13 Best Places To Live In California In 2025

California's diverse natural landscapes range from the sandy shoreline of the Pacific Ocean and deserted wilderness of the Mojave desert to the rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevada. This provides numerous options for those planning to move into the state. While busy hubs like Los Angeles and San Francisco may feel like the obvious option to settle, the Golden State offers cheaper locations with a slower pace of life and a more suitable atmosphere to raise a family.

In most cases, these quaint communities lie in rural areas, surrounded by thriving nature and recreational opportunities, yet retain access to crucial social and health amenities. With so many options to choose from, this post highlights some of the best places to live in California in 2025 to get you started.

Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs promises a mix of affordability and seclusion for those who settle in this desert community. Its cost of living is lower than the national average, and its housing median price is an enticing $375,000. The dry wasteland of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park surrounds Borrego Springs, providing endless opportunities for activity along numerous trails, including Hellhole Canyon Trail. Residents connect with the arts in their spare time by exploring the unique outdoor Gallery at Galleta Meadows or visiting the Borrego Art Institute.

The Borrego Springs Youth and Senior Center is vital in bringing the community together and maintaining cordial relationships among members. Finally, Borrego Springs has an above-average public school system, and the sick residents head to Borrego Medical Clinic for their health needs.

Oakdale

Proudly known to locals as the "Cowboy Capital of the World," Oakdale is a culture-rich community with several museums preserving its heritage. Newcomers can learn about the town's dynamic past at the Oakdale Museum and History Center. The venue harbors an extensive collection of relics and memorabilia inside a 19th-century structure. For their outdoor recreation, the Valley Oak Recreation Area has many opportunities near the Lower Stanislaus River, from camping and hiking to picnicking.

The Children's Play Park is perfect for families looking to spend quality time. Meanwhile, residents access high-quality health attention at Oak Valley Hospital, while the median housing cost is $644,500.

Murphys

Murphys is a small town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, steeped in mining history and oozing small-town charm. The small population means almost everybody knows everybody, with residents constantly meeting at Murphys Creek Theatre to support local talent by watching stage performances. Murphys Community Park ensures family-friendly outdoor recreation and is a lovely sanctuary with shaded areas for picnics, lazy walks, and sightseeing.

Retirees will appreciate the presence of the Murphys Senior Center, while the Mark Twain Medical Center, which sits about 20 miles from town, guarantees quick access to vital health amenities in the small town. Murphys’ median home price of $599,000 puts it below the California average.

Rio Vista

This NoCal community in the Bay Area offers affordable housing, a high-rated public school system, and overall safety. The River Delta Unified School District comprises adequate institutions for families with school-going children. Outdoor recreation is readily available at the 300-acre Brannan Island State Recreation Area. This lovely outdoor escape on the banks of the Sacramento River is popular among campers, hikers, and boaters. Downtown Rio Vista offers a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, where new residents can explore the region's past at the Rio Vista Museum.

Although the cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, the median household income in Rio Vista surpasses most places in the country. Also, the median home price, at $479,900, is below the California average.

Laguna Woods

This Orange County hamlet has a laid-back atmosphere and offers a year-round mild climate with easy access to the Pacific Coast. Laguna Woods is less than an hour from Los Angeles, ensuring townsfolk can easily benefit from its city conveniences. Nevertheless, the town maintains a rural feel, with a chance to enjoy the outdoors while playing at the Laguna Woods Golf Club. Those who want to cool off in the Pacific waters merely need a 5-mile commute to access the beach.

The major employers in Laguna Woods are in the healthcare and social assistance sectors, and a high employment rate promises career opportunities for young professionals. Lastly, the median housing cost is only $439,700.

Quincy

Quincy's median real estate price is $357,300, making it one of the cheapest places to live in California in 2025. However, affordability is only one of the many reasons you would want to make this Plumas County village your new home. It is surrounded by the Plumas National Forest, which presents a vast recreational playground for camping, hiking, boating, and mountain biking activities. The urban center is filled with local attractions, and those interested in learning about the town's captivating Gold Rush heritage can stop by the Plumas County Museum.

Residents appreciate the availability of vital social amenities in Quincy, led by the Plumas District Hospital. Furthermore, the median household income is just below the national average, so managing bills should not be a drag.

Lone Pine

Lone Pine is an adorable community in Inyo County with picturesque natural surroundings framed by the rugged landscapes of the Sierra Nevada. This guarantees numerous escapes for outdoor recreation, including a walk to stretch your legs along the Mount Whitney Trail. The secluded route leads to Lone Pine Lake, where you can relax on quiet shores to enjoy the magnificent water views and take in the breeze from the water. Residents who don't want to stray too far from downtown prefer to explore the culture of classic films at the Museum of Western Film History.

The Lone Pine Unified School District and Southern Inyo Healthcare District are the main employers in Lone Pine, reflecting quality education and health. Also, a decent home in Lone Pine costs $332,000.

Chester

This waterfront community on the relaxed shores of Lake Almanor offers potential residents quintessential small-town living. Its sprawling open spaces encourage outdoor recreation, ranging from canoeing, paddle boarding, and fishing in the lake waters. Also, the Lake Almanor West Golf Course invites residents for a nonchalant game on its 9-hole course with well-maintained fairways. Museum enthusiasts can pass the time by browsing interesting artifacts at the Chester-Lake Almanor Museum to learn about the area's history.

Access to medical resources is provided by the Seneca Healthcare District, which is also a major employer in the community. Furthermore, Chester's median home cost is $327,900, way below the California average.

Paradise

Paradise lives up to its name by presenting a safe community to settle in, with pleasant recreational spaces and receptive residents. Bille Park is one of the many outdoor areas available to the public, housing hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic spots, BBQ pits, and other amenities for a family day out. Townspeople also find the time to gather inside Theatre on the Ridge for exciting stage presentations in an intimate venue with a 100-seat capacity.

Paradise has Rapid Care: Adventist Health to address its citizens' need for reliable medical care. Lastly, you need around $429,000 to afford a decent home in the area, placing its median house price below the state average.

Mariposa

This adorable village in Northern California is considered a gateway to Yosemite National Park, which means you won't be lacking in fun activities. It has a well-maintained historic district with sites and markers preserving its gold mining past, such as the Mariposa Museum and History Center. Inside, you'll find a range of artifacts and archives related to various aspects of the town's past.

Meanwhile, the Mariposa Marketplace provides a social hub where the community gathers, with displays of antiques, jewelry, collectibles, crafts, and other merchandise. Healthcare provision is left for John C. Fremont Healthcare District, which ensures ready access to reliable services. Finally, the median home price in Mariposa is $440,000.

Julian

Julian is a unique Southern California community with a Gold Rush heritage and is listed as a California Historical Landmark. Incoming residents who appreciate retro experiences will enjoy visiting the Julian Museum and Pioneer County Park to learn about its dynamic history. The town is surrounded by a rugged wilderness area that provides numerous options for outdoor adventures, such as the 1,000-acre William Heise County Park. It has camping sites, hiking trails, and picnic areas.

The main industries propelling Julian's economy are agriculture and tourism, and the median household income is more than the national average. This allows residents to comfortably afford the average home price of $687,000.

Soledad

Soledad is a small town in Monterey County boasting a blend of captivating historical heritage, stunning natural surroundings, and a thriving wine culture. Active residents can always hit the trail along the Balconies Cliffs Trail, which spans about 2.6 miles and features picturesque countryside views. The Soledad Community Center serves as an important social hub in the town, inviting all ages to an array of programs and activities, from fitness training to recreation.

Also, the Soledad Medical Clinic is the primary healthcare provider in the region, providing services for various emergencies and ailments. Lastly, buying a home in Soledad costs approximately $699,000.

Sutter Creek

Sutter Creek is another municipality in the upper half of the Golden State with a gold rush history, where movers can revel in a vibrant art scene and wine culture. The community takes pride in the arts and supports local talent by frequently congregating inside Sutter Creek Theatre to watch live performances. Those with a taste for finely crafted wines can always stop by Bella Grace Vineyards to sample what the local wineries are creating.

The town also has a community center where residents of all ages can meet up for different social activities. Finally, buying a home in Sutter Creek will cost potential homeowners around $665,000.

Final Thoughts

Whether you want to settle in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada or put down roots along the sandy shoreline of the Pacific Ocean, the Golden State has something to meet all your preferences. The best places to live in California in 2025 promise a high-quality life, where affordable living, a strong sense of community, and access to job opportunities take precedence. So, if you are contemplating moving in the near future, be sure to include them among your priorities.