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2018 Best Cities to Live in CaliforniaAbout this List

Explore the best cities to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. Ranking based on city data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 41
Best Places to Live
41 results

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  1. Berkeley

    • City in California
    • 104
    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 104 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 118,585 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Irvine

    • City in California
    • 262
    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 262 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 246,992 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. San Francisco

    • City in California
    • 500
    15 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: San Francisco is a wonderful place for sightseeing and food! I love atmosphere and weather. Its pretty easy to get around with public transportation and having everything close by. Some food restaurants are open late night, just in case you crave a late dinner. It’s a very tech savvy place so everything is literally one click away. I would love to see some changes with downtown San Francisco since there are a lot of homeless people on the street. The city should clean up and make more shelters for the homeless and housing for low income people. For the most part, San Francisco is clean, beautiful, and easy to get around.
    Read 500 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 850,282 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Sunnyvale

    • City in California
    • 185
    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 185 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 149,596 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Carlsbad

    • City in California
    • 271
    28 Best Cities to Live in America

    Former Resident: Wonderful city nestled next to the beach. You are far enough from down town SanDiego to enjoy the night life there (accessible by the Coaster - if you don't want to drive). But it also has it's own party/bar scene in the downtown area. Just wear your jeans and flip-flops and you'll fit right it. Lots of great Mexican food choices -- go to Garcia's! Go for a walk on the boardwalk and enjoy a sunset. Or go hiking in the hills a bit more inland. Yes, LEGOLAND is there but unless you have a five year old, it's not worth the money (Everything is sun/water damaged and needs spruced up, which I would expect they do with the money they get) - you're better off with a free day at the beach.
    Read 271 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 112,008 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  7. Torrance

    • City in California
    • 170
    30 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I enjoy the strong sense of the Torrance community, as prevalent in service projects, the Torrance culture arts centre, and other local community events which occur. Weekly farmers markets encourage the maintenance of small, local, family businesses and other annual events encourage the development of community connections. Torrance is the first place which comes to mind when I think of home. If I were to wish to improve anything, it would be the education. Although various resources are available, teachers fail to spark students' motivation to strive for excellence both inside and outside the classroom. As a role model to the future education of America, they should aspire to inspire students, rather than bare minimum work and mediocre qualifications.
    Read 170 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 147,307 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Santa Clara

    • City in California
    • 164
    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 164 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 122,725 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Thousand Oaks

    • City in California
    • 278
    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 278 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 128,623 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Pasadena

    • City in California
    • 143
    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 143 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 140,268 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. San Diego

    • City in California
    • 528
    46 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: San Diego is one of those cities that will always feel like home at the end of the day. If you tour downtown you have the opportunity to feel like you are on a vacation! You can explore Coronado, go sailing in the Pacific Ocean, and eat ice cream along the streets that are lit up with gorgeous lights. Pacific Beach is crowded with college aged california surfers and people looking for a good time. There are so many fun activities you will never be bored here! If nothing at all you will leave with a gorgeous sun tan.
    Read 528 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 1,374,812 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Burbank

    • City in California
    • 255
    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 255 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 104,583 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Roseville

    • City in California
    • 122
    64 Best Cities to Live in America

    Nearby Resident: I like the fact that Roseville has a lot of parks. It's very safe, and there's a lot of greenery around so it doesn't feel like a concrete cage that some cities may feel like. There are some very good schools around as well. A few things that could change would be the cost of living, which is rather high, but since Roseville is in California, and California as a whole has a high cost of living, not much can be done about it, at least not very quickly. Overall, a very nice city!
    Read 122 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 128,276 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Glendale

    • City in California
    • 114
    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 114 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 197,895 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Costa Mesa

    • City in California
    • 100
    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 100 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 112,439 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  21. Temecula

    • City in California
    • 366
    108 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Temecula was much less diverse back in 2009 when I first came. The population was more Causcian. There was a few times where I encountered racism being hispanic. Nonetheless, most Caucasians have been kind so I can't speak for all, but racism still exists. The town has been very republican, but these past few years thousands have inhabited the city from different parts of the world since it attracts families because of the top rated schools, safety and family friendly environments. Thus, making the town more diverse then ever. With the growing population, crime has increased as well. Diversity is good, but it totally brings a different vibe to the town. Everyone keeps to themselves like a city mentality vs town mentality. Not so homey feeling afterall. Many people come from cities and states all throughout the US. It is still safe. Schools are great! Juse can't call it home. Too crowded and not so friendly people.
    Read 366 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 108,965 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. San Jose

    • City in California
    • 645
    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 645 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 1,009,363 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Sacramento

    • City in California
    • 437
    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 437 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 484,530 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Oakland

    • City in California
    • 270
    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 270 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Public Schools
    • 412,040 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Long Beach

    • City in California
    • 487
    135 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Born and raised in Long Beach! I've always find myself doing things within the city especially going downtown or the beach. There's always new people coming from different states and cities, visiting The Pike to watch movies or grab a bite to eat authentic foods. But because there's always a huge population of people visiting, I wish to see more public bathrooms and trash cans to use. There's always a lot of trash like cigarette butts, plastic bottles, cans, empty bags of chips, etc. As a community, if we can all keep this city free from dirt then Long Beach would definitely be one of the cleanest cities.
    Read 487 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 469,793 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Orange

    • City in California
    • 218
    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 218 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 139,919 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Ventura

    • City in California
    • 104
    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 104 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 109,067 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  30. Santa Rosa

    • City in California
    • 348
    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 348 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 173,165 Population
    View Nearby Homes
  31. Review Your Area

  32. Corona

    • City in California
    • 544
    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 544 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 161,614 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  33. Visalia

    • City in California
    • 347
    175 Best Cities to Live in America

    Former Resident: Although people often joke that there are more cows than people it is still home. Located in central California it allows for more opportunities to travel. It may be small, but the people are fun and family-oriented. You will see a lot of dairies and emphasis on agriculture in town; however, it is a great place to raise a family. It is definitely a smaller town, but it is so close to Sequoia National Park and it is only about a 3-hour drive to Disneyland. Actually, it's about a 3-hour drive to Disneyland, San Luis Obispo, and San Francisco! This town is growing and will continue to develop, but its roots lie in farming and family-oriented values. Do not be shy and come visit! Have some coffee at Tazzaria or even check out the amazing tacos at El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant!
    Read 347 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 128,738 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  34. Los Angeles

    • City in California
    • 816
    179 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I have lived in Los Angeles for about five years. Here, you can find various people in different races. Here are bunch of things you can enjoy in Los Angeles like shopping malls and delicious restaurants. However, population has been increased a lot. Most of time, there are traffic at everywhere. You should be careful when you drive here at Los Angeles. Even though I tried to drive safely, I almost got into the accidents several times. Except for the traffic, everything has been perfect!
    Read 816 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Public Schools
    • 3,918,872 Population
    View Nearby Homes
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