As seems to be a regular trait of the west coast. California too, you will find, has plenty of places to go and see. Californians have access to the mountains, the water, and any other adventure you can think of. Find time to get to the beach, enjoy the sun, meanwhile, the food alone is worth the trip.
In addition, California has 28 national parks, plenty of outdoor activities, a diverse population, and the largest economy in the country. Not to mention, it has Hollywood!
Fun fact: If California was an independent country, its economy would be the fifth-largest in the world.
In addition to San Jose (on our list of the best places to live in the US), what are the best places to live in California? Let’s have a look.
San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the best places to live in CA.
Rolling hills, cool summers, cable cars, distinct architecture, Chinatown District, and the Golden Gate Bridge are some of the things that characterize the city of San Francisco.
One of the most desired cities in the US, it should come as no surprise that living in San Francisco will be a bit on the expensive side. However, the high wages often offset the costs. It is a tech-centric city, and home to huge companies like Facebook, Netflix, Apple, Google, and Yahoo. Naturally, people flock to the city to get a chance to work in one Silicon Valley company.
San Francisco has plenty of transportation options; Muni (trains, buses, and cable cars that operate within the city) Bart, or you can go for the traditional cable cars that San Francisco is famous for. If you prefer to bike, the city has invested generously in its bike lanes and is one of the most bike-friendly places in the world.
There’s always the option to call an Uber or Lyft that are available all over the city at affordable rates.
Did you know? Both Lyft and Uber originated in San Francisco and have their headquarters in the city.
Another thing about San Francisco, it’s a tolerant city that accepts different views and behaviors. This is also why it boasts a highly diverse population. Additionally, it has been central to the LGBT rights movement.
The food is amazing. You can choose to dine at the Michelin-star restaurant in the city or, go for some cheap eats by going for a taco from the local cart. Trust me, both are equally delicious! On that note, don’t forget to visit Bouchon and Ad Hoc, restaurants by the renowned chef Thomas Keller in Napa Valley. With more than 400 wineries, Napa Valley makes for a good escape from the city.
San Diego
Although a big city with a population of 1.4 million, some may call San Diego somewhat of a close-knit community. The population is diverse, and people are generally nice and kind. It does not take long to fit into this city making it one of the best places to live in southern California in 2022.
The job market in San Diego is promising. As with most of California, the cost of living may be a bit high. However, with the right skill set, it is not too difficult to land yourself a good-paying job.
The median age of the population is around 35 and San Diego is a great city for millennials. The weather is mild all year round, so there is very little chance for your plans to be spoiled by rain. In the city, there are places to see and much to do.
There is ample beach access that makes room for water sports. If you aren’t a surfer, chances are, San Diego will turn you into one. That’s not all, you can go snorkeling in the sparkling waters, go kayaking, or simply soak in the Sun on the beach.
The city has many trails and canyons that make for a good outdoor adventure. And there are many parks such as La Jolla Park.
If you are not much of an outdoor activity person, San Diego has something for you too. You can visit one of the many quaint cafes peppered over the city, or hang out at the clubs and bars. There are plenty of restaurants to try that offer delicious food.
San Diego is way more remote-work friendly than any of the neighbors. A sizable chunk of job postings is for remote positions. With coworking spaces like Rather and Downtown Cowork and internet speed of up to 5000 Mbps (AT&T), San Diego is a remote worker’s dream place!
Sacramento
We would be remiss to not include the Californian capital on our list of the best places in California to live. The Sacramento International Airport connects the city to the rest of the country and the cost of living is lower compared to other cities in the state.
And the job market is robust. If you can land yourself a decent job, the good wages coupled with the low cost of living would mean high living standards.
Sacramento has been blessed with Mediterranean weather; summers are warm and winters aren’t too cold. The summer temperatures may get soaring at times and will need some getting used to. Due to the location, you can escape outside of town for hiking and cooler weather.
One thing about Sacramento, it is very green. The city downtown has been dubbed as one of the best urban forests in the country. Living in the city is peaceful with clean air. But if you like, you can always go for a drive to Napa or Yosemite.
If you’d rather stay in the city, you can enjoy the lakes and rivers. There is plenty of hiking, rafting, kayaking, and fishing activities. The city also hosts annual festivals like Cinco de Mayo, Chinese New Year, and the Carnival.
Also, a great place for foodies, the city of Sacramento has a thriving food scene. Many farm-to-fork places are serving delicious foods with fresh ingredients.
Living in Sacramento would no doubt be a treat!
Wrap Up
California has wonderful weather, high quality of life, plenty of recreational opportunities, and some of the best food in the world. While any city in California would be fun to live in, these are the best. Make your pick quickly and carefully, before they run out of space!
