And when you crave the hustle-and-bustle of a larger city, take a trip to San Jose and enjoy some South Bay adventures. Now, the city is one of the cheapest places to live in Southern California and is home to more than 200,000 people who enjoy access to waterfall hikes, verdant parks, go-kart racing, and the, quirky Bono’s Historic Orange on Route 66, . . With a fascinating past as an agricultural heartland and a rich, vibrant culture, the charming community draws droves with its historic downtown, premium outlets and shops, diverse restaurants, pretty parks, and, . While most of the affordable cities are tucked away in California’s inland regions, many of them are still within close driving distance to popular destinations, you can. Just 15 minutes south of the bustling tourist shops, … With a fascinating past as an agricultural heartland and a rich, vibrant culture, the charming community draws droves with its historic downtown, premium outlets and shops, diverse restaurants, pretty parks, and popular U-pick farms. Stockton is 70 miles from the coastline, but residents can still enjoy waterfront vibes. Reply, Well I guess you’ll be leaving our beautiful state. The charming town of Chico is the fastest-growing city in California and among the hottest 2020 destinations. 1 ranking on the list of affordable beach cities. And with some of California’s most famous national forests and three national parks—Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia—just a short drive away, there are ample opportunities to connect with nature, too. Outdoor enthusiasts, meanwhile, are bound to find nirvana at the nearby Wind Wolves Preserve, the West Coast’s largest nonprofit nature preserve. Residents can explore the scenic trails of Clear Lake State Park; fish for largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill; kayak or swim in the tranquil waters; and meander through the historic downtown for shopping, wine tasting, and gourmet dining. . I was born here. Now, the city is one of the cheapest places to live in Southern California and is home to more than 200,000 people who enjoy access to waterfall hikes, verdant parks, go-kart racing, and the quirky Bono’s Historic Orange on Route 66. There’s also no shortage of lush hiking trails, famous film locations, and artisanal California chocolate for new residents to discover here. Clearlake also happens to be one of the cheapest places to live in Northern California, with the average home costing less than $200,000. The city itself offers entertainment, too, between its various museums, parks, theaters, and other family-friendly attractions. You also agree to the Terms and Conditions and our use of your information as set forth in our Privacy Policy. Discover the best of California. Closest metropolitan city: San Jose, which is situated about three hours away. Coupled with overall costs that run a whopping 16% below the national average, Atlantic City finds itself at the No. Thanks to Fontana’s proximity to Los Angeles, it’s also easy to. And when you crave the hustle-and-bustle of a larger city, take a trip to San Jose and enjoy some South Bay adventures. Reply, Good luck finding a good job in Ridgecrest if you don't have a degree, especially an engineering degree. What does it mean to be a California.com Recommended Business? This popular destination oozes with small-town charm, thanks to the ornate Queen Anne homes lining the sidewalks, the Victorian-era Old Town Eureka, and the entertaining family-friendly activities. It is much colder up there - it is not the Southern California beach of Frankie Avalon and beach movies. The city is also very close to top destinations—including luxe California ski resorts, buzzy San Francisco, and stunning towns around Lake Tahoe—making it easy to escape whenever the mood strikes. Capitola is one of the oldest resort towns in California and is situated in … Plus, with so many beautiful lakeside campgrounds and bucket-list national park experiences to be found nearby, Bakersfield offers more than meets the eye. With Yosemite National Park as well as Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks just a short drive away, you can take your pick of activities such as cycling, hiking, or jogging on the many trails that encircle Clovis. San Francisco, which is roughly 2.5 hours away, Situated on the shores of Clear Lake—the largest natural freshwater lake in California—this small town is a. and is home to a flourishing wine scene. to soak up the local car culture, surf and swim at the beloved Silverstrand Beach, and peruse the shops downtown. Murrells Inlet, SC. Closest metropolitan city: Los Angeles, which is about one hour away. California is the ideal place for career-driven individuals to flourish, so check out the best neighborhoods for young professionals now. We respect your privacy and promise to never sell or share your personal information with third parties. or luxe mountain homes, they each have their own unique appeal—and who knows, they just may surprise you. As a repeat city on our 100 Best Places to Live, it’s hard to believe Ventura wouldn’t break … The gorgeous Lagoon Valley Park is one of the many attractions in the thriving city of Vacaville. Outdoor enthusiasts, meanwhile, are bound to find nirvana at the nearby Wind Wolves Preserve, the West Coast’s largest nonprofit nature preserve. Situated between L.A. and Santa Barbara, this coastal town boasts seven miles of white-sand beaches, bountiful farm stands (with ultra-sweet strawberries), world-class taquerias, and a lovely harbor that offers easy access to Channel Islands National Park. Situated on the shores of Clear Lake—the largest natural freshwater lake in California—this small town is a paradise for nature lovers and is home to a flourishing wine scene. … The state capital is not only an affordable place to live, but also a vibrant destination packed with fun things to do. A rising number of California cities are becoming increasingly expensive, and many Californians—especially aspiring millennial homebuyers and residents living in larger metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco—are certainly feeling the financial squeeze, as the state’s housing and rent prices continue to climb but wages stay relatively stagnant. The Best Areas to Live in San Francisco for Young Professionals, The Best Los Angeles Neighborhoods For Young Professionals, The Best Neighborhoods for Young Professionals in California, Everything You Need to Know About Moving to Sacramento from the Bay Area. Bakersfield. Median home price: $242,800. Residents may also wander through Oxnard’s Heritage Square to see Victorian-era architecture, visit renowned car museums to soak up the local car culture, surf and swim at the beloved Silverstrand Beach, and peruse the shops downtown. Check out the best areas to live in Los Angeles for young …...Read more, California is the ideal place for career-driven individuals to flourish, so check out the best neighborhoods for young professionals now....Read more, Thinking about relocating to Sacramento from the Bay Area? Closest metropolitan city: Los Angeles, which is a two-hour drive away. The state capital is not only an affordable place to live, but also, a vibrant destination packed with fun things to do. Thinking about relocating to Sacramento from the Bay Area? Check your inbox soon for the latest from. Residents may also wander through Oxnard’s Heritage Square to see Victorian-era architecture. Away from the scenic waterways, the can’t-miss attractions include the Haggin Museum, colorful Cambodian Buddhist Temple, and Oak Grove Regional Park. Despite its infamous reputation as the most expensive state in the country, California (believe it or not) still has several economically sound places to reside. Clearlake also happens to be one of the cheapest places to live in Northern California, with the average home costing less than $200,000. . Here's what you should consider before making the move....Read more, Join Our VIP List The town sits on a winding channel that winds its way inland from the San Francisco Bay, ending at the state’s largest inland deep-water port. Too many people is what bids up demand and prices skyrocket skyhigh. To see the wilder side of Oxnard, take a trip to Channel Islands National Park and the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, a 90-minute boat ride from the harbor. Closest metropolitan city: San Francisco, which is less than one hour away. Riverside has a lot of crime also. While not all of these affordable California cities offer. —making it easy to escape whenever the mood strikes. In-the-know locals are well aware of everything Chico offers, including foodie hot spots, fashion-forward boutiques, cultural attractions, and of course, ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Historically known only for its oil and agriculture, Bakersfield has transformed into a hub for arts and culture and a rapidly growing city in recent years, but the region still retains its rich past. By clicking subscribe, you are verifying this is your information and in response to your request, you consent to receive communications (email, telephone, or text) including via automated technology and/or prerecorded calls or messages to the number provided.