According to Benicia Magazine, Benicia is surrounded by natural beauty and has a small-town feel. Encinitas is in San Diego, and it is one of the most popular places to live in California near the beach for families. Families enjoy living in Benicia as there are many things for them to enjoy, and the public schools are highly-rated. It is an area that appeals to young people due to the lively nightlife, varied social scene, and multiple outdoor activities. Therefore, it is well-suited for those who enjoy a busy lifestyle. Just to be clear: We didn’t just create this list based solely on the cheapest places to live. Residents can take in outdoor adventures such as stroll among the hills in Lagoon Valley or enjoy nightlife, fine dining and shopping. Therefore, it is a good option for people who work in San Diego but cannot afford the property prices and the high cost of living. Although San Buenaventura is the official name of this beach town, it is commonly referred to as Ventura. Plus, residents enjoy great amenities, such as five college campuses and Surfer’s Point, the site of many surfing competitions. The median home value is the cheapest on the list at $275,100, with a median household income of $74,207. If one of the reasons you want to live in a coastal location is to enjoy the surf, then one of the top spots in California is San Clemente. The close proximity of Santa Monica to Los Angeles makes this Southern Californian town one of the best beach communities for commuters. It also has a diverse community and vibrant nightlife. It is an area that offers the perfect beach lifestyle, and it also has a high-energy entertainment scene. Through proprietary research studies, engaging articles and original photography and video, we examine topics related to community amenities, education, sustainability, transportation, housing and the economy. Chinese Real Estate Investors Take Foothold In the U.S. Other positive aspects of life in Alameda include community diversity, high job availability, strong transport links to the surrounding area, and a lively nightlife. Best Places 2019 Rank: 123 Metro Population: 724,153 Median Home Price: $352,350 Median Annual Salary: $46,770 Income Spent on Living Expenses: 27.42% The 12th-most expensive place to live in the U.S., Stockton ranks No. According to Niche, there are many positive features to this suburb that make it an appealing place to live for all demographics. For inexpensive area a little further South, look around Santa Maria and North towards Pismo Beach. An island suburb of Oakland, Alameda is a great choice for anyone who wants to live near the beach in California. With so many locations to choose from along the coast of California, people then consider the other factors to help them choose the best location to meet their needs. Temecula 6. The median annual salary for the Stockton metro area is $46,770, nearly $4,000 below the national median of $50,620. Located in Simi Valley, the Santa Susana Field Laboratory has long been a leader in rocket and nuclear technology, and an economic driver for the city. Other reasons to consider Encinitas are the diverse community, the job opportunities, and the vibrant nightlife. Other factors that make this a fantastic location to consider are the direct access to the beach, the nightlife, community diversity, and the health and fitness facilities in the area. 1. California has some of the best beach towns in the United States, and the state boasts 840 miles of stunning coastline. Some of the most appealing features of San Clemente are the excellent schools, the low crime rates, and the wide range of activities for people of all ages. One reason that Carlsbad is such a great place to live is the diversity of the activities you can enjoy in this coastal town. We then leverage that expertise to develop city rankings for a range of topics including small towns, college towns and our annual Top 100 Best Places to Live. These may include school rankings, safety, community diversity, employment opportunities, and ways to spend their leisure time. 4. 1 ranking on the list of affordable beach cities. It is a town that has something to offer everyone, from children to retired people. Avila Beach. The housing options’ diversity is also appealing, as there are homes in multiple styles to suit various budgets. What Differentiates the BMW Steering Wheel from other Cars? Oxnard 3. It is home to a thriving tech industry, and that means there are multiple job opportunities within this sector. However, it also appeals to families due to family activities and excellent schools. How Do You Even Pronounce Patek Philippe? The town also has a nice shopping district and excellent restaurants, says Pure Wow. About an hour north of Los Angeles, Oxnard offers beachfront living at an affordable price. Residents have access to many shops, parks, and restaurants, along with a wide range of leisure activities to enjoy. Just some of these include low crime rates, great schools, multiple activities for everyone to enjoy, job opportunities in multiple sectors, and good transport links. Although life in Carlsbad is expensive compared to the national average, the cost of living and property prices are significantly lower than the state average. Surf, sun and year-round moderate temperatures can sometimes come at a cost. It also has excellent music and food scenes, so there are some great places to go out in the evenings to enjoy food, drink, and live music. Although this is an expensive location in which to live, there are activities for everyone, community diversity, and strong transport links. If you are considering a move to a beach location in California, here are the 20 best places to live in California by the beach. You will find this picturesque town in San Luis Obispo County. The city also takes pride in the recently restored Camarillo Ranch House, a historic Queen Anne-style home built in 1892. 1. Choosing a place to live is a personal decision, as each person prioritizes the various factors to consider differently. The highly-rated educational establishments, the natural beauty of the area, and the excellent healthcare facilities are just a few of the reasons that Santa Cruz is one of the best beach locations in California. Located just along the coast from the town of Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara County, Goleta is home to approximately 31,000 residents. At the moment, median household income is a somewhat staggering $89,595, but the median home value is only $438,700, which definitely earns a spot as an affordable Californian city. Those who enjoy nature will also enjoy living in Ventura, especially watching the gray whales in the ocean. For the outdoors lovers, there's an extensive hiking trail system through the undeveloped parts of the valley. Families like this location because it has many activities and attractions for families to enjoy, and it also has excellent public schools. This town in Santa Cruz County is home to approximately 64,000 people, and it is widely considered one of the best places to live in California.