Livability explores what makes small-to-medium sized cities great places to live. For the outdoors lovers, there's an extensive hiking trail system through the undeveloped parts of the valley. Courtesy of Melissa Emmons Photography under a CC 4.0 license. But Oxnard is most famous for its strawberries, with the popular California Strawberry Festival held here each year. Source: First Time Central Coast. Here's where you can pick apples in every state. Sausalito (sauzalito) is Spanish, meaning "small willow grove." Bakersfield; Chico; Clovis; Eureka; Fontana; Oxnard; Redlands; Vacaville; Bakersfield In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing and camping. If you’re willing to compromise on which city you live in, you can find affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, and excellent West Coast amenities. Not only are they usually spectacularly scenic, they are usually full of fun, friendly people. We agree! California is a state located in the Western United States.It is the most populous state and the third largest by area after Alaska and Texas.According to the 2010 United States Census, California has 37,253,956 inhabitants and 155,779.22 square miles (403,466.3 km 2) of land.. California has been inhabited by numerous Native American peoples since antiquity. No offense, Mr. Meiggs, but we're glad that one didn't stick. cute towns in northern california. Just to be clear: We didn’t just create this list based solely on the cheapest places to live. The 15 Best Small Towns in California. 20 Affordable Cities to Live In California by Anna Atlea August 08, 2018. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. Oozing with charm and Gold Rush history, Auburn is a must-see town in Northern California. Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated Fittingly, Carpinteria is also an exceptionally safe city, with low crime rates and high home values (the median sale price is $705,000). Blythe offers the perfect mix of California lifestyle and small-town living. We want something smaller and affordable. Best Small Towns in Northern California The town of Mendocino, California. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! But with a median household income of $66,485 and median home value at $428,600, that’s not too bad by California standards. It’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with the incredible places on this list. Most Affordable Cities In California. Carmel-by-the-Sea. Especially with that stunning harbor view. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all … This adorable small town in northern California is historical for being home to California's first beach resort, Camp Capitola, which first opened its doors in 1874. If your ideal retirement locale is one without crowds, traffic, and pollution, consider small town Eureka with its population of 27,000. The median home value is the cheapest on the list at $275,100, with a median household income of $74,207. Located in Humboldt County on the Northern California coast, Eureka boasts … 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. If you enjoy fishing, skiing, climbing, or sight-seeing then you'll understand why Dunsmuir is a hub for visitors. Cheapest Small Towns To Live . California is a great place to live — both beaches and mountains are close, there’s plenty to do, and you can find a community that fits your vibe no matter what it is. A lot of the action is centered in the Old Town area, where a popular Farmers’ Market is set up on Saturday mornings. But the site is now coming back as a mixed-use development. Some forums can only be seen by registered members. California’s oldest zoo, Sequoia Park Zoo, is also situated here. Natural beauty, cutting-edge technology, vibrant food culture, movies and music - California has it all. As #2 on NerdWallet’s top Southern California cities, Rancho Santa Margarita definitely is on our list! This part of our state is dotted with dozens of towns that by population alone may not be considered small, but by charm and beauty they’ve kept the magic by feeling quaint and reminding us of times gone by. Thank you! Here are the 5 Most Affordable Cities in California: Oxnard, CA; Ventura, CA; Simi Valley, CA; Vacaville, CA; Camarillo, CA Volcano was named when gold rush settlers believed the bowl-shaped valley to be created by a volcano. #2 Cheapest Places to Live in California: RANCHO CUCAMONGA. Affordable Small Towns In Usa . Get more stories delivered right to your email. The county seat of Amador County, settlers were drawn to gold in them thar hills. Pre-World War II it was known for its shipmaking. Source: Aspects of Style. Surf, sun and year-round moderate temperatures can sometimes come at a cost. Find the best places to escape the crowds with our list of the best small towns in California. St. Helena considers itself the "Main Street" of the Napa Valley. 1. Golf, winery visits and strolls on Mandalay Beach are all part of living in Oxnard. The cost of living in every city depends on a lot of things such as tax rates, laws, population, income, and several more. 1. The only crossover between the safest and most affordable seems to be Folsom, just outside of Sacramento. The city also takes pride in the recently restored Camarillo Ranch House, a historic Queen Anne-style home built in 1892. Take a walk to get a closer look at California's delightful bite-size towns, from Northern California to Southern California. Hence, finding a good job in the area is not a problem by any means. Founded in 1848 and named after an attorney that miners liked. Bonnie Burch is a writer who spent 20 years working in news media and print journalism. Now it's become an artistic houseboat community of over 400 boats. An hour outside of San Francisco, Vacaville is home to ranchers, farmers and residents looking for a quiet community in which to raise a family. 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. Affordable Towns In Northern California. I love it when travel magazines publish lists of the best small towns to visit, because exploring such towns is one of my most enjoyed past times. 29. July 6, 2017 Updated: Nov. 27, 2019 10:57 p.m. Facebook Twitter Email. Located on the west short of beautiful Clear Lake. By Californian standards, housing is eminently affordable at $284,200 for a three-bedroom house, while its less than three hours driving time from the coast and Yosemite guarantees plenty by way of leisure opportunities. By Caleigh Alleyne. Visiting Sutter Creek is like stepping back into the gold rush era...but with much better food. The fun doesn’t end there: thanks to it its excellent location, residents can enjoy the benefit of having 14 state parks, numerous world-class wineries, museums, farmer’s markets, and every conceivable outdoor activity imaginable on their very doorstep. But there are ways to get the best of both worlds! Source: Cayucos Chamber of Commerce. The median home value is $456,500 while residents take delight in a median household income of $87,120. One of the cute st small towns in California has to be Auburn. Rural Northern California towns are the best of the best. The city has the nickname of the "Gateway to the Channel Islands," a nearby national park and marine sanctuary. When you think of small town charm which Northern California spot comes to mind? When you think of Northern California, do you think of small town charm? The median household income here is $62,349 with median home value settling at $332,600, which is actually a great deal for California real estate. The town was founded in 1850 as a logging community, and was originally named Meiggsville after Henry Meiggs. Lowest Rent Cities In California gay friendly affordable small town in northern california (San Francisco, Santa Rosa: employment, living) User Name: Remember Me : Password : Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! When you think of Northern California, do you think of small town charm? Clearlake also happens to be one of the cheapest places to live in Northern California, with the average home costing less than $200,000. The Spanish word for Tiburon is "shark" and was probably inspired by the native leopard sharks in the surrounding waters. Former Resident: I loved growing up small-town. Least Expensive Places To Live In California. Still, 2019 seems to offer strong potential for finding affordable markets. According to NerdWallet, Clovis ranks as the #1 best city in Northern California for families… and it’s easy to see why. tl; dr: For the most part, the safest cities are pretty expensive areas, while the most affordable places are less safe. Population 115. Yet it’s always disappointing when one of these tempting little towns turns out to be, say, in the Catskill Mountains of New York, or the heart of Montana. 20,000 fill the town during Fortuna's Redwood AutoXpo. The 5 Most Affordable Cities in California, The Best Socially Distanced Travel Destination in Every State, 5 Must-Visit California Vineyards in Unexpected Places. But just in case you want a little more structure to your trip, here are five California beach towns that are low on crowds and high on a slice of the Pacific you can’t get anywhere else. We currently live in Seattle and have had enough of this over priced, rude, and arrogent city. COVID-19 Update: Following the recent government announcement the centre will remain closed for the time being.Read More A science hub, hikers’ paradise and memorial to a U.S. President all describe one place: Simi Valley. Our second most affordable city in California for 2020, Ridgecrest, is nestled … In SoCal? It's a stretch to describe nearly any part of the California coast as affordable. With an exceptionally high median household income of $102,975, Rancho Santa Margarita’s small and local businesses have played a huge role … Nestled in the foothills of the mountains, this once a large wine-producing region has turned into a growing metropolis that is a perfect stop on a road trip and an affordable place to live in California. Fortuna is the Spanish for the word "fortune." California, which seems to never be a not-hot as a real estate market, is showing signs of a slowdown as well. That includes the housing prices as well. Rancho Santa Margarita. Chosen by settlers who felt fortunate to live in such a glorious place surrounded by the forests, the Eel river and the Pacific Ocean. She knows good sour dough bread when she tastes it and understands the best parts of the Golden State are nowhere near Los Angeles. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Disney characters Donald Duck, Scrooge McDuck, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, Daisy Duck, and most of their supporting cast live in the fictional city of Duckburg, first mentioned in Walt Disney's Comics and Stories #49 in 1944, created by Carl Barks. Auburn. There’s nothing more romantic than taking the hand of someone you love and strolling down main street. Here are 12 that made our list. Best Places To Live In California Affordable. Find tranquility along the way while familiarizing yourself with affordable small towns in Northern California you might decide to move to. You will find a lot of … Joanne is a fourth-generation Northern Californian. SFGATE staff. Officially known as San Buenaventura, everyone just calls it Ventura. Ready to live out your basic fall dreams? 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. Sep 8, 2017 Visit Santa Cruz County/Kate McCarthy . There are amazing pours outside of wine country. Located on the Colorado River about 220 miles east of Los Angeles, residents enjoy cool dry temperatures for most of the year. 15 Small Towns In Rural Northern California That Are Downright Delightful. Premium Outlet malls tempts those looking to make a great deal on purchases. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! Ojai First stop is Ojai, a delightful town full of little art galleries and shops. It's believed this city "Duckburg" was named after the city of Eureka. Get inspired to take the ultimate road trip with your girlfriends. Plus, residents enjoy great amenities, such as five college campuses and Surfer’s Point, the site of many surfing competitions. Of all the California beach towns on this list, this one’s got the greatest claim to fame: It’s home to Swamis Beach, the surf spot Beach Boys sang about in “Surfin’ USA.” And although Encinitas has been getting a little pricier, it’s still totally worth the splurge to visit. The cost of living was part of our methodology, but so was the quality of life, as well as the key components of transportation, housing, food and utilities. 1 of 15. But the town of Oxnard has listings that make the location between Los Angeles and … Eureka is your typical port city, and this makes it a hub for trading, Government services, and other docking facilities. Situated on the shores of Clear Lake—the largest natural freshwater lake in California—this small town is a paradise for nature lovers and is home to a flourishing wine scene. Especially through 4-H, I learned many skills that I still use today, from teamwork in local sports teams and animal showmanship to hiking and camping in the hills. I developed an appreciation for the agriculture industry that I wouldn’t otherwise have, and I enjoy the kind of work that it involves. 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Residents can take in outdoor adventures such as stroll among the hills in Lagoon Valley or enjoy nightlife, fine dining and shopping. California is known for its rich lifestyle and the state tops the list of the most expensive. As a repeat city on our 100 Best Places to Live, it’s hard to believe Ventura wouldn’t break the budget. Lakeport was first settled by Native Americans several thousand years ago. Here are 12 of the Most Beautiful, Charming Small Towns in Northern California. About an hour north of Los Angeles, Oxnard offers beachfront living at an affordable price. With a reputation as one of the most expensive states in the U.S., California (thankfully) still has some economically sound places to reside – if you know where to look. If you don’t, you should! Below, we’ve shared the eight most affordable places to live in California! If you don’t, you should! Courtesy of Anlace under a CC 2.0 license. Courtesy of Wendell under a CC 4.0 license. Well according to the most recent FBI data, Imperial is the safest place to live in California if you care about low rates of property crime, low rates of violent crime, and a high quality of life. A bedroom community, Camarillo is known as a hot shopping destination for the rest of Southern California. Copyright © 2010-2020 Livability - Journal Communications, Inc. California is a laid-back paradise with pristine beaches and hip, bustling cities waiting to be explored. With a population of only 20,000, the cost of living in Blythe is 33% lower than the rest of the state. That is why the cost of living in every place might vary even if they are in the same state or region. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. Also voted as one of the best small towns to visit in California by The Crazy Tourist, this passageway to the Pacific Northwest combines gorgeous coastline with cloud-kissing redwood forests. Eureka Has Some of the Most Affordable Homes in California. Love Northern Cal? But, all these amenities come at a price. Murphys is tucked away in Calaveras County and considers herself Queen of the Sierra Foothills. Comments. Here are some hidden gems that offer affordable living in California. From secret beaches to drive-through safaris, check out this list of our favorite destinations in every state — no plane rides or crowds required. With a small-town feel, Rancho Santa Margarita has a high-quality education background with a 94% graduation rate. From the Old West to wine country, the Golden State does not disappoint. With fertile agricultural land surrounding the city, many crops grow in the region. Affordable? It exists: you just have to know where to look. Visit your nearest On Q branch today! Courtesy of CaptSpaulding under a CC 4.0 license. Out of the five cities on our affordability list, all but one is situated in Ventura County. This tiny town is known for a lot of firsts in California: first circulating library, first private school, first law school and first hanging. Charm abounds here. On a stunning section of the Central California coast, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a romantic, seaside destination. Cheapest Real Estate In California. Known for its small town charm with its big experiences in culinary delights and world-renowned wines. Picturesque Carpinteria is a small oceanside city in Santa Barbara County that boasts the “world’s safest beach,” which benefits from the absence of riptides. Rancho Cucamonga is a city located about halfway between Los Angeles and Palm Springs, along Route 66. Cayucos: 2 hours north of Santa Barbara . View Gallery 15 Photos CarmelCalifornia.com. My partner and I are looking to relocate to a small gay friendly town in Northern California. Located in the Humboldt County, a population of around 35,000 makes Eureka a great small town for someone looking for affordable homes. Downtown Ventura is home to top-notch shopping and dining, museums, art galleries and Mission San Buenaventura, a Franciscan mission founded in 1782. Share which towns you’ve visited here and give us your advice on a few we may have missed! This part of our state is dotted with dozens of towns that by population alone may not be considered small, but by charm and beauty they’ve kept the magic by feeling quaint and reminding us of times gone by. From the elegant Victorian village of Ferndale to the mountain mining town of Julian, we’re betting one of these small towns in California has your next vacation written all over it! No such luck. Not only are they usually spectacularly scenic, they are usually full of fun, friendly people. Our favorite must-see small towns in Northern California. The Nut Tree, a roadside stop for travelers who wanted to buy fresh, locally grown fruit and nuts, and then a larger restaurant complex, closed in 2009. Fort Bragg. 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. Recently, visitors have come to Simi Valley to tour the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, a testament to the life and work of the nation’s 40th president. Arcata is known for being its own ultra-progressive, eco-minded little world along the banks of Humbolt Bay in Northern California (NorCal). While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. The Lone Cypress near Carmel-by-the-Sea. The hills in Lagoon Valley or enjoy nightlife, fine dining and shopping and! To live,  there 's an extensive hiking trail system through the undeveloped parts of the cute small! Being its own ultra-progressive, eco-minded little world along the way while familiarizing with... 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