10 California Towns Just Named Among The State’s Best Places To Live
California has spent decades being America’s favorite “what if we moved there?” thought experiment.
Usually that fantasy involves an ocean view, perfect weather, and somehow never discussing the mortgage.
Real life asks better questions.
Is the commute reasonable? Are there good schools, parks, restaurants, jobs, and enough things nearby to keep Saturday from becoming an errand marathon?
Can a place still feel exciting after the vacation goggles come off?
That is where these ten towns enter the conversation.
Some bring beaches. Others trade surfboards for trails, family-friendly neighborhoods, lively downtowns, or easy access to major job centers.
None relies on postcard looks alone.
Because choosing somewhere to live is very different from choosing somewhere to spend three days.
California may sell the dream. These towns make a pretty strong case for the Tuesday morning version of it.
1. Dublin
A Bay Area suburb beat out every flashy California city for the crown. U.S.
News and World Report named Dublin the best place to live in California for 2026 to 2027. Not bad for a town many folks once just drove past on the freeway.
So what makes Dublin so special? Picture shiny new neighborhoods, wide sidewalks, and two BART stations that whisk riders toward San Francisco or Silicon Valley.
Major highways meet right here too, which makes road trips and commutes surprisingly painless.
Weekends get even better. Emerald Glen Park packs sports fields, picnic areas, and the Wave, a lively water park that saves the day during warm summer afternoons.
Over at Dublin Hills Regional Park, hiking trails climb into golden hills with sweeping views of the valley below.
Shoppers can wander through Hacienda Crossings, a busy center loaded with stores, restaurants, and a movie theater. Meanwhile, the Dublin Farmers’ Market brings fresh fruit, crunchy veggies, and tasty treats to town on a regular schedule.
The town takes its Irish name seriously and throws a cheerful St. Patrick’s Day festival each spring. Dublin proves that being the new kid can mean being the coolest kid.
2. Cupertino
Ever held an iPhone? Then you already own a tiny piece of Cupertino.
This city hosts Apple Park, the giant ring-shaped headquarters that looks like a spaceship landed in a grove of trees.
Yet Cupertino is far more than a famous office. The town is known nationwide for outstanding public schools, with both its elementary and high school districts ranking among California’s finest.
Families travel from around the world just to join these classrooms.
Daily life here feels calm and tidy. Crime rates sit well below the national average, and the mild Mediterranean weather keeps parks busy all year long.
Memorial Park is a favorite, with ponds, shady paths, and an amphitheater for community events.
Nature fans can also explore Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, right on the edge of town. Its trails wind past meadows and lead to a working farm with friendly animals.
Hungry? Main Street Cupertino and nearby plazas serve up global flavors, from bubble tea to dumplings to fresh pastries.
The food scene reflects the city’s wonderfully diverse community.
Visitors can even stop by the Apple Park Visitor Center for a rooftop peek at the campus. In Cupertino, the future is not coming soon.
It already lives here.
3. Palo Alto
Legend says Silicon Valley was born in a Palo Alto garage. That humble spot, where HP got its start, is now a California historical landmark.
Talk about a glow-up!
Today Palo Alto blends brainpower with breezy small-town charm. Stanford University sits next door and shares its treasures with everyone.
Visitors can admire Rodin sculptures at the Cantor Arts Center, catch performances, or attend fascinating public lectures.
Outdoors, the options keep coming. Rinconada Park offers pools and tennis courts, while Mitchell Park features playgrounds and lively community gatherings.
For bigger adventures, the Baylands Nature Preserve delivers marshland trails packed with birds.
Downtown, University Avenue hums with energy from morning to evening. Cozy cafes, stylish boutiques, and creative restaurants line the street beneath leafy trees.
It is the kind of place where a quick coffee easily becomes a whole afternoon.
Schools matter here too. Gunn High and Palo Alto High regularly rank among the state’s strongest, and learning feels like part of the town’s DNA.
Bikes are everywhere, thanks to miles of friendly lanes and paths.
Palo Alto shows that a town can change the world and still feel like a neighborhood. Not every city can say its garage made history.
4. Sunnyvale
With a name like Sunnyvale, smiles are practically required. SmartAsset even crowned it the happiest city in America, so the name is officially more than marketing.
Why all the good vibes? Start with jobs.
Tech leaders like Google, Apple, and LinkedIn have big offices here, which brings bright minds and steady paychecks to town.
Safety adds to the cheerful mood. Sunnyvale runs a unique public safety department where officers are trained as both police and firefighters.
This clever setup helps keep the city among the safest in the nation.
Green space is everywhere, with more than two dozen parks ready for biking, picnics, and lazy afternoons. Baylands Park offers open lawns and bayside breezes, while Las Palmas Park adds playful sculptures and splash features.
Then there is historic Murphy Avenue, the heart of downtown. Colorful storefronts, global eateries, and outdoor tables make it a favorite evening hangout.
A year-round farmers’ market fills the area with fresh produce every Saturday.
Art festivals and summer concerts round out the calendar nicely. Did you know Sunnyvale was once full of fruit orchards before tech arrived?
Today it grows something sweeter, a community that truly enjoys itself.
5. Folsom
Hear that? It might be the faint hum of a famous Johnny Cash song.
Folsom honors the music icon with the Johnny Cash Trail, complete with giant guitar pick art and scenic views.
That trail is just the opening act. Folsom boasts about 48 parks and more than 50 miles of paths for walking, running, and biking.
U.S. News and World Report has also ranked it among California’s best places to live.
Water lovers hit the jackpot here. Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma shimmer with invitations for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming.
Summer days practically plan themselves when a sparkling lake waits nearby.
History buffs can stroll the Folsom Historic District, where Gold Rush roots still shine. Antique shops, museums, and charming restaurants line Sutter Street.
Weekly events keep the old town feeling fresh and lively.
Families also appreciate the strong schools and friendly neighborhoods. The local economy is growing too, powered by technology and healthcare employers.
Sacramento sits a short drive away for extra city fun.
Even the zoo is special. The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary gives a home to animals that need a second chance.
Folsom mixes adventure and heart like few towns can.
6. Encinitas
Grab your board, because Encinitas speaks fluent surf. This coastal gem sits just north of San Diego, and its waves have welcomed riders for generations.
Swami’s is the star of the shoreline. The legendary break sits below cliffs topped by lush meditation gardens, which are free to visit and wonderfully peaceful.
Even non-surfers can enjoy the view while waves roll in.
Weather here feels almost unfair. Temperatures hover around the low 70s for much of the year, so outdoor plans rarely need a backup.
Beaches like Moonlight State Beach offer volleyball courts, fire rings, and soft sand.
Inland, the fun keeps flowing. The San Diego Botanic Garden showcases bamboo groves, desert plants, and a playful children’s garden.
Every December, the Poinsettia Bowl memories and holiday lights add a festive twist, since Encinitas once called itself the flower capital of the world.
Downtown along Highway 101 bursts with quirky shops, cozy cafes, and creative murals. Yoga studios and smoothie bars reflect a health-loving lifestyle.
Strong schools and a tight community bring balance to the beachy charm.
Encinitas shows that relaxing can be a full-time lifestyle. Some towns have sunsets.
This one has a standing ovation every evening.
7. San Ramon
Number one in the nation is a big title to carry. San Ramon earned that spot for quality of life on the Social Progress Map, and it wears the honor gracefully.
Nestled in Contra Costa County, the city feels neat, organized, and welcoming. Major companies call Bishop Ranch home, which means a steady job market and well-kept roads and services.
Nature puts on a daily show here. Mount Diablo rises in the distance, while green hills turn golden as seasons change.
With around 59 public parks, there is always a fresh patch of grass to explore.
Central Park is a local favorite, complete with a splash pad, ball fields, and community events. For wilder adventures, Las Trampas Regional Wilderness offers rugged trails, wide skies, and plenty of quiet.
The Iron Horse Trail also slices through town for easy biking.
City Center Bishop Ranch acts as the modern downtown. Shoppers find stylish stores, tasty restaurants, a movie theater, and an open plaza for gatherings.
Seasonal events turn the space into a cheerful community living room.
Schools in the San Ramon Valley district rank among the state’s best. San Ramon may be calm, but its achievements speak loud and clear.
8. Santa Clara
Some cities have a stadium. Santa Clara has Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers and host of the Super Bowl.
Big moments clearly feel at home here.
Football is only one chapter, though. Santa Clara powers a huge slice of Silicon Valley, with giants like Intel and Nvidia headquartered in town.
The Intel Museum even welcomes visitors curious about how computer chips work.
Here is a surprise many people love. The city runs its own electric utility, Silicon Valley Power, which typically offers lower rates than nearby areas.
That is a happy bonus for any monthly budget.
History shines too. Mission Santa Clara de Asis, founded in 1777, sits on the beautiful Santa Clara University campus.
Its gardens and white walls create a peaceful escape from busy streets.
Thrill seekers can head to California’s Great America, an amusement park packed with roller coasters and summer fun. Central Park offers ponds, lawns, and a popular aquatic center for calmer days.
Getting around is simple with light rail, Caltrain, and nearby freeways. Good schools and clean neighborhoods complete the picture.
Santa Clara proves a city can work hard and still play harder.
9. Fremont
Six years in a row is not luck. WalletHub named Fremont the happiest city in America for six straight years, a streak worth bragging about.
Location is a big reason for the joy. Fremont sits between Silicon Valley, Oakland, and San Francisco, so opportunities sit close in every direction.
BART stations make trips across the region simple.
The economy is impressively varied. Technology, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing all thrive here, including the famous Tesla Factory.
That mix creates steady jobs and fresh ideas.
Outdoor fun is everywhere you look. Mission Peak challenges hikers with a steep climb and rewards them with sweeping Bay views.
Lake Elizabeth in Central Park offers paddle boats, walking loops, and plenty of friendly geese.
Coyote Hills Regional Park adds marsh boardwalks and excellent birdwatching along the bay. Families can also visit Ardenwood Historic Farm, where old-time farm life comes alive with animals and seasonal festivals.
Culture gives Fremont extra sparkle. Residents from around the world bring flavors, festivals, and traditions that make neighborhoods lively.
Schools rank among the strongest in Alameda County as well. Fremont reminds everyone that happiness is not a slogan.
It is a zip code.
10. Redondo Beach
Surfing history buffs, take note. Redondo Beach is where surfing was first showcased on the mainland back in the early 1900s.
Today the waves still steal the show.
Life here moves at beach speed, which means relaxed and sunny. Wide sandy shores invite swimming, paddleboarding, volleyball, or a nap under an umbrella.
The Pacific views never seem to get old.
The Redondo Beach Pier is the beating heart of the coastline. Seafood spots, arcade games, and souvenir shops line the boardwalk.
At sunset, the pier glows with orange and pink skies.
Nearby King Harbor offers boat rides, kayak rentals, and even seasonal whale watching. Spotting a dolphin splash nearby feels like winning a tiny lottery.
Riviera Village adds charm to the south end of town. Boutique shops, cozy cafes, and sidewalk dining make it perfect for a slow afternoon stroll.
Holiday events bring twinkling lights and festive cheer.
The Strand, a scenic path along the sand, connects runners, walkers, and cyclists to neighboring beach towns. Strong schools and a welcoming spirit complete the coastal dream.