10 Best Cities to Live in California in 2026

California is big, expensive, and full of options. Picking the right city to call home can feel overwhelming when every region offers something different. 

Today, we cover the ten best cities to live in California in 2026, from tech hubs in the Bay Area to affordable communities in Southern California. 

Quick Comparison: 10 Best Cities in California to Live

1. Livermore

Livermore, one of the best cities in California to live, sits in the Tri-Valley region of the East Bay, about 45 miles east of San Francisco. 

The city is known for its 50+ wineries, top-rated public schools, and a growing downtown with restaurants, shops, and local events. 

The median home value in Livermore is roughly $1,076,000 in 2026, with homes going to pending status in about 8 days on average.

Why Livermore Stands Out?

• Schools: Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District has 20 public schools with an average GreatSchools rating of 6 out of 10
• Commute: BART and ACE train connections make San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and Silicon Valley accessible for daily commuters
• Lifestyle: Livermore Valley wine country, hiking trails in nearby Del Valle Regional Park, farmers' markets, and a walkable downtown core
• New construction: If you are exploring Livermore, CA homes for sale, builders like City Ventures offer new communities such as Parkview with homes starting from $849,990, ranging from 1,430 to 1,770 square feet

2. Milpitas

Milpitas is one of the best cities to live in in California if you work in tech. Located at the northern tip of Santa Clara County, it borders San Jose and Fremont. The average home value here is about $1,319,000. Homes move fast, going pending in approximately 11 days.

What Makes Milpitas Worth It?

• Tech proximity: Major employers like Cisco, KLA, and Western Digital have operations nearby. Apple, Google, Meta, and other tech companies are within a 20-minute drive
• Transit: Milpitas has its own BART station, which was opened in 2020, giving residents direct rail access to San Francisco and Oakland
• Dining and culture: A diverse population means incredible food options, from Vietnamese pho to Indian curries, Korean BBQ, and Filipino bakeries
• New homes: City Ventures' Pinnacle community in Milpitas offers modern townhome-style living for buyers who want new construction in Silicon Valley

3. Morgan Hill

Morgan Hill, one of the best cities in California to live, is about 30 miles south of San Jose in Santa Clara County. The median home price here is approximately $1,297,000 in 2026. The city is gaining attention among buyers who want a quieter pace while staying within commuting distance of Silicon Valley offices.

Key Highlights

• Outdoor access: Henry W. Coe State Park, Uvas Canyon County Park, Anderson Lake County Park, and Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch are all within a short drive
• Community events: The weekly farmers market, seasonal festivals, and a growing downtown dining scene keep the area active year-round
• Affordability: Compared to Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, and Palo Alto, Morgan Hill offers considerably more space for your money
• New development: City Ventures' The Gates community brings new construction options to Morgan Hill for buyers looking to build equity in a growing area

4. Richmond

Richmond is one of the most affordable cities to live in California for buyers on a tighter budget. The median listing price in March 2026 is around $542,000, making it one of the most accessible markets in the entire Bay Area.

The city sits on the northeast shore of San Francisco Bay, with ferry service, BART access, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Why Richmond Deserves a Closer Look?

• Affordability: At roughly $542,000 median, Richmond prices sit well below the Bay Area average of $1.25 million
• Transit: Richmond has multiple BART stations, Amtrak Capitol Corridor service, and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge connecting to Marin County
• Waterfront revival: The Marina Bay, Point Richmond, and Craneway Pavilion areas have seen significant investment in dining, trails, and public spaces
• New homes: City Ventures' Parkside at Cherry Blossom Row brings modern new construction to the Richmond market

5. San Bruno

San Bruno is located on the San Francisco Peninsula, just minutes from SFO International Airport and a short BART or Caltrain ride from downtown San Francisco. The median home price is about $1,198,000, with homes spending an average of 28 days on the market.

What Draws Buyers to San Bruno?

• Location: Positioned between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, San Bruno gives you access to job centers in both directions without a long drive
• Shopping: The Shops at Tanforan and nearby San Bruno Avenue offer everyday retail, groceries, and dining
• Parks: San Bruno State Park, Sweeney Ridge, and Junipero Serra County Park provide hundreds of acres of open space for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing
• New builds: City Ventures' The Highlands community in San Bruno offers new construction with modern floor plans for Peninsula buyers

6. Artesia

Artesia is a small city in southeast Los Angeles County with a median listing price of roughly $669,000. The city is home to a thriving South Asian commercial district along Pioneer Boulevard, known locally as 'Little India.' 

It offers a strong sense of community and accessible price points for Southern California.

Artesia at a Glance

• Cultural hub: Pioneer Boulevard has one of the largest concentrations of Indian, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan restaurants, grocery stores, and shops in the western United States
• Schools: Artesia has 7 public elementary schools and is part of the ABC Unified School District, serving families across Artesia, Cerritos, and Hawaiian Gardens
• Size: At 1.6 square miles, Artesia is walkable and tight-knit, with lower traffic and a neighborhood-first feel
• New construction: City Ventures' Eginhouse community brings new townhome options to Artesia for buyers priced out of nearby Cerritos and La Palma

7. Compton

Compton offers some of the most affordable entry points in Los Angeles County, with a median listing price of about $600,000. 

The city is undergoing significant revitalization with infrastructure improvements, new housing developments, and community investment programs.

Why Compton Is on the Rise

• Price point: At a $600,000 median, Compton is well below the $900,000 LA County median, giving buyers more room in their budget
• Appreciation: Over the past decade, Compton has experienced some of the highest home appreciation rates of any community in the nation, according to NeighborhoodScout
• Location: Minutes from the 91, 710, 105, and I-5 freeways. Downtown LA is 15 miles north. Long Beach is 10 miles south
• New builds: City Ventures' Concord Court community offers modern new construction at an accessible price point for LA County

8. El Cajon

El Cajon sits about 17 miles east of downtown San Diego in the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains. The median home price is approximately $748,000, making it one of the more affordable options in San Diego County. Homes here sell in about 25 days on average.

El Cajon's Strengths

• Climate: Warm, dry weather year-round with less coastal fog than San Diego proper. Average temperatures range from 50 to 90 degrees across seasons
• Revitalized downtown: Main Street has seen major investment with new restaurants, shops, and cultural venues in recent years
• Commute: I-8 connects El Cajon to downtown San Diego in about 20 minutes. The San Diego Trolley's Green Line runs through El Cajon for car-free commuting
• New homes: City Ventures' Melodia community in El Cajon features move-in-ready homes for buyers who want new construction in San Diego County

9. La Habra

La Habra is a quiet, family-friendly city in northern Orange County with a typical home value of about $797,000. It borders Los Angeles County, giving residents access to amenities in both counties. 

The city has strong schools, well-maintained parks, and a low-key suburban atmosphere.

La Habra's Appeal

• Location: Right on the Orange County and LA County border, with quick access to Brea, Fullerton, Whittier, and La Mirada
• Family friendly: Multiple parks, youth sports leagues, a community recreation center, and the annual Corn Festival keep families engaged
• Retail: The La Habra Marketplace and Imperial Promenade shopping centers offer big-box retail, dining, and everyday services
• New construction: City Ventures' The Birchwoods community in La Habra brings new townhome living to Orange County buyers

10. Palmdale

Palmdale is the clear winner if you are looking for the best affordable cities to live in California. 

With an average home value of approximately $480,000, it is one of the few places in the state where you can buy a single-family home for under half a million dollars. 

The city sits in the Antelope Valley, about 60 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.

What Palmdale Offers?

• Price: At $480,000, Palmdale's median is roughly 47% below the statewide median of $905,000. That gap represents serious purchasing power for budget-conscious buyers
• Growth: Home prices rose 6.3% year-over-year in January 2026, showing steady market confidence
• Space: Larger lot sizes and newer construction compared to dense LA neighborhoods. Many homes offer 3 to 5 bedrooms with two-car garages
• Aerospace: Palmdale is home to Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Edwards Air Force Base employers, providing strong local job anchors

How to Pick the Right City for You?

Choosing among the best cities to live in California comes down to three things: your budget, your commute, and your lifestyle priorities. Here is a quick framework.

• Budget under $600K: Look at Palmdale, Compton, or Richmond. These three cities offer genuine homeownership at price points well below the California median
• Budget $600K to $900K: Artesia, La Habra, El Cajon, and San Bruno (condos) give you access to major metros at mid-range pricing
• Budget over $1M: Livermore, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, and San Bruno offer top-tier schools, commute options, and community amenities
• Tech workers: Milpitas, San Bruno, and Livermore place you within commuting range of Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and the East Bay's growing tech corridors

Bottom Line

California's housing market in 2026 is shifting in favor of buyers for the first time in years. Listings are up. Rates are easing. And cities across the state offer real variety in price, lifestyle, and opportunity. Whether you want a $480,000 home in Palmdale or a $1.3 million townhome near Silicon Valley, the right fit exists. The key is knowing your numbers, understanding your commute tolerance, and acting while conditions are favorable. Start with one or two cities from this list, visit the neighborhoods, talk to local agents, and compare new construction options from builders like City Ventures. Your next home is out there. The best time to start looking is now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the best city to live in California for families?
Livermore, Morgan Hill, and La Habra are strong picks for families. All three offer high-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, parks, youth programs, and community events designed for families with children.

Q2: What are the best affordable cities to live in California in 2026?
Palmdale ($480,000 median), Compton ($600,000 median), and Richmond ($542,000 median) offer the lowest entry points on this list. All three are well below the statewide median of $905,000.

Q3: Is it a good time to buy a home in California in 2026?
Market conditions are improving for buyers. C.A.R. projects active listings to increase by 10% in 2026. Mortgage rates are expected to ease toward 6.0%, down from about 6.6% in 2025. Both factors give buyers more options and better negotiating power than they had in 2024 or 2025.

Q4: Which California city has the best commute options?
San Bruno, Milpitas, and Richmond all have BART stations and multiple transit connections. San Bruno also benefits from proximity to Caltrain and SFO. El Cajon offers the San Diego Trolley Green Line. Palmdale connects to downtown LA via the Metrolink Antelope Valley Line.

Q5: Where can I find new construction homes in California?
City Ventures builds new communities across California, from Livermore and Milpitas in the Bay Area to Artesia, Compton, El Cajon, La Habra, and Palmdale in Southern California. You can explore all available communities at cityventures.com.