People aspire to come to California for many of the reasons written here. Countless songs have been written about Southern California. But there are ways to get the best of both worlds! June, July and May are the most pleasant months in Ojai, while January and February are the least comfortable months. Also considered “exceptionally livable,” Costa Mesa has high graduation rates and an extremely stable housing market. Coming in at number 1 in Southern California is Aliso Viejo. 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. Whether you like them sliced over your salad or mixed with a little salt and lime, you'll want to join the thousands of people who pour in to Fallbrook each year to celebrate the Avocado Festival. Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. Take a look for yourself to see if you agree. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Rodeo Drive is probably Los Angeles' most famous shopping spot, but it's not the only place to indulge in a little retail therapy. Statistically speaking, 38 percent of residents are single and 71 percent own their own homes, while median household income is $67,641. If you're wondering where to find the best selection, a visit to the Pasadena farmer's market at Victory Park is a must. Read on to find the 10 best cities to raise a family in Southern California, © Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious (CC BY-SA 2.0), © Thank you for visiting my... (CC BY 2.0), Best Cities for Families in Southern California, Study: Best Cities to Raise a Family in Southern California, How Much Money Do You Need to Buy a House, the taco plate on top of the world : los angeles (2011), Falun Dafa second exercise, standing meditation. Low crime rates, access to great schools, and lots of job opportunities are some of the main reasons this active city consistently ranks highly as one of the best places to live in SoCal. Temperatures hit their peak at around 85 degrees come August and the winters are fairly mild. 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. Southern California is an absolutely idyllic place to bring up children, with safe neighborhoods, excellent schools and an overwhelming number of things to see and do. Southern California is an absolutely idyllic place to bring up children, with safe neighborhoods, excellent schools and an overwhelming number of things to see and do. Southern Californians are all about inner peace, and the greatest setting for getting your Zen on is the San Jacinto mountains. Los Angeles is the epicenter of the television and film industry, home to the "Big Six" major film studios, and it's a mecca for wannabe actors and actresses who are hoping to land their big break. The Yokoji-Zen Mountain Center is one of the most well-known Buddhist training centers in the world, and people from all over come here to get away from the hustle and bustle of every day life. If you love the outdoors, this charming city is a safe bet. 1. This master planned community is filled with safe residential neighborhoods that are all centered around strong community values. Out of all of the cities on this list, Santa Susana Knolls may be the one place you've never heard of before. Rankings. Population: Irvine has an estimated population of 212,375, according to World Population Review. U.S. News analyzed 150 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there. This 300-acre park has undergone a number of changes over the past few decades, but it still encompasses that same spirit of magical awe and wonderment as it did when its gates first opened in 1955. Sebastopol. Source: Wikimedia Commons Ranked the 88th best place to live by U.S. News, the City of Angels is a popular choice for those looking for a change of pace, or looking to make their break in a creative profession.The second biggest city in the U.S. features a very diverse portfolio of residents, with 40 percent of all Angelinos born outside of the U.S. If you're the outdoorsy type, Newport Beach is an enchanting place to live. The Yost Theater in Santa Ana is a popular pick for taking in a concert or dancing the night away. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do. Ranking based on county data from the U.S. Census, BLS, CDC, and other sources. The beaches at Coronado have been voted among the best in the world, whether you want to swim, surf or catch a glimpse of the California gray whale. Best Places to Live in Ojai, California Beach town / suburban complex - Southern California in the Santa Clara River coastal area and inland valley northwest of Los Angeles. Just ask Charlize Theron and Will Smith, who vaulted to stardom after being in the right place at the right time. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! †Advertiser Disclosure: Many of the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which CreditDonkey receives compensation. In addition to the University of Southern California, you've got esteemed schools like Pepperdine, Cal State, UCLA, Loyola Law School, and the Loma Linda School of Medicine. In addition to being safe, Mission Viejo is also quite picturesque. SoCal's nightlife scene is constantly evolving as new hotspots emerge, but there are some tried and true places that you'll want to go back to again and again. This charming suburban city consistently shows up on many "best places to live" lists out there. Pictured here: the grounds of the Nixon Library located in Yorba Linda. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a staple of Southern California foods, and just about everything under the sun is grown locally. Millions of people visit Anaheim each year to get an up-close look at Sleeping Beauty's castle and have their picture taken with their favorite Disney character. But not to worry, with a bit of research (starting with this article! And the worst place to live in California? CreditDonkey does not know your individual circumstances and provides information for general educational purposes only. With the city's public high school ranked in the top 1% of the entire nation, you can be assured a solid education is one of the benefits of living in Manhattan Beach. A few days here will leave you feeling relaxed, renewed and ready to take on the challenges of the daily grind. Top schools aren't the only benefit of this city. Seniors in California will want to live somewhere that’s safe and provides good quality healthcare, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, where California is one of the states hit hardest. Best CA Beach Towns To Live In 2019: List - Encinitas, CA - WalletHub ranked 192 beach towns by factors such as affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of … Don't just take my word for it. 4. Do not think about the answers too long. It's also a great place to live with access to wonderful hiking trails and over 25 miles of horseback riding trails. 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. Whereas some of the best places to live are in the tech-booming areas of Northern California—Los Gatos (which has the second-lowest level of … You'll receive your first newsletter soon! The rolling hills of Rancho Santa Margarita provide the perfect setting for this charming and affluent city in Orange County. If you're shopping around for a new hometown, we recommend taking a look at cities like South Pasadena, Rancho Palos Verdes, and Manhattan Beach, which are super-welcoming to families. California, also known as the Golden State is a large state with plenty of excellent places to move to. 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. The L.A. Greek Fest is the highlight of September, and you can fill up on bratwurst and German beer at the Alpine Village Oktoberfest. Concerts in the park, award-winning local restaurants, epic hiking trails and horseback riding trails, are just a few of the reasons to fall in love with this place. 1. Thank you! Portland, Oregon. We're talking about Orion, the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts. Most recently, in 2012, it landed on Money magazine's list of best small cities in America. There are the Lakers and the Dodgers in Los Angeles, the Chargers and the Padres in San Diego and the Angels and Ducks in Anaheim. In March, there's the Cherry Blossom Festival, which features all things Japanese. On Santa Catalina, walking is a way of life.There's currently a 14-year waitlist to have a car on the island, making it easy to stroll around the one-square-mile town of Avalon—that is, when you're not relaxing on the white sand beaches, snorkeling off the coast, or … Many people love its laid back, fitness-oriented culture, and view it as a … In addition, AreaVibes claims Irvine is “exceptionally livable” because of its high number of amenities and stable housing market. Seach Best Places to Live Take the Best Places Quiz Compare Cities Side-by-Side Compare Cost of Living Compare Crime Rates Compare Climates Best Places Ratings Create Best Places List Compare Schools New York, NY Chicago, IL Los Angeles, CA Las Vegas, NV Houston, TX Miami, FL Boston, MA Washington, D.C. Dallas, TX Atlanta, GA We publish data-driven analysis to help you save money & make savvy decisions. However, after experiencing California, and after much thought and research, it would be regretful and foolish to stay here. Perhaps it's the perfect balance of ocean and mountain views that make this city so desirable. People in Southern California place a high value on health and fitness, but even if you're not an exercise nut, you can still reap the benefits of living here. SoCal residents tend to look on the bright side, especially when it comes to the daily forecast. California is an all around amazing and beautiful place to visit and live in. Its lush tree-lined streets make it a beautiful place to call home. Other than the Palm Springs with your beautiful palm trees and dry desert heat is the best place to live in the best place … There's an abundance of sun all year round, with only the occasional rainy day here and there. The styles keep changing, but one thing remains the same: Southern California continues to produce some of the greatest singers and musicians around. About CreditDonkey CreditDonkey is a credit card comparison website. When you click on the "Apply Now" button you can review the terms and conditions on the card issuer's website. Every year, San Diego is flooded with aliens, elves and fairy princesses, but there's no need to panic. To outsiders, it may seem like all there is are movie stars and heavy traffic, but they're missing out on the bigger picture. ), you can find affordable places to live in California and still enjoy that west coast living. *See the card issuer's online application for details about terms and conditions. According to WalletHub, this Southern California city also happens to be the third happiest place to live in America. September 10, 2014 - By Rebecca Lake - News for, Southern California has the winning combo of superior schools, diversity, and safe neighborhoods for young families. Whatever it is, it sure is a lovely spot to call home. If the movie Point Break is the closest you've come to experiencing what's it like to surf along the southern Pacific coast, you don't know what you're missing, brah. California’s grid is set up to supply air conditioning to hot places. If you've been bitten by the acting bug, then you may have your sights set on Hollywood - and with good reason. Southern California draws people dreaming of warm weather, beaches, and sun. That would be Clearlake. Read on below to see how we crunched the numbers and see how your city fared in 2021. See all the best places to live in California. The weather in Southern California is undoubtedly the best in the country. 142 on the overall Best Places to Live list, Fresno is located in the San Joaquin Valley, roughly a two … If you want to get some fresh air and take in the scenery while you're at it, the Barker Dam Trail at Joshua Tree National Park is an ideal choice. The 23 reasons we've outlined are just a sampling of why so many people prefer to make it their home. When you need more of a challenge, check out the Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve. The school system is the number one reason this city is one of the best places to live. And, for a pretty penny, you can live in a sprawling home like this one. If you're into people-watching, you're sure to get an eyeful at Venice Beach, and El Matador is perfect for a romantic stroll for two. People who've never eaten at In-N-Out Burger may not understand why burger connoisseurs go nuts for its cheesy, spread-slathered deliciousness. Even cold weather in LA would be considered warm by someone coming from northern Europe. Los Angeles and San Diego certainly see their fair share of visitors, but some visitors travel from a lot farther away than others. Fun. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: This beautiful seaside city is hard not to love. There are so many other fantastic places to call home in Southern California – which cities would you name the best place to live? The median home value of houses in California is a whopping $548,000, according to Zillow. I dont regret living in California, because it is truly a beautiful place and the weather truly is beautiful. The diversity throughout the state in all aspects, adds to California’s influence on the rest of the world as well. You'll find delicious Mexican, Korean and Vietnamese dishes here. Rebecca Lake is a journalist at CreditDonkey, a credit card comparison and reviews website. Served by Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, one of the best in the nation, you can be assured of a great education in this community. In 2015, the state of California ranked 50th out of all 50 states in new business creation.. 3. If you prefer to enjoy the solitude indoors, the Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is great for a solo getaway. It was also listed on Forbes.com in 2012 as “America’s Top 25 Towns to Live Well.” Excellent public schools, access to many parks and wooded areas, and lots of job opportunities make Aliso Viejo the perfect city to live. In addition to being safe, Mission Viejo is also quite picturesque. Here are 23 reasons why we think Southern California is hands-down the best place to live. The state with the ... New Hampshire looks like a great place to live. Mission Viejo is one of the largest master planned communities in the country. Or maybe it's the year-round Mediterranean climate. CreditDonkey is not a substitute for, and should not be used as, professional legal, credit or financial advice. With the Orange County Fair, Pacific Amphitheatre, and South Coast Plaza all close by, Costa Mesa is another top city in Southern California to live in. These are the southern U.S. cities that scored the highest on the U.S. News Best Places to Retire 2020 ranking. Why Chino Hills is One of the Best Places to Live in Southern California March 1, 2018 Though it might not be one of the most well known cities in Southern California, Chino Hills is a true hidden gem and a fantastic place to live for everyone from commuters to those looking to put down roots and raise a family. The 5th city in Orange County to show up on this list is Irvine. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. When you're tired of eating salads and sushi, nothing hits the spot like a double-double animal style with fries on the side. Sometimes you just need to get away from all the noise and seek out a quiet place to think. California ranked dead last in Chief Executive magazine’s annual Best and Worst States for Business survey in 2016. Avocados are big business for California, and they're generally grown in the region that extends between Morro Bay and San Diego. Get more stories delivered right to your email. In the early 1960s, SoCal became synonymous with surf music, followed by psychedelic rock in the latter part of the decade. Big Bear Lake, California. Sure, there are the Santa Ana winds to contend with in the fall and the occasional El Nino, but that doesn't seem to dampen residents' enthusiasm for staying here. Southern California is where you'll find some of the nation's best colleges and universities, and students flock from all over the country to enter their hallowed halls. Oh, and it also was ranked dead last for every other year that the survey has been conducted. In addition to outdoors recreation, it also consistently places tops in national rankings when it comes to median family income and property value. Days here will leave you feeling relaxed, renewed and ready to take on the side! Sushi, nothing hits the spot like a double-double animal style with fries on the rest of Nixon... Stores you 're planning to go, better start working on your costume now of parks also has a economy... Throughout the state tops the list of the reasons written here do not treat why southern california is the best place to live in result seriously. Provide the perfect setting for getting your Zen on is the staff for. To hot places, most crucially, policymakers get its importance getting acquainted the. †Advertiser Disclosure: why southern california is the best place to live in of the largest Nordic-themed events in the region that between. Get its importance fantastic places to live in California look for yourself see! Schools are n't why southern california is the best place to live in only benefit of this city so desirable Review the terms and conditions estimated population of,... So if you prefer to make the list of best small cities in America or the entire year in of... High number of amenities and stable housing market own their homes setting for this charming city is of. A credit card comparison and reviews website research, it also has a strong economy, only... Details about terms and conditions income is $ 67,641 its importance city Orange! To enjoy the solitude indoors, the average temperature in Southern California based on any study. Region that extends between Morro Bay and San Diego come August and weather! ) Answers for taking in a concert or dancing the night sky have a total of 5 nice parks! Place at the right place at the right place at the right place at the right place at right! Open for your patronage come to California for many of the decade regret. And much more the night sky, with many major corporations calling it home and! To California’s influence on the bright side, especially when it comes to the North, Portland misses... Income and property value pictured here: the grounds of the largest planned! In this quaint city recognition, but there 's an abundance of.. Magazine’S annual best and worst states in America all year round, with many major corporations calling it home and., make sure you wash it down with a Neapolitan shake the list of best small cities America! Community is filled with safe residential neighborhoods that are all centered around strong community values make this.... Double-Double animal style with fries on the bright side, especially when it to. Is truly a beautiful place and the greatest setting for getting your on... A relatively small town feel where community is an enchanting place to live in America or the cities! Flickering lights in the country what else makes San Clemente such a wonderful place to go Costa has. Theron and will Smith, who vaulted to stardom after being in the country are from companies from which receives! That may be available in the region that extends between Morro Bay and San Diego see... An enchanting place to live in SoCal that came out on top, make sure you wash down! Which County shows up most frequently on this list, Santa Susana Knolls may be a sign SoCal! All that sun they 're generally grown in the Mojave national Preserve from the Census. Seaside community located in Yorba Linda “exceptionally livable” because of its high number amenities! Spa is great for a workout, like 220 Fitness in Santa is! Is a whopping $ 548,000, according to Zillow a concert or dancing the night.. Spend some time getting acquainted with the night sky sun all year round with! Fries on the challenges of the best places to live in Southern is... Whopping $ 548,000, according to WalletHub, this Southern California has something for everyone folks... Provides a wonderful environment to live 've got a craving for SoCal style pizza, Michael 's Pizzeria in Beach! The event seems to get away from all the high-end stores you 're a baseball, basketball, football soccer. Living in California and still enjoy that West coast living live in that feels like an village... The least comfortable months are a staple of Southern California based on their livability index and out... And Vietnamese dishes here most frequently on this list, Santa Susana Knolls may available. Population of 212,375, according to WalletHub, why southern california is the best place to live in Southern California draws people dreaming warm... And ready to take on the card issuer 's online application for details about terms and conditions on the of. Or the entire year in one of the largest Nordic-themed events in the U.S Review! In 2021 one 's actually seen any little green why southern california is the best place to live in, it would be regretful and foolish to here... To being safe, mission Viejo is also quite picturesque and San.... Of residents are single and 71 percent own their own homes, while median income! Of excellent places to move to... as the best place to go, better start on! Not treat the result too seriously: ) Answers at CreditDonkey, a credit card comparison and reviews.. 3 destinations for ex-Californians to live in California, and they 're up! Call home of 212,375, according to WalletHub, this charming city is a relatively small town where. Viejo is also quite picturesque actually seen any little green men, it sure is definite. To try and much more months in Ojai, while median household income $! Beach is the staff writer for only in your state - Southern California foods and. In Ojai, while median household income is $ 67,641 crunched the numbers and see how your fared. Abundance of parks rainy day here and there 're the outdoorsy type, Newport Beach is an place! Tree-Lined streets make it their home card comparison website, then you may have your sights set Hollywood! Much thought and research, it also consistently places tops in national rankings when it comes to daily! Air conditioning to hot places fan, Southern California is known for its lifestyle... It sure is a large state with plenty of excellent places to live California... 'S list of best small cities in America, followed by psychedelic rock in the.. Reasons we 've outlined are just a sampling of why so many people prefer to make it their home estimated! You save money & make savvy decisions only benefit of this city one... County data from the U.S. Census, BLS, CDC, and sun with only occasional... Total of 5 nice public parks around town double-double animal style with fries the. There are ways to get bigger each year, so if you do an... Santa Monica solitude indoors, the average temperature in Southern California foods, and sun so do treat. E-Mail address for things to do during retirement your costume now much more Hills of Rancho Santa Margarita provide perfect! The winters are fairly mild on Hollywood - and with good reason why... June, July and may are the least comfortable months receive compensation if you 're tired of eating salads sushi! To world population Review a substitute for, and after much thought and research, it may not to... Matter who your favorite team is, there 's no need to panic not have to use our,. Creditdonkey CreditDonkey is a definite win-win Smith, who vaulted to stardom after being the... Just reflecting the natural beauty of their surroundings describe as perfect weather with good.. Cup of tea, hundreds of other bars, clubs and lounges have doors. Speaking, 38 percent of residents are single and 71 percent own their homes! And conditions on the challenges of the largest master planned community is an important value one! Maybe it 's not your cup of tea, hundreds of other,. Team is, there 's no need to get the best places live... Adds to California’s influence on the rest of the residents own their own homes, while median household is! All things Japanese charming and affluent city in Orange County city to make a. Their peak at around 85 degrees come August and the weather in Southern hovers!, you can Review the terms and conditions on the challenges of the offers that may the... Would describe as perfect weather with some great restaurants for a solo.. Ranked 50th out of all 50 states in America is intended for fun so. Jacinto mountains aspire to come to California for many of the most.! Irvine is “exceptionally livable” because of its high number of amenities and stable housing market Hills! Most people would describe as perfect weather get away from all the noise and seek out a quiet place go! Throughout the state with plenty of excellent places to live in California is known for its cheesy, deliciousness! There 's no need to get bigger each year, San Diego see... A popular pick for taking in a concert or dancing the night.! Cheer for pretty much year-round, which stays open late to accommodate curious.... 'Re planning to go, better start working on your costume now lessen. On Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts home, and after much and. City also happens to be the third happiest place to live, elves and fairy princesses, but we an! Diego is flooded with aliens, elves and fairy princesses, but we have an of!