4 CA Cities Among Top 100 Best Places To Live In U.S.: Report

CALIFORNIA — Four cities in California were named among the best places to live in the country, according to a new report by Livability.com.

The online community research publication's annual list of the Top 100 Best Places To Live in the U.S. aims to help people discover the most livable cities. Livability.com sourced public and private data to find the best small- to mid-sized cities with populations between 75,000 to 500,000 people.

This year, more than 2,000 cities were ranked on about 100 data points measuring amenities, economy, education, environment, health, housing and cost of living, safety, and transportation. According to Livability.com, only cities with a median home value of $500,000 or less were considered for the list, which was not ranked.

"Ours is the only list truly centered around affordability," Livability.com wrote. "Our cities may be smaller, but what you can accomplish in them is big."

In California, Elk Grove in Sacramento County, Clovis in Fresno County, Murrieta in Riverside County, and Redding in Shasta County made the list.

Elk Grove

• LivScore: 799
• Region: Southwest
• Population: 181,530
• Med. Home Value: $497,689

Elk Grove, a suburb of Sacramento, offers family-friendly neighborhoods, top-rated schools and plenty of outdoor activities, according to Livability.com. Major companies such as Apple and Kaiser Permanente have regional headquarters in the city.

"Elk Grove, California, attracts people from all over the country with its welcoming community and celebratory spirit," Livability.com wrote. "And putting down roots here is easy thanks to the city’s low crime rates, family-friendly atmosphere, and wealth of good schools, green spaces and recreational activities for children."

Clovis

• LivScore: 751
• Region: Southwest
• Population: 124,309
• Med. Home Value: $378,281

Clovis has highly-rated schools and a relatively low cost of living for the San Joaquin Valley, according to Livability.com.

"The community boasts a low crime rate and excellent schools and places a premium on family values and child-friendly atmospheres," Livability.com wrote. "A vibrant downtown hosts everything from farmers markets and festivals to quaint boutiques and top-notch restaurants."

Murrieta

• LivScore: 730
• Region: Southwest
• Population: 109,497
• Med. Home Value: $491,793

Murrieta is the only city in Southern California that landed on the list. The midsize city, located between Los Angeles and San Diego, offers safe neighborhoods, plenty of parks and opens space, and a vibrant downtown area with restaurants and shops, according to Livability.com.

"The area is known for its affordable cost of living and has become one of the state's fastest-growing communities in the past several decades thanks to its proximity to other major cities," Livability.com wrote.

Redding

• LivScore: 713
• Region: Southwest
• Population: 94,538
• Med. Home Value: $338,801

Redding, located in Northern California, has a robust economy and plenty of safe neighborhoods, according to Livability.com.

"It offers an abundance of sunshine, plenty of entertainment, a lively arts scene and an envious amount of outdoor recreation options, from hiking and biking to fishing and paddle boarding," Livability.com wrote. "These assets are complimented by the region's refreshing affordability. "

Read more about Livability.com's methodology and ranking criteria. View the full list here.