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Best Places To Live In California 2024

Nearby Areas With A High Livability Score

California: Dreamin'

California is like a nation within a nation. If the Golden State were a separate country, its economy would be one of the top ten largest economies in the world. In fact, California’s economy is equal to that of Great Britain and larger than the economies of France, India, Italy, Brazil, and Canada. Hi-tech, agriculture, aerospace, tourism, and Hollywood are the industries that drive California’s economy. California’s diverse economy, plus its diverse geography and culture, attracts many people to move and live in this state.

California is the third largest state in the U.S. with an area of 163,707 square miles, and it’s the largest state by population with just under 40 million residents. Four of the top 15 largest cities in the U.S. by population are in California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, and San Francisco. To the west is the Pacific Ocean, which provides California with the third longest coastline in the U.S. at 840 miles long. Oregon is to the north, and Nevada and Arizona are to the east. The Colorado River forms a natural border between California and Arizona, and the river is a vital source of water for Southern California and the southwest desert region. To the south, California shares an international border with Mexico.

In general, California has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, but the state has distinct climate regions. Most of Southern California has a desert or semi-arid climate with a Mediterranean climate along the coast. Northern California primarily has a Mediterranean climate with pockets of alpine and semi-arid weather. Snow falls in the mountain regions, and snow rarely falls at elevations below 2,500 feet. Most of California’s average total rainfall occurs in Northern California and in the mountain regions. California is also prone to droughts, especially in Southern California.

California is truly an international place as millions of people have come from all over the world to call the Golden State home. Almost half of all Californians speak a language other than English at home, and Spanish is the most popular language spoken. In the Los Angeles region alone, around 185 different languages are spoken. Mexican culture is prevalent throughout California, but Native American and various Asian cultures have also had an impact on California’s cultural heritage.

California offers something for everybody. Yosemite National Park, Redwood National Park, Death Valley, the beach cities, Hollywood, Disneyland, Lake Tahoe, and the Golden Gate Bridge are just some of the interesting places to visit. The state is also home to several professional baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and soccer teams.

Housing and rent prices throughout California are some the highest in the nation. In fact, many of the wealthiest cities in the U.S. are in California. This doesn’t mean affordable housing can’t be found. Whether it’s Northern California or Southern California, AreaVibes can help you find the best places to live in California. You can create a customized list of the best places to live in California that meets your criteria. AreaVibes makes it easy to find your home in California.