However, neighborhoods in Walnut Creek are pretty pricey as the average home goes for over $1 million. The city offers many things to do, like the. The only drawback we see here is the high cost of living. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you make smart personal finance decisions. The two Colorado cities landed No. Yosemite National Park shaferaphoto / Shutterstock Yosemite National Park is one of the top must-see places in all of America, not just California! Fill up your water bottle and go for a 5-mile scenic walk among blooming wildflowers and views of the valley from the San Juan Bautista De Anza Trail. highly qualified professionals and edited by The, cost of living here is about 30% lower than the California average, Home values are also around the $400,000 to $500,000 range. The city rose to fame during the 1800s Gold Rush, and San Francisco is now one of the biggest cosmopolitan cities in the United States. Best Are you sure you want to rest your choices? , with home prices that are around $1 million. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. Or, you can enjoy some time outdoors at Byxbee Park that is located right on the bay. It is located about 30 minutes south of SF and is also close to many Silicon Valley companies like Google and Facebook. Population: 48,390 | Google Maps | Website | Best Places to Stay in Palm Springs | Browse Hotels in Palm Springs on Booking. Learn how your comment data is processed. Cities in California WebSan Diego, CA, Quick Stats Metro Population 3,296,317 Median Home Price $889,225 Median Monthly Rent $1,842 Median Age 36.3 years old Average Annual Salary $67,200 Unemployment Rate 10.3% Irvines cost of living is roughly 90% higher than the US average, with home prices that are around $1 million. The town has a diverse set of industries including agriculture, healthcare and oil. 384. Youre also an hour from San Francisco when you want to visit the coast. Huntington Beach and Long Beach are just 30 minutes from the city. Best Best College Towns in California 3,836,308 Reviews. Bakersfield. To help you decide, weve utilized data across five important categories to determine the Bankrate Best Places to Live lists: well-being, job markets, affordability, migration and diversity. Residents here can enjoy the stunning beachfront or stroll around downtown Monterey and visit one of its many high-end restaurants or cozy cafes. Alternatively, cities in the Texas and California had among the worst rates across the aforementioned categories. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website. Both San Francisco and Los Angeles are about a 3 to 3 and a half hour drive away from the city. Best Places to Stay. Protect your company name, brands and ideas as domains at one of the largest domain providers in Scandinavia. 1. Pro Tip: Renting a car is the best way to see Santa Barbara, but if youre up for something a little more active, then this bike tour is also a great option. Often referred to as Queen of the Missions, Old Santa Barbara Mission dates back to 1786 and features a historic museum and peaceful chapel. She also has a thirst for solo adventuring and has hiked 400 consecutive miles by herself through the Arizona desert. There is never a shortage of things to do in Anaheim. Why it stands out: Sacramento is proof that living in the Golden State doesnt require actually sitting on a mountain of gold. this post may contain references to products from our partners. Walnut Creek is a city of just under 70,000 people that sits only 30 minutes from San Francisco and 45 minutes from San Jose. San Diego is also a prime place to see whales as they migrate to and from Mexico. California city among 'most livable' small cities in U.S., study says While it is not exactly a cheap place to move to, Folsom is relatively affordable compared to the rest of California. It is famous for being close to Hollywood, a port for Catalina Island, and having great downtown nightlife. It is located about 45 minutes from downtown Los Angeles and is situated right on the water, which gives its residents access to the beach all year round. The average home price here is around $3 million. 10 Best Places to Live in California in 2022-2023 - US News Read Next: 15 Best California Mountain Towns. Theres a lot to like about the city with its coastal location and hilly yet scenic landscape. It was not easy to narrow our list down to just 20 of the best places to live in California since there are so many desirable cities within the Golden State. Folsoms idyllic Historic District features an old town charm and many dining, drinking, and shopping options. This Orange County coastal city is known as Surf City USA. One of the worlds largest surf competitions, the U.S. Open, is held at the Huntington Beach Pier every year and is a favorite event for all visitors. Aptly dubbed the City of Angels, this cultural haven is one of the coolest cities in California and is bespeckled with scenes to explore. Of course, we had to include San Francisco on our list of the best places to live in California in 2023. What makes this city of 250,000 people so special? Additionally, home values are around $800,000 to $900,000, but thats actually the average in California. best San Joses cast of high-paying employers make this a place for young professionals who want to leave their mark on the tech scene. Meanwhile, the city itself offers many great community events, such as a farmers market, outdoor summer concert series at the amphitheater, and many annual events and festivals. However, its crime and unemployment rates are higher than cities with a larger tech job base. 23 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California. San Jose is often the forgotten city in the Bay Area, but it is actually one of the best cities to live in California, especially for those with job opportunities in Silicon Valley. Bankrate has answers. If San Jose feels financially out of reach, head 40 miles north to Oakland, where homes are far cheaper (though still not cheap, sadly). But, this high standard of life doesnt come cheaply. 1 place to retire for 2023. But, that is still a good value compared to some of the neighboring communities. Best Places to Live in California Our Methodology, The 20 Best Places to Live in California in 2023, Best Places to Live in California Summary, The 16 Best Places to Live in Florida for 2023, Here are the 12 Cheapest Beach Towns in California, 12 Stunning Resorts in Florida for Every Budget, California vs Florida - Our Full Comparison, Discover the 6 Best Small Towns near Pensacola FL Charming Panhandle Towns, 20 Best Places to Live in Florida for Young Adults 2023 Latest Update, The 8 Least Humid Cities in Florida in 2023 Data-Based Analysis, 12 Safest Towns in Florida Best Small Communities in 2023, Why is Florida So Hot? The average home value is around $1.4 million in Dublin, California. Getting around here is easy, too: Oakland is very walkable and also well served by public transportation, so you can leave the car parked and avoid the headaches of Bay Area traffic. Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that were putting your interests first. At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. In general, California has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, but the state has distinct climate regions. Clovis is the highest ranked place on our list of the best cities to live in California that is located in the states Central Valley. San Luis Obispos prime location allows its residents to access the mountains, beaches, or ocean in just a short drive from the city. You can walk, run, or bike the trails of the park. The citys diversity is reflected in the food, art, and music culture of the California capital, Sacramento. Meanwhile, outdoor lovers will be happy to hear about Folsoms plentiful green spaces and hiking trails around the city. You can click here to see a full table of the full of the 100 biggest cities in San Bernardino is one of the biggest counties in California, and makes our list of the top places to live in California. The most popular California desert city with beautiful views of towering palm trees and gorgeous SoCal mountains. By Rachel Center and Sharael Kolberg | March 30, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Top Things to Do in California California is full of beautiful destinations and fun attractions to Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover. Pros and Cons: + Strong privacy and security + Nearby to parks and mountains Very expensive Isolated location. The Discovery Cube is open from 10 am-5 pm every day. The state of California is so diverse and the landscapes vary greatly from north to south. My favorite thing to do in downtown Los Angeles is to visit Olvera Street, the birthplace of Los Angeles. Today, Olvera Street is a miniature version of Mexico with the best authentic Mexican food, annual events, and handicraft stalls. Sacramento is the political hub of California and a cultural hotspot. List of largest cities in California by population - Wikipedia You should consult with an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction before relying upon any of the information presented here. Visitors also wait until the summer heat cools down to browse between local art booths at the Thursday night farmers market. Visit 2nd Street for the best bars and restaurants in Long Beach. If youre traveling with children, check out the San Juan Bautista public library for a free storytime every Thursday at 10 am. Money market accounts are similar to savings accounts, but offer some checking features as well. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and, services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. best cities If you aren't looking for a big-city feel, consider the many smaller college towns in California. 19 Best Cities in California in 2023 (By a Local) - Travel Lemming Population: 272,694 | Google Maps | Website | Browse Hotels in Irvine on Booking. Here, you can get lost among the brick buildings and boutique stores in Historic Old Pasadena on Colorado Street. This city is packed with things to do including a monthly First Friday Festival and annual events like Restaurant Week, the Chinatown Street Festival, the Black Joy Parade, Oaktoberfest and more. This domain has been purchased and parked by a customer of Loopia. But, this SoCal city has emerged as one of the best places to live in California for those looking for an entertaining, yet affordable location in the southern part of the state. Vallejo also has a revitalized downtown district with several art studios and opportunities to enjoy the water in San Pablo Bay. Best Places to Live in California Meanwhile, Clovis is really affordable compared to the rest of the state. San Diego. WebBest cities in California. Chico owns a spot in the top college towns in the state and owes its fame to California State University. Known for its Disneyland theme parks and sports stadiums, this city also has great live music venues and delicious eateries. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. The average cost of living in San Diego is about 50% higher than the US average. More than 125 languages are spoken in the city, according to VisitOakland.com, and the city earned the highest diversity score of any spot on our list. Residents here can enjoy seaside views from the cliffs or take a stroll downtown on the tree-lined streets and stop at one of the many gourmet restaurants or unique shops. Visitors can surf in the pacific ocean in the morning and put on their best dress in the evening for a 5-star dinner. Claremont Pitzer College North and South Sanborn Dorms and Mt Baldy, via Katherine Carey / Shutterstock.com Known for the Claremont Colleges, Claremont exudes charming student-town vibes. Image credit Ken Wolter via Shutterstock. Its unemployment rate is among the lowest in the state as government, healthcare and technology are core industries. Sacramento is also an excellent gateway to the splendors of temperate northern California, while also being two hours from San Francisco. Click on a star to rate (you can leave feedback after clicking submit). 24 Best Cities to Visit in California - Go Travel California Yet, the town's interior is equally inviting, ranking Los Angeles The largest city in California with thousands of things to do Downtown Los Angeles, the most populous city in California Population: 3.973 million | Home to some of the top things to do in the Inland Empire, Riverside is only 60 miles east of Los Angeles. Best Places to Visit in California for 2023 - U.S. News Travel Finding a home in the Vallejo-Fairfield metro area lets you live on the outskirts of the San Francisco Bay area and easily access the Sonoma and Napa wine countries. Pros and Cons: + Excellent amenities + Clean and safe area Astronomical home prices Limited public transportation. Almost half of all Californians speak a language other than English at home, and Spanish is the most popular language spoken. Lafayette is an incredible small city across the bay from San Francisco. But, this high standard of life doesnt come cheaply. It earned an A+ rating from AreaVibes in almost every assessment of the city, including its amenities, school system, and safety. Lets dive into some of Californias top beach cities, listed We start our list of the best places to live in California with the state capital of Sacramento. There are also numerous family attractions like the zoo, the San Jose Museum of Art, and several parks that can be found around the city. If youre a live music connoisseur, then you must check out The Observatory, situated in the heart of downtown. Besides hiking in the national forest, San Bernardino County is home to the best recreational lakes in Southern California. Life in Santa Rosa isnt simply about indulging your appetite, though. Santa Cruz We think that Palo Alto is one of the best places to live in California for those looking for a suburb close to San Francisco. Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose are the top 3 largest California cities. But, San Jose is quite expensive to live in. All Rights Reserved. It features gated streets and huge estates that can suit the needs of any high-level actor or executive. This is the heart of wine country Santa Rosa is the county seat of Sonoma County as well as the home one of the best beer destinations around, Russian River Brewing. Santa Rosas low unemployment and high rate of employee growth are also solid draws. Community amenities such as outdoor activities, public transit and healthcare access also play a factor. Considered the oldest city in California, San Diego is the perfect blend of city and beach life. Attorney Advertising. Solvang is in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country, with ample wineries to choose from and more affordable prices than Napa or Sonoma up north. A Red Ventures company. That brings us to our next point of affordability, which Newport Beach is not entirely known for. It is located right at the base of the foothills in Southern California and is a great residential community for those looking for a quiet and safe location. The metropolis offers a warm desert climate with very mild winters that SoCal is famous for, yet you can also reach the beach with ease. 15 Best Cities in California | PlanetWare Dont forget to bring a volleyball and firewood to enjoy the beachs free amenities as well. For instance, this Gateway to the Sierras is right next to the mountains and is only 2 and a half hours from Yosemite National Park. There are also several commercial districts, where you can find virtually everything you need without ever leaving the city. Best Credit Cards for International Travel, How To Choose A Car Accident Lawyer In Los Angeles, Guide To Down Payment Assistance Programs. You may also enjoy beach communities like Long Beach or Santa Monica which are minutes from downtown but offer some respite as the Pacific Ocean is easy to reach. Planning a Florida vacation? The Sunshine State's best-kept secrets The states capital is also a hub for healthcare, with major employers like Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health and Dignity Health, and it has made a name for itself as a leader in food and agriculture tech as well. Choose the best home insurance company for you. Check out this Alcatraz Island tour for the most in-depth exploration of the island. St. Augustine is home to Anastasia State Park, whose beach ranked among the 10 Best Beaches in the South. It is also home to California Polytechnic State University, which gives the city a lively college town atmosphere. Berkeley. It is a suburb of Fresno that is both affordable and filled with amenities. Meanwhile, Clovis is really affordable compared to the rest of the state. The neighborhood is located in South Los Angeles and is well known for its great places to live, fun activities, and friendly people. Santa Rosa 3. Hi-tech, agriculture, aerospace, tourism, and Hollywood are the industries that drive Californias economy. You can spend time in the walkable streets of downtown Palo Alto, where there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. Between the resplendent shoreline and the rocky hillside, this city dishes out more than its weight in fine restaurants. AreaVibes makes it easy to find your home in California. best cities Located an hour up the coast from Los Angeles, you can enjoy coastal living at a relaxed pace in Oxnard. The 12 Best Cities to Live in California in 2021 - First Team Located in southern California lies the picturesque city of San Diego. Long Beach also hosts annual events like the One Love Cali Reggae Fest every summer and the Queen Marys Dark Harbor horror festival every Halloween season. San Francisco 4. There are plenty of safe places, but crime in California is a bit of a problem in larger metro areas like Los Angeles and some of the places near Sacramento. California is the third largest state in the U.S. with an area of 163,707 square miles, and its the largest state by population with just under 40 million residents. 100 Biggest Cities In California For 2022 - HomeSnacks Its sunny climate also makes San Diego solar-friendly. Read more at loopia.com/loopiadns . This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within the listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. Pro Tip: Carmel-by-the-Sea is easily accessible from the major cities of South San Francisco, San Jose, or the San Francisco Bay area. Thanks for reading this list of the best cities in California. All of our content is authored by San Francisco. You could always just head to the beach as well. Berkeley. Theres an abundance of things to see and places to eat that highlight the citys many cultural backgrounds. According to the latest data from Zillow, the average home here is valued around $800,000 these days. Please enable Javascript and reload the page. While you are on a tour of Northern California, make sure to stop by Fresno on your way to Yosemite National Park. The median home price and average salary are both high, to be sure, but its not all about money: This citys diversity score is impressive as well. Santa Barbara While by far not the smallest city in California, Santa Barbara offers a real sense of escape. Calabasas is a great place to live for those seeking privacy and exclusivity, but still want to be close to downtown Los Angeles.