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Berkeley
City in California
110
3 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: Berkeley is a wonderful city full of an interesting, open-minded and intelligent group of people. The city is very culturally diverse and open to accepting anyone from anywhere. The food scene is to die for and if organically grown is what you live by, look no further than Berkeley grocery stores, farmers markets and more. One small down side would be the lack of club life (for the younger folks), there are however many perfectly adequate bars as well a little college student scene on Telegraph Avenue. Overall, I highly recommend living here or going to school here if accepted!
Read 110 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
118,585 Population
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Irvine
City in California
271
10 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: Irvine is probably one of the safest, cleanest, and greenest cities in CA (if not, in the US)! It is located in Orange County, so it's really easy to go up to LA area or drive down to San Diego. Irvine is home to a lot of high-ranking schools like the University of California Irvine (UCI), Concordia University, Irvine Valley College, the Orange County Center of the University of Southern California (USC), and campuses of California State University Fullerton (CSUF), University of La Verne, and Pepperdine University. This city is really beautiful with streets dotted with flowers and trees. It is very quiet and all neighborhoods are well-maintained. There's a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Read 271 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
246,992 Population
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San Francisco
City in California
520
15 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: What I love most about San Francisco is the diversity in the neighborhoods, the cultures, and the people. Every neighborhood is different; the Sunset is full of quiet little homes and joyful families, the Mission has the best burritos and rich culture, Downtown is abuzz with technology companies and busy shoppers, and the Haight is alive with groovy style, artists and throwback shops. San Francisco is truly a beautiful city and a must-visit!
Read 520 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
850,282 Population
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- 2018 Best Places to Live
- SponsoredHow Much Home Can You Afford?
- 2018 Safest Cities
Sunnyvale
City in California
190
19 Best Cities to Live in America
Former Resident: Sunnyvale is a family friendly town with a cute mom and pop downtown full of funky restaurants and stores. The newly developed addition to downtown is more modern, with Philz coffee, luxury apartments and Orangetheory Fitness. The Saturday farmer's market is wonderful with friendly vendors and great quality produce, artisan jewelry and the quaint food trucks that have been in attendance for the past 15 years and some newer ones on the foodie fad.
Read 190 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
149,596 Population
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Carlsbad
City in California
277
28 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: The scenery is beautiful, you're right next to to the ocean and you're surrounded by some of the best southern California towns including: Encinitas, Del Mar, & Orange county. It's a great place to raise a family or start a business!
Read 277 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
112,008 Population
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Torrance
City in California
184
30 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: I love Torrance because of it's cool coastal weather. It's a couple of miles away from the beach and the weather's always great! In addition, there are so many places to shop and eat around here that you don't need to go far for hardly anything. It's close to some of the most popular beaches of southern California like Redondo, Hermosa and Manhattan Beach. They're all beautiful and clean.
Read 184 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
147,307 Population
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Santa Clara
City in California
165
31 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: The city of Santa Clara has provided our family with many opportunities within the community. The schools within the Santa Clara Unified School District, especially Laurelwood Elementary School, have given our family lifetime friendships and allowed us to become active members within our community. We have been involved in running many events at the local schools such as California History Day, Ice Cream Social, The Nutcracker play and the school's Walk-a-thon fundraiser. To keep our local community together, in 2007 our family started holding an annual Backyard BBQ Talent Show for the local friends and residents. With my rewarding 12 plus years of volunteering in the local schools and hosting local events, I have finally found my true calling, to become an elementary school teacher!
Read 165 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
122,725 Population
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Thousand Oaks
City in California
283
37 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: My experience with Thousand Oaks is that I'm a local resident of the city, from the people to the atmosphere, to the weather the city in a nutshell is fantastic! I've lived here for nearly fifteen-years and haven't looked back. A slight downside to living in Thousand Oaks is the lack of nightlight, meaning it isn't a great place for having fun late out. Lastly, something I think I'd like to be changed in Thousand Oaks is for better local transportation systems to be implemented on a regular basis, rather than a transportation system with very scarce hours.
Read 283 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
128,623 Population
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Pasadena
City in California
150
40 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: Pasadena is a wonderful city! There is all around access to most of the major attractions in southern California. It is a very diverse city with a lot of acceptance, heavily influenced by Los Angeles. Most people you meet on the street or in the store are generally nice and easy to have a conversation with. Pasadena itself is home of the Rose Bowl and offers exciting events year round. Those who live here are proud and happy to do so.
Read 150 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
B
Public Schools
140,268 Population
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- 2018 Best Cities to Buy a House
- 2018 Cities with the Best Public Schools
- 2018 Cities with the Lowest Cost of Living
San Diego
City in California
556
46 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: The weather! There is nothing like San Diego weather all year round. I have travel to Europe and Central Latin America, nothing is compared to San Diego. Living 30 mins from the beach and the mountains. I can wake up and go play in the snow in Julian and drive back to the beach in an hour during December. The night clubs and bars are awesome too. I have never seen such diversity and acceptance in North Park. I am not much of a drinker but I do enjoy walking at night and seen all kinds of different people having.
Read 556 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
1,374,812 Population
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Burbank
City in California
261
54 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: Burbank is a great city to grow up in, and a great city to raise a family. Very safe neighborhood with a small-town feel, but close enough to Los Angeles and other cities that you still get city-living-perks. All public schools are staffed with incredible educators and hands-on administrators. City center has multiple movie theatres, large mall, chain restaurants, family-owned restaurants, and boutiques. Access to work is basically unlimited; many major motion picture and television companies are based in Burbank, CA and are constantly looking to hire. Other fields of work like hospitality, retail, engineering, and childcare are also in high demand for hire. Diversity is really high compared to other cities in the area. Healthy living is heavily promoted, from farmer's markets to bike paths and public access to gyms, tracks, and pools. Overall, Burbank is an incredible place to live! Anyone would be lucky to be a resident of this amazing town.
Read 261 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
104,583 Population
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Roseville
City in California
126
64 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: Roseville is an amazing area to live in overall. There are nice restaurants, parks, a great mall, etc. I feel super safe here rather than any other area. They are definitely doing a great job with the area and the community is growing tremendously! I would recommend this area to anyone and everyone because I am sure they would love it as well. It’s a great area to raise children especially with all the amazing schools nearby! 10/10 would recommend!
Read 126 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
128,276 Population
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Glendale
City in California
119
75 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: Glendale quickly became my home after my move in 2005. Its a city that thrives on cultural awareness, acceptance, and family values. A place so welcoming you can walk down the street and say hello to a random stranger on any given day. The heart of the city has become the epicenter of vast job opportunities and a place to get out and experience the many authentic, culturally vast flavors our restaurants have to offer. So whether you're looking to have a good time, just passing by or looking to move here, Glendale is a place you will quickly come to love!
Read 119 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
197,895 Population
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Costa Mesa
City in California
104
82 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: Costa Mesa has been home to me on and off for the past 25 years. There is plenty to do in this city; from summer time fun at the OC fair to pumpkin patches off of Harbor Blvd in the fall. Costa Mesa is very family friendly with numerous schools, restaurants, and beaches close by. This city also has a great night life for adults, young and old alike, which makes living here exciting year round. Weather you are here for business, pleasure, or living, Costa Mesa has plenty to offer any type of person!
Read 104 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Public Schools
112,439 Population
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Temecula
City in California
375
108 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: Temecula is beautiful and a wonderful place to live. It attracts many young familes and retired couples. I was born and raised in Temecula. I have seen it change and expand over time. The traffic is becoming a problem because of the increasing expansion of Temecula. There are many schools scattered throughout Temecula. This also contributes to the chronic traffic issue. Located within driving distance from the coast, mountains, and desert, Temecula offers a perfectly placed valley. There are also many young families in Temecula, it is very kid friendly. Famous for its wine country, Temecula welcomes tourists from around the world. Old town Temecula in particular is a popular place to go out to dinner, bars, and dance clubs. There are also many restaurants for a nice night out. All in all, I enjoy living in Temecula. I would not be who I am today without having been raised in Temecula.
Read 375 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
108,965 Population
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San Jose
City in California
679
119 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: San Jose is an absolutely beautiful, diverse, and peaceful place to reside! The food and the people are great and the whole vibe and aura is like no other place. Our communities unite when necessary and serve as a support system for each other. It is definitely a warm and welcoming place that I wouldn't change for the world. Any person would be fortunate to live in such an amazing city. We also have many other wonderful cities in our outskirts for tourists and simply just to enjoy a day out in the town. If you love meeting people and learning about various cultures, this is the place for you!
Read 679 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Public Schools
1,009,363 Population
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Sacramento
City in California
455
120 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: Sacramento public schools are good for the most part. Some schools have drug issues and violence but most are alright. Commute time isn't great. Construction work and traffic are some of thest issues effecting commute time. Avoid rush hour if you can (around 7am and 5pm). Sacramento has some gang violence and has it's share of "ghetto" neighborhoods. Some areas, such as Oak Park and Meadowview should be avoided at all times, especially at night. Sac is family friendly if you stay out of violent neighborhoods. Houses and apartments in Sacramento are definitely affordable, especially when compared to a place like San Francisco. Sac is VERY diverse. In just about every street corner you will find an Asian, African american, etc. The jobs available in Sacramento are not plentiful. Jobs that were once available to teens are now being fulfilled by adults. Still, if you look around enough and have your eyes and eyes open, you just might find your dream job!
Read 455 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
B
Public Schools
484,530 Population
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Oakland
City in California
287
123 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: Oakland is a diverse, resilient, and vibrant community. The city’s love for art and social justice is evident- there are murals on every block! Folks instill the beauty and power of art into their children and build social gatherings around it (i.e. Oakland Art & Wine Festival, Mural Festivals, Art Walks, and more!). It can be expensive to live here. The Tech Bubble has yet to burst, and unfortunately many Natives are slowly being pushed out farther and farther into the East Bay. Still, the folks who remain here aren’t going down without a fight. They support local businesses and they care deeply about EVERYONE in their city. They are the nicest people you will ever meet.
Read 287 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
C
Public Schools
412,040 Population
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Long Beach
City in California
505
135 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: Long Beach has a lot to offer for everyone! From Aquarium of the Pacific to reclining, leather seats at Cinemark, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Another great entertainment mention would have to be The Queen Mary. It's open all year round with events happening each month. The most exciting time to visit starts during October for Dark Harbor, which is a series of haunted mazes. When Christmas takes over The Queen Mary becomes a winter wonderland called Chill. Each year has a different theme of ice sculptures and it is definitely a sight to see and enjoy.
Read 505 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
B
Public Schools
469,793 Population
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Orange
City in California
222
142 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: My family and I have lived in the City of Orange for nearly 5 years. The City itself is quaint with lots of old time charm. One of our favorite pass times is frequenting the many eateries and retail places in Old Town Orange. So many places, so little time. The International Food Festival in Old Town occurs ever year over Labor Day weekend. Anyone who is anyone in the City attends this festival; an event NOT to be missed! Many new types of business are popping up, but the older established community is somewhat resistant to the modern style changes. There is a decent balance of eateries and entertainment. The best part about living in Orange is that it is close to so many places and things to do: The Beach. Disneyland. Knott's Berry Farm. Hollywood.
The cost of living in the City of Orange is off the map. A basic, 3 BR 2 Ba single family home rents for well over $3,000/month. A $3,000 rent payment is barely affordable. The cost to purchase the same would be > $600K.
Read 222 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
B
Public Schools
139,919 Population
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Ventura
City in California
110
154 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: Ventura is a small beach community nestled on the shores of the pacific ocean; located just South of Santa Barbara and North-West of LA. Ventura has a fun and lively downtown with many restaurants and bars, the harbour offers great food and rental water sport activities like kayaking, and of course no where in ventura is further than 10 minutes from the beach! Its a great town and I've loved growing up here.
Read 110 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
109,067 Population
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Santa Rosa
City in California
358
159 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: Santa Rosa, California has been my hometown since my birth. Growing up Santa Rosa has been drastically changed. As a child I remember lots of empty acres of land available for sale. But today, Santa Rosa is huge with some many diverse cultures. You can get some of the best local food here in Santa Rosa. Feeling like taking a Cruze? You can take the back roads and enjoy a beautiful afternoon cruzing their the vineyards and the distant hills. Even though these recent fires have divested many and I personally. Santa Rosa has not stopped working and will continue to become a better place to live. I hope own day when I reach retirement age to come back to Santa Rosa and spend the rest of my life here! SANTA ROSA STRONG!
Read 358 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Public Schools
173,165 Population
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Corona
City in California
555
170 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: Corona used to be a small suburb that has started booming! It's the perfect place to raise a family. Corona parks are usually filled with k-12 sports year round. There isn't a nightlife or much to do as far as entertainment, but it is the gateway to Downtown riverside, Orange county, San Diego and Palm Springs. Corona is truly at the center of everything!
Read 555 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
161,614 Population
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Visalia
City in California
353
175 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: Living in Visalia, California has been a unique and fun experience for me! Visalia is in the heart of the Central Valley, which means one of our biggest industries here is agriculture. I am proud to know that my area helps feed 70% of the world's population! There are plenty of things to do in Visalia. Many families with young children like to host birthday parties at local entertainment venues such as Adventure Park, or Quantum Leap Extreme Air Sports! Popular restaurants include Outback Steakhouse, Five Guys, Fugazzis, the Vintage Press Restaurant, and Alejandra's Restaurant! Most importantly, educational opportunities are very good in Visalia. Visalia has many different K-8 schools, preschools, and high schools. High schools of Visalia include El Diamante High School, Redwood High School, Golden West High School, and Mt. Whitney High School!
Read 353 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
B
Public Schools
128,738 Population
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Los Angeles
City in California
878
179 Best Cities to Live in America
Current Resident: I love the history and the culture around LA, I think it's great. People are very passionate about being Californians and I love that. There's also so much good food to eat everywhere! One day you can have delicious mediterranean, amazing pizza, or get some asian delights. The culture and diversity is so ripe here and I love that so much, plus there are also a lot of people who come from all over the country to live out here. It's amazing. To that same degree, the thing that I dislike about LA is that there is a housing shortage and the cost of living is insane. I wish we had a way to improve it and I hope soon, the housing market goes down so it's possible to buy a home in LA.
Read 878 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
C
Public Schools
3,918,872 Population
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1 of 2

Economy

Health & Outdoors

Berkeley

Irvine

San Francisco

Sunnyvale

Carlsbad

Torrance

Santa Clara

Thousand Oaks

Pasadena

San Diego

Burbank

Roseville

Glendale

Costa Mesa

Temecula

San Jose

Sacramento

Oakland

Long Beach

Orange

Ventura

Santa Rosa

Corona

Visalia

Los Angeles