Best Places to Live in California in 2023-2024
California is the most populous state in the country. See why so many people flock to The Golden State below. For more information on how we rank, read the Best Places to Live methodology.
View All 28 PhotosSan Jose, CA
#1 in Best Places to Live in California
Nicknamed the capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose is a diverse area with an innovative spirit. While it has a distinct... Read More- Overall Score
- 6.7
- Overall Score
- Quality of Life
- 7.4
- Quality of Life
- Value
- 4.6
- Value
- Overall Score
- 6.7
- Quality of Life
- 7.4
- Value
- 4.6
View All 24 PhotosSan Francisco, CA
#2 in Best Places to Live in California
A beautiful region filled with iconic landmarks independently owned businesses and trendsetting residents, San Francisco... Read More- Overall Score
- 6.4
- Overall Score
- Quality of Life
- 6.8
- Quality of Life
- Value
- 3.8
- Value
- Overall Score
- 6.4
- Quality of Life
- 6.8
- Value
- 3.8
View All 23 PhotosSan Diego, CA
#3 in Best Places to Live in California
San Diego residents recognize how fortunate they are to live in an area famous for its sunny weather and impressive... Read More- Overall Score
- 6.2
- Overall Score
- Quality of Life
- 6.7
- Quality of Life
- Value
- 3.3
- Value
- Overall Score
- 6.2
- Quality of Life
- 6.7
- Value
- 3.3
View All 30 PhotosSanta Barbara, CA
#4 in Best Places to Live in California
It has been described as the "American Riviera," a "playground for the rich and famous" and, quite simply, "paradise.... Read More- Overall Score
- 5.9
- Overall Score
- Quality of Life
- 6.5
- Quality of Life
- Value
- 3.8
- Value
- Overall Score
- 5.9
- Quality of Life
- 6.5
- Value
- 3.8
View All 21 PhotosSanta Rosa, CA
#5 in Best Places to Live in California
Santa Rosa, the hub of economic activity in northern California's wine country, welcomes artists of all ages, as well as... Read More- Overall Score
- 5.9
- Overall Score
- Quality of Life
- 6.8
- Quality of Life
- Value
- 3.9
- Value
- Overall Score
- 5.9
- Quality of Life
- 6.8
- Value
- 3.9
View All 20 PhotosSacramento, CA
#6 in Best Places to Live in California
Many people think Sacramento's best attribute is that it's located a few hours from exciting destinations like San... Read More- Overall Score
- 5.8
- Overall Score
- Quality of Life
- 6.2
- Quality of Life
- Value
- 4.7
- Value
- Overall Score
- 5.8
- Quality of Life
- 6.2
- Value
- 4.7
View All 35 PhotosLos Angeles, CA
#7 in Best Places to Live in California
Although the City of Angels is characterized as both a glamorous show business town and a traffic-gnarled metropolis... Read More- Overall Score
- 5.6
- Overall Score
- Quality of Life
- 5.3
- Quality of Life
- Value
- 3.3
- Value
- Overall Score
- 5.6
- Quality of Life
- 5.3
- Value
- 3.3
View All 49 PhotosVallejo & Fairfield, CA
#8 in Best Places to Live in California
Two California cities 18 miles apart, Fairfield and Vallejo have become the great escape for San Franciscans and other... Read More- Overall Score
- 5.5
- Overall Score
- Quality of Life
- 6.1
- Quality of Life
- Value
- 4.1
- Value
- Overall Score
- 5.5
- Quality of Life
- 6.1
- Value
- 4.1
View All 17 PhotosSalinas, CA
#9 in Best Places to Live in California
Salinas, California, promotes itself as the "Salad Bowl of the World" as a tribute to the area's colossal farming... Read More- Overall Score
- 5.5
- Overall Score
- Quality of Life
- 6.6
- Quality of Life
- Value
- 3.8
- Value
- Overall Score
- 5.5
- Quality of Life
- 6.6
- Value
- 3.8
View All 27 PhotosModesto, CA
#10 in Best Places to Live in California
Modesto, California, attracts those looking for the balance created by a culturally rich city center surrounded by quiet... Read More- Overall Score
- 5.4
- Overall Score
- Quality of Life
- 5.8
- Quality of Life
- Value
- 5.1
- Value
- Overall Score
- 5.4
- Quality of Life
- 5.8
- Value
- 5.1