The 10 Best Places To Live In California For 2024


The best places to live in California for 2024 are Los Altos, Cupertino, and Atherton. Find out where your city or town ranks.

California is such a great place to live that the best places to live in California would probably qualify as some of the best places to live in the world.

So what does it take to earn a place in the state’s upper echelon of cities? We looked at several factors from the FBI, Census, and Zillow with Saturday Night Science. The best places in California all share one attribute — wealth.

The places that made the list of the best in California are primarily around San Francisco in Silicon Valley. While housing certainly isn’t cheap, big tech salaries might make it possible for you to afford a place to live.


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Map | Methodology | Summary


What is the best place to live in California for 2024? The best place to live in California for 2024 is Los Altos.

To be clear, the price of real estate in these cities is steep — with median home prices above $500,00 and median incomes over $100,000.

But the reward is worth it if you can afford it.

For more reading, check out:

The 10 Best Places To Live In California For 2024

Best Places To Live In California Map

Los Altos, CA

Source: Wikipedia User User:Kelly | GFDL
Stat Los Altos California
Population 31,133 39,356,104
Rank Last Year 1
Median Home Value $4,060,663 $746,472
Median Income $250,001 $91,905
Unemployment Rate 3.9% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0122 0.0258

More on Los Altos: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Los Altos, one of many Silicon Valley representatives to make the cut this year. Unsurprisingly, residents of Los Altos are highly educated, with over half of folks having a master’s degree or higher. Bigger degrees lead to bigger paychecks, which leaves the residents of Los Altos in the comfortable position of earning around $250,001/year. So, while the $4,060,663 price tag on homes in Los Altos is quite expensive, the overall cost of living is actually quite reasonable.

If you want to settle down in Los Altos for good, you’re in luck because the local schools scored an average of 9/10 on GreatSchools. On top of that, Los Altos has the 20th lowest rate of violent crime in California.

With all of these awesome features, it’s unsurprising that the Los Altos Farmer’s Market is one of the city’s top attractions. If your shopping needs fall outside the purview of a farmer’s market, Santana Row in San Jose is just a fifteen minute drive away.

Cupertino, CA

Source: Wikipedia User Coolcaesar at en.wikipedia | GFDL
Stat Cupertino California
Population 59,763 39,356,104
Rank Last Year 2
Median Home Value $2,701,204 $746,472
Median Income $223,667 $91,905
Unemployment Rate 3.0% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0138 0.0258

More on Cupertino: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Ever wonder why Cupertino is the default option for weather on the iPhone? That’s because, in addition to being the 2nd best place to live in California, Cupertino is also the home of Apple’s Headquarters. Being the hub of a tech behemoth like Apple, it’s no surprise that Cupertino’s population of 59,763 is hyper-educated, with more than 40% of residents having a master’s, Ph.D, or professional degree.

All that extra time in school really pays off, because folks in Cupertino enjoy a median household income of $223,667/year, which you’ll need to pay off the $2,701,204 mortgage. Only 2.3% of people are on SNAP and 1.8% of people are without health insurance, so you know the residents of Cupertino aren’t struggling to get by.

We all know you can’t really consider yourself a part of the elite unless you’re a wine snob, so be sure to get in on the culture at one of the several vineyards in the Cupertino area.

Atherton, CA

Source: Public domain
Stat Atherton California
Population 7,124 39,356,104
Rank Last Year 17
Median Home Value $7,732,900 $746,472
Median Income $250,001 $91,905
Unemployment Rate 2.2% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0117 0.0258

More on Atherton: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

We’re returning to Silicon Valley to arrive at the 3rd best place to live in California for 2024, Atherton. Atherton is right outside of Palo Alto, so if you’ve ever dreamed of taking classes at the prestigious Stanford University, you’re in for a treat.

Atherton enjoys the shortest commute time on this list, with residents having to spend 23 minutes to get to and from work each day. Atherton also has the lowest rate of food stamp recipients on this list, so most people here are doing just fine without government assistance. That probably has something to do with Atherton’s ridiculously high median household income of $250,001/year, which ties for the 4th highest in California.

Los Altos Hills, CA

Source: Public domain
Stat Los Altos Hills California
Population 8,441 39,356,104
Rank Last Year 3
Median Home Value $5,525,121 $746,472
Median Income $250,001 $91,905
Unemployment Rate 2.8% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0094 0.0258

More on Los Altos Hills: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

We don’t to drive very far to arrive at California’s 4th best city to call home, Los Altos Hills. The unemployment rate in Los Altos Hills is a mere 2.8%, the 18th lowest of anywhere on this list. Which makes sense when you consider that a staggering 50%+ of Los Altos Hills’ population has received AT LEAST a master’s degree, seeing as you don’t normally find a person with a Ph.D out of work. It also explains why folks in Los Altos Hills earn around $250,001/year, the 4th highest in California.

Los Altos has the 19th lowest overall crime rate in the state, about 75% below the national average. So you can take full advantage of the 24 miles of trails available at Rancho San Antonio without fearing for your safety.

Villa Park, CA

Source: Wikipedia User Jeaniac | CC BY-SA 3.0
Stat Villa Park California
Population 5,814 39,356,104
Rank Last Year 5
Median Home Value $2,030,498 $746,472
Median Income $189,306 $91,905
Unemployment Rate 1.3% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0091 0.0258

More on Villa Park: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Located in Orange County to the east of Anaheim and north of Santa Ana is our 5th best place to live in California – Villa Park. While the main draw of the town may be its proximity to major cities, it also offers a lot of high quality shopping options in the Towne Centre, restaurants, and local amenities.

But really stands out about Villa Park? The near absence of crime. The city has the 6th lowest rate of violent crime in the Golden State per the latest FBI data. That means it’s safe to let your kids walk to school or keep your doors unlocked during the day.

Saratoga, CA

Source: Public domain
Stat Saratoga California
Population 30,771 39,356,104
Rank Last Year 4
Median Home Value $3,602,379 $746,472
Median Income $237,730 $91,905
Unemployment Rate 3.4% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0082 0.0258

More on Saratoga: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Saratoga is a city of 30,771 located on the western side of the Santa Clara Valley. Of all the San Jose suburbs, Saratoga is the closest to Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California’s oldest state park and home to the largest stand of redwoods south of San Francisco. That oughta satisfy even the most voracious nature-lover.

Public schools is Saratoga received a 9/10+ on GreatSchools, so you know kids get off to a good start growing up here. Which obviously translates into greater success in later life, seeing as over 40% of residents have a master’s degree or higher. One good thing leads to another, because residents of Saratoga earn a median household income of $237,730, the 8th highest in Cali.

Add to that the 16th lowest rate of crime statewide and the 4th largest percentage of insured residents, and you’ve got a recipe for the 6th best place to call home in California.

Aliso Viejo, CA

Source: Wikipedia User KennethHan | CC BY-SA 3.0
Stat Aliso Viejo California
Population 51,896 39,356,104
Rank Last Year 6
Median Home Value $915,734 $746,472
Median Income $131,708 $91,905
Unemployment Rate 3.8% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0076 0.0258

More on Aliso Viejo: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

We’re departing from Silicon Valley and heading towards Los Angeles’ Orange County to arrive at Aliso Viejo, the 7th best place to live in California. Aliso Viejo is a vibrant, youthful city where the median age is only 37. It’s also the most densely populated city you’ll see on this list, so if you crave constant activity, Aliso Viejo is probably your jam.

Aliso Viejo has the 145th best home price to income ratio. That low cost of living means you won’t have to break the bank to enjoy yourself here. As a bonus, you won’t have any trouble getting friends and family to come visit you in Aliso Viejo, because Disneyland is just a hop, skip, and jump away.

Danville, CA

Source: Wikipedia User ShakataGaNai; cropped by Beyond My Ken (talk) 05:53, 17 April 2012 (UTC) | CC BY-SA 3.0
Stat Danville California
Population 43,449 39,356,104
Rank Last Year 9
Median Home Value $1,861,576 $746,472
Median Income $209,518 $91,905
Unemployment Rate 4.4% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0070 0.0258

More on Danville: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Wrapping up our list of best places to live in California is Danville, a city of 43,449 just east of Oakland. Danville makes the cut by virtue of being among the safest spots on this list, with the 5th lowest rate of violent crime and 6th rate of total crime in California.

The cost of living in Danville is quite reasonable, with folks spending the 257th smallest proportion of their income on housing of anywhere on this list. It’s also very easy to get yourself set up in Danville, because both the unemployment and poverty rates hover around 3% here.

Once you start earning your salary of $209,518/year, you can spend all the time and money you like at Blackhawk Plaza, a brilliant combination of shopping center and city park. Or if you’ve got your sights set on a pricier prize, check out the classic car collection at the Blackhawk Museum.

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Source: Wikipedia User | CC BY-SA 3.0
Stat Rancho Santa Margarita California
Population 47,702 39,356,104
Rank Last Year 10
Median Home Value $938,523 $746,472
Median Income $150,146 $91,905
Unemployment Rate 3.3% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0050 0.0258

More on Rancho Santa Margarita: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Rancho Santa Margarita, located in Orange County, California, is a fantastic place to live. This master-planned community offers a high quality of life with a median home price of $938,523 and a median rent of $2,441.

Rancho Santa Margarita enjoys a variety of attractions and things to do. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the city’s proximity to beautiful natural areas such as O’Neill Regional Park and Trabuco Canyon. These locations provide opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking. For those who enjoy shopping and dining, the city offers several The Town Center for shopping and Carmelita’s Kitchen for dinner.

Palos Verdes Estates, CA

Source: Wikipedia User | CC SA 1.0
Stat Palos Verdes Estates California
Population 13,219 39,356,104
Rank Last Year 7
Median Home Value $2,717,769 $746,472
Median Income $224,766 $91,905
Unemployment Rate 2.3% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0107 0.0258

More on Palos Verdes Estates: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Nex on our list of the best places to live in California is Palos Verdes Estates, a city of 13,219 located just south of Los Angeles. For some, it’ll be enough to mention that Disneyland is just a short drive away to convince them that moving to Palos Verdes Estates is a good course of action.

But if even if you’re not into Mickey and the gang, there’s plenty to love right in your neighborhood, like having the Palos Verdes Estates Shoreline Preserve Beach, a rocky beach and bluff, to visit year-round.

Palos Verdes is exceptionally safe, with the 35th lowest overall crime rate in California. That may have something to do with how educated residents are, considering that over 30% of people have a master’s degree or higher.

More degrees lead to bigger paychecks, and Palos Verdes Estates residents prove that with a median household income of $224,766. Which is kind of essential when your typical Palos Verdes Estates home sells for $2,717,769. Unemployment is at rock-bottom levels thanks to low levels of high school dropouts. In fact, GreatSchools gave Palos Verdes Estates schools an average score of 8.5/10, so everyone is set up for success here.

Mapping The Best And Worst Places To Live in California

Best Places To Live In California Size Requirement

Before we even started to collect data on the best places to live in California, we had to answer a tough question: Is it fair to pit Sacramento, with a population of 523,600, against places with a population of 18?

We firmly decided no, that just isn’t fair.

So, to create our ranking, we broke the best places to live into three tiers:

  • Cities — Populations over 5,000
  • Towns — Populations between 1,000 and 5,000
  • Small Towns — Populations below 1,000

This filter left 411 cities, 381 towns, and 265 small towns.

We then decided no matter how much anyone loves their town, the best cities to live in California have more of everything, and therefore, you need over 5,000 people to truly be ‘the best.’

Methodology: How We Calculated The Best Cities To Live In California

Now that we had our set of the best possible cities, it was time to rank them using Saturday Night Science.

We ranked each place in California across a number of criteria from one to 411, with one being the best.

We then took the average rank across all criteria, crowning the city posting the lowest overall score, the “Best Place To Live In California.”

The criteria we looked to determine the best places were:

  • Median Home Values
  • Median Income
  • Population Density (Higher is better)
  • Unemployment Rate
  • Commute Time
  • Crime
  • Education Levels
  • Health Insurance Coverage
  • Poverty rates

Sources of criteria include the New Census Data, FBI Crime Data, and Zillow. We updated this article for 2024. This report is our tenth time ranking California’s best places to live.

If your city or town isn’t among the top 10, jump down to the bottom of the post to see a detailed chart of the best places in California. Otherwise, buckle up for a ride down good living lane with Los Altos at the end of the cul-de-sac.

Summary: The Best Places In California

If you’re looking at areas in California with the best economic situations, where there’s lower than average crime, and a lot to do, this is an accurate list.

The best places to live in California are Los Altos, Cupertino, Atherton, Los Altos Hills, Villa Park, Saratoga, Aliso Viejo, Danville, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Palos Verdes Estates.

Los Altos made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for the best place to live in California for 2024.

If you’re curious enough, here are the worst places to live in California according to the data:

  1. Adelanto (Pop. 37,960)
  2. Mendota (Pop. 12,603)
  3. Clearlake (Pop. 16,612)

For more California reading, check out:

Best Places To Live In California Table

Rank City Population Unemployment Rate Home Value Median Income Rent Crime Per Capita
1 Los Altos 31,133 3.9% $4,060,663 $250,001 $3,501 0.0122
2 Cupertino 59,763 3.0% $2,701,204 $223,667 $3,501 0.0138
3 Atherton 7,124 2.2% $7,732,900 $250,001 $3,501 0.0117
4 Los Altos Hills 8,441 2.8% $5,525,121 $250,001 $3,501 0.0094
5 Villa Park 5,814 1.3% $2,030,498 $189,306 $0 0.0091
6 Saratoga 30,771 3.4% $3,602,379 $237,730 $3,501 0.0082
7 Aliso Viejo 51,896 3.8% $915,734 $131,708 $2,625 0.0076
8 Danville 43,449 4.4% $1,861,576 $209,518 $3,501 0.0070
9 Rancho Santa Margarita 47,702 3.3% $938,523 $150,146 $2,441 0.0050
10 Palos Verdes Estates 13,219 2.3% $2,717,769 $224,766 $3,056 0.0107
11 Mission Viejo 93,233 4.4% $1,077,063 $136,570 $2,622 0.0118
12 Pacific Grove 15,098 5.6% $1,365,557 $102,553 $2,302 0.0085
13 Solana Beach 12,946 3.5% $2,030,109 $137,647 $2,881 0.0196
14 Orinda 19,477 3.3% $2,000,722 $250,001 $2,393 0.0070
15 Hillsborough 11,258 5.4% $5,101,758 $250,001 $3,501 0.0077
16 Sierra Madre 11,151 3.2% $1,347,845 $128,056 $1,994 0.0097
17 Manhattan Beach 35,123 3.8% $2,990,671 $187,217 $3,366 0.0302
18 Sunnyvale 154,573 4.1% $1,875,596 $174,506 $2,990 0.0257
19 San Ramon 86,119 5.0% $1,550,726 $190,829 $2,768 0.0100
20 Menlo Park 33,324 4.3% $2,574,718 $198,273 $2,895 0.0193
21 Newport Beach 85,159 4.1% $3,132,424 $149,471 $2,920 0.0224
22 Palo Alto 67,901 3.3% $3,220,174 $214,118 $3,169 0.0306
23 Los Gatos 33,093 4.7% $2,554,492 $198,117 $2,870 0.0191
24 Piedmont 11,161 5.0% $2,521,288 $250,001 $3,501 0.0387
25 Mountain View 82,132 3.4% $1,845,861 $174,156 $2,855 0.0318
26 Rancho Palos Verdes 41,805 5.1% $1,836,118 $166,747 $3,284 0.0110
27 Dana Point 33,025 4.5% $1,541,691 $119,632 $2,606 0.0139
28 Encinitas 61,942 4.6% $1,808,679 $142,506 $2,480 0.0167
29 Yorba Linda 68,035 4.6% $1,245,181 $148,325 $2,523 0.0104
30 Tiburon 9,115 9.5% $2,963,608 $200,886 $3,490 0.0078
31 Belmont 27,820 6.5% $2,118,293 $185,944 $2,842 0.0148
32 San Marino 12,442 4.4% $2,524,471 $174,253 $3,501 0.0146
33 Scotts Valley 12,239 1.9% $1,261,441 $136,867 $2,322 0.0166
34 Dublin 71,068 3.4% $1,293,624 $191,039 $3,094 0.0141
35 Laguna Niguel 64,259 5.5% $1,312,612 $135,822 $2,736 0.0114
36 South Pasadena 26,583 5.2% $1,650,214 $127,882 $2,135 0.0196
37 Windsor 26,320 3.5% $789,676 $128,115 $2,236 0.0103
38 Mill Valley 14,199 7.4% $2,043,408 $202,986 $2,988 0.0116
39 Clayton 11,070 5.4% $1,066,247 $164,899 $3,501 0.0076
40 Pleasanton 78,691 4.2% $1,582,884 $181,639 $2,815 0.0182
41 St. Helena 5,426 3.2% $1,750,362 $135,781 $1,898 0.0160
42 Hermosa Beach 19,551 4.9% $2,169,343 $149,500 $2,659 0.0302
43 Lake Forest 85,583 5.0% $1,056,345 $128,358 $2,482 0.0117
44 Pacifica 38,048 3.8% $1,246,502 $151,849 $2,939 0.0163
45 Lafayette 25,310 6.3% $1,924,093 $219,250 $2,856 0.0135
46 La Habra Heights 5,599 1.8% $1,294,550 $179,990 $1,208 0.0107
47 San Clemente 64,232 5.3% $1,564,490 $134,730 $2,289 0.0139
48 Agoura Hills 20,088 5.4% $1,186,593 $157,930 $3,056 0.0143
49 Coronado 18,871 5.0% $2,474,258 $125,558 $3,046 0.0203
50 Moorpark 36,073 5.1% $905,462 $143,218 $2,457 0.0064
51 Campbell 43,464 3.9% $1,652,630 $141,794 $2,619 0.0328
52 Camarillo 70,622 4.8% $857,783 $105,141 $2,483 0.0135
53 Moraga 16,859 5.3% $1,737,291 $193,707 $2,741 0.0110
54 Rocklin 71,676 4.9% $672,750 $116,006 $2,109 0.0144
55 Burlingame 30,995 4.6% $2,516,360 $165,940 $2,591 0.0346
56 Redondo Beach 70,620 5.0% $1,379,761 $134,033 $2,464 0.0261
57 Folsom 81,077 5.0% $747,314 $134,935 $2,164 0.0164
58 Santa Clara 128,058 4.2% $1,524,900 $165,352 $2,841 0.0387
59 Laguna Hills 31,170 5.0% $1,076,942 $122,902 $2,498 0.0153
60 Hercules 26,041 4.4% $800,088 $125,880 $2,759 0.0098
61 Thousand Oaks 126,532 4.8% $1,001,691 $125,399 $2,483 0.0115
62 San Bruno 43,218 4.6% $1,253,713 $131,669 $2,671 0.0271
63 Milpitas 79,092 4.5% $1,346,828 $166,769 $2,981 0.0385
64 San Mateo 104,165 4.7% $1,510,087 $149,152 $2,971 0.0253
65 Livermore 87,154 3.3% $1,087,248 $152,590 $2,482 0.0205
66 Rolling Hills Estates 8,214 9.2% $1,986,586 $179,917 $3,501 0.0175
67 Albany 20,027 3.3% $1,208,704 $124,469 $2,272 0.0302
68 San Carlos 30,490 4.1% $2,206,123 $219,413 $2,759 0.6141
69 Carpinteria 13,187 4.6% $1,343,077 $103,879 $2,278 0.0149
70 Sonoma 10,702 6.1% $977,618 $96,090 $2,164 0.0114
71 Irvine 304,527 5.5% $1,331,528 $122,948 $2,749 0.0159
72 Arroyo Grande 18,435 2.2% $980,023 $99,143 $1,993 0.0195
73 Sausalito 7,233 6.5% $1,538,563 $163,170 $3,345 0.0283
74 Poway 48,737 5.9% $1,140,886 $135,605 $2,165 0.0111
75 Buellton 5,151 2.9% $871,498 $102,361 $2,066 0.0188
76 Fountain Valley 56,754 6.0% $1,200,770 $108,860 $2,412 0.0235
77 Laguna Beach 22,943 6.8% $2,817,490 $141,875 $2,701 0.0194
78 Simi Valley 126,153 4.4% $801,530 $112,144 $2,402 0.0094
79 South San Francisco 65,596 2.4% $1,191,225 $127,062 $2,649 0.0306
80 Goleta 32,640 4.0% $1,308,615 $113,889 $2,210 0.0179
81 San Anselmo 12,761 5.4% $1,659,899 $165,366 $2,459 0.0352
82 Ripon 16,092 2.6% $657,870 $115,583 $1,728 0.0137
83 Morgan Hill 45,291 4.9% $1,310,579 $152,199 $2,249 0.0177
84 Eastvale 69,594 4.5% $884,749 $151,615 $2,965 0.0191
85 Fairfax 7,567 10.8% $1,234,232 $126,034 $2,293 0.0071
86 Sebastopol 7,503 5.5% $1,123,460 $98,185 $1,681 0.0212
87 Torrance 145,454 5.3% $1,140,607 $109,554 $2,132 0.0281
88 Martinez 37,093 4.9% $774,783 $124,669 $2,188 0.0178
89 Roseville 148,879 4.5% $625,711 $112,265 $1,940 0.0214
90 La Palma 15,522 4.7% $1,059,180 $113,398 $2,158 0.0220
91 Benicia 27,040 4.1% $804,094 $124,375 $2,220 0.0176
92 Lincoln 50,131 4.2% $631,747 $99,434 $2,067 0.0109
93 Cotati 7,545 5.3% $733,919 $107,321 $1,836 0.0158
94 Winters 7,270 1.9% $586,928 $128,679 $1,729 0.0107
95 Walnut Creek 69,809 4.9% $1,086,764 $129,971 $2,503 0.0309
96 Orange 138,728 4.7% $991,595 $109,335 $2,148 0.0186
97 Walnut 28,212 4.2% $1,093,688 $130,444 $2,832 0.0167
98 Loomis 6,831 4.0% $882,385 $100,159 $1,497 0.0214
99 Huntington Beach 197,481 5.4% $1,206,669 $114,747 $2,318 0.0246
100 Fremont 228,795 4.0% $1,413,076 $169,023 $2,824 0.0301

About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.