2023 Places with the Best Public Schools in California

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: Rancho Santa Fe is small and tight-knit town. There are plenty of community events throughout the year, such as concerts, farmer's markets, and holiday celebrations. Another great thing about Rancho Santa Fe is its location. The town is situated just a few miles from the coast, which means residents can enjoy all the benefits of beach living without the crowds and congestion of larger cities. Additionally, the town is surrounded by rolling hills and open space, which provides ample opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities. In terms of education, Rancho Santa Fe has some of the best public and private schools in the area. Overall, Rancho Santa Fe is a wonderful place to live. It offers a high quality of life, a strong sense of community, and plenty of opportunities for recreation and education. If you are looking for a safe, welcoming, and beautiful place to call home, Rancho Santa Fe is definitely worth considering.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 2,914

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 2,960

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.35 out of 5  17 reviews

Current Resident: Very nice area, very safe. Good schools and houses. Pretty expensive cost of living. Safe area to grow up in/raise kids, but a little sheltered. People can be close-minded.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 4,008

• Suburb of San Jose, CA

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  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: A lot of animals around, quiet neighborhood. Very nice place to bike or hike or just walk and jog around. Great neighborhood overall... Read 5 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 8,520

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.42 out of 5  36 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in San Diego for nearly my entire life, and I've always found my heart resting in my home region of Solana Beach. The sheer energy of this region highly sets it above all others. My neighbors, family, and friends who inhabit this wonderful little town of the beach never seem to have any issues revolving around their home, and have always been exceedingly kindhearted. I take immense pride in being able to be fortunate enough to live in this beautiful region of San Diego, and I would have never wanted to grow up anywhere else.... Read 36 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 13,025

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.2 out of 5  91 reviews

Nearby Resident: Lovely neighborhood with amazing houses and people! Palm trees are a cool addition. Safe environment, farmer's market on the weekends, streets that are clean and nicely paved... One thing I would change: La Canada has a very bubble-like quality. Because it is such a middle-upper class suburbs, many people are dissociated from the "real world." This can be both beneficial and harmful, but I would love for residents to go out of their comfort zone a little more. Explore!... Read 91 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 20,613

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  34 reviews

Current Resident: Palos Verdes Estates showcases bucolic scenery with palatial homes. Abundantly verdant! Whether you're walking or driving, Palos Verdes Estates exudes an Edenic vibe. The previous statement doesn't qualify as an exaggeration. Some gardens match Versailles in the precision of manicure; others resemble evergreen forests unsullied by human efforts. All in all, this suburb stands as a bedroom community. Nightlife must be obtained off the hill. Any attempts towards noise pollution will be harnessed. Quiet entrances merit quiet exits. A sweet life to be felt in Palos Verdes Estates.... Read 34 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 13,403

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

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  Rating 4.41 out of 5  158 reviews

Current Resident: Encinitas is a cute city of opportunity and community. Being born here, I became very familiar with the beach town and actively work downtown at Herb and Sea, in the heart of downtown Encinitas. The locals are very welcoming and the tourists are respectful. A beautiful beach town to find yourself in!... Read 158 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 62,140

• Suburb of Oakland, CA

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  Rating 3.89 out of 5  57 reviews

Current Resident: Love this town... but diversity should get a C grade at best - especially compared to the surrounding area. High income is required to live here ($200k+) and household costs are grossly understated on this site. Farmer's market, parks, few good restaurants, town owned by one family who refuses to modernize and hampers small business growth, awesome teachers, etc. Loads of jobs within an hour commute but perfect town to work remotely from.... Read 57 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 16,750

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  27 reviews

Current Resident: I don't know why this city gets a C+ crime rating. It is safe. There are more families moving in, but still plenty of retirement homes too. The local mall is not worth mentioning, sadly, don't know why businesses have such a tough time up here. Most of the people are friendly and helpful. We have lived here for 20 years. My son has gone to school here. No problems. Diverse community. His friends I call the mini- United Nations congregation! Horse trails, LA city views, close to beaches. Love it. If you are looking for nightlife, this isn't the place, unless you are into wildlife- the 4 legged furry kind. Beautiful place. Safe place.... Read 27 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 8,305

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  94 reviews

Current Resident: I love to take walks here because it is safe, the weather is fantastic, and there are so many trees! I love the cute shops on Mission and Fair Oak. Sometimes, the mansions here make you feel like you're walking in the Loire Valley. I have heard that locals are slightly racist towards Latinx people. I have not noticed it, but I can believe it. The stories I have heard about include rude looks and demeaning remarks. Latinx students also are not encouraged to do well in school. South Pasadena's property values are partially due to the public schools. They are safe, and the students here usually do very well academically. However, the schools do not look after students' mental health. The high school counseling department turns away students when they come with issues, and the academically competitive atmosphere is often very tense. Overall, the stores and the vibe of the town are great, but you might have trouble with the social structure.... Read 94 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 26,837

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: It is an excellent gated equestrian community to raise a family.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 1,436

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 3.94 out of 5  50 reviews

Nearby Resident: The only way to tell where Alhambra ends and San Marino begins is the color of the street signs because both cities are gorgeous. San Marino has ordinances that keep it very safe. The city has no bars/convenience stores/ liquor stores, no fast food restaurants, no retail chain stores, no supermarkets, no hotels, no theaters, and only one 24-hour gas station. All other businesses close no later than 7:30pm, and the parks close no later than 8:30pm. There are also very few apartments/condos. There are no public activities in the evenings which eliminates most reasons for non-residents to be in the city after dark. It's a guarantee that the only vehicles you will see on the streets in the late evening/early morning hours are the police. If you desire to live in a city where an assortment of restaurant/bar/shopping options are convenient or within walking distance, then this is not where you would want to live. Residents need to venture to neighboring cities for such options & amenities.... Read 50 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 12,620

• Town in California

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  Rating 4.12 out of 5  255 reviews

Current Resident: It's a fairly quiet city, but there's always things to do if you love going out. There's a nearby Arboretum, a large shopping mall center, and lots of restaurants, bakeries, and stores around the area. There are also several parks in the city with tennis courts, pickleball courts, swimming pools, fields, etc. It's mostly safe, and I usually feel comfortable walking outside at night, though there has been a recent rise in theft crimes. The AUSD district is also highly rated and provided a good experience for me.... Read 255 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 56,697

• Suburb of San Jose, CA

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 3,564

• Town in California

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  162 reviews

Current Resident: Pleasanton has very nice neighborhoods. There are a LOT of trees and parks here that make it seem very natural. The Meadowlark Dairy downtown serves delicious ice cream as well as other treats. A lot of the restaurants downtown are amazing too! If you live near a school, it's definitely walkable. Both high schools are great (and I love the friendly rivalry we've had)! The town is a very safe place to live in and has a very family-friendly environment. The public library has a lot of great books and the staff there are very friendly to both adults and children!... Read 162 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 79,558

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.04 out of 5  52 reviews

Current Resident: Very welcoming! Has a very diverse population despite being a small city. Everyone is very close knit and communicates via Facebook.... Read 52 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Population 16,390

Nearby Resident: Carmel is a pretty, small city located on the south of the Monterey Peninsula. It has a well-developed downtown with numerous restaurants, galleries, and stores. The coastline is pretty with a scenic drive and beaches. Crime is very minimal. Housing is usually quite expensive. It can be hard to navigate through the city as most roads are narrow and road names many not be easily identified. There is only one highway going into the city which can create traffic jams often on the highway.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 3,296

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.37 out of 5  203 reviews

Current Resident: Redondo is such a beautiful place to live. I am very blessed for being able to call this city my home. I grew up here my whole life and I wouldn’t change a thing! The people here are so welcoming and friendly. Our community feels so close together, and everyone knows everyone. There are so many different “mom and pop” shops that are all so unique. The beach is just a nice little drive away. There are so many different things to do here I never get bored! I am always discovering new places down here with friends and family! I hope that one day I too will be able to raise my kids down here so they can experience what I did. I am forever grateful!... Read 203 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 70,998

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA

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  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Nearby Resident: Beautiful upscale town. Nice mom and pop shops. It is an enclave all unto itself. However, it is not very diverse (racially, economically, or otherwise). Nevertheless, the people are friendly in public and although every affluent, the at not snobby... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 2,405

• Town in California

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  Rating 4.04 out of 5  136 reviews

Current Resident: I love Mountain View with my whole heart! I have grown up here my whole life, and it hasn't failed to provide fun, jobs, sense of community, and trust. They have such fun and welcoming holiday events that are free for anybody to attend, and have an amazing community center that I live very close to. The community center provides anything you could imagine! From dance classes, tutoring, yoga, daycares, and more, the City of Mountain View doesn't stop with provisions for their community. I have gotten lucky enough to work for the City as a lifeguard, and it has been the most fun and enjoyable experience I've had in all my years living here. They hire teens from the age of 15, pay extremely well, and it is a super fun and engaging job to have during the summer! I have learned so much in my years living here, and I hold a space very close to my heart for Mountain View.... Read 136 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 82,409

• Town in California

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  Rating 4.3 out of 5  152 reviews

Current Resident: Santa Monica is a very peaceful coastal city. It has extensive beautiful beaches, a pier, a boardwalk, and borders the neighborhood of Venice. Santa Monica is a great place to walk with spacious parks, cafes, galleries, and restaurants. We have a unique school system with an abundance of options depending on which part of the city you occupy. I give it four stars because Santa Monica lacks diversity and is very expensive. Because of skyrocketing rent prices, small and historical businesses are shut down left and right and replaced by luxury and novelty goods shops that most cannot afford.... Read 152 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 92,828

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA

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  Rating 3.83 out of 5  6 reviews

Current Resident: Over the last 25 years I have lived across the country in 17 homes. Sausalito is the most wonderful place I have ever lived! I work in San Francisco and take the 20 minute Sausalito Ferry into the city (the ferry is a 10 minute walk from my home). The climate is FABULOUS with rarely a day over 80 degrees and most nights in the 50's. This is the only place I have ever lived that does not need air conditioning. There are fabulous restaurants and lots of outdoor activities. Also, no mosquitos! People are very friendly and lots of places to hike including the Marin Headlands which has the most amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. A few miles up the road is Muir Woods with giant Redwoods. The only downside is the real estate is very expensive, but if you can afford it, this is the most amazing place to live! I feel I am on a constant holiday and extraordinarily lucky to have discovered and live in this paradise!... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 7,260

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA

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  Rating 3.5 out of 5  2 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 3,094

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: Woodacre is a beautiful little area in unincorporated Marin County with progressive politics and alternative schools. It is idyllic if you love nature and like privacy. It is family friendly and is overall a good community. There is a lot of potential in this valley but change happens slowly.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Population 1,279