7 Best Places To Call Home In California In 2025

California, one of the top three most-visited states and the third-largest by area, covers 163,695 square miles of diverse landscapes, including islands and beaches, coastal redwoods, mountains, wine country, and deserts. Bordered by Oregon to the north and Nevada and Arizona to the east, this Pacific coast state is known for glam living where dreams come true in Hollywood, LA.

No wonder the cost of living in the Golden State is $775,058 as of August 2025, according to Zillow's average. Since the Golden State has it all, there must be places that balance affordability with all the surplus. As the most populous state, with a population of nearly 40 million, there sure are. With plenty of housing below the state's average, now is the time to see which of the very diverse lifestyles suits you.

Barstow

The mineral and mining industry harnesses this desert town's economy. Barstow's remoteness is by no means an impediment, with jobs in both the private and public sectors, including agriculture, oil and gas, and transportation as a railroad hub. Boasting a low housing cost of $270,851 and a median income of almost $52,000, some 25,500 residents enjoy the low-key lifestyle with little traffic. Barstow also relies on commerce and tourism between the Main Street Murals and museums.

The desert climate may not be your cup of tea, but nostalgic attractions like Peggy Sue's 50s Diner and the Western America Railroad Museum sure attract sightseers. Mojave River Valley Museum traces history from the 1700s through newspapers, photos, and other intriguing displays. Being not too close and not too far from urbanity, its retro face is balanced by brand and designer outlet stores, plus amenities within walking distance, including healthcare and all grade schools.

Blythe

At $230,815 for housing, Blythe is an affordable, quiet corner, with outdoor recreation through seven parks and hiking trails like Lost Palms Oasis Trail and Big Maria Mountains. Home to under 18,000, this borderline town with Arizona offers riverfront allure and historic architecture downtown. Though a desert location can lead to a sense of isolation, it also lends itself to an eager welcome toward newcomers, drawing them in with a slower pace of life, access to amenities, and low crime.

In addition to public admin jobs, with a median household income of $52,000, Blythe draws residents from both states for essential retail and recreation. Locals enjoy doorstep access for ample fishing and kayaking. The majority are homeowners, living in single-detached houses, semi-detached houses, and some apartments. In addition to Blythe Municipal Golf Course, Mayflower County Park is a dog-friendly campground with RV sites, amenities, and a boat ramp on the Colorado River.

Clear Lake

Boasting a consistently warm climate, Clear Lake is one of the state's sunniest places. Home to 16,685 residents, the calm, natural beauty reflects local sentiment towards newcomers. It is hard to convey the tranquility at the southeastern point of its namesake, the largest natural freshwater lake wholly within the state. Redbud Park overlooks the 68-square-mile surface with a baseball field, BBQ grills, a boat launch, and a fishing pier. Meanwhile, the housing price of just $210,894 signals a low cost of living.

Residents enjoy access to amenities affordably, with a median household income of $41,580. Despite heavily relying on agricultural and tourist industries, there are healthcare and social assistance, including Adventist Health Clear Lake. In addition to this very reputable hospital and grade schools all around the lake, housing options include single-detached houses and apartments. The beautiful water body feels straight from a fairy tale atop Buckingham Peak or at the beachfront Clear Lake State Park.

Eureka

The name, meaning "I have found it," refers to the town's rich roots circa the 1850s as a supply post for the mining in the Trinity Mountains to the east. Eureka quickly "found" a new calling in its coastal allure surrounded by redwood parks. Offering housing well below the state's cost at $419,949, there are countless grade school options plus the University of Metaphysical Sciences. The majority of residents are employed, making a median household income of $60,250.

Home to 26,500, Eureka extends vast opportunity into the present, with major industries in healthcare and social assistance plus retail. In addition to a public marina and sequoia groves, residents enjoy minute access to miles of dunes, beaches, and sealife on the island via Hwy 255. The Morris Graves Museum of Art is a neoclassical 1902 building with artwork of the Pacific Northwest, while Sequoia Park is ideal for a family outing, with a long trail and pandas at the historic zoo.

Grass Valley

Offering a housing cost of $517,736 and a median household income of $48,850, this NorCal town on the Yuba River wraps vast cultural and natural landscapes in a close-knit appeal. Home to just over 14,000, Grass Valley draws families and career-minded individuals with jobs in the media technology industry. Grass Valley is a leading provider of solutions for live production and broadcasting. Pet parents can't get enough of Condon Park, a large woodland with fencing, water, and benches.

In addition to the major Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital and plentiful schooling options, the large shopping district spans blocks of galleries, studios, and boutiques, with venues like the Center for the Arts. The town preserves its mining and logging heritage at Empire Mine State Historic Park, with multi-use trails on the site of the state's oldest gold mine. Residents enjoy the Hardrock Trail Entrance downtown, an approximately 2-mile dog-friendly loop, in the breeze and plenty of shade.

Lake Arrowhead

Natural beauty frames this resort town in the San Bernardino Mountains. In addition to the thrilling SkyPark at Santa's Village, there's a general hospital, an elementary school, and a high school. The namesake's shores glitter with gardens, landmarks, and businesses, including the village within a national park, with eateries, shops, and events. Opportunities for hiking are boundless, from Aztec Falls to Pilot Rock. The residents don't feel shorthanded—with a median income of over $88,100.

Home to 12,500 locals, they pay $540,368 for an average house value in the surroundings of lakes, canyons, cliffs, and forests with wildlife. Welcoming four million annual tourists at over 5,000 feet above sea level, Lake Arrowhead relies on tourism, generating millions yearly for the county. Hop on the Arrowhead Queen Tour Boat. Heart Rock Trail is an ideal outing to a heart-shaped hole in a cliff next to a cascading 20-foot waterfall to chill after a hike, rock-hop, or picnic, or to take a dip.

Trinidad

This rainy, foggy, and mild-tempered town inspires romance and thriving longevity between the beaches and Redwood National and State Parks around. The tallest living tree on earth, the sequoia sempervirens, is actually Latin for "ever living." Now imagine the daily opportunity to hike through the stunning old growth, lean against one on a picnic, and breathe out. Drop by the local museum to learn more, and take the Tsurai Trail (Trinidad Head Trail) to see the charming Trinidad Head Lighthouse.

Home to under 500, half of the residents are employed, 67% hold a bachelor's or higher, and with a median household income of over $99,000, it is something to boast about. Trinidad is fueled by its natural beauty, driven by tourism, and very much into commercial fishing. Being part of this small coastal community means seafood at home, your work lunch, and places like Seascape Restaurant. At $600,590 for housing, it is worth the clean air and peace, exploring a trail, and the state beach.

Like the beautiful Clear Lake, many of the state's lowest-cost towns are the richest in nature. Traveling through the Golden State, one of the most stunning and expansive states to live in, from the tech hub of Grass Valley to the tranquil Trinidad fishing village, you'll stumble upon vast natural beauty, a mild climate, and a strong economy.

Its golden beaches, coastal scenery, and lively atmosphere breed art, culture, and diversity as one of the easiest places to be who you are. These seven towns, with a head count of under 50,000, offer a slower pace and breathtaking beauty without compromising on career opportunities to make the California dream.