Choosing a city to live in Southern California is kind of like choosing an entree at a Michelin-starred restaurant: everything looks good.

The number of its postcard-worthy beaches is staggering, and the unrivaled cities lining the Pacific are some of the nation’s most exclusive places to live. 

But the world-famous events and bustling downtowns of San Diego and Los Angeles are a fast reminder that Southern California isn’t just about sand and sunshine.

Suffice it to say, something about SoCal is undeniably unique.

Below, the Prevu team will guide you through SoCal’s most coveted locales, from the iconic boardwalk of Venice Beach to the elegant luxury of La Jolla. Here are some of the best places to live in Southern California.

Best places to live in Southern California

• Malibu

• Venice Beach

• Los Feliz

• Laguna Beach

• San Clemente

• Dana Point

• Carlsbad 

• Encinitas

• La Jolla

• North Park

Malibu

Malibu spans 21 miles along the Pacific Coast, and each mile is a stunning display of prime California beachfront.

When the Pacific Coast Highway came along, Malibu finally became an accessible destination for Californians, but the city’s signature exclusivity remained. 

Some of the most coveted estates and mansions line Malibu’s famous shores and hills, and the surrounding nature and world-class dining options contribute even further to the city’s desirability.  

Nobu Malibu, the brainchild of Iron Chef Nobu Matsuhishi, brings the renowned chef’s Japanese fusion cuisine to the city’s seaside oasis. Meanwhile, Neptune's Net, a local seafood staple with a flair for biker culture, serves up some of the most delectable chowder and lobster in town.

Needless to say, Malibu’s beaches are in a league of their own. Zuma Beach’s expansive sands offer an unbeatable opportunity to take in the sunset, while Little Dume Beach’s majestic bluffs and cliffs never seem to lose their luster. 

Outdoor activities go beyond the sandy shores, however. Nearby Saddlerock Ranch hosts a wealth of picturesque hiking trails, including the popular Malibu Wine Hikes. A touristic and local favorite, the hike combines verdant scenery with viticulture, allowing visitors to meander through the local vineyards and taste some of California’s top wines.

Venice Beach

One of LA’s most iconic neighborhoods, Venice Beach is an irresistible fusion of counterculture and seaside leisure.

The experiences found along the legendary boardwalk - on a daily basis - and the undying pulse of bohemian flair make Venice Beach an ultimate destination for homebuyers dreading the doldrums. 

Move here, and you’ll be in the center of some of California’s most memorable history. You can pass by the famous Muscle Beach, the once iconic stomping ground of Arnold Schwarzenegger, window shop eccentric boardwalk boutiques, and catch some of the most stunning sunset views in LA, all in your home neighborhood.   

The world-famous hotspots don’t stop there. The halfpipes of Venice Skate Park are just around the bend, while street performers and crowd-favorite basketball pickup games add to the cocktail of evergreen entertainment. You’ll also be a stone’s throw away from Santa Monica and its iconic Ferris Wheel, as well as popular beach towns like Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach.

Then there’s Electric Avenue, Venice Beach’s aptly-named prime thoroughfare.

Here, Intelligentsia Coffee might become your morning stop for a flawless espresso. Highly-ranked haunts like The Butcher’s Daughter and Felix Trattoria can become your favorite spots for dinner. And while you’re at it, you can satisfy your shopper’s craving along the same avenue, with high-fashion boutiques mingling with the restaurants. 

Los Feliz

One can technically divide Los Angeles into two parts: The sand-touched neighborhoods and cities lining the coast and the majestic hills that overlook one of the most iconic skylines in the United States. Los Feliz is found in the latter.

With the expansive Griffith Park as its backdrop, Los Feliz easily ranks as one of the most desirable places to live in California.

The park is the neighborhood’s biggest attraction, both literally and figuratively. The Griffith Observatory alone offers a captivating view of LA’s glimmering Downtown, while the rest of the park is one of the city’s favorite outdoor destinations.

You probably won’t visit Griffith Park just for hiking, either. The open-air Greek Theatre is located here and hosts various concerts and performances, while the unrivaled trails offer some of the most stunning views of LA. 

Los Feliz often leans toward a small-town feel, and many of its quaint shops and homegrown locales contribute to that vibe. Iconic spots like House of Pies and Fred 62 serve up American classics in a vintage diner setting. But keep exploring along Hillhurst Avenue, and you’ll find plenty of modern eateries and cocktail bars that will quickly remind you of a metropolitan pace.

Homes can be in high demand in Los Feliz, and the neighborhood’s proximity to Griffith Park contributes to the expensive home prices. But there is little doubt that purchasing a home here means settling into one of the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles.

Laguna Beach

Orange County can seem more relaxed compared to its flashy neighbors to the north and south. But OC doesn’t need a famous skyline and every big-city amenity to prove it’s a great place to live.

Laguna Beach, one of OC’s most prominent coastal neighborhoods, leans into the classic SoCal lifestyle thanks its impressive beaches and vibrant arts scene.

The city's seven miles of pristine sands are the primary attraction and provide access to some of Orange County’s premier beaches. Iconic locations like Main Beach and the secluded Thousand Steps Beach somehow make beach-going an evergreen experience. And if you want to explore outside the city bounds, nearby towns like Newport Beach open up even more of OC’s unique layers. 

Laguna Beach’s renowned arts scene is one if its defining features. You’ll find plenty of art galleries, public art installations, and access to the annual Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters. The Laguna Playhouse, one of the oldest continuously operating theaters on the West Coast, adds to the attraction with various live performances and events throughout the year.

For those who prefer to enjoy their nature away from the sand, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Crystal Cove State Park offer breathtaking vistas and a serene escape whenever the beaches get too crowded.

San Clemente

Known as the "Spanish Village by the Sea," San Clemente can easily be mistaken for a resort town. A jaw-dropping coastal paradise, the city is one of Orange County’s most charming destinations, filled with stunning ocean views, a laid-back surfer atmosphere, and Spanish-influenced architecture.

Quaint shops in bright colors, palm trees swaying on every street, and a seemingly neverending view of the Pacific Ocean create a visual paradise for homebuyers interested in San Clemente. 

Add to that a mix of local boutiques, art galleries, and top-notch restaurants, and San Clemente easily becomes a top choice for homebuyers to explore.

While many popular beach towns tend to separate their coastal attractions from hiking destinations, San Clemente blends them together. The San Clemente Coastal Trail connects popular spots like North Beach and Calafia Beach, creating one of the most scenic hikes in the area. San Onofre State Beach, meanwhile, is a renowned spot for world-class surfing.

San Clemente’s slice of El Camino Real hosts some of its top dining and shopping options, while I-5 seamlessly connects the city to the rest of Orange County and San Diego. 

Dana Point

Steeped in maritime heritage, Dana Point offers an unparalleled coastal neighborhood experience.

The city’s immaculate marinas and docks set the tone for the exquisite lifestyle homebuyers can expect when moving here. 

Whale watching and dolphin sightings are some of the most common recreational activities in Dana Point. Sight-seeing boat tours, paddling, and kayaking can all be found at Dana Point Harbor, the city’s premier hub for all water-based activities. 

The picturesque Dana Point Harbor, and the Ocean Institute, an educational center focusing on marine science and maritime history, help define Dana Point’s strong connection to its waterfront roots. 

Of course, there’s no shortage of prime beaches to explore. Salt Creek Beach and Doheny State Beach make Dana Point the top pick for homebuyers seeking the best of California beaches without overwhelming crowds. 

As one would expect of a city with nautical history, seafood highlights Dana Point’s culinary scene. Top-rated locales such as Chart House and Jon’s Fish Market serve up some of the most delectable seafood in Orange County.

Homebuyers should definitely take their time to explore Dana Point. There are plenty of desirable neighborhoods, each offering its own unique vibe and home styles. Prime beachfront properties in Dana Point are some of the most expensive in Orange County, but there’s a lot of variety to explore here if you don’t want to break the bank.

Carlsbad

One of San Diego’s most iconic suburbs, Carlsbad, pushes the boundary of what it means to live in the ‘burbs.

Home to LEGOLAND California, Carlsbad feels more like a city than a suburb, yet a small-town feel is just around the corner whenever you want it. The eclectic neighborhoods that make up this prominent city are an undoubtable highlight of what makes Carlsbad so unique.

The Barrio neighborhood showcases the area's Spanish and Mexican influences through its unique shops, museums, and restaurants. Calavera Hills provides a bucolic retreat among its verdant hiking trails. And La Costa Oaks, with its collection of rolling hills and majestic canyons, solidifies the priceless access to nature found in Carlsbad.

Summer season can get busy in Carlsbad, as some of its foremost attractions routinely draw a vacationing crowd from all over the world. This typically means crowded streets and beaches, but Carlsbad’s expansive coast hosts a selection of beaches that cater to the local crowd, away from the bustling crowds. 

Carlsbad State Beach is one of the most well-known spots for beachgoers, but anyone looking to escape the congestion during tourist season can visit Tamarack Surf Beach, a local favorite and top destination for surfers.

Encinitas

Tucked away in northern San Diego County, Encinitas is on par with Carlsbad as one of the best San Diego suburbs.

Its eastern border stretches toward the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, while the western part of town is home to some of the most popular beaches in Southern California. This seamless blend of idyllic hills, hiking trails, and pristine ocean views make it a unique destination in SoCal.

The city’s striking coastline is highlighted by iconic surf spots like Swami's and Moonlight Beach, drawing surf enthusiasts and sun-seekers alike. For nature lovers, the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve offers coastal bluffs, scenic trails, and opportunities for birdwatching.

The scenic Highway 101 runs through Encinita’s primary neighborhoods, including Leucadia and Cardiff. Many of the city’s top shops and dining options are found along the route, making them easy to access no matter where you decide to settle. 

Health and wellness are a unique addition to Encinitas's identity, with many yoga studios, organic markets, and wellness centers reinforcing its reputation for holistic living. The Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens, known for its serene meditation gardens, is a popular spot for some R&R.

La Jolla

The epitome of SoCal luxury, La Jolla is famous for its extravagant lifestyle and luxurious mansions overlooking the Pacific. 

Yet among the exotic cars and chic boutiques, there’s an undeniable layer of essential Southern California ambiance. 

La Jolla’s impeccable coastline boasts the famous La Jolla Cove, said to be one of the most photographed spots in the area. Though it won’t be your routine swimming spot due to restrictions protecting the local wildlife, it can easily serve as a daily retreat.

But don’t panic, there are plenty of unparalleled beaches for your swimming needs found all over La Jolla’s coast. From Windansea Beach to Torrey Pines State Beach, every sandy offering has a unique slice of ocean and beach to enjoy.

The city’s luxury and elite housing stock goes hand in hand with a developed economy. La Jolla is home to Pfizer’s 25-acre SoCal campus, as well as the University of Southern California, La Jolla. Both contribute to the area’s economy and job market, making it a top destination for biomedicine and pharmaceutical professionals.

The housing market in La Jolla is undoubtedly defined by its exquisite real estate offerings, ranging from elegant single-family homes to modern condos and oceanfront estates. 

North Park

One of San Diego’s most desirable neighborhoods, North Park leans into hipster culture as its defining character. The array of craft coffee houses and top-notch local breweries contribute to a hip and carefree image, but it is undoubtedly one of the most expensive parts of the city.

Known for its thriving arts scene and lively nightlife, North Park has numerous galleries, street art, and the bustling Observatory North Park, the epicenter of the neighborhood’s entertainment scene. 

It’s easy to get lost in the countless indie boutiques that dot the area, but it’s just as easy to find your favorite local haunt for your favorite espresso and a go-to pint of locally-brewed IPA. Access to an eclectic dining and bar scene is one of North Park’s standout features, but it’s also no stranger to outdoor getaways.

North Park uses its proximity to Balboa Park's museums, trails, and attractions to provide its residents with daily recreation. 

The pride and glory of San Diego, Balboa Park is home to countless events and architectural masterpieces. This is where you’ll find the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Museum of Art, and even a pair of golf courses, all just a few blocks away from North Park.

Even though North Park champions vibrant nightlife, there is a wide selection of residential pockets found throughout the neighborhood. Single-family homes, quaint condos, and modern apartments with all the amenities are just some of the home options buyers can look forward to.