My partner was in a similar position after getting a job offer that entailed moving to California.
Thats actually how we met!
I grew up in San Diego and have lived in California my whole life.
Best Places to Live in California (Shutterstock/Marek Masik)
After my husbands move to California, weve both found ourselves pleasantly content in the state.
California has a laid-back culture thats hard to leave behind.
Below is the list he came up with prior to deciding on where to live in California.
I hope you find this list useful!
Dont hesitate to reach out with questions, wereherehappy to help.
I like to think of San Francisco as Californias economic heart, this is where the action happens.
Living in San Diego | (Shutterstock/f11photo)
Youll be rubbing elbows with a unique blend of folks!
Its hard to explain in words, but to me, San Francisco feels authentic.
It doesnt venture to be something its not.
Living in Los Angeles (shutterstock/marek masik)
Rather, its an interesting mix of ambition and enjoyment, providing a little taste of everything.
In terms of climate, the weather is pleasant year-round, with wet/chilly winters but mild summers.
The access to nature is one of the reasons San Francisco is one of the best cities in California.
Living in San Jose | (Shutterstock/UladzikKryhin)
), hiking, biking, water sport, etc.
The weather tends to be mild, with average year-round temperatures hovering between 66-78F.
The dry and warm, year-round sunshine that makes it a joy to be outside every season.
Full of life, entertainment, endless shopping and award-winning restaurants, youll be spoiled for choice in LA.
Which is why many Californians consider LA one of the best places to live in California.
Granted, the city isnt for everyone.
The endless shopping is matched by endless traffic (some of the worst in the country).
Likewise, theres a handful of disadvantages to city living, like higher crime rates and homelessness.
High paying jobs means high median home prices, and this city checks both boxes.
Sacramento
Sacramento seems to be gracing many lists of the best cities to live in California.
Once a sleepier city, the state capital seems more exciting and grown up than ever.
Lower than average home prices seem to be enticing young families and home buyers to the area.
Being the states capital has some advantages, chief among them is employment.
Sacramento has one of the lowest unemployment rates of all the cities in California.
Between government, healthcare and tech, youll find good-paying jobs easier to come by.
Apart from jobs, another huge draw of living in Sacramento is the outdoor recreation.
Theres an incredible 32-mile bike trail that can get anyone excited about riding a bike.
Plus, the airport makes international travel a breeze.
All told, Sacramento is one of the best places to live in California for young families.
And while the city is admittedly land-locked, that doesnt mean you wont have access to the coast.
However, I love the diversity of this California city and the fact that its mostly working class.
Theres also a lot of local gems to discover.
From hole-in-the-wall restaurants to art galleries and antique shops.
Irvine
When considering where to live in California, Irvine should be a consideration.
One of the most visited cities in California, Anaheim is the home of Disneyland!
But Disneyland aside, Anaheim has a lot to offer.
First, youll get easy access to everything the greater Los Angeles area has to offer.
Best Small Cities to Live in California
California cities with a population ofup to200,000 residents.
Everything about this city points to Mediterranean-style living.
From the white stucco buildings with red-tile roofs to the mild year-round sunshine.
Speaking from personal experience, Santa Barbara is one of the best cities in California to live inandvisit.
The city if full of interesting art galleries, upscale boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants and award-winning wineries.
Expect decent nightlife and trendy bars alongside plenty of working cafes.
The Old Pasadena town center is a lively district full of shopping, dinning and great Victorian architecture.
Hosting fun concerts in the summer and great farmers markets nearly year-round, the city offers something for everyone.
The breathtaking scenery is worth calling out as well.
But with median home prices averaging $1.1million, make no mistake that living in paradise wont come cheap.
Sonoma
Sonoma is best known for being Californias famous wine region, Sonoma Valley.
The town is marked by beautiful 19th-century abode buildings that were once used by the Mexican military.
But the charming architecture and colonial-style square arent even the biggest draw.
No, that honor belongs to the 400+ wineries within city limits.
A mere 30 miles north of San Francisco, Sonoma excused coveted small town charm few can resist.
Living in Sonoma is seldom a boring affair.
Newport Beach
Newport Beach is a hot spot for easy-going locals, surfers and tourists.
Theres a reason this is one of the most popular coastal cities in California.
Redlands
Redlands seems like a hidden gem when it comes to most charming cities in California.
Tucked within breathtaking San Bernardino Mountains, Redlands is a quaint college town through and through.
Expect the perks of college towns if you choose to settle down in this great California city.
From creative festivals, numerous events, concerts and farmers markets.
