Relocating with a family can be difficult. Not only do you have to worry about yourself and all of your stuff, but you also have to consider your kids.
That includes finding a nice, safe, and beneficial place to live.
If you’re looking to move to the west coast, that might mean finding the best cities for families in California. California has a lot to offer. For example, California has the fifth-largest economy in the world, and one-third of America’s vegetables are grown in the state.
With that in mind, it can certainly make for a wonderful home. Let’s take a look at our list of 17 of the best places to live in California for families.
University South
University South is a small neighborhood in Palo Alto that features plenty of restaurants, boutiques, and coffee shops. This urban area has some excellent public schools, and with a high median household income, the area is well-kept.
Residents of the area consider it safe to walk around, and the community as a whole values outdoor activities and fitness.
Midtown
Midtown is another great neighborhood in the Palo Alto area that’s great for families. It has excellent schools, fun nightlife, and stunning weather. Jobs are flourishing in Midtown, and most residents own their homes.
Playa Vista
Playa Vista is a mid-sized neighborhood located in Los Angeles. It gives you close access to the city while still offering more of a community feel.
Playa Vista is known for its fantastic public schools, wonderful weather, and diverse population. It’s one of the best places for families to live in California.
Poway
A great suburb of San Diego, Poway is a diverse area with a suburban family vibe. Its school system sits high above average, and a significant portion of the population owns their home.
Employment is high in Poway, and the community is tight-knit and friendly.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a large city that has become home to many families along with young professionals. This urban location has plenty to do, from bars and restaurants to coffee shops and parks.
Most people rent their homes in LA, so housing may be an obstacle, but the schools are above average, and it’s a wonderfully diverse and exciting area to raise a family.
Lake Forest
Lake Forest is a suburb of Irvine with a population of almost 84,000. With a significant urban feel, most of Lake Forest’s residents own their homes and enjoy the amazing views of Saddleback Valley.
Lake Forest offers tons of community events, outdoor activities, and fun for the whole family. It has an excellent education system and low crime rates.
Rancho Palos Verdes
Rancho Palo Verdes’s community is home to over 42,000 residents. Not only does it offer beach access and amazing views, but it has beautiful homes and above-average schools. It’s one of the best family places California has to offer.
Ventura
Located in Ventura County, Ventura is a suburban area that’s home to many California families. There’s a nice blend of owners and renters here, and the public schools are simply wonderful.
Crime in Ventura sits below the national average, and it has plenty of diversity along with a beachfront view.
Moorpark
If safety is your priority, then Moorpark is a great place to explore. This Ventura County city has a significant family feel to it with small-town events, superb schools, and gorgeous views. Its low crime rates are ideal for blossoming families.
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles County. It has a decent population of just 35,000 and offers a sparse, suburban feel. There are plenty of things to do in Manhattan Beach, and the public schools are highly rated.
As far as safety goes, most people feel very safe and agree that the police are very responsive. And with easy access to the beach, it’s hard to ask for much more.
Westchester
One of the best family neighborhoods in LA, Westchester offers a unique blend of urban and suburban. The area features plenty of parks and outdoor activities – perfect for health and fitness.
The Westchester population is very diverse, and most families own their homes. It’s a safe neighborhood with really excellent schools and close access to both Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach.
Barren Park
Another neighborhood in Palo Alto, Barron Park, is a small suburban area with a population of under 8,000 people. Not only is there plenty to do and excellent public schools, but young professionals love the booming job market as well.
Rancho Santa Margarita
Rancho Santa Margarita is a stunning suburb of Irvine with a decent population size, a dense urban vibe, and an emphasis on community. The area has a very low crime rate and prides itself on fostering a close-knit, family feel.
The public schools in Rancho Santa Margarita are very highly rated, too, and most residents own their homes.
Murrieta
South California can be an expensive place to live, but Murrieta is reasonably priced and quickly growing. This Riverside County suburb offers top-notch public schools, lots of parks, and balanced political views.
South Pasadena
South Pasadena is a small suburb of Los Angeles. Just six miles from the city, families get the best of both worlds with a suburban home close to an urban area.
South Pasadena is full of historic buildings, friendly people, and beautiful vegetation. It has thriving schools, and everything you need is close by.
Beaumont
Even Southern California has some small-town charm! Beaumont is a charming little rural city in Riverside County that truly displays small-town life.
The close-knit community has good schools, a good job outlook, and affordable housing.
Irvine
Irvine is a thriving community that offers plenty of stunning parks and outdoor activities. This Orange County City has wonderful schools with balanced political views, and the job outlook for the area is promising.
Final Thoughts
Realtor Charles Fisher of Fisher Real Estate has over 14 years of experience in the industry with a special interest in the southern California area. If you’re looking for the best family neighborhoods in LA, he’s the guy to get you there.
Check out the Fisher Real Estate website today for more information.