Whether you’re looking for a place to start a family or just want a better way to live in Southern California, there are many affordable options available. There are also plenty of inland cities that offer low-cost housing options, safe neighborhoods, and excellent West Coast amenities. These ten towns are perfect for families.
Attractions In Places To Live In Southern CA
If you’ve ever longed to live in the sunshine state, but have been put off by its notoriously high costs of living, you should know that there are plenty of options out there. Whether you’re a student, a young professional or a family looking to move to California for the first time, there are affordable places to choose from that won’t break your bank account.
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One of the best ways to save on rent is to opt for a shared apartment or home with roommates. Especially in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco where rent is high, dividing your housing costs with a roommate can help you get more bang for your buck.
You’ll also want to consider factors like commute times and parking costs. Ideally, you’ll pick an affordable neighborhood that is easy to access from wherever you live. This is particularly important in a city like Los Angeles where traffic is often slow and parking can be a hassle.
By finding a community that is close to your workplace, you can save money on gas and minimize your commuting time. In addition, you’ll also want to make sure that your neighborhood is safe.
Many communities have strong law enforcement and community safety programs that can help to keep you safe. Finally, don’t forget to check out all the outdoor recreation that Southern California has to offer!
With year-round moderate weather, beaches and mountains within driving distance of most Southern California towns, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It also has a lot of great neighborhoods with low crime rates and good schools. But it can be expensive to live in SoCal.
Southern California is a popular place to live for many reasons. It has beautiful beaches, sunshine, and a strong economy.
Bakersfield #1
Bakersfield is a great place to live if you are looking for affordable housing and a good quality of life. It is located just two hours north of Los Angeles and is a city that has a lot to offer to future residents.
While the cost of living in Bakersfield is slightly higher than that of the rest of California, it is still one of the more affordable places to live in the state. Groceries and utility bills are around 2% more expensive than the national average, while healthcare costs are about 1% more pricier.
A thriving economy, a high job density and an abundance of available housing makes the city an ideal choice for people who want to move to California but do not want to break the bank. In fact, the Bakersfield housing market was ranked as the fifth most affordable in the country by real estate company RealtyHop.
The city is home to several museums, including the Kern County Museum and Buena Vista Museum of Natural History. These museums are a good way to learn more about the area and its history. They also contain a variety of exhibits that focus on the local community and its culture.
| Weather | 19 °C, Wind E at 5 km/h |
| Area code | Area code 661 |
| ZIP codes | 93220, 93301–93309, 93311–93314, 93380–93390, 93399 |
| Metro population | 9,09,235 |
El Centro #2
El Centro is a thriving, vibrant town that has something for everyone. It offers outdoor recreation, delicious dining, family fun, festivals and events, shopping and entertainment — the list goes on! The city also has a number of affordable housing options available.
These include income based apartments, rent subsidized apartments and rental assistance programs. Those who are looking to buy a home in El Centro can take advantage of the city’s low-down payment assistance program through it’s HUD funded Housing Enabled by Local Partnerships (HELP) Program.
This funding is available to help with down payment costs for first time home buyers who purchase a new or existing house in the city. Overall, the cost of living in El Centro is relatively inexpensive compared to California and the national average.
This is due to the fact that the total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation and other necessities are all lower in El Centro than they are in other cities across the state.
| Weather | 19 °C, Wind W at 11 km/h |
| Elevation | 12 m |
| Population | 44,158 (2021) |
| Area codes | 442/760 |
Oceanside #3
Oceanside is a beach city that’s known for its laid-back Southern California vibe and quaint New England-style harbors. It’s also home to an ever-growing dining, shopping and entertainment scene. This charming town is an ideal place to live if you like to be close to the water and the pier but want a little bit more space than Costa Mesa.
It offers a slower pace of life, excellent public schools and a low crime rate. In addition to being affordable, this community is a great option for families. Its schools are rated well and there are plenty of activities and parks for kids to enjoy.
With a population of about 25,000, Oceanside is considered a suburban town. It has many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Moreover, there are a lot of young professionals who live here.
| Weather | 15 °C, Wind W at 5 km/h |
| Neighborhoods | San Luis Rey, Ivey Ranch / Rancho Del Oro, MORE |
| Area codes | 442/760 |
| City flower | Crimson Lake Bougainvillea |
Oxnard #4
If you’re looking for a place to call home in sunny SoCal, you’ll want to consider the city of Oxnard. This coastal community offers a quiet, laid-back lifestyle without the exorbitant costs of other beach cities.
One of the coolest things about living in Oxnard is the fact that it’s surrounded by some truly incredible natural landscapes. The area is home to several important ecological communities due to its wide beaches, dunes, marshes and streams. These natural areas include Coastal Sage Scrub, California Annual Grassland and Coastal Dune Scrub species.
The city also features a number of historical landmarks, including Heritage Square. This complex comprises 15 early-1900s buildings that have been carefully restored. This historic hub is a must-visit for anyone looking to learn more about the history of the area.
| Weather | 11 °C, Wind W at 0 km/h |
| Population | 2.02 lakhs (2021) |
| Area codes | 805 and 820 |
| Elevation | 52 ft (16 m) |
Redlands #5
Located in San Bernardino County, Redlands is one of the most affordable places to live in Southern California. It’s a great place to raise a family and enjoy a vibrant community. Housing is a big expense in Redlands, making up 48% of the cost of living.
This is well above the national average of 43%. Taxes are another important part of living expenses and can be a huge factor in determining your overall monthly budget. In Redlands, a single adult pays an average of $5,808 per year in taxes, which is below the statewide average of $8,248.
Other common expenses include transportation, groceries, healthcare and child care. These can all add up to a significant amount of money every year, and it’s important to consider the costs when making decisions about moving to a new city.
For example, a couple who has two children in Redlands can expect to spend an average of $12,655 per year on childcare. This is about $2,200 less than what the same couple would pay in the United States as a whole.
| Elevation | 1,358 ft (414 m) |
| Area code | 909 |
| Population | 331,449,281; (2023 est.) |
Seal Beach #6
Seal Beach is the northernmost beach town in Orange County and is a popular place to spend time on sunny days. The town stretches along a sandy beach, bounded by the San Gabriel River on one end and protected by a pier on the other.
The city is renowned for its many outdoor activities and events. The Lions Club Pancake Breakfast in April and the Fish Fry in July are two of the most popular events, and there is also a Rough Water Swim every summer (started in 1943).
While the beach is the primary attraction, it’s worth taking the time to explore Seal Beach’s rich history. It’s home to several historic buildings and the historic Bay Theatre, which was once a popular movie theater.
The city is also known for its thriving music scene, with many musicians and artists coming from the area. For example, Susan Egan, who starred in broadway productions and did voice work for Disney characters, and Matt Embree, vocalist/guitarist in the band RX Bandits and founder of the Mash Down Babylon Records record label, both have homes in Seal Beach.
| Weather | 13 °C, Wind W at 3 km/h |
| Population | 24,937 (2021) |
| Area code | Area code 562 |
| Elevation | 3.96 m |
Temecula #7
Temecula is a beautiful city that’s located in Riverside County. It’s a popular tourist and resort destination. However, it’s also facing the issue of homelessness in its community. Despite its popularity, the cost of living in Temecula is affordable.
In fact, the average cost of a home in the area is less than half that of the rest of California. In addition to its affordability, the area is known for its vineyards. There are more than 50 wineries that grow grapes and make award-winning wines.
The Temecula Valley is a hidden gem in Southern California, located just a short drive from the coast. It’s a relaxing place with rolling hills, excellent views, and great food and music.
The area is also known for its many parks and natural areas, which are perfect for outdoor activities. One such park is the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, which offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It’s also home to more than 200 species of birds.
| Weather | 13 °C, Wind N at 5 km/h |
| Population | 1.11 lakhs (2021) |
| Elevation | 310 m |
| ZIP Codes | 92589–92593 |
| Founded | 1859 |
| Area code | 951 |
Rancho Cucamonga #8
Rancho Cucamonga is a lovely, welcoming city that offers many perks to residents. Its weather is amazing most of the year, and it’s relatively safe and has low crime rates.
It’s also close to Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood, which are both great for families. If you love the beach, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach are both just over 55 miles away.
If you’re looking for outdoor activities, Red Hill Community Park has a mile-long exercise trail, a half-acre lake, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard courts and more. It’s also located near the Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail, which is perfect for hiking, running and biking.
The overall cost of living in Rancho Cucamonga is quite affordable compared to other areas of California. The average cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes and other necessities for one adult is just $36,159 a year in the city.
| Weather | 16 °C, Wind N at 2 km/h |
| ZIP Code | 91701, 91729, 91730, 91737, 91739 |
| Elevation | 368 m |
| Population | 1.75 lakhs (2021) |
| Area code(s) | 909, 840 |
FAQs about Live In Southern California
What is it like to live in Southern California?
Living in Southern California means year-round sunshine, warm weather, and access to beautiful beaches, mountains, and deserts. The region is known for its diverse population, entertainment industry, and high cost of living. Traffic can be frustrating, but the food, culture, and outdoor activities make it a desirable place to call home.
What do I need to know about moving to Southern California?
If you’re moving to Southern California, expect high living costs, especially in cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. Traffic can be overwhelming, so plan your commute and consider living closer to your workplace. Be prepared for earthquakes, wildfires, and droughts, and take steps to protect yourself and your property. Enjoy the diverse culture, cuisine, and outdoor activities the region has to offer.
