It’s almost impossible to find something California doesn’t have.

The sun-soaked Golden State and its unbeatable weather have attracted homebuyers for decades, offering a wealth of eclectic neighborhoods, residential communities, and some of the most desirable real estate in the nation. 

Most folks will have heard of San Francisco and Los Angeles, but a never-ending list of California cities and neighborhoods vie for a spot as one of Cali’s best places to live. 

Below, the Prevu team will take you through some of the most iconic cities and places in Southern and Northern California, from the tech-driven Bay Area and Silicon Valley to the iconic beaches of Los Angeles and the hills of the San Fernando Valley; these are some of the best places to live in California.

Best places to live in California

• Presidio Heights

• Fremont

• Palo Alto

• San Jose

• Pasadena

• Santa Monica

• Irvine

• Huntington Beach

• San Marcos

• San Diego

Presidio Heights

Let’s be honest: it’s impossible to make everyone happy when choosing which San Francisco neighborhood to highlight. But few will argue that Presidio Heights is one of the Golden City’s best.

The upscale neighborhood is a vivid example of San Francisco’s exclusive - and expensive - housing stock. Median home prices can be high, and there’s no shortage of multi-million dollar homes or amenity-filled luxury condos.  

But for those ready to purchase property here, a wealth of outdoor recreation is always just around the corner. 

San Francisco’s iconic Presidio, a 1,500-acre playground of scenic trails with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, shares a border with Presidio Heights.

So if you ever wonder what to do on a balmy weekend afternoon, just remember that one of California’s most coveted outdoor getaways is right in your backyard. Golf lovers likely won’t face that dilemma, as the resort-like Presidio Golf Course is just a 5-minute drive from the town center.

Fremont

Though it boasts an impressive tech presence, Fremont isn’t technically Silicon Valley. Yet, its ideal location places it right next to San Jose, giving residents direct access to one of the tech capitals of the world, as well as the rest of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Waterfront charm and plentiful outdoor escapes define Fremont’s character, but a vibrant pulse is always present throughout the city’s neighborhoods. 

Head to Centerville for your pick of top dining and shopping options, such as De Afghanan Kabob House and Whole Foods Market. Once the groceries are done, head to the picturesque Niles and treat yourself to a cortado at Devout Coffe; Fremont is all about combining city conveniences with a relaxed, small-town vibe.

Like most Bay Area cities, Fremont boasts impressive recreational opportunities. Coyote Hills Regional Park, a popular destination for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching, provides stunning views of the Bay Area, while Central Park features a lake, sports facilities, and picnic areas.

Aspiring homebuyers can peruse a selection of contemporary condos, townhouses, and single-family homes. 

Palo Alto

Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most coveted places to live. 

Palo Alto's distinguishing feature is Stanford University; the school contributes immensely to the city’s cultural scene with its Cantor Arts Center and the Anderson Collection art exhibit. Meanwhile, the Palo Alto Art Center provides engaging community-based programs and exhibitions that complement the university’s influence.

The city is divided into several distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own unique charm and character. The aptly-named College Terrace takes advantage of its proximity to Stanford to host a dynamic college scene, while Crescent Park shows off Palo Alto’s luxury real estate offerings with an array of elegant homes in a residential setting.

Outdoor enthusiasts get to enjoy numerous parks and open spaces, as well. The nearby 1,940-acre Arastradero Preserve provides miles of hiking and biking trails, while the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve offers birdwatching opportunities and picturesque bay views.

El Camino Real, located nearby Stanford, serves as Palo Alto’s primary hub for dining and shopping, with impressive architecture and quaint streets to explore, as well.

Palo Alto’s housing options are wide-ranging. You can explore waterfront homes with scenic views, search for a tucked-away estate surrounded by greenery, or look for modern condos with impressive amenities. 

San Jose

San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley and the third-largest city in California, easily ranks as one of California's best places to live.

Home to innovative tech giants such as Cisco, Adobe, and eBay, San Jose’s tech industry is one of the most robust in Silicon Valley. The tech sector is a huge factor in the city’s economy, but its influence also seeps into its cultural panorama.

Engaging centers like Tech Interactive regularly host events and activities for residents of all ages, themed heavily in technology and innovation.

The vibrant Downtown serves as the city’s pulse, mixing modern highrises, historic landmarks, and plenty of dining and entertainment. Sports lovers can also get their fix by at a San Jose Sharks or San Jose Earthquakes match. 

San Pedro Square Market, a popular food hall with outdoor seating, offers a distinctive selection of eateries. As you explore more of the city, you’ll find a tantalizing blend of upscale and casual, such as ADEGA’s acclaimed Portuguese cuisine and the authentic Mexican fare at La Victoria Taqueria.

San Jose also boasts an extensive park system, with over 200 parks and recreational facilities. Alum Rock Park, one of California's oldest municipal parks, offers miles of hiking trails and picturesque vistas, while the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains provide even more opportunities for exploration.

The city’s iconic neighborhoods offer distinctive atmospheres that cater to various tastes. The historic Rose Garden is one of San Jose’s most alluring residential pockets, while Willow Glen allows homebuyers to settle away from Downtown but with access to almost everything a city provides. 

Pasadena

Nestled in Los Angeles County and home to some of the most impressive architecture in California, Pasadena is a prime example of “Old California” charm.

The city's famous architecture undoubtedly defines its character. Notable landmarks like the iconic Colorado Street Bridge, the ornate Pasadena City Hall, and the legendary Rose Bowl Stadium, home to the annual Rose Bowl game, make Pasadena a top option for aspiring homebuyers.

The Norton Simon Museum, home to an impressive collection of European and Asian art, and the Pasadena Playhouse, a magnet for performing arts enthusiasts, help foster an impressive cultural and arts scene.

Pasadena’s local outdoor offerings stem from the Arroyo Seco; the winding river flows past the city’s top parks and golf courses. But the crown jewel of recreation is undoubtedly the Eaton Canyon Natural Area.

It will likely take one trip for new Pasadena homeowners to realize they have access to some of California's most majestic nature, from the stunning Eaton Canyon Falls to the breathtaking hiking trails winding through Mt. Wilson.

Pasadena's housing market encompasses everything from grand mansions in the historic Millionaire's Row to contemporary condos in the lively Playhouse Village. Neighborhoods such as Bungalow Heaven, which showcases over 800 classic Bungalow-style homes, and San Rafael Hills offer buyers a mix of architectural styles and home options.

Santa Monica

One of the postcard images of the City of Angels, Santa Monica is home to one of the most prized beachfronts in the world, and a top choice for anyone looking to live in LA. 

With its unmistakable boardwalk and legendary Ferris wheel, the city attracts homebuyers for its famous appeal and its well-balanced mix of beachfront vibes and high-paced city action. The pristine sands of Santa Monica State Beach can become part of your morning commute, as the heart of Santa Monica lies just past the beach. 

For anyone seeking high-end boutiques, the bustling Third Street Promenade is the premier shopping destination. Santa Monica Place is just a few blocks away, treating visitors to a classic, open-air mall experience with an equally impressive selection of shopping and dining options. 

Outdoor recreation in Santa Monica is closely tied to beaches and the ocean. If you’re not enjoying a day at the boardwalk, you can explore the mesmerizing Palisades Park, where towering palm trees line one of the city’s most picturesque outdoor areas. 

Santa Monica's culinary scene is as diverse as its unique neighborhoods, featuring standout establishments such as Cassia, known for its innovative Asian fusion cuisine, and Rustic Canyon, which serves a unique wine list in a cozy atmosphere with an outdoor space.

The housing market in Santa Monica ranges from elegant beachfront properties to charming bungalows in tree-lined neighborhoods. The city’s diverse districts, including Ocean Park and Sunset Park, each offer their own unique appeal. 

Irvine

Situated in the heart of Orange County, Irvine has gained recognition for its meticulous layout, vibrant business centers, and ample outdoor spaces, becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for homebuyers considering a move to California.

Irvine is divided into distinct villages, each boasting its own character and amenities. With the idyllic North Lake and South Lake serving as its centerpiece, Woodbridge provides an unbeatable suburban retreat for homebuyers needing tranquility and outdoor space.

Turtle Rock, meanwhile, showcases some of Irvine’s upscale homes nestled among the scenic winding streets. The area is a top choice for golfers, as it is home to the expansive Strawberry Farms Golf Club. 

Irvine features many parks, sports fields, and open spaces, including the massive Limestone Canyon Regional Park. The park is one of Irvine’s prime destinations, offering sublime hiking routes, access to the idyllic Irvine Lake, and some of the most impressive views in California.

The Irvine Spectrum Center is the city’s most prominent shopping district. An array of luxury boutiques, eclectic eateries, and even an exclusive apartment complex can all be found here.

Homebuyers will find a wealth of luxury homes for sale in Irvine, but the city doesn’t fail to offer a selection of diverse housing options, including townhouses and condos.

Irvine also enjoys easy access to major highways, making it easy to connect to the rest of Orange County, including Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.

Huntington Beach

Boasting the "Surf City USA" title, Huntington Beach is a quintessential example of the essence of SoCal coastal living. 

The city’s famous pier, stretching over 1,800 feet into the Pacific Ocean, is a monument to the city's vibrant beach culture. As you explore that pier, you’ll probably notice the imposing waves that earned the city its title as the premier destination for surfers and beach enthusiasts alike. The annual United States Open of Surfing is hosted here thanks to the ideal location and surf. 

Beyond the beach, Huntington Beach offers a variety of recreational activities. 

The city's extensive park system, including the sprawling Huntington Central Park, provides ample space for outdoor activities, while the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve attracts nature lovers with its diverse wildlife and scenic trails.

The lively downtown caters to daytime and nighttime entertainment, featuring a mix of trendy boutiques, art galleries, and diverse dining options. Standout eateries include Duke's Huntington Beach, which offers Hawaiian-inspired dishes with unbeatable ocean views, and Wahoo’s Fish Taco, a popular seafood spot to enjoy by the beach.

The distinct neighborhoods, such as the upscale waterfront Huntington Harbour community and the gated enclave of Seacliff, offer unique living experiences and a diverse range of housing options to explore.

San Marcos

The northern foothills of San Diego County may not be the first thing homebuyers pick when exploring California, but the region’s unrivaled beauty and recreational offerings set the scene for some of the most desirable real estate in California.

San Marcos, neighboring the sprawling Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, is a prime example of what San Diego’s North County has on offer. 

The city is undoubtedly colored by the presence of California State University San Marcos. The campus has fueled the growth of a vibrant college town atmosphere, complete with eclectic shops, restaurants, and a bustling arts scene.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of recreational opportunities in San Marcos, either. 

The city boasts an extensive network of hiking and biking trails, including the scenic Discovery Lake and Double Peak Park, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding area. Golfers can enjoy the challenging fairways and stunning vistas at the Twin Oaks and St. Mark golf courses.

San Marcos's culinary scene is equally extensive, with standout locales like Churchills Pub & Grille, known for its impressive craft beer selection, and Old California Restaurant Row, which offers classic American fare in a casual setting.

San Diego

You can’t talk about SoCal without mentioning San Diego. 

A near-perfect fusion of enchanting suburbs, eclectic neighborhoods, and some of the best beach towns in California, “America’s Finest City” can easily back up its lofty nickname. 

The city's famed Gaslamp Quarter serves as the epicenter of San Diego's vibrant nightlife, boasting a plethora of clubs, bars, and restaurants that cater to every taste. History buffs can explore the area's well-preserved Victorian architecture, a testament to San Diego's storied past.

For those who prefer to be closer to nature, San Diego's coastal neighborhoods such as La Jolla and Pacific Beach provide easy access to picturesque shores and outdoor recreational opportunities. Hikers and surfers alike will find a haven in the natural beauty of Torrey Pines State Reserve and the world-renowned surf breaks at Blacks Beach.

Balboa Park, the city's crown jewel, is an expansive urban oasis that offers a wealth of attractions, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo, numerous museums, and lush gardens. This cultural hub serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors, hosting various events and performances throughout the year.

San Diego's diverse housing market caters to a wide range of budgets and preferences, from luxurious waterfront properties in upscale communities like Coronado to trendy lofts and condos in the city's bustling downtown. 

Interested in buying a home in California? Browse listings and see how much you can save with Prevu’s Smart Buyer Rebate.