Known as the ‘Golden State’, the US western state of California is a great place to live. It has rich geography and landscape that has a little bit of everything – from high mountains and redwood forests to a magnificent coastline that has the best beaches, California is an explorer’s dream come true.
While the most common cities that come to mind are Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, and Sacramento, California actually has plenty of small up-and-coming towns and cities that are perfect for both families and individuals who want to start living on their own.
In fact, despite the pandemic, the real estate market in California has been promising compared to many other parts of the country. Home prices and rentals are rising steadily and demand for housing in California is growing as more and more people flock to this part of the country.
Read on to find out about some of the most overlooked yet amazing hidden gems of California residential living.
West Covina
West Covina, located in the San Gabriel Valley, is a suburban city in Los Angeles County with a population of just over 110,000 people. In the last few decades, West Covina has successfully provided plenty of affordable housing opportunities, which has allowed its population to flourish. You can easily search for some of the best West Covina California apartments depending on your budget and requirements for amenities.
Generally, West Covina has a Mediterranean climate and offers a mix of urban and suburban living since it is located just 19 miles from downtown Los Angeles. It is known for its safe neighborhoods and low crime rate. Moreover, West Covina has great educational institutes, including both schools and colleges, excellent shopping malls and plazas, multiple restaurants, and a strong baseball culture, giving it a unique and charming personality.
San Mateo
Located in San Mateo County, the city of San Mateo is in the San Francisco Bay Area near San Francisco and San Jose. It has a rapidly growing economy, which is why San Mateo has successfully attracted people from various backgrounds to form a vibrant and thriving community.
With more than twelve neighbourhood parks and nine community parks such as San Mateo Central Park and Japanese Gardens, it boasts a strong outdoor culture with loads of social events. Additionally, it has a lower than average national crime rate, with some of the best neighbourhoods being the Baywood-Aragon, North Central, and Beresford Park.
Overall, if you are considering living in a city with many job opportunities and a diverse tightly-knit community, San Mateo should definitely be on your list.
Ventura
A coastal city located northwest of Los Angeles, Ventura, officially known as San Buenaventura, is ideal for those who want to be close to an ocean view and beaches such as Harbor’s Cove and Marina Park beach.
Generally, it has an ideal climate and plenty of entertainment activities such as regular concerts at the Majestic Ventura Theater, along with more than 40 city and county parks such as the Ventura Botanical Gardens. In terms of living, it offers quality houses and safe neighbourhoods at affordable rates, with Downtown Ventura having the best shopping centres and dining opportunities.
Vacaville
Vacaville is a city in Northern California that has some of the most comfortable neighbourhoods with many young couples and families. Some great neighbourhoods include North Village, Leisure Town and Vanden Estates.
It also has great recreational destinations such as the Lagoon Valley Park, Vacaville Vintage Market, and the wineries in Sonoma Valley. Moreover, since Vacaville is only 55 miles from San Francisco, it gives you the opportunity to enjoy a quiet and peaceful living environment with the facilities of a metropolis.
Murrieta
Murrieta is a city that is nestled in Riverside County in California. It has affordable housing as per California standards and has consistently been ranked as one of the safest cities in the state.
Murrieta offers a host of recreational activities, such as Copper Canyon Park, Susie Q Ranch, and the stunning Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve. It also has the Old Town Temecula, which exemplifies the rich history of Murrieta and how it grew into a burgeoning city after the Gold Rush days.
In Closing
California is a wonderful place that has a diverse culture and people. It basically ticks all the boxes when it comes to good weather, fantastic food, and a thriving recreational and nightlife. So if you or your family are planning on moving to California, the cities mentioned in this article will provide you with a great balance of affordable and quality living along with all the perks that come with one of the best states in the US.