Neighboring California to the North, Portland just misses the cut for the top 3 destinations for ex-Californians to live. Located just a quick jaunt away from the beach, and with a city center overflowing with cultural, shopping, and recreational opportunities (including the outstanding Anaheim Ballet and Anaheim Packing House, a food hall jam-packed with every type of eating establishment you could imagine), this is a city that has something to offer everyone, no matter how diverse their interests. Don't miss St. Joseph's Day Fiesta in March, a celebration of the migratory return of the cliff swallows. Set just a little inland, Irvine has consistently ranked as one of the best places to live. The city is no slouch for services, though. For most parts of Southern California, it ranks as a positive bargain. Santa Cruz. Median home price: $189,900 Visalia is an ideal home base from which to explore California's most impressive natural wonders. Best Neighborhoods In California: Download the BestPlaces App. With its stunning beachside location and equally breathtaking mountain views, few cities can rival San Clemente’s excellent setting. The 10 Finest Hotel Residences in The World, The 20 Most Expensive Homes in the United States, 10 Prisons That Rival The Accommodations of …, Where $100 million in Vacation Rental Startups …, Chinese Real Estate Investors Take Foothold In …, 10 Things You Didn’t Know about Charles Robinson, The History of and Story Behind The Girl Scouts Logo, 10 Things You Didn’t Know about Brian A. Gallagher, The History of and Story Behind The Washington Post Logo. Its superb proximity to four freeways gives it easy access to the amenities and job opportunities of the surrounding cities, while its low crime rate, first-rate school system, diverse, welcoming community, and great range of places to eat, shop, and relax makes it more than worthy of its $576,500 median home value. After ranking No. The population was 17,974 in the 2010 census, up from 13,541 in the 2000 census. Cypress may only be 6.6 square miles, but this little town packs a mighty punch. A whopping $1,153,700 median home value, and an equally staggering $3,152 median rent (just to put this in perspective, the national median home value is $184,700, while the median rent is $940). Whether it’s Northern California or Southern California, AreaVibes can help you find the best places to live in California. Along with a stellar education system, the quiet community boasts reasonably affordable housing (at $ 338,100 for a family home, prices are still above the national average, but by South California standards, trust us when we say this counts as reasonable), a strong economy, and, for the recreationally minded, the second-longest pier in the state. “Placentia is a very safe neighborhood, hardly any crime. The 10 Best Places to Eat in Ottawa, Canada, The 10 Best Places to Stay in Ottawa, Canada, A Traveler’s Guide to the Beaches in Ottawa, What Kind of Porsche Was Driven in “Risky Business?”. With a growing economy, housing market and affordable cost of living, Vegas is a great relocation spot for those looking to remain close to Southern California, but live in their favorite weekend escape. Why Do I Have No Credit Even after I Paid off My Credit Card? You may need $582,300 in your bank account to buy a property in the charming Irving suburb of Aliso Viejo, but few would argue it’s a worthy investment. Get in touch with Clever to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with an agent in your area. A lot of things are within walking distance,” raves one, while another enthuses “Very friendly people, wonderful parks, and beautiful hills nearby to hike in. Portland, Oregon. Best Places to Live in California May, October and June are the most pleasant months in the state of California, while January and December are the least comfortable months. The seaside community located in Orange County is one of the best places to live in California. Its two local schools have excellent graduation rates and test scores, while the strength of local businesses ensures the kind of economy that supports a healthy median income of $106,939. But there are ways to get the best of both worlds! Rancho Cucamonga is one of the cheapest cities to live in Southern California where you can expect to spend $2000 monthly for your rent, utilities, and food. In fact, many of the wealthiest cities in the U.S. are in California. If you want good schools, you’ll find Seal Beach hard to beat. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of choice and inspiration on our round-up of the 20 very best places to live in Southern California in 2019. Charming Yorba Linda offers all the attractions of city living combined with a friendly, small-town vibe. Livability.com has named Santa Monica a top 100 place to live in America for several years. What Happens if You Overpaid Your Credit Card? The 20 Best Places to Live in Southern California, 10 Prisons That Rival The Accommodations of Most Hotels, Where $100 million in Vacation Rental Startups is Going. People seeking to move should know this from the start. Balboa Island Fun Zone from a Duffy boat in Newport Harbor Families will love the safe, walkable streets and great education system, while the diverse, artistic community and superb nightlife are guaranteed to appeal to the younger crowd. The area presents a lot of economic opportunities and median household incomes jumped by 48.6% in 12 twelve years. Mission Viejo is one of the largest master planned communities in the country. 2. Despite the large population of 256,877, there’s a real sense of community spirit, while the crime rate is one of the lowest of any city in America. And our agents provide a home buyer rebate which will help defray some costs of buying a home. It’s also got an enviably low crime rate, great schools, a strong economy that’s doing well enough for itself to support a median household income of $114,143, and, for those looking for the thrills of the big city, easy access to LA. Enjoy the best places to visit in Southern California. As an added boon, the plethora of excellent job opportunities supports the very healthy median income of $123,962. The schools are highly rated and the town’s population is primarily professionals. Tiburon's poverty level of 2.6% is the 3rd lowest in the state, and the 2.8% unemployment rate is the 11th lowest. Currently, Del Mar Mesa has a population of 20,415 and is typically considered one of the best places to live in California. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of choice and inspiration on our round-up of the 20 very best places to live in Southern California in 2019. Here Are The 10 Most Peaceful Places To Go In Southern California When You Need A Break From It All. Irvine. California is the second most expensive state to live in.With median home prices around $547,900 and notoriously high costs of living throughout the state, you might be discouraged from moving to the Golden State. Housing is certainly not cheap (expect to part with around $671,800 for a good-sized family house) but the list of attractions more than makes up for the high cost of living. If you’re willing to compromise on which city you live in, you can find affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, and … The people here are great too! Adults will enjoy nights out at one of its many restaurants and bars. The Tragic Story of James Dean’s Porsche 550 Spyder, The 10 Best Porsche Models of the Noughties, The Five Best Cartier Skeleton Watches Money Can Buy. Southern California draws people dreaming of warm weather, beaches, and sun. Santa Cruz represents the quintessential California beach town, complete with a relaxed, laid back vibe, friendly residents, a host of outdoor recreations, and, of course, the beach. Located south of Irvine, home prices are a little more affordable in Lake Forest. by Angela. Top-notch schools attract many families to the area, where 97% of high school graduates go on to university. That would be Clearlake. Many people love its laid back, fitness-oriented culture, and view it as a healthy place to live. See & Do ... 6 Awesome Southern California Weekend Getaways. Located in the Southern California desert area 140 miles (225 km) east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park is a popular destination for hikers, rock climbers, photography buffs and nature lovers.Named after the treelike genus of yucca that grows in the park’s northwestern section, Joshua Tree is an expansive park that includes multiple overnight camping areas, natural springs, man … Within striking distance of the ocean lies Rancho Santa Margarita, a master-planned city that straddles the territory between big city living and small-town community. In some parts of the US, $367,400 may be considered a massive price to pay for a 3-bedroom family home. Del Mar Mesa used to be a farming community until the 1980s. As #1 on the NerdWallet’s list for best cities for young families in Southern California, and in the top 100 on Livability’s list of best places to live, Irvine is at the top of our list for a reason. It’s often been ranked as one of the safest cities in America, and it has a lot of opportunities for job seekers, ranking 34th on the list of top 100 cities for jobs in the United States. Safe, crime-free streets? Does Cartier Make a Stainless Steel Watch? Median household income is $96,963, and the city has a low poverty rate. 20 Best Places to Live on the Coast ... that shines like Southern California, and a drumbeat of outdoor pursuits like kayaking and hiking that are pure Pacific Northwest. Ready to learn more? Kids can play at the Pretend City’s Children's Museum or one of the city’s many parks. I grew up in this area and hold it dear to my heart because of all the amazing memories that I was able to make here. Furthermore, the neighborhood is very safe, with a low crime rate. These Are The 10 Best Places To Live In California; These Are The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In California; ... Susanville is located on the Susan River in the southern part of the county, at an elevation of 4,186 feet. If you like nature, you’re going to love Calabasas. #25 Most Diverse Places to Live in California Current Resident : I like how Loma Linda is a suburban area that is very family-friendly and safe. It scores exceptionally well on almost every aspect, from public schools to health and fitness – and everything in between: commute time, outdoor activities, place for families, nightlife among others. Year-round sunny weather, walkable streets and close-proximity to Los Angeles make this Southern California town a fantastic beach community for its residents. Most of the jobs come from the almost 200 companies on the Fortune 500 list which are headquartered or have offices there. 4. Home prices are steep (expect to pay around $1,695,700 for a family home), but the excellent schools, low crime rate, and median household income of $119,379 make it a hugely desirable destination, none-the-less. It’s a family-friendly town that works hard to keep crime rates low and the quality of life high. It’s home prices reflect the benefits of living there, with median home values of $856,000. 20. With nine parks, dozens of libraries, book stores, and unique boutiques, along with an outstanding range of wining and dining options, this little city truly has something for everyone. Kids can play at the Pretend City’s Children's Museum or one of the city’s many parks. San Juan Capistrano is part of the central coast of California and is home to the ruins of Mission SJC's great stone church, which was damaged by a large earthquake in 1812. It’s also a college town, home to the University of California, Concordia University and Irvine Valley College. It also has an excellent job market, with more variety than other Californian cities, with jobs in defense, tourism, technology, life sciences, and international trade. Property prices are, as you’d expect, on the high side- however, with most residents earning the very robust income of $95,573, you’ll hear few complaints about the cost of living. Join Clever’s network. Below, we’ve listed the top Southern California cities to live in. For outdoor lovers, the abundance of water sports on offer is a dream come true, while those who prefer indoor entertainment are well served by a plethora of cute cafes, quirky boutiques, yoga studios, bowling alleys, theatres, and more besides. Crime is low enough to give residents the luxury of safe, walkable streets, while the job market is buoyant enough to support the very unaverage household median income of $101,843. Read on below to see how we crunched the numbers and see how your city fared in 2021. Most residents can expect to earn a very decent income of $75,109, while the abundance of shops, bars, and restaurants gives residents plenty of opportunities to spend that considerable disposable income. Best Places To Live In California; Most Expensive Places To Live In California; ... El Centro is an affordable city with easy access to our southern neighbors. Our list contains some of the best places to live in Southern California and a few hidden and cheaper gems. Even leaving the above-average income aside, there’s a lot to love about Agoura Hills, as local residents are very keen to point out on Niche. The smaller town is inland, with no access to the ocean or beaches. What Makes Porsche Wheels Different From Other Cars? “There are mountain views everywhere, great hiking spots and the houses and neighborhoods are very nice. Median home values are $439,100 and have stayed steady in the past few years. Expect amenities galore, low crime, unemployment and poverty rates, some standout schools (Valencia High School, Yorba Linda High School, El Dorado High School, Lakeview Elementary School, and Fairmont Elementary School all come particularly recommended), and all the fresh air, nature, and wildlife you could wish for. Irvine is in Orange County, a wealthy and safe area with a strong economy. Clever’s Concierge Team can help you compare local agents and find the best expert for your search. The small suburb of Rolling Hills Estates has it all: according to Area Vibes, total crime is 27% lower than the US average, the median household income (which currently stands at $129,728) is 134% higher than the US average, income per capita is 119% higher than the US average, the unemployment rate is 51% lower than the national average, high school graduation rate (an impressive 98%) is 18% higher than the US average, while test rates are 65% higher than the US average. Completing the pretty picture is a stunning lakeside location, an abundance of shops, supermarkets, clothing stores, boutiques, and restaurants, and a supremely low crime rate. Places to Stay The 10 Most Beautiful Cities And Towns In Northern California. 4. Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. If the warm weather and strong job market draw you to Southern California, which city offers the best combination of great schools, low crime, and affordable housing? Public schools have decent ratings, with a few tops-performing schools. Auburn. Placentia is also very diverse, you can meet people with very different backgrounds here. All the amenities you could possibly need are within walking distance, while the opportunities for outdoor fun and games are endless. It’s an up-and-coming area with a hot housing market. Schools are excellent, and, given its divine situation, residents have all the outdoor recreation they could dream of. As Only in Your State reports, this lovely chunk of Los Angeles County offers some of the best schools in the nation (its public high school ranks #1) while its incredibly low crime rate, stunning beachfront location, vibrant community, great parks, and easy access to nearby cities makes for a great standard of living. Quant, picturesque Fullerton is one of the jewels in Orange County’s crown. The nature is very nice to behold and the area is very family-friendly. Chinese Real Estate Investors Take Foothold In the U.S. Piedmont, located in Alameda County, has a population of approximately 12,000 residents and is considered one of the best places to live in California. It’s rated as one of the best places to live in California, with low crime, high median household income, and access to the great outdoors. Schools are exceptional (Bryn Mawr Elementary School, a recent nominee for the National Blue-Ribbon School honor, ranks as one of the best in the state), while crime, unemployment, and poverty are all low. Located at the tip of the Tiburon Peninsula reaching into the San Francisco Bay, Tiburon ranks as the 5th best place to live in California. By far the cheapest option on this list, Yuba City has median home values of $294,700. May, October and April are the most pleasant months in Banning, while July and August are the least comfortable months. The cottages have been open to the public since restoration, which is a great tourist spot, along with the area’s state park. While it doesn’t have a lot of glitz and glamour, Yuba City has nice restaurants and shopping, a water park, and plenty of outdoor activities. Ventura. When NerdWallet crunched the numbers to find the best places for young families in Southern California, four of the top five cities on our list were … It also has a strong economy, with many major corporations calling it home, and job growth. Home to vibrant LA and the family-friendly Orange County, Southern California has something to please everyone. With its village-like feel, stunning surrounds, and a community dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of its excellent setting, it’s got more green spaces than you can shake a stick at. Housing and rent prices throughout California are some the highest in the nation. Median household income is lower than in other Californian cities, at $51,037, and the poverty rate is much higher. As Nerd Wallet reports, the education system in Irvine in almost faultless; in addition to achieving a top score on Great Schools, the city’s schools have great support from the local community, with initiatives such as Challenge Match Grant program matching the exact amount raised by the nonprofit Irvine Public Schools Foundation. Along with the reasonable property prices, the suburb boasts a great location (the popular tourist locations of Knotts Berry Farm and Little Italy are both within easy reach), a desirably low crime rate, an above-average median income of $80,373, a clutch of great schools, and all the amenities and recreational pursuits the 110,043 strong population needs to keep itself thoroughly entertained. Check, check, check. As a repeat city on our 100 Best Places to Live, it’s hard to believe Ventura wouldn’t break the budget. Before beginning your home search, be sure to talk to a local real estate agent to get the inside scoop. If you’re looking for more affordable housing, the median home values in Redlands are $416,400. Although she spends most of her time writing, she also enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, watching films, cooking, dining out, reading, motorsports, gaming, and walking along the beach next to her house with her dog. In addition to being safe, Mission Viejo is also quite picturesque. Check. For those looking to get their foot on the property ladder, the charmingly affordable Murrieta may well be the best place to do it. And the worst place to live in California? Closest metropolitan city: San Francisco, which is roughly 1.5 hours away Sacramento is arguably among the best places to live in California. The flipside to all these great features? In Old Agoura, there are horses everywhere, and the community is friendly. View Homes For Sale in Murrieta The state capital is not only an affordable place to live, but also a vibrant destination packed with fun things to do. If affordable housing is top of your wish list, you may want to cast your eyes in the direction of Loma Linda, where just $333,200 will get you a more than decent family home. Santa Barbara, California. The Best Places to Go Hiking in and Around Redwood, California. Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. This doesn’t mean affordable housing can’t be found. Especially with that stunning harbor view. Crime is low, the median income of $106,353 is high, schools are first-class (Aliso Niguel High School, El Morro Elementary School, Top of the World Elementary School, Thurston Middle School, and Laguna Beach High School are among the best of the best) while the great combination of outdoor and indoor recreational opportunities gives the suburb’s 50,691 residents all they could wish for by way of entertainment. If affordable housing is top of your wish list, you may want to cast your eyes in the direction of Loma Linda, where just $333,200 will get you a more than decent family home. I will highlight my favorite things in purple text. Beautiful vineyards and natural attractions surround one of the safest cities in America. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are entertainment, travel, health, food, celebrities, and pets. It's also one of the safest places to live in Southern California with an A+ ranking for low crime rates on the Area Vibes livability index. According to Area Vibes, these 12 cities are the best places to live in Southern California based on their livability index.What exactly is the livability index? Murietta is only 100 miles from Los Angeles but far from its crime and housing issues. QUICK FACTS. 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