11 Best Places To Live In California In 2026
The 11 best places to live in California are attractive for a number of reasons, from vibrant local economies and job markets to outstanding lifestyle perks, including access to the outdoors. Palo Alto is especially appealing to people who want direct access to one of the country’s strongest tech job markets, backed by major employers, Stanford University, and a long list of community amenities. Folsom is another excellent choice, thanks to its balance of affordability and outdoor living, with Folsom Lake, more than 50 miles of paved recreation trails, and a strong local economy anchored by Intel. And for a coastal twist, Encinitas is the kind of city people move to for lifestyle first, with surf spots like Moonlight Beach and Swami’s Beach Park, strong schools, and a community centered on health and wellness. If your next move is to the West Coast, these California communities show just how many different ways there are to build a good life in 2026.
Palo Alto
Palo Alto is a Silicon Valley city in the San Francisco Bay Area, home to around 69,724 people. It is a major technology hub, where many global businesses started or still maintain offices, such as Amazon, Tesla, Rivian, Houzz, and more. Consequently, the job market in Palo Alto exceeds the national average and unemployment rates are at 3.57%, which is lower than the national average of 4.5%. The median household income is reflective of the strong economy at $224,666, which is higher than the national median of $79,466. However, the median home value in Palo Alto is $2,661,702, much higher than the national average.
Palo Alto residents enjoy an abundance of community amenities, including 36 parks, 39 playgrounds, five community and youth centers, 41 miles of walking and biking trails, and five libraries. Data from the FBI Crime Data Explorer indicates that rates of homicide and aggravated assault in Palo Alto over the last five years have consistently ranked below levels across the rest of California and the United States.
Home to Stanford University, Palo Alto offers many cultural experiences, like the Cantor Arts Center. 24 galleries and 15 annual exhibitions showcase over 38,000 works of art from all over the world. Alternatively, the Baylands Nature Preserve contains over 15 miles of multi-use trails through tidal and freshwater habitats in what is one of the largest and most undisturbed marshland environments in the San Francisco Bay.
Folsom
Folsom is a northeastern Californian city in Sacramento County on the shore of Folsom Lake. It is home to around 86,864 people, many of whom work at innovative startups or global technology industry giants, like Intel, which is Folsom’s largest employer with over 6,000 employees. Its strong economy has resulted in a lower-than-national-average unemployment rate of 3.9%, with median household income sitting at $141,341. Median home value in Folsom is $665,841, which is lower than the median value in California, although still higher than the national value.
Folsom residents enjoy an outdoor-based lifestyle, with over 50 miles of paved recreation trails and 49 city parks. Folsom is at the base of the Sierra Nevada foothills, creating opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, picnicking, waterskiing and boating on Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.
The highest ranking school in the district, Folsom Middle School, saw 67% of students score at or higher the proficiency level for math, and 79% for reading. Folsom Lake College provides higher education that puts students in good standing towards university-level education. Aggravated assault levels over the last five years have been consistently lower than state and national levels, whereas there have been isolated spikes in homicide rates.
Elk Grove
Elk Grove is a Northern California city only 30 minutes south of the state capital, Sacramento. 179,695 people live in Elk Grove, the majority of whom work professional or administrative jobs. Elk Grove has opportunities for both small businesses looking for quality candidates and for businesses looking to expand or relocate. Despite promising job prospects, however, Elk Grove has an unemployment rate of 5.14%, which is higher than the national average. However, the median home value is $592,678, which is lower than the state median. Elk Grove also has a higher than national median household income at $123,188.
Elk Grove is a family-focused community with an award-winning school district. Additionally, Elk Grove has a satellite campus for Dominican University. Elk Grove Regional Park is a cornerstone of the community, a place for active and passive recreation, as well as hosting concerts and events.
Over the last five years, aggravated assault levels in Elk Grove have remained consistently lower than the state and national rates. Homicide levels have also been lower or on par with the state and the rest of the nation, only with brief spikes in which it was higher than both.
Oceanside
Home to around 173,095 people, Oceanside offers seaside living for less than larger coastal cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. With a median home value of $781,692, it is much closer to the California median. The unemployment rate is 3.81%, which is lower than the national average, with its residents choosing from a diverse and robust job market composed of manufacturing, distribution, tourism and agriculture. Although real estate is more expensive, residents are compensated with median household incomes of $101,712.
With over 260 days of sunshine each year, Oceanside residents’ lifestyle is largely tied to the ocean, including a strong Southern California surf culture. Harbor Beach is a wide sandy beach boxed in by two rock jetties, creating recreational opportunities on and off the water. This includes paved walking trails around the harbor, access to downtown, picnicking, fishing, surfing, and kitesurfing.
Oceanside Unified School District provides the city with high-quality education from El Camino High School and Oceanside High School. Outside of high school, MiraCosta College is equipped to provide a broad range of academic and vocational programs. Over the last five years, aggravated assault rates have meandered on par or above national and state levels, whereas homicide rates have experienced periods of being below, on par, and above state and national levels. However, the Oceanside Police Department is committed to public safety and routinely collaborates with residents through neighborhood watch programs, community engagement events, and proactive policing strategies.
Modesto
Located in the Central Valley, Modesto is one of the closest major cities to Yosemite National Park, granting easy access to hiking trails, scenic views, and family vacations. While Modesto has a resident population of 219,749 and a city unemployment rate of 7.02%, its role as a regional hub gives it access to a much larger workforce. In fact, the regional labor force — including commuters from the surrounding area — is projected to grow from 652,017 in 2023 to 683,070 by 2028, according to the Modesto government website. Modesto’s biggest employment sectors include health care and social assistance, government, retail, manufacturing, and hospitality.
Many residents of Modesto hold college degrees, including approximately 30,000 with an associate’s degree or higher, over 20,000 with a bachelor’s degree or higher, and roughly 7,000 with graduate degrees. The Modesto City Schools District operates 34 schools across the city, which present students with programs and services that promote academic and personal growth. Modesto High School runs a dual enrollment program for students to take classes at Modesto Junior College.
Residents of Modesto bring home a median income of $81,728, comparable to the national median. Home value prices sit at $447,320, closer to the national median and well below the state median. Homicide levels have spiked above the state and national average over the last five years, although they have undergone periods when they were lower than both. As for aggravated assault, rates are consistently higher than state and national levels. However, rates have gradually gone down, which could be attributed to initiatives like neighborhood watch organizations, which have been successful in preventing crime.
Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo is a quiet commuter city in Orange County, home to 90,987 people at a median age of 45.2. It is consistently regarded as one of the safest cities in California, and its violent crime rates reflect that. Over the last five years, aggravated assault levels have consistently been lower than the rest of the state and nation. Homicide rates have remained consistently low except for a few extremely isolated spikes.
Most people are employed in professional or administrative positions, whereas others work in the service industry, are self-employed, or work for private companies. Due to the strong job market, the unemployment rate is only 3.4%. The median household income brought in from these jobs is $138,987 however, the median home price is $967,574, substantially higher than both the national and state median.
The surrounding Saddleback Mountains behind the city provide many trails and opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all capabilities. Alternatively, premier dining and shopping destinations are found inside the Mission Viejo Mall. The Saddleback Valley Unified School District serves 14 public elementary schools, seven public middle schools, six public high schools, and 12 private schools. Students at Mission Viejo High School are offered the chance to take Advanced Placement coursework and exams, of which 39% of students choose to do.
Encinitas
Encinitas is a beach city in San Diego County, home to 63,653 people. As with many coastal communities, outdoors-based recreation is largely tied to the beach. Moonlight Beach and Swami’s Beach Park are among the most popular, both of which stand out for their views and surfing opportunities. As with many coastal cities, real estate is not cheap. Median home value is $1,528,824, which is still substantially expensive even when considering the median household income of $155,902.
The unemployment rate in Encinitas is 3.53%, lower than the national average. It has a thriving business environment, with roughly 8,200 businesses employing over 41,000 Encinitas residents. The most dominant job sectors include professional, scientific, and technical services, health care and social assistance, and manufacturing. The Encinitas Union School District is a leader in K-6 public education, committed to fostering lifelong learning in its students from kindergarten through the eighth grade. High school students in the San Dieguito Union High School District continue to nurture students through academic programs, sports teams, and extracurricular programs.
Encinitas as a community embodies health and wellness, even in its school system. While they have outstanding public schools, private institutions like the Waldorf School of San Diego centers on learning through experience, creativity, and a nature-based approach to education. Encinitas experiences consistently low homicide and aggravated assault rates, both of which have been lower than the national and state levels, other than a minor spike in homicide rates in 2024.
Redding
Redding is a rare location in California because its median home price is $366,550, which is lower than both the California median and the national median. Yet, despite cheaper real estate, households are only bringing in a median income of $73,246, which is lower than the national median. With a population of 92,394, the Redding economy employs 41,500 people in its largest industries, which are health care and social assistance, retail, and hospitality. The highest paying industries are utilities, information, and wholesale trade. However, even with a strong economy, the unemployment rate is 5.2%, higher than the national average.
But Redding residents regularly reap the lifestyle perks that come with living in what is regarded as the trails capital of California. Within a 15-mile radius of downtown Redding, 225 miles of trails can be accessed. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a diverse destination with an abundance of hiking opportunities that wind past wildflower meadows, mountain lakes, volcanic peaks, and geothermal springs.
Over the last five years, aggravated assault levels have been consistently higher than state and national levels. Homicide rates have undergone periods of falling below the state and national levels but have also had spikes that took them back above both. Redding is home to Simpson University and offers students some of the cheapest housing options. Undergraduates for the 2026-2027 academic year can expect to pay $7,100 for housing.
Cupertino
Cupertino in Silicon Valley is best known as the headquarters of Apple. Its local economy is strong, and unemployment rates are only at 3.13%. Cupertino’s 59,484 residents have the option to work for other companies like Seagate Technology or other strong industries like education, health care, and retail. The median household income is $238,532, but due to the city’s strong economy and high-salaried jobs, the median house value sits at $2,526,599.
Cupertino is known for its exceptional education system, with some schools ranked among the best in California. The Fremont Union High School District and Cupertino Union School District consistently receive high ratings, standing out for advanced placement programs, strong extracurricular activities, and high graduation rates. De Anza College is a well-respected community college that offers affordable higher education, with the option for those seeking advanced degrees to transition to nearby institutions like Stanford University and Santa Clara University.
Violent crime rates are much lower in Cupertino in comparison to state and national levels. Aggravated assault levels have been consistently low over the last five years, and the last incident of homicide occurred in 2021. Residents safely enjoy local parks like Memorial Park, the city’s largest park at 22 acres, with walking paths, playgrounds, and game fields. Alternatively, Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve provides multi-use trails that connect to additional trails in the open space preserve.
Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek is a centrally located East Bay city of 71,311 residents. A recent study found that Walnut Creek is one of the top 20 cities in the United States to start a business. The city is home to four major medical centers, and the health care industry in Walnut Creek is strong and ever-expanding. Other strong industries include the auto industry and its thriving retail and restaurant industry. Residents are compensated with a higher than national average median household income of $139,567. The strong economy is reflected in the housing market, with the Walnut Creek median home value of roughly $955,668 — significantly above the national median and generally above the California median.
Mount Diablo State Park is on the outskirts of town, luring in hikers up the summit of Mount Diablo to witness views extending 100 miles in every direction. The park’s 20,000 acres allow for an abundance of outdoor recreation across different terrains. Walnut Creek is a generally safe city, with lower than national and state average rates of aggravated assault over the last five years, and only a few isolated minor spikes in homicide rates.
Walnut Creek students are served by the Walnut Creek School District and Acalanes Union High School District. Education is a key focus of Walnut Creek, especially with the Contra Costa County Office of Education, which promotes achievement for students facing challenges, including involvement with the legal system, foster care, homelessness, poverty, and disabilities.
Sacramento
As California’s capital city, Sacramento is home to 542,262 people and is suitable for varied lifestyles. Lake Tahoe is only two hours from Sacramento, creating endless outdoor opportunities from boating, fishing, and swimming in the summer, to skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Median house value in Sacramento is $521,370, lower than the state median, although still higher than the national median. However, households bring home $89,175, a higher median income than the national median.
As such a populous city, the job market is competitive, and the unemployment rate is 4.79%, which is slightly higher than the national average. However, the job market is experiencing a stable but modest growth in 2026, with about 6,500 jobs opening up. The major industries in the Sacramento region include state government, health care, technology, food and beverage, agriculture, and higher education.
Sacramento is home to California State University, Sacramento, known for fostering inclusivity. All University programs and activities are available to students, faculty, and staff regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. The university offers a broad range of degrees and majors, including arts, science, education, health, and more. Violent crime rates are an issue in Sacramento. Aggravated assault rates have been consistently higher than state and national levels over the past five years, whereas homicide rates have been inconsistent, dipping above and below both state and national levels.
Best Places to Live in California
California offers a diverse range of places to live in 2026, some within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and others on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Other places are better suited to individual needs. For example, working professionals may be drawn to bustling tech hubs with strong economies like Palo Alto or Cupertino, young families may be drawn to Oceanside and Encinitas for their superb school systems, and retirees may be drawn to the quietness of the commuter city that is Mission Viejo, or the cheap real estate of Redding. Regardless of who you are and what stage of your life you are currently in, there is a place in California for everyone to live in 2026.
