The 10 Best Places To Live In California For 2025


The best places to live in California for 2025 are Los Altos, Cupertino, and Villa Park. 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 2025? The best place to live in California for 2025 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 2025

Best Places To Live In California Map

Los Altos, CA

Source: Wikipedia User User:Kelly | GFDL
Stat Los Altos California
Population 30,736 39,242,785
Rank Last Year 1
Median Home Value $2,000,001 $695,400
Median Income $250,001 $96,334
Unemployment Rate 4.4% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0110 0.0258

More on Los Altos: Data

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 $2,000,001 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 22nd 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 58,886 39,242,785
Rank Last Year 2
Median Home Value $2,000,001 $695,400
Median Income $231,139 $96,334
Unemployment Rate 3.4% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0128 0.0258

More on Cupertino: Data

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 58,886 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 $231,139/year, which you’ll need to pay off the $2,000,001 mortgage. Only 2.7% of people are on SNAP and 1.7% 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.

Villa Park, CA

Source: Wikipedia User Jeaniac | CC BY-SA 3.0
Stat Villa Park California
Population 5,776 39,242,785
Rank Last Year 6
Median Home Value $1,686,200 $695,400
Median Income $204,750 $96,334
Unemployment Rate 3.0% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0076 0.0258

More on Villa Park: Data

Located in Orange County to the east of Anaheim and north of Santa Ana is our 3rd 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 2nd 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 30,335 39,242,785
Rank Last Year 5
Median Home Value $2,000,001 $695,400
Median Income $241,348 $96,334
Unemployment Rate 3.9% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0066 0.0258

More on Saratoga: Data

Saratoga is a city of 30,335 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 $241,348, the 9th highest in Cali.

Add to that the 5th lowest rate of crime statewide and the 6th largest percentage of insured residents, and you’ve got a recipe for the 4th best place to call home in California.

Atherton, CA

Source: Public domain
Stat Atherton California
Population 7,021 39,242,785
Rank Last Year 3
Median Home Value $2,000,001 $695,400
Median Income $250,001 $96,334
Unemployment Rate 3.0% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0138 0.0258

More on Atherton: Data

We’re returning to Silicon Valley to arrive at the 5th best place to live in California for 2025, 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 8,367 39,242,785
Rank Last Year 4
Median Home Value $2,000,001 $695,400
Median Income $250,001 $96,334
Unemployment Rate 3.3% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0100 0.0258

More on Los Altos Hills: Data

We don’t to drive very far to arrive at California’s 6th best city to call home, Los Altos Hills. The unemployment rate in Los Altos Hills is a mere 3.3%, the 23rd 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 38th 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.

Solana Beach, CA

Source: Wikipedia User Db9023 | CC BY-SA 3.0
Stat Solana Beach California
Population 12,841 39,242,785
Rank Last Year 13
Median Home Value $1,934,700 $695,400
Median Income $150,820 $96,334
Unemployment Rate 3.3% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0166 0.0258

More on Solana Beach: Data

Solana Beach, located in San Diego County, is ranked 7th best place to live in California for 2025. This coastal city is known for its low cost of living and high quality of life. With a median income of 150,820 and a median home price of $1,934,700, Solana Beach offers relatively affordable housing options for residents.

The city is home to beautiful beaches where residents can soak up the sun and relax. The Pacific Ocean to the west provides stunning views and opportunities for water activities such as surfing, swimming, and paddleboarding. Solana Beach is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and live music venues showcasing local talent.

Aliso Viejo, CA

Source: Wikipedia User KennethHan | CC BY-SA 3.0
Stat Aliso Viejo California
Population 51,320 39,242,785
Rank Last Year 7
Median Home Value $863,800 $695,400
Median Income $137,970 $96,334
Unemployment Rate 3.7% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0081 0.0258

More on Aliso Viejo: Data

We’re departing from Silicon Valley and heading towards Los Angeles’ Orange County to arrive at Aliso Viejo, the 8th best place to live in California. Aliso Viejo is a vibrant, youthful city where the median age is only 38. 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 170th 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.

Palos Verdes Estates, CA

Source: Wikipedia User | CC SA 1.0
Stat Palos Verdes Estates California
Population 13,047 39,242,785
Rank Last Year 10
Median Home Value $2,000,001 $695,400
Median Income $247,500 $96,334
Unemployment Rate 4.0% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0127 0.0258

More on Palos Verdes Estates: Data

Nex on our list of the best places to live in California is Palos Verdes Estates, a city of 13,047 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 66th 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 $247,500. Which is kind of essential when your typical Palos Verdes Estates home sells for $2,000,001. 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.

Manhattan Beach, CA

Source: Public domain
Stat Manhattan Beach California
Population 34,584 39,242,785
Rank Last Year 17
Median Home Value $2,000,001 $695,400
Median Income $193,904 $96,334
Unemployment Rate 4.3% 6.4%
Crime Per Capita 0.0292 0.0258

More on Manhattan Beach: Data

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 524,802, 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 2025. 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, Villa Park, Saratoga, Atherton, Los Altos Hills, Solana Beach, Aliso Viejo, Palos Verdes Estates, and Manhattan Beach.

Los Altos made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for the best place to live in California for 2025.

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

  1. Hesperia (Pop. 100,141)
  2. Victorville (Pop. 135,983)
  3. Adelanto (Pop. 38,010)

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 30,736 4.4% $2,000,001 $250,001 $3,501 0.0110
2 Cupertino 58,886 3.4% $2,000,001 $231,139 $3,501 0.0128
3 Villa Park 5,776 3.0% $1,686,200 $204,750 $0 0.0076
4 Saratoga 30,335 3.9% $2,000,001 $241,348 $3,501 0.0066
5 Atherton 7,021 3.0% $2,000,001 $250,001 $3,501 0.0138
6 Los Altos Hills 8,367 3.3% $2,000,001 $250,001 $3,501 0.0100
7 Solana Beach 12,841 3.3% $1,934,700 $150,820 $3,022 0.0166
8 Aliso Viejo 51,320 3.7% $863,800 $137,970 $2,774 0.0081
9 Palos Verdes Estates 13,047 4.0% $2,000,001 $247,500 $3,331 0.0127
10 Manhattan Beach 34,584 4.3% $2,000,001 $193,904 $3,492 0.0292
11 Sunnyvale 153,455 4.1% $1,816,600 $181,862 $3,065 0.0215
12 Sierra Madre 11,020 2.7% $1,172,200 $141,094 $2,086 0.0091
13 Los Gatos 32,773 4.3% $2,000,001 $207,891 $2,969 0.0180
14 San Marino 12,279 4.1% $2,000,001 $187,633 $3,501 0.0143
15 Danville 43,426 4.8% $1,583,300 $223,206 $3,501 0.0078
16 Lafayette 25,277 4.9% $2,000,001 $222,393 $2,855 0.0131
17 Hillsborough 11,122 5.7% $2,000,001 $250,001 $3,501 0.0088
18 Orinda 19,472 3.0% $1,804,400 $250,001 $2,407 0.0084
19 Pacific Grove 15,003 5.4% $1,129,400 $105,568 $2,384 0.0092
20 Mountain View 82,363 3.4% $1,927,400 $179,917 $2,975 0.0302
21 Rancho Santa Margarita 47,257 4.0% $907,900 $146,827 $2,481 0.0047
22 Scotts Valley 12,138 2.3% $1,092,000 $140,887 $2,362 0.0133
23 Mill Valley 14,064 8.4% $2,000,001 $208,466 $3,313 0.0084
24 Mission Viejo 92,415 4.5% $946,300 $136,071 $2,713 0.0137
25 Dana Point 32,883 3.9% $1,200,900 $127,246 $2,883 0.0107
26 Palo Alto 67,231 3.7% $2,000,001 $220,408 $3,328 0.0291
27 Newport Beach 84,304 4.4% $2,000,001 $158,461 $3,146 0.0219
28 San Ramon 85,734 5.0% $1,359,100 $197,358 $2,916 0.0108
29 Yorba Linda 67,407 4.5% $1,091,700 $152,060 $2,779 0.0116
30 Piedmont 11,012 4.0% $2,000,001 $250,001 $3,501 0.0433
31 Rancho Palos Verdes 41,259 5.4% $1,541,400 $175,307 $3,501 0.0093
32 Pacifica 37,527 3.3% $1,211,700 $156,819 $3,080 0.0139
33 Menlo Park 32,775 4.2% $2,000,001 $206,588 $3,156 0.0194
34 Belmont 27,505 6.7% $2,000,001 $207,609 $2,894 0.0142
35 Tiburon 9,035 10.3% $2,000,001 $212,794 $3,501 0.0076
36 Encinitas 61,585 4.7% $1,466,000 $150,471 $2,730 0.0141
37 Campbell 42,848 4.2% $1,550,000 $147,128 $2,751 0.0292
38 La Habra Heights 5,546 1.0% $1,114,100 $186,837 $1,186 0.0099
39 Coronado 18,558 4.1% $1,998,900 $135,056 $3,250 0.0236
40 Santa Clara 129,239 4.4% $1,527,900 $173,670 $2,985 0.0307
41 Laguna Niguel 64,023 6.7% $1,123,000 $140,605 $2,819 0.0108
42 Windsor 26,179 3.4% $763,200 $129,004 $2,087 0.0088
43 Lake Forest 85,846 4.6% $876,300 $131,378 $2,616 0.0111
44 Dublin 70,542 3.5% $1,224,100 $205,046 $3,174 0.0188
45 Redondo Beach 69,814 5.5% $1,225,400 $144,588 $2,562 0.0269
46 Hermosa Beach 19,248 5.6% $2,000,001 $152,019 $2,812 0.0307
47 Rolling Hills Estates 8,158 6.3% $1,602,300 $187,500 $3,501 0.0181
48 South Pasadena 26,297 4.8% $1,545,100 $128,105 $2,218 0.0284
49 St. Helena 5,378 4.4% $1,964,300 $158,218 $2,391 0.0104
50 Clayton 10,962 7.0% $1,017,300 $172,226 $3,501 0.0068
51 Poway 48,515 5.3% $971,500 $143,825 $2,261 0.0098
52 Rocklin 72,340 4.8% $673,300 $120,916 $2,178 0.0122
53 Camarillo 70,244 4.4% $766,100 $109,390 $2,650 0.0135
54 Burlingame 30,526 4.6% $2,000,001 $168,832 $2,643 0.0283
55 Livermore 85,870 3.4% $1,038,600 $153,602 $2,640 0.0210
56 Albany 19,768 3.4% $1,188,600 $135,927 $2,389 0.0293
57 Arroyo Grande 18,412 2.3% $758,100 $103,258 $1,890 0.0162
58 Moraga 16,790 6.2% $1,597,600 $199,800 $3,119 0.0095
59 Agoura Hills 19,881 5.5% $1,072,200 $171,944 $3,094 0.0148
60 San Clemente 63,510 5.1% $1,220,500 $134,735 $2,398 0.0155
61 Sausalito 7,171 7.7% $1,858,900 $173,030 $3,408 0.0188
62 Pleasanton 77,500 4.8% $1,432,300 $186,206 $3,017 0.0205
63 Ripon 16,117 2.9% $666,400 $120,061 $1,799 0.0127
64 Moorpark 35,957 5.1% $852,800 $149,403 $2,657 0.0074
65 Thousand Oaks 125,676 4.9% $951,200 $134,367 $2,580 0.0120
66 San Mateo 103,555 4.3% $1,563,200 $152,669 $3,079 0.0217
67 Buellton 5,090 2.6% $704,200 $96,028 $2,196 0.0145
68 San Carlos 29,797 4.6% $2,000,001 $233,333 $2,802 0.7078
69 Milpitas 78,216 4.1% $1,180,000 $176,822 $3,112 0.0363
70 Benicia 26,861 4.0% $778,600 $125,040 $2,234 0.0125
71 South San Francisco 64,487 2.5% $1,160,100 $135,909 $2,833 0.0251
72 La Palma 15,375 3.6% $916,600 $115,833 $2,239 0.0222
73 San Bruno 42,612 4.9% $1,199,400 $135,976 $2,696 0.0239
74 Goleta 32,693 4.3% $1,002,500 $118,039 $2,385 0.0161
75 Hercules 26,245 4.7% $741,200 $130,583 $3,003 0.0080
76 Irvine 308,160 5.5% $1,115,400 $129,647 $2,893 0.0168
77 Cotati 7,533 3.6% $702,500 $112,841 $1,899 0.0154
78 Martinez 36,926 4.6% $824,700 $125,436 $2,265 0.0161
79 Sonoma 10,726 7.0% $954,300 $101,281 $2,216 0.0115
80 Folsom 82,140 5.1% $702,200 $139,263 $2,279 0.0187
81 San Anselmo 12,711 5.4% $1,524,300 $170,457 $2,750 0.0323
82 Laguna Hills 30,921 6.2% $944,000 $122,778 $2,622 0.0152
83 Petaluma 59,321 4.5% $834,900 $109,823 $2,379 0.0149
84 Carpinteria 13,100 4.8% $965,200 $104,233 $2,341 0.0163
85 Morgan Hill 45,152 5.0% $1,127,600 $159,758 $2,275 0.0133
86 El Segundo 16,863 5.1% $1,521,600 $149,149 $2,547 0.0682
87 Laguna Beach 22,777 5.4% $2,000,001 $140,508 $2,802 0.0202
88 Winters 7,453 2.2% $598,700 $132,650 $1,664 0.0072
89 Sebastopol 7,466 4.8% $821,400 $99,600 $1,767 0.0201
90 Lincoln 51,629 4.3% $628,500 $108,108 $2,081 0.0087
91 Roseville 152,438 4.8% $630,600 $117,354 $2,099 0.0175
92 Simi Valley 125,769 4.5% $753,500 $117,703 $2,513 0.0107
93 Carlsbad 114,500 6.3% $1,156,900 $139,326 $2,678 0.0181
94 Fountain Valley 56,358 6.4% $1,018,600 $111,797 $2,507 0.0223
95 Fremont 228,518 4.3% $1,289,400 $176,350 $2,905 0.0297
96 Huntington Beach 196,010 5.4% $1,047,300 $119,885 $2,424 0.0221
97 Torrance 143,499 5.5% $1,036,600 $113,105 $2,214 0.0279
98 Cloverdale 8,933 2.2% $613,400 $104,238 $1,245 0.0104
99 Eastvale 70,179 4.7% $752,000 $161,322 $3,065 0.0195
100 Larkspur 12,856 4.1% $1,805,100 $134,744 $2,867 0.0323

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.