The Golden State is home to the most Fortune 500 companies in the US and is the 5th largest economy by itself globally. No wonder it created 284,400 new jobs in the past year alone—almost 1 out of every 5 new jobs in the country!
Housing can be expensive, but the median income of $96,334 is also much higher than the US average of $78,538. But living in California is not just about better economics. From King’s County’s hills to LA’s beaches, it has something for everyone.
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What Are the Best Places to Move in California?🏠
| # City | Weighted Average Scores* | Median Income | Median Expenses | Cost of Living ⬆️/⬇️ | Community Wellbeing | Crime Index Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Roseville | 57.90 | $132,941 | $143,080 | 17.10% ⬆️ | 68 | 20 |
| 2. Orange | 55.38 | $124,132 | $135,817 | 40.60% ⬆️ | 74 | 21 |
| 3. Visalia | 55.37 | $80,428 | $93,266 | -0.30% ⬇️ | 48 | 9 |
| 4. Simi Valley | 55.20 | $133,074 | $146,605 | 38.90% ⬆️ | 69 | 49 |
| 5. Elk Grove | 54.41 | $123,946 | $135,780 | 17.20% ⬆️ | 64 | 26 |
| 6. Sacramento | 54.28 | $92,595 | $104,739 | 17.40% ⬆️ | 64 | 4 |
| 7. Bakersfield | 53.71 | $81,672 | $93,008 | -1.40% ⬇️ | 49 | 3 |
| 8. Santa Clarita | 53.56 | $128,916 | $140,879 | 41.90% ⬆️ | 69 | 38 |
| 9. Corona | 53.53 | $113,508 | $123,626 | 16.80% ⬆️ | 56 | 14 |
| 10. Chico | 53.31 | $88,270 | $98,486 | 11.00% ⬆️ | 51 | 16 |
*These cities are ranked based on 8 major parameters.
10 Best Places to Live in California🏡
#1. Roseville
- Median House Price: $640K
- Cost of Living: 17.1%⬆️ than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 20% of U.S. cities.
- Unemployment: 4.5%
- Walkability Score: 69, somewhat walkable
Roseville, situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is popular for skiing and snowboarding at Lake Tahoe. Additionally, you can enjoy boating with your family on the nearby Folsom Lake. The Miner’s Ravine Loop offers also several trails for hiking.
The largest employer in the city is the healthcare sector followed by the retail and professional services sector. Low housing cost and its proximity to Sacramento makes it one of the best places to live in California for single families.
» Homes for Sale in Roseville: Explore best places to move in California.
#2. Orange
- Median House Price: $1.1M
- Cost of Living: 40.6%⬆️ than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 21% of U.S. cities.
- Unemployment: 5.4%
- Walkability Score: 54, somewhat walkable
Orange seamlessly blends historic charm with modern amenities. The city is home to Chapman University and a lively downtown that offers vivid dining and shopping experiences. Also, the city hosts annual events like the Treats in the Streets Autumn Festival.
Orange is just a 32-minute drive away from Los Angeles and serves as a central point for cities like Anaheim and Santa Ana. Being close to 3 major cities it also has an abundance of jobs. This makes it one of the best areas to live in California for young professionals.
» Homes for Sale in Orange: Find homes for sale in the best town to live in California.
#3. Visalia
- Median House Price: $410K
- Cost of Living: 0.3%⬇️ than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 9% of U.S. cities.
- Unemployment: 5.6%
- Walkability Score: 39, car-dependent city
Visalia is predominantly an agricultural town, famous for grapes olive, and cotton production. The city hosts the annual ‘Taste the Arts Festival,’ featuring live music, a farmers market, and lively dinners.
Additionally, you can hike or camp at the Kings Canyon National Park if you want a breath from the city’s laid-back lifestyle. Combined with the low cost of living, Visalia is one of the best places to live in California for retirees and seniors.
» Homes for Sale in Visalia: Brows properties in one of the best places to live in California.
#4. Simi Valley
- Median House Price: $850K
- Cost of Living: 38.9%⬆️ than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 49% of U.S. cities.
- Unemployment: 4.4%
- Walkability Score: 80, very walkable
Situated just 40 miles away from LA, Simi Valley has a warm Mediterranean climate. The nearby Rocky Peak Park makes Simmy Valley an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular among residents and tourists alike, it offers several hiking and camping trails.
The city hosts ‘Round-up Rockin’ Music Fest’ that features classic country music, food vendors, and ‘Free Fun-Zone’ for kids every year. Low crime rates and lively neighborhoods make it one of the best places to live in California for single families.
» Homes for Sale in Simi Valley: Find homes for sale in one of the safest cities in California.
#5. Elk Grove
- Median House Price: $655K
- Cost of Living: 17.2% ⬆️ than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 26% of U.S. cities.
- Unemployment: 6.4%
- Walkability Score: 87, very walkable
Elk Grove combines small community living with quick access to cities like Sacramento and San Fransisco. The city annually hosts the ‘Multicultural Festival’ and ‘Elk Grove Brewfest’ to celebrate community diversity and a rich beer-brewing culture.
Moreover, you can hike and camp at the city’s popular ‘Cosumnes River Preserve’ located nearby. These factors make Elk Grove one of the best areas to live in California for single families that seek safety and strong communities.
» Homes for Sale in Elk Grove: Browse homes in one of the best cities to live in California.
#6. Sacramento
- Median House Price: $485K
- Cost of Living: 17.4%⬆️ than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 4% of U.S. cities.
- Unemployment: 6.3%
- Walkability Score: 98, walkers paradise
The state capital is famous for its lush green landscape and easy-going lifestyle. Several nearby water bodies make it perfect for water sports events. The city is also home to the Sacramento Kings NBA team and hosts countless other sports events.
Sacramento also has a great walkability score and a decent community well-being score. These factors make it one of the best places to live in California for retirees who seek affordable urban dwellings in California.
» Homes for Sale in Sacramento: Explore homes in the state capital.
#7. Bakersfield
- Median House Price: $405K
- Cost of Living: 1.4% ⬇️ than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 3% of U.S. cities.
- Unemployment: 7.1%
- Walkability Score: 83, very walkable
Bakersfield is also known as the ‘Music Capital of the West Coast’, packed with venues like the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, and Fox Theater. It also has a bustling downtown with shops that offer a mix of entertainment, food, and shopping.
Home to the California State University, housing costs in Bakersfield are below the national average. This makes it one of the best towns to live in California for college students who seek an affordable lifestyle.
» Homes for Sale in Bakersfield: Browse homes for sale in one of the cheapest places to live in California.
#8. Santa Clarita
- Median House Price: $765K
- Cost of Living: 41.9%⬆️ than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 38% of U.S. cities.
- Unemployment: 5.5%
- Walkability Score: 76, very walkable
Home to the Master’s University and the California Institute of Arts, Santa Clarita is renowned for its educational institutions. Besides, the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival and the Santa Clarita Marathon are two major annual events in the city.
The healthcare sector is the largest locally and employs over 12% of the residents. Santa Clarita is one of the safest cities on the list and also has a good walkability score. A low crime rate and ample jobs make it ideal for young adults and families with kids.
» Homes for Sale in Santa Clarita: Find properties in one of the safest towns in California.
#9. Corona
- Median House Price: $735K
- Cost of Living: 16.8%⬆️ than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 14% of U.S. cities.
- Unemployment: 4.6%
- Walkability Score: 31, car-dependent
Corona is known as ‘The Circle City’ and features the Grand Boulevard, a 3-mile circular street that encloses the historic downtown. You can also hike or camp in the Corona Heritage Park or enjoy water sports at the nearby Santa Ana River with your family.
The city celebrates various community events throughout the year including ‘Movies in the Park’, a free outdoor movie screening for families. Communities are tightly-knit with easy access to outdoor activities, which makes it a perfect location for nuclear families.
» Homes for Sale in Corona: Explore homes in one of the best places to live in California.
#10. Chico
- Median House Price: $440K
- Cost of Living: 11%⬆️than the national average.
- Crime Score: Safer than 16% of U.S. cities.
- Unemployment: 6.9%
- Walkability Score: 65, somewhat walkable
Chico is renowned for its Italian-style homes and lush, green urban spaces. The 2,200-acre Bidwell Park offers hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and swimming holes. You can also visit the nearby Sacramento and Father Rivers for water-based activities.
On the other hand, Chico is home to Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and has been the center of America’s craft beer revolution. A good walkability score, outdoor spaces, and a low population make it one of the best places to live in California for retirees.
» Homes for Sale in Chico: Brows properties in one of the cheapest cities to live in California.
Best Cities to Live in California Based on Demographics
We have taken the ranking process one step forward and ranked the best cities based on the different age groups as shown in the following table:
| Demographic | 1🥇 | 2🥈 | 3🥉 |
| Single Families | Roseville | Simi Valley | Elk Grove |
| Young Professionals | Orange | Bakersfield | Santa Clarita |
| Retirees | Visalia | Sacramento | Chico |
Mortgage Pre-Approval: Your First Step to Buy a Home 🏡
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With the current low mortgage rate of 6.9%, there is an increase in home-buying demand in California. So, don’t wait. Get a mortgage pre-approval today and avoid bidding wars!
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Is California the Right Place for Your Next Move?
Home to Silicon Valley and having the highest share of tourism in the country, California has been leading the economic growth for the past 3 decades. Also, the state ranked #1 in new business starts, venture capital funding, and manufacturing sectors.
Califonia’s diverse industrial landscape and a massive $3.9 trillion economy make it one of the best places to live in the US for aspiration-driven people.
Browse Homes For Sale in California by Price and Type
Research Methodology for the Best Places to Live in California
This study ranks cities using a weighted average scoring model based on eight parameters:
- Median House Price: Redfin[1]
- Population: Zipatlas[2]
- Median Income: Zipatlas[3]
- Expenses: Zipatlas[4]
- Unemployment Rate: Zipatlas[5]
- Cost of Living: Rentcafe[6]
- Community Well-Being: Sharecare[7]
- Crime Index Score: Neighborhoodscout[8]
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 in California for families, young adults, and retirees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the safest place in California for families?
Simi Valley is the safest place to live in California for families with a decent crime score of 49.
Where is the nicest and cheapest place to live in California?
Bakersfield is one of the nicest and cheapest places to live in California with the median house price 5% lower, and the cost of living 1.4% lower than the national average.
Where is the most affordable place to retire in California?
Visalia is one of the most affordable places to retire in California due to its low housing prices and lower cost of living than the US median.
