The 7 Best Cities to Live in California

There are few places more iconic than California, and for a nation of fifty states, that’s saying something! This state is lauded for its diverse population, eclectic entertainment scene, and vivid scenery encompassing everything from the tallest snowcapped mountains to the sunniest beaches. There seems to be a near-endless list of things to do and places to see. Considering the unique cultures and identities that the state takes on, it is no wonder that Californians are so proud. 

As a result of being one of America’s biggest states, both in terms of physical size and population, there are many sites to choose from when it comes to settling down. For those looking at California as a potential home base, there are a variety of considerations to make when weighing a decision. Some may value safety and community, while others could not care less and just want to club all night. More factors like climate, recreation, and, certainly for most, proximity to the sea will be major considerations. 

So, what are the best cities in the Golden State? Of course, the “best” of anything will always be subjective. As a born-and-raised Californian (from the south, as those upstate would have me clarify), allow me to give you my picks for the top cities. California towns are quite popular, so I’m guessing you will know some of these. Still, as a native of the state, I’d like to include a few examples of what each city is great at. Let’s take a look.

1. Santa Barbara: The American Riviera

To start, we are going to the coast for one of California’s most emblematic towns. Santa Barbara is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains and is an integral part of the so-called American Riviera. It has a mild climate, and though it can be considered a part of SoCal, it has more moderate temperatures than its southern counterparts. It is known for its relaxed beach culture and historic Spanish architecture. The city has over 88,000 residents, though it is often teeming with out-of-town visitors.

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As you may have captured from above, Santa Barbara is a great city for recreation. The mountains that tower over it can be explored through trails, caves, and even hot springs. The beaches are also great, as besides lying on the sand, there are several viewpoints that overlook the waves. SB has a major university with many bars and art venues to go with it. Better still, residents live out every day to the background noise of Amtrack trains chugging through town.

As a tourist destination, there are plenty of restaurants, lodging options, and activities at your disposal, including marine boating and kayaking. Despite its popularity, Santa Barbara serves as an escape from the heavy traffic California is known for. It isn’t crowded at all unless we are talking about charming homes and beautiful gardens. Considering the city’s historic sites and overall artistic vibe, Santa Barbara might just be the perfect place to live.

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2. San Francisco: An Urbanist’s Dream

Yes, I had to include this one. One of the most famous cities in the country and the world, San Francisco has much to offer. Located on the tip of a peninsula, this city is connected to the rest of California by its extremely long and famous bridges. San Francisco is close to islands and forests, and contrary to the state’s fame, it is known for having a cooler climate with more clouds than clear skies much of the year. The city has a prominent skyline and varied neighborhoods, and it is incredibly dense in population with over 800,000 residents, it is a part of the larger Silicon Valley Bay Area with cities such as Berkeley, Oakland, and San Jose. 

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As such a densely populated city, San Francisco is known for being a place you don’t really need a car. Most neighborhoods are walkable, public transit is great, and most places are easy to get to in a brief period of time. As a center of culture, there are lots of diverse food and entertainment options, as well as a range of unique neighborhoods to explore (think Castro, Lower Haight). Although parts of the city seem to always have tourists, some of the less-frequented areas offer much more authentic experiences. 

Given the local climate, San Francisco isn’t as ideal for beachgoers as other cities Yet, similar to New York, the city has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine, culture, nightlife, and general urban layout. There are even huge green spaces, such as Golden Gate Park, to visit when you need a break from it all. Nature reserves, hiking trails, and small coastal towns are a short trip away. 

It has gotten a bad rep for homelessness in recent years, but outside of a few specific areas, the city remains well-kept and aesthetically breathtaking in its appearance and architecture. For a mix of great urbanism and pristine landscapes, San Fran is one of the best in all of California.

3. Santa Cruz: Surf City

Now on the northern end of the Central Coast, this “Santa” is a world-class refuge for surfers and nature lovers. Santa Cruz is located about midway between Silicon Valley and Monterey and is about as emblematically Californian as it gets. Sure, there is the coast with its wharf and boardwalk; every town’s got to have a mission or two, and a mountain backdrop lays hold to the state’s redwood giants. If those weren’t enough, the city is named after a saint—in Spanish. Again, this is a California icon. It has a cooler, more marine climate than most cities on this list, but it is slightly sunnier (though somehow rainier) than San Francisco. 

The best for…

With a relatively small population of over 60,000, Santa Cruz has much of the same appeal as Santa Barbara. It is a small city with minimal congestion, a tucked-away college town with lively arts and entertainment scenes. The boardwalk is popular for its theme park, which sits at the mouth of the San Lorenzo River; the river itself curves through the heart of town and splits an arboreal riverwalk. 

Given its location on the coast and proximity to forested mountains, this city may appeal to those hoping to live in a smaller, cozier setting along the coast. Santa Cruz is a great place to enjoy an active or relaxing lifestyle, per your preference, while still being close to some of the state’s most iconic natural features. You also get the benefit of living centrally between Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Silicon Valley, and San Francisco Bay.

4. Irvine: The Suburbs

To mix it up now, let’s look at a place known for its suburbs. Irvine is a core city within Orange County, a region just south of and somewhat continuous with Greater Los Angeles. Irvine is reported as one of the safest cities in the state and is home to many parks and trails for recreation. Being inland and south of LA, the city has a consistently warm and pleasant climate. Though surrounded by other towns, Irvine itself has about 307,000 residents.

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When it comes to this city, the key point is safety. Given its suburban layout, Irvine is more sought out by those with an established family or who want a lowkey place to live and thrive. It is an important hub for business conduction and youth sports, and a few renowned universities also call the city home. Another key when it comes to Irvine is its proximity to other amenities. 

It is a short drive from the OC’s beach cities, considered among the best on the West Coast. It is also close to Disneyland and adjacent Disney attractions, and the county’s main regional airport is right next door. 

5. Los Angeles: Capital of Entertainment

A list of great California cities would be incomplete without a mention of this juggernaut—and not just because it’s my hometown. Los Angeles is one of the biggest and most sought-after places to live in the US, and for good reason. It is the economic and cultural core of Southern California, located between the coast and a few different mountain ranges. By way of Hollywood, the city has been a center for music, film, and various other industries for decades, making it deserving of the moniker “The Entertainment Capital of the World.” The city proper has well over 3 million people, with many millions more in the wider metropolitan area.

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Los Angeles is undoubtedly the biggest city in the state, but urban sprawl can give it a more residential feel. There are parts of town with high density and a fast pace, but there are just as many that feel more like the suburbs. The range in geography not only changes the landscape of the neighborhoods but also the range of activities available. Hiking and horse riding can be done in the surrounding mountains. Meanwhile the coast allows for beachside strolls and heated volleyball matches.

The city and its suburbs are always bubbling with an event, show, sporting competition, or anything in between. Though it is certainly more car-dependent than San Francisco, LA provides a wide array of neighborhoods, lifestyles, and activities to choose from. For many residents, that and the weather alone are reason enough to live here. A lot happens in California, and LA is at the center of it all.

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6. Sacramento: The Actual Capital

Somewhat of an unsung hero as far as Cali cities go, Sacramento is the capital of our marvelous state. It isn’t typically known as a large city, but Sacramento has around 2 million people in its metro area. Despite this, the city is quite spread out and is known for tree-lined streets, riverside parks, and its gold-rushing past. In the upper expanse of California’s Central Valley, the city has moderately warm weather, though more temperate than in the south. What Sacramento lacks in seaside beaches, it makes up for with its “coast” along the Sacramento and American rivers, which merge right near Downtown. 

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For the purposes of this list, Sacramento can be considered the “Irvine” of Northern California. The city is more sought after for its suburban, family-oriented appeal. Now, the city does have good urban fabric, particularly in the Downtown and Midtown neighborhoods, but it is a standout for California history enthusiasts or those who seek work for the state. Sacramento has a considerable number of museums and government buildings for these purposes. 

Still, this place shines for its availability of laidback, residential areas. It is notably cheap to live in compared to the nearby Bay cities, but with a quality of life that’s higher than in more southerly Central Valley cities, like Stockton or Fresno. Another great plus to Sacramento is its proximity to amazing national forests and nature, including the pristine Lake Tahoe. In many ways, Sacramento is a typical, middle-of-the-road American city, and for some, this may be the perfect choice.

7. San Diego: Jewel of the West Coast

For our last saint, we will look at the city that all other West Coast towns want to be. For those who have not visited, San Diego often gets lumped together with Los Angeles for being so close by. However, San Diego is generally sunnier, warmer, and less crowded than LA. Keep in mind this is still California. The city is the third largest in the state, with over 3 million people in the metro area and over a million in the city proper. The geography is mostly hilly and stocked with beaches; Downtown sits on a bay across from the uniquely placed Coronado Island, to which it connects by a curved bridge. The outskirts of town lie along the Mexican border, making it a sort of twin city with Tijuana. 

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Similar to Sacramento, San Diego provides big-city amenities without the headaches that are consistent with living in a megacity. Being so close to Mexico, the city has rich historical and contemporary cultures influenced by our neighbors to the south. Besides this, San Diego has been a center for migrations from all over the country and the world. Then again, with so much sun and all of those beaches, who wouldn’t move there?

San Diego is especially great if you enjoy Mexican culture and plan to visit Baja California often. Something else the city is famous for is its theme parks and zoos. SD is praised for having one of the best zoos in the world, and that’s not counting the even more praised Wild Animal Park. Adding in places like Legoland and SeaWorld, you’ve got a family paradise. The city is relatively close to Disneyland and LA, and transit takes you from the city center to the border in a matter of minutes. 

A variety of fun districts and calm residential areas are amplified by Balboa Park, which is filled with museums, gardens, and historic buildings to explore. For a city that holds its own among the state’s largest while maintaining its laidback, West Coast roots, San Diego is among the best in this state and the United States. 

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Conclusion

As a local and lifelong resident, I hope I have provided some value in your search for a new city. California is the most populous state in the country and has more major and minor cities than anyone might imagine. This list includes seven of the cities that I believe are the best, but remember that dozens of other options could be just as ideal. 

Here, I focused on some of the larger, more well-known locations. Yet, many of the cities have smaller suburbs or nearby locales that share similar climates, cultures, and characteristics as those included. There are also regions I did not cover, like the deserts, the lower Central Valley, or the smaller towns of Northern California. So, there is a lot more to explore. No matter what style of city you are looking for, this state has you covered. Whatever you choose, make sure to have fun and enjoy life in the Golden State!