California is famous for its iconic cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, but some of the best places to live in the state are the ones that don’t make headlines.Whether you’re drawn to California’s scenic coastlines, thriving job market, or year-round sunshine, there’s a place for every homebuyer.

This guide explores living in California and highlights lesser-known gems like Antioch, Sacramento, Roseville, Elk Grove, and San Jose. We’ll also cover the California housing market, fun things to do, and the best restaurants in each city so you can explore your options for finding a new home.

best cities to live in California. A rocky walk to the beach in California.California Housing Market

The California housing market in 2024 presents challenges and opportunities for homebuyers, mainly in new construction. Despite ongoing affordability concerns, there is substantial activity in developing new homes in California. The demand for modern amenities, sustainable features, and more space in suburban areas drives this activity in the housing market.

Key Market Trends

  1. Inventory Growth:
    While inventory levels remain historically low, California's housing stock is improving. New home listings are anticipated to increase by 10–20% in suburban areas like Sacramento and the Inland Empire, which refers to the region east of Los Angeles, including Riverside and San Bernardino counties. These have become hotspots for new construction, fueled by affordability and job growth.

  2. Stability with Provincial Variations:
    For 2024, prices are predicted to rise by 6.2%, with hotspots like San Diego and Silicon Valley maintaining the highest growth due to strong demand.

  3. Emerging Suburban Markets:
    As remote work continues, suburban regions such as Roseville, Elk Grove, and the Inland Empire are witnessing a surge in demand for new homes. These areas offer a mix of affordability and proximity to job centers, making them attractive for first-time buyers and families.​

Hotspots for New Construction Developments in California

California's new construction market continues to attract homebuyers with a mix of affordability and modern amenities. 

Here are some notable areas for new home development in California:

  • Sacramento: Known for its growing economy and lower cost of living than coastal cities, Sacramento is seeing a boom in master-planned communities and single-family homes with energy-efficient designs.
  • Inland Empire: Proximity to main urban centers and an influx of businesses make this area a hub for new construction in California, focusing on affordability and modern amenities.
  • San Jose: Despite higher costs, new homes in San Jose cater to high-income buyers, offering luxury homes and condos with cutting-edge technology and sustainability features.

Best cities to live in California. Aerial shot of a neighborhood in California.

Best Cities in California

Now that you’ve explored the recent trends in the California housing market, let’s talk about the most promising cities in California for homebuyers:

Antioch, CA

Antioch is a relatively affordable city in the Bay Area with a median sale price of about $590,000. Homes usually stay on the market for less than a month. 

Mira Vista Hills, Prewett Ranch, Gentrytown, and Harbor Park are considered some of the best neighborhoods in Antioch. Detached houses with expansive outdoor spaces make up most of the housing inventory.

The city’s proximity to San Francisco and Oakland makes it a popular choice for young professionals and families. It has pleasant weather throughout the year and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. 

  • Fun Things to Do in Antioch, CA: The Contra Loma Park Trail has excellent trails for running and hiking. It’s a good spot for birding, too. If you’re interested in watersports, head to the Antioch Marina for a day of sailing and fishing. If you’re a racing fan, go down to the Antioch Speedway on Saturday nights to see exciting races on a clay oval track. 
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Best Restaurants in Antioch:

 

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  • Sacramento

Sacramento is one of the best cities in California. It’s located in northern California and is relatively affordable. The median sale price is $520,000. The housing market offers micro apartments and luxury homes inspired by early American colonial architecture. 

The best places to live here are River Park, Boulevard Park, and Newton Booth. You’ll get more space at this price than in other Californian cities. What’s more, the cost of living here is 14% lower than the state average. 

Sacramento is also preferred as a city to live in because of its low crime rate and proximity to popular places and attractions in the Bay Area. 

Fun Things to Do in Sacramento: Sacramento has plenty of museums, theaters, and open spaces that host seasonal events. The Sacramento Zoo and the Capitol Museum are fun things to do in Sacramento for families. A visit to iFLY Indoor Skydiving delivers a rush of adrenaline. And then, there’s the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera, where you can hear classical compositions. 

Best Restaurants in Sacramento: Sacramento is known as "America's Farm-to-Fork Capital". Southern-style cooking is also popular here. Some of the best restaurants in Sacramento include:

 

 

Roseville

Given its proximity to Sacramento, many people consider Roseville a city suburb. The city’s identity blends urban and suburban living. The median sale price for homes is $617.500, about 21% lower than the state average. 

Some of the best places to live in Roseville are Highland Reserve, Woodcreek Oaks, and Johnson Ranch. The cost of living in the city is higher than in other parts of the country but it is average by Californian standards. On average, a family of four would need to earn about $106,202 annually to live comfortably. 

Summer temperatures soar whereas winters can be a bit wet but Roseville’s weather is still a major draw for residents and newcomers. Its low crime rate is another feature that puts it on the list of the best cities in California.

Fun Things to Do in Roseville, CA: Roseville has many parks, museums, markets, and entertainment options. Royer Park is a local favorite. History buffs will love the Carnegie Museum and the Roseville Telephone Museum. Other fun things to do in Roseville include visiting the All-American Speedway and the Skatetown Ice Arena.

Best Restaurants in Roseville: Restaurants in Roseville cater to diverse palettes and there are many options for families. Craft breweries are also becoming a common sight in the city. 

 

 

Elk Grove

There are many reasons why Elk Grove is considered one of the best cities in California. It’s family-oriented, has an award-winning school district, and a prosperous business community, and is less than 30 minutes from Sacramento. The safe neighborhoods also make this one of the best cities to retire in California. 

The housing market in Elk Grove can be pretty competitive. Some of the most coveted neighborhoods include Latitudes, Waterman Meadows, and Laguna West. 

The median sale price for housing in Elk Grove is $660,009. You’ll find a mix of older homes as well as new developments. Though the cost of living in Elk Grove is higher than the national average, it is 15% lower than the state’s average. 

Elk Grove is a quiet, friendly community with great weather and lots of opportunities for fun and relaxation.

Fun Things to Do in Elk Grove, CA: Elk Grove isn’t big on nightlife, but you can still find plenty of fun here. You can learn to ride horses at the Brookside Equestrian Park or enjoy horseback riding shows with fine dining. Rockin Jump is a trampoline park and a great place for family fun. There’s also the Elk Grove Regional Park. 

Best Restaurants in Elk Grove: The food scene in Elk Grove balances classic comfort foods with global flavors. No matter where you’re staying, you can find great restaurants. Some of the places worth booking a table are:

 

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  • San Jose

San Jose has a distinct downtown, large tech campuses, and quieter suburban neighborhoods. While the tech giants in the area attract working professionals, the city’s proximity to the ocean and vineyards makes it one of the best places to retire in California.  

San Jose’s median sale price is $1.4M, which is relatively high but good value if you consider the benefits of the area and the investment opportunity. Houses usually sell within two weeks of hitting the market. You’ll find single-family and multi-family homes. Then there’s the cost of living. A family of four would need to earn roughly $226,800 annually to live comfortably. 

Fun Things to Do in San Jose: San Jose offers endless fun activities. The Winchester Mystery House lets you unravel Sarah Winchester’s secrets while touring a gorgeous estate. There’s also the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose and the San Jose Flea Market. The SAP Center, home of the San Jose Sharks, will be a regular haunt if you're a hockey fan or enjoy attending concerts.

Best Restaurants in San Jose: The city celebrates fusion cuisine and traditional dishes with a creative spin. It’s also a hotspot for authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Check out restaurants like:

 

 

Buying a New Home in California

California’s lesser-known cities offer incredible opportunities for homebuyers. Whether you’re drawn to the affordability of Antioch, the charm of Roseville, or the vibrant tech culture of San Jose, these gems deliver something unique.

When exploring the best cities in California, consider your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals. With its diverse housing market, stunning landscapes, and unbeatable amenities, California has something for everyone.

Buying a new home in Sacramento, San Jose, Antioch, Roseville, or Elk Grove is your ticket to living the Californian dream. Why not start your search today?

FAQs

What kind of people will you find living in California?

California is home to people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. There’s a large Latino population and Asian and African-American communities. 

What are the best cities to retire in California?

California is a great place to retire. If you’re looking for a city that’s sunny throughout the year with a fun social scene, you should consider San Jose. Furthermore, Sacramento is known for its affordability, while Antioch and Elk Grove promise a safe, relaxed, and fun way of life. 

What is the weather in California like?

Their proximity to the Pacific Ocean dictates the weather in cities across California. Coastal areas and places in southern California see warm summers and mild winters, while the central Valley and desert regions see more extreme temperature variations. Towns in northern California may see occasional snowfall. 

Where are the most popular areas for new construction in California?

Some of the hottest areas for new construction in California include Ontario Ranch in the Inland Empire, Rancho Mission Viejo in Orange County, and Great Park Neighborhoods in Irvine. These areas feature master-planned communities, energy-efficient homes, and family-friendly amenities.

Written by
Rob Shapiro

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