Here Are the Best Places To Live in California in 2024

One thing’s for sure: It’s easy to fall in love with California. For starters, there’s its outdoor beauty. From the beaches to the Yosemite Mountain Range to Lake Tahoe, you’ll have plenty to enjoy across the state — not to mention California has the largest variety of plants and animals of any state. Then there’s the booming entertainment industry and numerous successful tech giants. And that’s only scratching the surface. Sure, the Golden State saw some population decline during the pandemic, but over 125,000 new residents moved to the state in 2022. If you’ve fallen in love, too, here’s our list of the best places to live in California to give you a head start on finding the perfect place for you.

Best Places To Live in California

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly community or a vibrant city with lots of entertainment, there are plenty of top-notch areas to choose from all across the state. To give you a better idea of some of the best places to live in California, though, check out this list of our top contenders before you begin to plan your move.

Irvine isn’t just one of the best places to live in Southern California — it’s one of the best cities to live in the entire country.

1. Irvine, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,150
• Average home value: $1.51M
• Great for: Young professionals, cultural events, beaches

In addition to being home to many immigrants, Irvine is ranked the No. 6 best city to live in America and the No. 7 best suburb in California by Niche — making it one of the best places to live in Southern California. 

The city hosts a wide variety of cultural events and activities that are geared toward showcasing the diversity of its residents, including the Lunar New Year Celebration at the Irvine Spectrum Center and the Ektaa Diwali Festival at Orange County Great Park.

Another great part about living in Irvine? You’re not far from the beach. Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach are all within 30 minutes of Irvine.

Berkeley offers a diverse and lively social scene, ideal for students and young professionals.

3. Berkeley, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,300
• Average home value: $1.47M
• Great for: Young professionals, students, lively atmosphere, cultural events, outdoor recreation

Since the city of Berkeley is home to the University of California (UC), Berkeley, you can expect a diverse and lively social scene within this university space, most ideal for students and young professionals. Not only that, it’s ranked the No. 7 best city for young professionals in America, the No. 11 best suburb to live in California, and the No. 1 healthiest city in America by Niche! 

People's Park and Telegraph Ave. are hotspots where many local residents gather. You can also attend various cultural events, like the Jewish Music Festival and the Berkeley Arts Festival.

The Berkeley Marina also features over 50 acres of water and is the perfect place to stop for an afternoon of boating or to check out the UC Aquatic Center.

4. Pleasanton, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,800
• Average home value: $1.75M
• Great for: Families, singles, job opportunities, dining, museums

Pleasanton is a beautiful city, ranked the No. 10 best suburb to raise a family in California and No. 19 best suburb in California overall by Niche — easily making it one of the best places to live in California for families and singles. It offers a variety of great restaurants and attractions, and the city's central business park, known as the Hacienda Business Park, is home to various companies with over 850 acres of flexible space.

The Museum on Main is a must-visit, which is located in downtown Pleasanton and features exhibits that showcase the region's past. And for good eats, a great local restaurant is Pastas Trattoria, which has been serving up delicious Italian dishes for over 20 years. 

The city of Palo Alto is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, and is considered one of the “Best Suburbs to Live in California.”

5. Palo Alto, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,425
• Average home value: $3.59M
• Great for: Families, students, outdoor recreation, job opportunities

The city of Palo Alto is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, and it's No. 13 on Niche’s list for “Best Suburbs to Live in California.” It’s most known for its variety of green space and top-notch educational options, like nearby Stanford University. It has also become a vital part of the region's tech industry due to its large contracts and low-tax environment.
One of the most popular green spaces in the area is the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, which features various areas for people and animals to run, play, and enjoy the views.

You can also take a day trip to San Fran to the marshlands of the Baylands Nature Preserve — perfect for bird-watching and kayaking.

6. Davis, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,775
• Average home value: $901,700
• Great for: Young professionals, students, arts, culture, outdoor space, affordable homes

Home to the University of California, Davis, this exciting college town is an ideal place to settle down for students and young professionals, in particular, due to its lively atmosphere. Its No. 1 ranking on Niche’s list for “Best Suburbs to Live in the Sacramento Area” doesn’t hurt either. 

With a rich arts and culture scene, residents of Davis are treated to a variety of top-notch museums, including the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art and the Pence Gallery. There are plenty of abundant local parks and green spaces, as well, when you’re in the mood for some relaxation and fresh air, including Slide Hill Park and Central Park. And the options are virtually endless for when you’re in the mood for a bite to eat in the area, including the popular Symposium Restaurant & Pizza House. 

With a relaxed atmosphere and close proximity to both the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Downtown L.A., Torrance has no trouble attracting new residents.

7. Torrance, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,425
• Average home value: $1.22M
• Great for: Families, students, shopping, performing arts, educational opportunities

Located in Los Angeles County's South Bay region, the city of Torrance is one of the best places to live in California for beautiful beaches. It’s close to the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Downtown Los Angeles, and the community's relaxed atmosphere makes it quite easy to attract new residents — especially families and students. 

Niche has it ranked No. 22 on its list for “Best Cities to Live in America.” It’s also the No. 4 healthiest city in America, the No. 12 best city to retire in America, and the No. 13 city with the best public schools in America, making it a great place for anyone to consider moving.

In addition to its beautiful beaches, the city also offers plenty of things to do, including shopping at the Del Amo Fashion Center, which is regarded as one of the most prominent shopping malls in the country. The James R. Armstrong Theatre also holds over 500 people and hosts everything from professional productions to film screenings.

And one of the best universities for students looking to further their education in the area is El Camino College. Other universities such as California State University at Carson and Loyola Marymount University are also within driving distance. 

8. Santa Clara, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,075
• Average home value: $1.72M
• Great for: Families, students, entertainment, educational opportunities

Situated in California's Silicon Valley, Santa Clara is known for its world-class tech companies and outstanding universities. So it’s no surprise that it’s also ranked No. 9 on Niche’s list for “Best Cities for Young Professionals in America.” 

In addition to art centers and museums, Santa Clara has a variety of other entertainment and cultural activities. For instance, the Triton Museum of Art features works by established and emerging artists, while the Santa Clara Convention Center hosts various events throughout the year.

And due to its reputation for providing high-quality education, Santa Clara has become a popular choice for students looking to further their intellectual growth. One of the most prominent universities in the country is the local Santa Clara University. 

Santa Monica is the place to be if you’re looking for a home that overlooks (or is at least close to) beautiful beaches and blue waters.

9. Santa Monica, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,925
• Average home value: $1.74M
• Great for: Families, retirees, beaches, farmers markets, restaurants

By far one of the most picturesque cities close to Los Angeles — not to mention the No. 1 best suburb to live in California, according to Niche — Santa Monica is the place to be if you’re looking for a home that overlooks (or is at least close to) beautiful beaches and blue waters! With a stretch of over 3 miles of sand to explore, along with rides and plenty of shopping opportunities, the Santa Monica Pier is a must-visit after your move. But if you’re looking to avoid larger crowds, though, you can always head to the quieter Will Rogers State Beach to the north.

Besides the beautiful outdoor recreation, Santa Monica also boasts plenty of top-notch farmers markets and restaurants. Check out 3rd Street Promenade if you’re looking for the best fresh food, or head to Main Street and dine at a lovely seafood restaurant like Crudo E Nudo. 

10. Sunnyvale, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,000
• Average home value: $2.11M
• Great for: Families, outdoor recreation, performing arts, dining

Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, the city of Sunnyvale is approximately 12 miles northwest of Santa Clara and 48 miles from downtown San Francisco. Some of its borders include Fremont, Mountain View, Cupertino, and East Palo Alto. It’s also ranked No. 11 on Niche’s list of “Best Cities to Raise a Family in America.”

The historic Murphy Avenue in downtown Sunnyvale is a great place to eat and shop, and the city's Ponderosa Park has picnic areas, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and more. The Sunnyvale Theatre is also a great performing arts center for families to visit in the city, as it features various events like comedy shows and concerts.

In Newport Beach, there are plenty of waterfront estates and seaside cottages designed to appeal to different tastes.

11. Newport Beach, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,625
• Average home value: $3.37M
• Great for: Retirees, beautiful waterfront estates, outdoor recreation, laid-back environment

One of the best places to live in Southern California, Newport Beach offers the opportunity to experience the many wonders of nature. You can sunbathe on the beach, surf, or simply sit by the water and watch the sunset, for example. And the laid-back environment of Newport Beach compared to other communities? That makes it especially suitable for retirees! 

The neighborhoods in Newport Beach also truly feel like they're part of a luxury community. There are plenty of waterfront estates and seaside cottages designed to appeal to different tastes. And the city has miles of coastline and numerous parks, like West Jetty View Park, that are ideal for a variety of outdoor activities.

12. Hermosa Beach, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,150
• Average home value: $2.22M
• Great for: Families, community engagement, public schools, housing variety, breweries

Hermosa Beach is ranked No. 2 on Niche’s list of “Best Suburbs to Live in California,” but it’s also one of the friendliest communities you can choose from in the entire state of California.  You’ll come across approachable and inviting neighbors as well as plenty of exciting community engagement events, including the Fiesta Hermosa. 

And with an overall A+ grade on Niche, families residing in Hermosa Beach can rely on local public schools from the Hermosa Beach City School District for quality education. 

Looking for a great local brewery? Hermosa Brewing Company and The Brews Hall Hermosa Beach are must-tries! 

Carlsbad is home to one of San Diego’s most popular beaches — Carlsbad State Beach.

14. Albany, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,550
• Average home value: $1.28M
• Great for: Young professionals, horse racing, arts, culture, outdoor recreation

The community of Albany isn’t just the site of the only commercial horse race track in the entire Bay area. Its vibrant atmosphere also makes it a place where residents can enjoy a unique arts and culture scene along with beautiful local parks. The Abrams Claghorn Gallery, for example, features a diverse selection of home goods, art, and various pieces created by local artists. And if you’re looking for the perfect way to spend a relaxing day, consider relaxing by the beach and taking in the magnificent views of Albany Hill Park.

San Francisco's mild weather is one of the city's many draws, with warm summer temperatures and mild winters.
(Source: Daniel Abadia via Unsplash)

15. San Francisco, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,275
• Average home value: $1.3M
• Great for: Young professionals, outdoor recreation, mild weather, educational opportunities

While there are plenty of other options nearby, living directly in San Francisco is truly the experience of a lifetime! And San Francisco isn’t just one of the best places to live in Northern California. It’s also ranked No. 17 on Niche’s list for “Best Cities to Live in America.” It’s known for its natural beauty, with panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, and the city's surrounding mountains and hills. The city also has several green spaces, such as The Presidio and Golden Gate Park.

San Francisco's mild weather is also regarded as one of the city's draws, with warm summer temperatures and mild winters. The city's proximity to the water helps keep the temperature moderate.

Young professionals may want to seek San Francisco for job opportunities, as the city is known for its innovation in various fields, such as healthcare, clean energy, and biotech. It’s also home to world-class medical facilities and research institutions. 

16. San Ramon, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,575
• Average home value: $1.7M
• Great for: Young professionals, families, entertainment, outdoor recreation

San Ramon is a rapidly growing city within the East Bay region of California. It has plenty of places to visit that are sure to appeal to people moving to the area, one of these being the Glass House Museum, which is a historic home that even offers education programs for younger children. 

The Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center and Front Row Theatre are among the premier performing arts venues in San Ramon. And if you're looking for a place to get some fresh air, there are a variety of vibrant parks and green spaces in the city, which include the Del Mar Dog Park and San Ramon Central Park.

Moving to One of the Best Places To Live in California

Whether you’ve chosen the laid-back beach town of Newport Beach, the cultural hub of Irvine, or the major metropolis of San Francisco, you can’t go wrong with also choosing PODS to help you get to your new California home. With a portable moving container delivered right to your driveway, you can easily load up all of your belongings on your own time. Even better, one month of storage is included in the move, adding even more flexibility!

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.