Best Places to Live in California
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people pack up and move to California, drawn by the promise of better careers, endless sunshine, and that world famous coastline. Whether you are chasing the tech dream in Silicon Valley or looking to relax on the mesmerizing beaches of Southern California, the Golden State really does have a lifestyle for everyone. If you are ready to make the move, here are the 10 best places to live in California.
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FAQsRankings: 10 Best Places in California
As the state capital, Sacramento is not just about politics. It is booming with tech and ag jobs paying around $75K. Known as the Farm to Fork capital, you will find incredible local eats at spots like The Kitchen and Ella Dining. Families love East Sac and Land Park for the great schools and parks, while Midtown brings the energy with a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene and Pride events. Throw in cultural hits like the Railroad Museum and the Crocker Art Museum, and you have a city that has it all.
As the state capital, Sacramento is not just about politics. It is booming with tech and ag jobs paying around $75K. Known as the Farm to Fork capital, you will find incredible local eats at spots like The Kitchen and Ella Dining....
Personal Safety : 20
Property Safety : 8
Community Safety : 40
$500,000
Median Home Rent
$2,100
Fresno is one of the best affordable cities in California. With average salaries around $62K, it offers steady work in agriculture, healthcare, and logistics. Families flock to neighborhoods like Woodward Park and Fig Garden for the quiet vibes, solid schools, and easy shopping. Best of all, it is an outdoor lover’s dream. You are basically neighbors with Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon, making Fresno the perfect base camp for year round adventure without the coastal price tag.
Fresno is one of the best affordable cities in California. With average salaries around $62K, it offers steady work in agriculture, healthcare, and logistics. Families flock to neighborhoods like Woodward Park and Fig Garden for t...
Personal Safety : 16
Property Safety : 5
Community Safety : 26
$407,820
Median Home Rent
$1,450
With perfect weather and 70 miles of coastline, San Diego is one of the best cities to live in California. It is a hub for biotech and defense, offering salaries over $80K. Families gravitate toward La Jolla and Carmel Valley for top tier schools like Torrey Pines High. Meanwhile, young professionals head to North Park and Downtown for the legendary craft beer scene and nightlife. Whether you are chasing a career in tech or just chasing the sunset, San Diego offers a laid back lifestyle with serious perks.
With perfect weather and 70 miles of coastline, San Diego is one of the best cities to live in California. It is a hub for biotech and defense, offering salaries over $80K. Families gravitate toward La Jolla and Carmel Valley for ...
Personal Safety : 55
Property Safety : 45
Community Safety : 60
$975,000
Median Home Rent
$2,950
Long Beach blends a chill coastal vibe with big city hustle. Anchored by the massive Port, the economy thrives on aerospace and creative arts, with salaries hovering around $72K. Families love the tight knit feel of Belmont Shore, while young creatives flock to Downtown’s artsy nightlife. It is also incredibly connected. Between the Metro Blue Line and easy access to LAX, getting in and out is a breeze. It is the perfect spot if you want beach living without the pretense.
Long Beach blends a chill coastal vibe with big city hustle. Anchored by the massive Port, the economy thrives on aerospace and creative arts, with salaries hovering around $72K. Families love the tight knit feel of Belmont Shore,...
Personal Safety : 18
Property Safety : 8
Community Safety : 42
$897,000
Median Home Rent
$2,400
San Francisco is the gold standard for tech and finance, with average salaries soaring past $110K. It is a city of distinct vibes. Pacific Heights offers luxury and sweeping bay views, while the Mission District serves up incredible food and gritty creative culture. It is built for connection too since BART, Muni, and SFO make getting around local or global easy. If you want to be at the center of innovation with a paycheck to match, this is the place to be.
San Francisco is the gold standard for tech and finance, with average salaries soaring past $110K. It is a city of distinct vibes. Pacific Heights offers luxury and sweeping bay views, while the Mission District serves up incredib...
Personal Safety : N/A
Property Safety : N/A
Community Safety : N/A
$1,700,000
Median Home Rent
$3,600
Los Angeles is the entertainment capital, but it is also huge for tech and aerospace, with salaries averaging $78K. It is a city of neighborhoods where families love Studio City and Playa Vista for the schools and proximity to the Getty. Millennials vibe with the artsy cafes of Silver Lake and the Arts District. Sure, traffic is a thing, but with a massive freeway network and LAX nearby, you are always connected. Los Angeles is the ultimate mix of career ambition and creative freedom making it one of the best places to live in California.
Los Angeles is the entertainment capital, but it is also huge for tech and aerospace, with salaries averaging $78K. It is a city of neighborhoods where families love Studio City and Playa Vista for the schools and proximity to the...
Personal Safety : 27
Property Safety : 16
Community Safety : 50
$1,122,500
Median Home Rent
$2,850
Anaheim is not just for tourists. It is one of the best family-friendly places to live in California, backed by jobs in healthcare and tech averaging $70K. Locals love Anaheim Hills for its safety, spacious homes, and great schools like Canyon High. If you want more action, the Platinum Triangle offers an urban mix of dining and entertainment. Plus, with Interstate 5 and John Wayne Airport right there, commuting or traveling is totally stress free. It is a practical, fun place to plant roots.
Anaheim is not just for tourists. It is one of the best family-friendly places to live in California, backed by jobs in healthcare and tech averaging $70K. Locals love Anaheim Hills for its safety, spacious homes, and great school...
Personal Safety : 36
Property Safety : 33
Community Safety : 43
$935,000
Median Home Rent
$2,550
Irvine is consistently ranked one of the safest and best places to live in California. It is famous for education, with powerhouses like University High crushing it in test scores. The economy is strong, paying over $95K on average in tech and healthcare. Commuting is easy with the 405, Interstate 5, and John Wayne Airport nearby. It is also incredibly diverse with about 45% of Asian residents, bringing amazing culture and food to this polished, family first community.
Irvine is consistently ranked one of the safest and best places to live in California. It is famous for education, with powerhouses like University High crushing it in test scores. The economy is strong, paying over $95K on averag...
Personal Safety : 85
Property Safety : 67
Community Safety : 77
$1,548,000
Median Home Rent
$3,200
As the heartbeat of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is where big tech meets big paychecks, averaging over $150K. Stanford University anchors the town, offering tons of culture and research events. Families fight to get into schools like Palo Alto High for their top tier academics. Commuting is easy as Caltrain zips you straight to SF or San Jose. And when you need a break, Rinconada and Foothills parks offer miles of trails to clear your head. It is smart, wealthy, and beautiful.
As the heartbeat of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is where big tech meets big paychecks, averaging over $150K. Stanford University anchors the town, offering tons of culture and research events. Families fight to get into schools like...
Personal Safety : 77
Property Safety : 20
Community Safety : 75
$3,535,000
Median Home Rent
$4,200
If quality of life is your priority, Santa Barbara is the dream. Known for its American Riviera vibe, the economy runs on education and tourism, with salaries around $68K. It is a visual stunner with Spanish architecture, local vineyards, and perfect beaches. Whether you are a professional or a retiree, the lifestyle here is unbeatable. Think hiking in the morning and wine tasting by sunset. It is laid back luxury at its finest.
If quality of life is your priority, Santa Barbara is the dream. Known for its American Riviera vibe, the economy runs on education and tourism, with salaries around $68K. It is a visual stunner with Spanish architecture, local vi...
Personal Safety : 23
Property Safety : 46
Community Safety : 9
$4,500,000
Median Home Rent
$3,400
Transparent & data-driven
How We Ranked the Best Cities
Each city is scored against the state average on five weighted factors, normalized to control for regional cost differences and market size. Home prices, rents, and inventory come straight from Houzeo's live MLS feed; everything else is sourced from verified government datasets.
Scoring weights
- Affordability30%
Median home price, price per sq ft & rent relative to local incomes vs. the state average.
- Safety & crime25%
Violent and property crime rates per capita from FBI reporting vs. the state average.
- Jobs & income20%
Median household income, employment levels & job stability vs. the state average.
- Housing & inventory15%
Active listings, days on market & buyer competition from Houzeo’s live MLS feed.
- Lifestyle & amenities10%
Schools, walkability, commute times & access to everyday amenities — the tiebreaker.
Our data sources
Explore the Best Neighborhoods of Cities in California
Your New Home is Waiting for You in California
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Top 3 Best Places to Retire in California
Top 3 Best Places to Live in California for Families
Top 3 Best Places to Live in California for Young Adults
Best Affordable Places to Live in California
Living in the Golden State doesn't have to break the bank. Here are the most affordable places to live in California, which offer home prices well below the state average, strong job markets, and quality schools. Most are located in the Central Valley, so your dollar stretches further while you soak up California's sunshine.
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Cost of Living vs. State Avg. | Affordability score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porterville | $363,000 | $1,358 |  12% lower | 8.7/10 |
| Visalia | $511,736 | $2,400 | 24% lower | 8.2/10 |
| Bakersfield | $441,009 | $1,995 |  18% lower | 8.4/10 |
| Tulare | $458,693 | $1,650 | 27% lower | 8.4/10 |
| Eureka | $418,081 | $1,600 | 21% lower | 8.3/10 |
Safest Places to Live in California
For those seeking a safe and welcoming place to call home, several California cities stand out for their low crime rates and active neighborhood networks. Clean streets, family-friendly parks, and supportive local services help create secure, comfortable communities. Here are the safest places to live in California according to the latest crime data.
Safest
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Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of Sep 11, 2026, 7:15 PM and /or other sources. All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker or MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information. Information being provided is for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. This website may not include listings or property addresses of sellers who have directed their listing brokers to withhold their listing or their property address from display on the Internet. © 2026 California Regional Multiple Listing Service. All Rights Reserved.
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