11 Best Places to Live in California in 2026
Constant sunny weather, access to nature, diverse cultures, and a thriving job market make living in California appealing for many. The Golden State offers residents an unbeatable combination of outdoor activities, a bustling social scene, and economic opportunities. With its long coastline and mountainous interior, California provides a fantastic variety of landscapes and environments within its borders. The state presents excellent options for families, professionals, and retirees, from bustling urban hubs to idyllic rural towns.
These communities exemplify the best California offers for living, working, and raising a family in 2026. The following places stand out based on factors like employment, income growth, affordability, amenities, and overall quality of life. Whether you crave big-city energy or small-town charm, you will find your match on our list of the top locations to live in California this year.
Calistoga
This lovely community in California’s Napa Valley offers a welcoming and healing environment. Famous for its natural hot springs, therapeutic mud baths, and renowned wineries, Calistoga is perfect for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle filled with delightful wine tastings at places like Castello di Amorosa. The geothermal springs create a soothing atmosphere, and visiting the well-known Old Faithful of California provides a wonderful experience of natural healing. With a strong sense of community among over 5,000 residents, Calistoga fosters a safe and friendly environment, where the crime rate is more than 20% lower than the national average. The yearly cost for essentials is about $47,000, a bit above the state and national averages. The median price for a single-family home stands at around $1.1 million, making it a distinctive and charming place to call home.
Davis
Sitting just west of Sacramento, Davis delivers a cozy suburban setting with access to nature and a vibrant social scene. The community hosts the University of California, guaranteeing high-quality learning opportunities for young professionals and seasoned veterans. The institution has elevated the local arts and culture scene, leading to venues like the Davis Varsity Theater and the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art. There is also plenty of nature in a town known for its biking culture. Cyclists can take advantage of at least 300 cycling routes, with scenic trails and the laid-back atmosphere of the 100-acre UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden Headquarters.
Davis is a harmonious community, with the close ties between members best embodied at the Davis Farmers Market. The crime rate is well below the national average, while recent estimates generally put the cost of living roughly 50-70% higher than the U.S. average. If you buy a home, you can find a decent abode for around $800K, and if you choose to rent, typical two-bedroom apartments often range from about $2,000 to $2,500 monthly.
Half Moon Bay
If you dream of spending your days in the easygoing setting of the Pacific Coast, Half Moon Bay is an enticing prospect just south of San Francisco. This picturesque locale is famous for its string of beaches, from Half Moon Bay State Beach and Miramar Beach to Poplar Beach, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to revel in nature’s splendor. This cluster of beaches provides various recreation opportunities, including swimming, hiking, wave surfing, and horseback riding. The dining scene is abuzz with multiple restaurants serving a cocktail of local and internationally inspired flavors. If you love Italian, you can pop into Pasta Moon for upscale Italian dishes.
Recent data suggest that Half Moon Bay’s overall crime rate is roughly in line with or somewhat lower than the national average, but you still need to have your savings in check to enjoy a piece of this coastal heaven: typical homes now cost around $1.5 million, and the overall cost of living is dramatically higher than the U.S. average.
Petaluma
Petaluma offers something for everyone in a small town that boasts a well-preserved history, a thriving craft brewery scene, and idyllic nature spaces. Its walkable downtown features an eclectic cluster of antique stores, ice cream shops, restaurants, and galleries. You can make the most of the lively atmosphere by visiting venues like Phoenix Theater to enjoy live musical performances. Every year in September, Petaluma celebrates its brewing culture with the Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival, an excellent time to step out and interact with the community in a family-friendly atmosphere.
With a crime rate below the national average, residents don’t have to obsess over their safety when exploring isolated nature trails in outdoor spaces like Helen Putnam Regional Park and Shollenberger Park. If you can afford Petaluma's roughly $900K median home price, you can also look forward to strong long-term appreciation on your investment.
Truckee
Outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility appreciate Truckee for its charming small-town atmosphere and close proximity to nature. This small village in Nevada County is surrounded by verdant outdoor areas that attract hikers, campers, skiers, climbers, and anglers, making it a popular recreational spot. Donner Memorial State Park exemplifies the many outdoor activities available in Truckee, offering kayaking, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and cross-country skiing. Its nearby major attractions like Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake, and the Truckee River make it a year-round destination, ensuring there's always something to do. There’s plenty of entertainment, and kids can enjoy fun educational experiences and interactive outdoor exhibits at KidZone Museum. No longer a hidden treasure, the town’s growing popularity has pushed median home prices to around $1.0 million to $1.1 million. Additionally, most cost-of-living indices now estimate the expense at approximately 40-50% above the national average.
Palo Alto
Often called the birthplace of Silicon Valley, this lovely city in the San Francisco Bay Area is full of prestigious blue-chip companies and innovative entrepreneurs. It’s also home to Stanford University, which helps students prepare for exciting careers in Silicon Valley, giving parents confidence in their children’s bright futures. There’s even more to enjoy in Palo Alto, including a vibrant arts scene with the Cantor Arts Center and Palo Alto Arts Center. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Baylands Nature Preserve, a beautiful wetland park on the city’s edge. While Palo Alto offers amazing opportunities, it might not be for everyone looking for an ideal home. The median home price is around $3 million, and living costs are nearly 50% higher than the national average. On a positive note, the median household income here is over $230,000, though even at that level, many residents find the housing prices to be a challenge.
Borrego Springs
This small desert community is uniquely surrounded by the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Often regarded as one of California's most beautiful places to visit or live, it features stunning desert landscapes and several life-size metal sculptures of mythical creatures, especially at Galleta Meadows. Night in Borrego Springs is ideal for stargazing due to its dark skies and minimal light pollution, with Hellhole Canyon Trail offering an excellent view. The town's charm extends into winter when many snowbirds arrive, providing residents with great bird-watching opportunities. Although the cost of living is slightly above the national average, median home prices in the mid-$300,000s make Borrego Springs relatively affordable compared to other parts of California.
Julian
This charming little town near San Diego carries a wonderful heritage from the Gold Rush era. You can find several historical markers that celebrate its past, like the Julian Pioneer Museum. At the Eagle and High Peak Mines, visitors can enjoy exploring underground tunnels and trying their hand at gold panning, reliving the town’s lively mining days. Sitting just over 4,200 feet in elevation, Julian offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes from spots like Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve and William Heise County Park, where outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in activities like hiking, camping, and hunting. While the cost of living in Julian is generally estimated to be 20% to 50% higher than the national average, with typical home prices around $600K, it’s comforting to know that the town also boasts a lower crime rate compared to the national average, making it a lovely place to visit or settle down.
Avalon
If you're searching for a peaceful spot to call your own, away from the busy city life, Avalon could be just the right place. This beautiful town on Catalina Island is nestled off the southern coast of California, and the only way to get there is by boat. Avalon has a charming small-town feel, offering exciting water adventures through local outfitters like Catalina Adventure Sailing and Catalina Island Company. The dining options are just as delightful, with several restaurants serving delicious seafood, including the popular Lobster Trap.
About safety, crime rates vary depending on the source, but many reports show Avalon’s overall crime level is roughly similar to the national average. Of course, living in such a relaxed coastal paradise isn’t inexpensive, with median home prices around $1.2 million and rental prices often over $3,000 a month when available.
Ferndale
Sandwiched between the sprawling Humboldt Redwoods State Park and California’s Lost Coast, Ferndale is an excellent choice for those with a penchant for the outdoors. Exploring its historic downtown reveals well-preserved Victorian-era structures and a main street bustling with restaurants, shops, and antique stores. For some background to the town, Ferndale Museum exhibits a vast collection of artifacts that bring the area’s past to life. Nature lovers will enjoy picnicking at Fireman’s Park or hiking along miles of trails in the 105-acre Russ Park.
Residents also enjoy a lovely arts and culture scene, often assembling at Ferndale Repertory Theater to enjoy various live performances throughout the year. Ferndale favors young professionals looking to establish a family, thanks to a low unemployment rate and a median home price now in roughly the $500,000-$650,000 range, still well below California’s statewide average. The crime rate is also about 50% lower than the national average.
Moraga
Located in the scenic hills of the East Bay, Moraga offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and small-town warmth. This peaceful town, with its gentle climate all year, is home to a close-knit community of around 17,000 residents. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the many trails and open spaces at Moraga Commons Park and Captain Vineyards, perfect for exploring and relaxing. In the heart of town, you'll find cultural gems like the historic Rheem Theater, where you can enjoy the latest indie films. For a more local experience, visiting the Moraga Farmers Market each week is a wonderful way to purchase fresh local produce and meet friendly neighbors. Though the cost of living is about 70% higher than the national average, residents feel safe and enjoy easy access to everything they need. Property crimes are quite rare, and being close to popular Bay Area spots like Lafayette and Orinda makes it simple to reach top healthcare, entertainment, and social venues in larger cities.
In Conclusion
California remains one of the most desirable places to live and retire in the United States. The communities featured offer exemplary quality of life through their natural beauty, cultural attractions, economic opportunities, and high living standards. Whether seeking an energetic large city or a tranquil small town to live in California, there is an ideal community on this list to suit various lifestyles and budgets. With its diverse landscapes and year-round sunny climate, the Golden State fosters healthy, active lifestyles for residents of all ages.
