Santa Cruz. By far the cheapest option on this list, Yuba City has median home values of $294,700. Look at our list of six cities to consider when moving to Southern California. 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. People seeking to move should know this from the start. Find a great home with the help of a Clever Partner Agent. Overall a great experience in this small city and a great place to call home,” … so say’s one resident of Placentia on Niche, and with the suburb’s great school system, friendly community, and diverse range of amenities, it would be hard to disagree with either the enthusiasm or the truth of the town’s motto of “A Pleasant Place to Live”. But with a median household income of $66,485 and median home value at $428,600, that’s not too bad by California standards. Below, we’ve listed the top Southern California cities to live in. If you like nature, you’re going to love Calabasas. Adults will enjoy nights out at one of its many restaurants and bars. Lake Forest has a great public school system with a graduation rate of 95.8%. 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. Many people love its laid back, fitness-oriented culture, and view it as a healthy place to live. Ventura. Don't miss St. Joseph's Day Fiesta in March, a celebration of the migratory return of the cliff swallows. Population growth and limited housing inventory have contributed to creating one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. In addition to being safe, Mission Viejo is also quite picturesque. The seaside community located in Orange County is one of the best places to live in California. Chinese Real Estate Investors Take Foothold In the U.S. Places to Stay The 10 Most Beautiful Cities And Towns In Northern California. Median home values are $710,000. Furthermore, the neighborhood is very safe, with a low crime rate. It also has a strong economy, with many major corporations calling it home, and job growth. 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. 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. Things like education, employment, housing, crime rate, income, weather, and amenities in the … QUICK FACTS. But then again, no one ever said the good life comes for free…, Property in the LA suburb of Agoura Hills may cost a whopping $745,000, but it’s a price that’s more than countered by the sublimely high $116,652 median household income. 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). Life can get pretty hectic, especially with the holidays right around the corner. Public schools have decent ratings, with a few tops-performing schools. Read on below to see how we crunched the numbers and see how your city fared in 2021. There are many coffee shops and parks, and the schools are highly rated. Adults will enjoy nights out at one of its many restaurants and bars. Cypress may only be 6.6 square miles, but this little town packs a mighty punch. 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. 2. For those looking to get their foot on the property ladder, the charmingly affordable Murrieta may well be the best place to do it. 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. The community is friendly, tight-knit and active, while the range of amenities and services are beyond fault. 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. 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. 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 looking for more affordable housing, the median home values in Redlands are $416,400. 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. “There are mountain views everywhere, great hiking spots and the houses and neighborhoods are very nice. The schools are really good in the area and there persists a feeling of community.”. Home to vibrant LA and the family-friendly Orange County, Southern California has something to please everyone. Quant, picturesque Fullerton is one of the jewels in Orange County’s crown. In some parts of the US, $367,400 may be considered a massive price to pay for a 3-bedroom family home. The nature is very nice to behold and the area is very family-friendly. Median household income is $96,963, and the city has a low poverty rate. Located south of Irvine, home prices are a little more affordable in Lake Forest. With it’s award winning schools and small town feel Murrieta has become one of the best places to raise a family in southern California! 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. 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. Outdoor enthusiasts, meanwhile, are equally well catered to thanks to the city’s excellent proximity to the beach, the mountains, the dessert, and a clutch of national parks. 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. That would be Clearlake. 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 … 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. But there are ways to get the best of both worlds! San Diego is known for its great weather, beaches, famous nightlife, and a melting pot of cultures. History A Brief History of Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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. 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