2023 Best Counties for Young Professionals in California

• County in California

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  Rating 4.22 out of 5  64 reviews

Other: Alameda County is known for its rich cultural diversity, with residents from various ethnic backgrounds and cultures. This diversity contributes to a vibrant and inclusive community. The county offers a diverse landscape, from stunning waterfronts along the Bay to picturesque hills and parks, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic views. Alameda County has a thriving arts and entertainment scene, with numerous museums, theaters, art galleries, and live music venues that cater to various interests.... Read 64 reviews

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• Population 1,673,133

• County in California

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  Rating 4.39 out of 5  88 reviews

Current Resident: San Mateo is the perfect suburb for anyone! We have amazing restaurants, clean parks, and overall great community as well. I have lived here for 4 years after moving from San Bruno and let me tell you, the weather is 100 percent better. In relation in changes I would like to see, it would be not as much back to back road construction because it leads to heavy traffic somedays but don't get me wrong, l do like the finished projects of the roads.... Read 88 reviews

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• Population 762,488

• County in California

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  Rating 4.16 out of 5  157 reviews

Former Resident: From my experience, santa clara county is beautiful and I would always consider it as my “real” home. I always felt safe walking around my area or at least in my neighborhood (i used to live in Santa clara and Milpitas). A lot of job opportunities available and I never really had a hard time looking- I’m talking about basic jobs that are fit for those who are studying. But the affordability tho! I feel like I was already lucky enough to find a private room for just 750$ utilities included and shared bathroom. Groceries are expensive too. But one of the things I like the most is that people here are diverse. Maybe that’s why I feel more comfortable here than where I’m currently living at.... Read 157 reviews

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• Population 1,932,022

• County in California

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  Rating 4.34 out of 5  219 reviews

Current Resident: Climate: Orange County enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The pleasant weather is one of the area's most appealing features, making it a popular destination year-round. Beaches: The county boasts a stunning coastline with several beautiful beaches, including Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach. These destinations offer not only pristine sands and surf but also vibrant beach communities with shops, restaurants, and water activities. Cultural Attractions: Orange County is home to various cultural attractions and entertainment options. You can visit Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, the renowned South Coast Plaza for shopping. Business and Economy: Orange County has a thriving business environment, with a strong presence of technology companies, healthcare organizations, and financial institutions. The local job market is robust, attracting professionals from various fields.... Read 219 reviews

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• Population 3,182,923

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  Rating 4.48 out of 5  1,322 reviews

Current Resident: My overall experience with San Diego County has been nothing short of amazing. It's truly a city that has it all in one stunning package. The blend of great food, from delicious street tacos to fine dining, caters to every palate. The breathtaking scenery, with its pristine beaches, majestic cliffs, and captivating sunsets, provides a constant source of wonder. The neighborhoods are as diverse as they are welcoming, each offering a unique charm and character. The excellent schools ensure a quality education for the future generation. What sets San Diego apart is its balance between urban life and nature; it's not as overpopulated as some other cities, allowing for a more relaxed pace of life. Plus, there's still plenty of untouched nature to explore, from the expansive parks to the nearby mountains and deserts. San Diego County truly offers the best of both worlds, except for the real estate market. Housing is very expensive and that needs to change!... Read 1,322 reviews

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• Population 3,296,317

• County in California

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  1,192 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived here since 2006, and as a refugee, I am beyond grateful for the opportunities granted to me by living in Los Angeles. In LA, I love the diversity, the culture, and the opportunities for success, all of which have helped me get to the point I am at today: a graduate student in a doctorate program! The change I would like to see happening in LA is housing accommodation for the unhoused in LA. Every human deserves to live in a safe, healthy, and comfortable shelter, and this is something we can achieve if it is planned and executed correctly, with the help of the community.... Read 1,192 reviews

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• Population 10,019,635

• County in California

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  Rating 3.81 out of 5  621 reviews

Current Resident: Good place for family. Not many parks with fences, but lots and lots of great parks with nice grassy areas and play structures, and splash parks for the hot days. Elk Grove elementary is an excellent school district. Nice libraries in the area. Good housing options. Can’t speak to downtown much, but I have been to a nice restaurant there! Seemed like people were getting ready for a fun night. Love the composting program- just use compostable bags in the kitchen, and throw it out with the green waste. Makes us feel much less bad about occasional food waste, and also we generate much less trash. People are sociable enough, without being intrusive. Fairly diverse population here, especially among our kids classes, and teachers, which we love!... Read 621 reviews

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• Population 1,571,767

• County in California

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  Rating 4 out of 5  56 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in Contra Costa County my entire life, and it has always been a community that feels like home. School districts, recreational clubs, and cities are all very interconnected, creating a strong sense of familiarity for residents. There's a wide array of activities available for families, individuals, and visitors.... Read 56 reviews

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• Population 1,161,643

• County in California

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  Rating 4.09 out of 5  128 reviews

Current Resident: From Watsonville all the way to Davenport. The area is so diverse ecologically speaking. Rolling hills along the coast to gigantic Redwood trees. Lovely mountain towns of Felton, Ben Lomond, and Boulder Creek to oceanic sweet coastal towns of Capitola, Rio del Mar, Seacliff, Seascape and up to the city of Santa Cruz. The most beautiful of coastlines I have ever seen. The weather is unbeatable. Never too hot, never to cold. daytime to long sleeve shirts with a light sweater during the day. Summers are lovely as much of the coast gets fog to keep it cool. The water is cold, but swimmable 60-65 degrees in the summer, and the marine life is out of this world. Monterey Bay boasts some of the most diverse marine life in the country!... Read 128 reviews

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• Population 272,138

• County in California

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  36 reviews

Current Resident: There are good public schools and a lot of protected habitat. There's a lot of local businesses and the county is fairly close to both San Francisco and the East Bay while maintaining a mostly small town atmosphere. There are cons to the small town atmosphere though, like very few establishments being open 24/7. The county lacks diversity; it's a predominately and historically white county. It is very safe though. There are many police and fire stations and hospitals, all very responsive. Cost of living is incredibly high and nightlife is mostly non existent because most establishments close before 9. It's a good location for families with lots of parks, good schools, and low crime rates.... Read 36 reviews

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• Population 262,387

• County in California

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  Rating 3.87 out of 5  54 reviews

Current Resident: Sonoma County education is well respected for its dedication to excellence and innovation. The county offers various educational options, from preschool to higher education. The school system in Sonoma County is distinguished for its emphasis on holistic development, which fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration among students. The region has outstanding public and private schools emphasizing individualized learning and student participation. Furthermore, Sonoma County is home to a thriving community of educators committed to offering high-quality education by utilizing current teaching approaches and incorporating technology into the learning process. In addition, the county's rich natural surroundings and cultural traditions are frequently included in the curriculum, giving pupils a well-rounded education that fosters respect for the environment and local history.... Read 54 reviews

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• Population 492,498

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: My expeirience in Yolo county has been very good. The enviorment is very safe and accepting. It also has really good weather.... Read 4 reviews

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• Population 216,703

• County in California

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  Rating 3.24 out of 5  25 reviews

Current Resident: Solano county is a great place to live. It’s is very diverse and has very kind and social people. There’s also annually events such as fair and contest, which are found for all ages. It’s a great location to be because it close to Sacramento and the Bay Area. It’s also not to far away from Tahoe or Reno. The weather is perfect in fall and spring, hot in the summer and low 60’s to 50’s in the winter. Solano county also has a lot of great schools with awesome sports programs. A large amount of solan teams are know to be annually playoff contenders.... Read 25 reviews

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• Population 451,432

• County in California

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  Rating 4.56 out of 5  143 reviews

Current Resident: Santa Barbara is a captivating destination. The great weather, with its year-round mild temperatures and abundant sunshine, provides an ideal backdrop for outdoor activities. The culinary scene is a gastronomic delight, offering farm-to-table dining and exceptional wine tasting experiences. The city's pristine beaches invite relaxation and water sports, making it a haven for beach enthusiasts. The area, adorned with Spanish architecture and backed by the stunning Santa Ynez Mountains, creates a visually enchanting atmosphere. However, Santa Barbara's early bedtime can be a minor drawback. The town's serene charm comes with a quieter nightlife, as many establishments close earlier than in bustling cities. This nuanced feature offers tranquility but might not align with those seeking vibrant nocturnal activities. Nevertheless, Santa Barbara's remarkable attributes undoubtedly make it an alluring destination for those who appreciate its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural charm.... Read 143 reviews

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• Population 447,651

• County in California

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  Rating 3.7 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: Pleasant rural living. Safe. Scenic. Ideal weather. Clean mountain air and water. Best retirement place in California for outdoor lovers. Mid-county foothills offer both rural privacy and easy accessibility via Interstate 80. Senior friendly supports, services, and activities abound. Better public transportation would be nice.... Read 10 reviews

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• Population 400,330

• County in California

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  Rating 4.26 out of 5  68 reviews

Current Resident: I love how close this county is to the beach. No matter where you live it is a short/semi-short drive to the beach. The city Ventura has a very homey feel, and is kind of like a beach town out of the movies. Downtown is so fun, and is great at night because of the lights, restaurants and you can see the sunset. Ojai, is a great city to escape your crazy life. They have lots of great little restaurants, such as bocallis, and also they have lots of beautiful wineries. Their downtown is very fancy, and really beautiful with lots of neat stores and boutiques. Oxnard has established a great outdoor mall, called the Collection where people can shop, eat, paint, bowl, and watch movies. It's somewhat new and all the buildings and the overall area looks very nice and inviting. I was born and raised in Ventura, and I am so happy. I have loved growing up here because I can always go to the beach, go shopping, and my family especially loves to go camping at the different spots along the coast!... Read 68 reviews

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• Population 845,255

• County in California

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  Rating 4.12 out of 5  43 reviews

Nearby Resident: Living here in Napa County is so beautiful to see the countryside and surrounded by many counties. The Sonoma, Angwin, Fairfield, Vallejo, and all certain areas here in Northern California have the exclusive experience to visit.... Read 43 reviews

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• Population 138,795

• County in California

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  Rating 4.36 out of 5  73 reviews

Current Resident: The city of San Luis Obispo is only accommodating if you are of high socioeconomic status or a Cal Poly student. If you're neither, then the community feels very cold and unwelcoming. The cost of living is outrageous, and the homelessness crisis is huge here. No one seems very welcoming of babies, and daycare and housing is so impacted; the waitlists can take years. Because it is a college-community, employment opportunities are very competitive and the turn-around rate is high as students are always coming in to fill positions. Parking is almost impossible in most neighborhoods, and there is close to no shopping when it comes to fashion and clothing. The county of SLO as a whole is much better than the city. The county has wonderful access to beaches, hiking trails, and beautiful views and scenery. Eateries are abundant, and there are so many recreational activities to engage in.... Read 73 reviews

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• Population 282,771

• County in California

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  Rating 3.86 out of 5  7 reviews

Niche User: I like the having a variety of things in the county of Butte. I like my school that I go to. I do not like the fact that there has been so much traffic since the CAMPFIRE on November 8th 2018.... Read 7 reviews

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• Population 217,884

• County in California

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  Rating 3.08 out of 5  25 reviews

Current Resident: Great place to visit! Lodi is the place to go, for a fun time. Lots of winery’s to choose from, great restaurants and lovely ambiance.... Read 25 reviews

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• Population 771,406

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  Rating 4.05 out of 5  267 reviews

Current Resident: There are over 20 cities within Riverside County. Each offers a wide range of activities, and places to explore. We have a vast amount of national parks, city parks, and amusement parks available. Aside from these, Riverside County offers extensive options in cuisine from American, to African, to Asian, and more. There are many local favorite spots as well. Riverside County offers a wide range of shopping malls as well. However, no where can be perfect. A few things I wish would change about Riverside County is the housing prices, homeless population, and traffic. There is over a few million people living in this county alone which makes commute times skyrocket sometimes. Since COVID the housing market has continued to rise, along with the homeless population as people cannot always afford rent, or mortgage prices here. I would like to see a change within city councils to ensure safe housing for our homeless. I would like to see state changes with regards to inflation.... Read 267 reviews

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• Population 2,409,331

• County in California

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  Rating 4.3 out of 5  81 reviews

Current Resident: This is a pleasant area with many exciting tourist activities! The Monterey Bay Aquarium is the number one place to go, it won't disappoint. There is bowling, mini-golf, a mirror maze, and restaurants galore. This is a pleasant area with many exciting tourist activities! The Monterey Bay Aquarium is the number one place to go, it won't disappoint. There is bowling, mini-golf, a mirror maze, and restaurants galore. This is a pleasant area with many exciting tourist activities! The Monterey Bay Aquarium is the number one place to go, it won't disappoint. There is bowling, mini-golf, a mirror maze, and restaurants galore. This is a pleasant area with many exciting tourist activities! The Monterey Bay Aquarium is the number one place to go, it won't disappoint. There is bowling, mini-golf, a mirror maze, and restaurants galore. This is a pleasant area with many exciting tourist activities! The Monterey Bay Aquarium is the number one place to go, it won't disappoint.... Read 81 reviews

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• Population 438,953

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  Rating 3.14 out of 5  43 reviews

Current Resident: I am born and raised in the Stanislaus county and have nothing but phenomenal memories. It is the place where I want to raise my future family.... Read 43 reviews

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• Population 550,842

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  Rating 3.57 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: I was born and raised in Humboldt County, and the things that I love about this area is that there are so many people that you meet who are open minded and caring. There is also a lot of healthy, and local food that is easily accessible in this county. I think there are many things that need to change in Humboldt, one of which would be the drug problem and opioid problem that has began to grow.... Read 7 reviews

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• Population 137,014

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  Rating 4 out of 5  11 reviews

Current Resident: I grew up here, then, after living in many other places, I found that there really is no place like home. Rural and gorgeous, yet with Highway 50, it's easy to get to Sacramento or Tahoe. If you love the country life, this is the best. Our schools are top notch, especially Ponderosa, Union Mine and Oakridge. We love our sheriff and police and support them. If you are looking for an exciting place with lots of night life, stay in the city. If you love things natural and not picky about the condition of the roads, this is the place to be.... Read 11 reviews

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• Population 190,568