Skip to Main Content

2020 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

Economy

Health & Outdoors

  1. Berkeley

    • City in California
    • 155 reviews
    #9 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Moving to Berkeley is undoubtably the best decision I have ever made! This particular city is wildly diverse and full of vibrance and excitement. Overlooking the high-cost of living that comes with the Bay Area -- the weather and college atmosphere are unprecedented. I highly recommend living here. After all, everyone deserves the happiness and opportunity this community offers to its residents.
    Read 155 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 120,926 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Irvine

    • City in California
    • 436 reviews
    #11 Best Cities to Live in America

    Visitor: I really enjoy this city because of how clean and open the roads are; overall the city feels breathable due to the low amount of tall buildings and offers several places to surround yourself with nature on a hike. One of my favorite places to visit is the Irvine Spectrum mall because of the many places to shop, eat and socialize. I love coming with my friends and family to take the day off and simply enjoy each others company watching a movie or racing a competitive match on Mario Cart at Dave and Busters! The Great Park also has many fun activities like hopping onto the carousel or (my personal favorite) viewing the whole city and become mesmerized by the landscape from a hot air balloon. This city is truly one of my favorites and holds many dear memories of me and my loved ones.
    Read 436 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 265,502 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. San Francisco

    • City in California
    • 778 reviews
    #14 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Gorgeous architecture and history, incredible opportunities for all kinds of different activities in fields such as art, culture, various kinds of cuisines, numerous parks and of course, the beach, make San Francisco a multi-faceted city.

    Needless to say, the city also has issues that it needs to work on; for example helping the homeless population, or making public transport more accessible, safe and clean.

    Nevertheless, the city offers so much potential for ambitious and creative people, and is just all around welcoming to visitors and people from abroad.

    Another unique aspect is the climate - San Francisco’s micro climates are mind baffling, even after several years of having lived here; one neighborhood might be chilly and overcast at around 50 degrees, while another district, not 5 minutes away, is boasting sunny 69 degrees! Visitors, be warned - bring layers!

    I am enjoying living in this city, and I can’t wait to watch San Francisco continue to blossom and develop!
    Read 778 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 870,044 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Sunnyvale

    • City in California
    • 227 reviews
    #17 Best Cities to Live in America

    Works Here: Sunnyvale is the city I've grown up in, and I love it! Sunnyvale has some of the best public schools, starting from elementary all the way up to high school. There are a lot of different areas in Sunnyvale to shop, explore, and have fun. There are still small businesses in Sunnyvale, such as Zanotto's Family Market, the fruit stand, and others around the city. Sunnyvale is a rather big town, but it has that small town feel. You get to know your neighbors and everyone is super friendly. For nightlife, downtown is a great place to go, filled with many restaurant choices, bars, nightclubs, and an ice rink in December. Over the summer, downtown hosts different bands for free concerts on Wednesdays, bringing the community together even more. These are just a few things that make Sunnyvale unique - come visit and see for yourself!
    Read 227 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 152,323 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Torrance

    • City in California
    • 251 reviews
    #20 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: The city of Torrance has an amazing feeling of home to it. Due to it being a smaller city, it is very easy to meet the people around you and live in a very connected community. Its location in comparison to other areas of Southern California is considered convenient and "in the middle of everything" by many. Although there isn't much to nightlife, the city has many beautiful and restaurants and places with unique qualities to them so one could still have an amazing night out. The city overall is a perfect place for families and even young individuals. Torrance has something to offer, no matter who you are!
    Read 251 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 146,392 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Santa Clara

    • City in California
    • 192 reviews
    #25 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Lived in Maywood Park since 2005. Our son grew up here. Santa Clara has a surprisingly provincial compared to neighbor Sunnyvale which feels busier, or Mountain View which is, like Palo Alto, rather more elitist. Santa Clara is just... friendly in comparison. Bland initially, it has improved over the years with more trees and better retail. Climate is perfect. Gets a bit polluted during winter, like the rest of the bay area. Cupertino schools are truly top notch. Feel exceedingly safe. Excellent city services. Houses go for 1.5M+ in my neighborhood, but very little inventory year over year. Traffic is the main neighborhood concern due to Apple commuters. However residential streets are not really affected just avenues. Love to walk and run daily through all local streets. Busier Palo Alto feels too urban and busy for that. Overall we feel very blessed and fortunate to have landed in southwest Santa Clara!
    Read 192 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 126,209 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  9. Carlsbad

    • City in California
    • 336 reviews
    #29 Best Cities to Live in America

    Nearby Resident: Carlsbad is a family-friendly city with many activities to participate in! The beaches and the Carlsbad Village offer many things to do. Such as surfing, eating healthy, and ordering an ice cream cone on-the-go. The perfect city to visit on a warm summer day.
    Read 336 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 113,670 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Pasadena

    • City in California
    • 225 reviews
    #49 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I would definitely describe Pasadena as a large community inside of the Southern California area. While it can seem like a huge city at times, you are guaranteed to either run into or walk past someone you know wherever you find yourself. Pasadena is also a city where I find pretty much everything is accessible within 20 minutes at most. Whether you love to explore new restaurants, go out shopping for a night, or even need easy access to freeways, it is all in close proximity. Additionally, there is always something going on!
    Read 225 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 141,246 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Thousand Oaks

    • City in California
    • 326 reviews
    #51 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 326 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 128,481 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. San Diego

    • City in California
    • 851 reviews
    #57 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: San Diego is a great place to live other than the traffic, which is still better than LA and the cost of living which is ridiculous. Food shouldn't be so expensive, HOWEVER, we have access to fruits all year round (especially good avocado's) and lots of dairy-free choices and new foods that are not available in other places I have visited. Also, the school district here is a tyrannical and a one size fits all kinda place which is not helpful for kids that are beyond their grades. Other than that, it's fantastic and the weather is wonderful!
    Read 851 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 1,401,932 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Burbank

    • City in California
    • 308 reviews
    #67 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I have grown up in Burbank my whole life and I love it! The city is small and intimate and you'll always encounter someone you know anywhere you go. Burbank has its own police force making it extra safe and response is very fast. We also have 5-6 fire stations all around and a large hospital. The schools are amazing with twelve elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools including two private schools.
    Read 308 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 104,275 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Costa Mesa

    • City in California
    • 143 reviews
    #81 Best Cities to Live in America

    Works Here: This is a city full of life that is an excellent place for families because there are some K-12 schools that are fundamental. There are also some popular tourist attractions such as South Coast Plaza, which is a great place for anyone to visit! There are also attractions like ice cream places, hamburger joints, and diverse restaurants. Although this city has many attractions, it still has essential places to shop for necessities and groceries like Trader Joes, Target, Costco, and Sam's Club. This is a great place for people that want to have a little bit of everything and have great experiences.
    Read 143 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 113,198 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Roseville

    • City in California
    • 186 reviews
    #88 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: The most welcoming, clean, and safe city I have ever lived in! As a child I would often visit Roseville with my aunt to go shopping at the Galleria mall and always said: "someday I am going to live there and raise a family." I now live here and work for the school district and could not be happier with where I reside. The city is continuously growing but the resources are not limited, they have great schools, tons of shopping, and social events for families.
    Read 186 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 133,049 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. San Jose

    • City in California
    • 1,052 reviews
    #106 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: What I like about San Jose is the diversity of the population. Living here for the past 14 years, San Jose feels like my second home and I couldn't find a better place to live. Once I go to college, I'm scared about leaving San Jose because I'm not used to living anywhere else. Not only that but San Jose has all the essentials I need.
    Something I would like to change is the homeless population. We have lots of homeless people near us and many of them go to my neighborhood at night looking for open cars to sleep in. We need San Jose to build a community to aid them! Especially during a time like the coronavirus. They recently built this huge apartment to rent near me. We don't need more people to move here. We need more help for the people who already live here.
    Read 1,052 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 1,026,658 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Glendale

    • City in California
    • 180 reviews
    #108 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: This is a great city! There is a lot of diversity among residents. Many pretty parks to walk around and explore. With places for outdoor activities like hiking, running and biking, as well as organized sports. The city is very family friendly! The school districts are good, and the area is safe. It boasts several shopping malls with lots of wonderful places to eat from sweet to savory. There are even breweries too! Glendale's location is near to that of greater Los Angeles with several freeways to get you where you need to go. It's a good mix of city and suburban for those that want the faster paced lifestyle of a city but with the feel of a tight-knit community. I grew up in a close by neighboring town but moved to Glendale 3 years ago and I love it.
    Read 180 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 200,372 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Sacramento

    • City in California
    • 662 reviews
    #131 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Sacramento has an excellent bar and restaurant scene, as well as a flourishing network of farmer's markets supplied with produce from the region. There are many outdoor activities, theater companies, museums, and an excellent library system. The area is very diverse, though I would love to see more people of color in positions of power, and an overhaul to our police force/DA's office as there have been some awful race-based conflicts. The arts/dining/outdoor activity scene is really what makes this city great, along with our close proximity to forests, beaches, skiing, and major cities!
    Read 662 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 495,011 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Oakland

    • City in California
    • 443 reviews
    #135 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Oakland is an amazing city known for its diversity, cultural influence, and overall beauty! Come visit and enjoy a multitude of entertainment experiences including the harbor at Jack London Square, the redwoods that line Redwood Regional Preserve, and the hip nightlife scene in bustling downtown Oakland. Oakland has something to offer for all residents and visitors, so come and explore!
    Read 443 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • 421,042 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Long Beach

    • City in California
    • 706 reviews
    #137 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I've loved growing up in Long Beach--the public school system is great, the neighborhoods are diverse, and it's beautiful! The downtown is becoming more popular every year, and new development has revitalized The Pike and the area near the airport (LBX). It's a wonderful place to be active, from free yoga on the bluffs to well designed bike paths and a beach boardwalk. There are all sorts of restaurants, and the cultural and ethnic diversity makes Long Beach a very vibrant city. Finally, Long Beach is super LGBTQ friendly, and every June I love driving by the rainbow colored crosswalks in downtown.
    Read 706 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 468,883 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Temecula

    • City in California
    • 454 reviews
    #138 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Temecula has been lots of fun over the years. As someone who has lived and been to school in Temecula, I can no doubt say that I have enjoyed life here. From hanging out with new friends, to exploring farmer's markets, it has been great. Location has always been another extraordinary advantage of Temecula too. Sandwiched between L.A. and San Diego, Temecula is only an hour away from Oceanside Beach and camping. Being between two enormous cities also has a serious side effect of lots of traffic unfortunately! Are you considering a visit? Or becoming a resident? Well whatever the case, Temecula could be a great fit for you. It is for me.
    Read 454 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 112,230 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Los Angeles

    • City in California
    • 1,355 reviews
    #142 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I love living in the city, though traffic can be crazy. I take public transit and it has by far improved the commute.

    The diversity of the city is unsurpassed as everyone has their journey, niche, and dreams with an unusual path in life. Los Angeles is plentiful in the arts, politics, culture, restaurants, over 100 museums, the beaches, the Theme parks, and over 5000 Meetup group. The networking is amazing as there are events and gatherings for every niche.

    I love the diversity of the landscape! You have DTLA that like NYC, Hollywood the movie capital, the beaches to relax, the valley for families, and hiking in the mountains.

    I have lived here for 20 years and have had the most unusual experiences and met some of the most interesting intellectually inspired people on the planet. It is a city easy to create new ideas and directions with support. There is enough diversity and open-mindedness of thought to accomplish anything!

    If its not in LA it does not exist!
    Read 1,355 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 3,959,657 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Orange

    • City in California
    • 263 reviews
    #147 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Orange is a little town within Orange County. Although it is small, it has many unique and exciting features. The Orange Circle is the main attraction for this area. It is full of shops, antique malls, and unique restaurants. The architecture is quite beautiful, having a historical background that is evident within many of the buildings. Many say that it reminds them of a clean, historical Los Angeles because of the shops and restaurants. The neighborhoods surrounding the Orange Circle are all full of beautifully restored historical homes. They hold classy and comforting interiors with manicured and nature-filled exteriors. This small town of Orange is full of all types of people, especially college students from a the nearby Chapman University. Orange is an area I would recommend everyone to visit because of these aspects.
    Read 263 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 139,873 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Ventura

    • City in California
    • 144 reviews
    #157 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: The beach is five minutes away from midtown, who doesn't love the beach? The weather is on average around the 70's during the spring and early summer. The temperature rarely goes above 85 degrees. But when it does, the beach is a few minutes away to help cool off and relax. There are a lot of other fun places to visit. Such as Grant Park Cross, where there is a view of the city along with the ocean, a great place to have a picnic while watching the sun set or to take nice pictures! The city is clean and has a lot of trees and greenery. Downtown is also a good place to get good food, I recommend Rice by Mama, which is Thai food. There are also cute boutiques downtown as well as thrift stores. There is also an art museum downtown. Overall, Ventura is a beautiful small city for a beach vacation.
    Read 144 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 110,234 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Visalia

    • City in California
    • 415 reviews
    #172 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 415 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 131,066 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Corona

    • City in California
    • 661 reviews
    #185 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Corona has been my home for the past 16 years and has grown along with me. It has offered me multiple opportunities to expand my love for knowledge. I remember the trips to the Corona Public Library with my Dad. There is a diversity of adventures to explore in this one place. This was where I specifically noticed a painting hanging above the checkout area. It was a woman with an orange dress that flowed outward into a circular racetrack. The one painting introduced me to the rich history that we have in Corona. Corona was home to an amazing racetrack along with a thriving citrus industry! Overall, I am proud to be born and raised in an amazing city that offers so much.
    Read 661 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 165,355 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Santa Rosa

    • City in California
    • 439 reviews
    #189 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I have grown up in the city of Santa Rosa and I honestly believe it is a huge part of who I am today. It is very family friendly, the town as a whole is a strong community especially since we have faced many crisis’ that have made our community strong and whole. The atmosphere is very welcoming and diverse which is why I love my town so much. With it being very into the wine culture, there’s many activities that are suitable for adults. For kids and teenagers there are many schools throughout the town that give incredible circulars and amazing sports teams. With many schools it creates high competition between the local school which make sports game very fun! Overall my experience with Santa Rosa is incredible, I was so blessed to have been raised here and could see myself easing my family here as well.
    Read 439 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 181,038 Population
    View Nearby Homes
  34. Review Your Area 
  • 1 of 2