 

However, thanks to apps like RentLingo, you can find affordable housing in a desirable location. RentLingo is a significant source of expert apartment reviews, with listings in most cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Ana, and more!

View apartment pictures, videos, neighborhood information about safety, and more in the Golden State so you can stop California dreamin and start California living in the best places to live in California!

Must-Read Rentlingo Content