6 Best Cities to Raise a Family in California

November 12, 2021 / Posted in City Guides
Anastasia Hill

Apart from being the next fashion icon, Anastasia is also a freelance writer and expert on moving (and packing clothes).

An idyllic and peaceful lifestyle is every parent’s dream, and relocating to some of the best cities to raise a family in California will help you achieve that. This state offers a wide range of places that are perfect for this kind of lifestyle and offer everything you could possibly need to be happy and safe. To help you narrow down your options, we curated a list of the top 6 places so you have something to start with.

Family deciding where to relocate with the help of cross country movers
Finding a perfect place for your home isn't easy, but we know a few good ones

What to Look for in a City Where You Can Live Happily With Your Family?

The majority think that a suburban lifestyle is a perfect one for families with children, but sometimes living in a suburb isn’t enough. There are several factors that you should consider to determine whether a place is suitable for you and your beloved family members. From affordability to proximity to schools and playgrounds. This state offers plenty of amazing places, such as LA or San Francisco, but the somewhat higher cost of living is something you need to keep in mind when relocating. 

Safety and education are other important factors. It is essential to find areas that are safe and still offer great schooling options that are close to your home. The last but not the least important factor is business opportunities – there is no point in relocating somewhere where you and your significant other can’t find suitable jobs that will support your lifestyle in that area. So, without further ado, let’s start with our list. We are sure you’ll find something for you and rush to book packing services on time.

Happy family after relocating with cross country movers
You need to set up your priorities and see what is doable

#1 Sacramento Is One of the Suitable Options for Families on a Budget

Relocating to Sacramento might be one of the better options if you are hoping to live in a vibrant city that offers everything you and your loved ones need. With a population of around 500,000 people, living in Sacramento is very pleasant since this capital is not overcrowded. This place is relatively close to San Francisco, and it’s positioned in a way that’s not far away from the mountains nor the ocean. The cost of living is also considered affordable in comparison to other cities in the state. 

The median home value around here is about $320,000, making it a suitable choice for those who are relocating on a budget. Some of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento offer amazing schooling options, so your children will get an excellent education. Niche’s reviews show that some of the highest-rated local schools are:

  • Mira Loma High School,
  • Pleasant Grove High School,
  • Fusion Academy Warner Center,
  • Natomas Charter.
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Entertainment Options Are Among the Best in the State

Apart from some of the best restaurants and many beautiful parks in the area, you can find some unique things to do that are kid-friendly. For example, you can visit Fairytale Town or Funderland Amusement Park. Sacramento Zoo is also famous among youngsters, and Sacramento’s Children Museum offers an interesting setup that will inspire your little ones and boost their creativity.

Bridge in Sacramento
Sacramento offers something for children of all ages

#2 Dublin Is an Interesting Suburban City, Highly Recommended for Families

This lovely place, located in the East Bay and Tri-Valley regions of Alameda County, definitely has a lot to offer. This location is very attractive for people with children because of the outstanding schooling system and affordability. The median home value is about $800,000, and the median income in Dublin is very high – about $115,000. Climate is very pleasant, neighborhoods are safe and walkable, and the community is very welcoming and supportive. Some of the best-rated schools are:

  • Dublin High School,
  • Cottonwood Creek,
  • Harold William Kolb,
  • Tahoe Expedition Academy.

You Can Enjoy Exploring Everything Dublin Has to Offer

Dublin offers many amazing dining places and interesting shops. Luv 2 Play is an interesting indoor playground you can visit with your children. Dublin Heritage Park and Museum is another fun option for a memorable afternoon. If your children have too much energy and you want to offer them something adventurous to do, visiting Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park might be suitable. Emerald Glen Park is also a beautiful place that everyone likes. Check out this video for more ideas about things to do.

#3 San Diego Offers Everything You Might Look For

If you are thinking about relocating to San Diego, you might be on the right track. Living in SD is exciting and suitable for different age groups. It attracts many young professionals and their families because of the growing job market and good schooling system. It is also one of the safest areas in CA, and the real estate market is growing

The cost of living around some of the best neighborhoods in San Diego is considered affordable compared to some other parts of the state. The median home price in this area is about $602,000, judging by Niche’s reviews. Although this place has a population of 1,400,000, it offers pleasant urban-suburban vibes. Schools in the area are highly rated, and these are some of the top public ones:

  • Canyon Crest Academy,
  • Torrey Pines High School,
  • Westview High School,
  • The Bishop’s School.

You Can Easily Plan a Day Trip to Disneyland

Apart from many romantic things to do in the city when the kids are not around, this place offers various options that are kid-friendly. Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo are definitely some of the highest-rated attractions around here. San Diego Zoo also offers a Safari Park, which is a unique experience for a whole family. 

Birch Aquarium is also very interesting for visitors of all age groups. If you don’t find this enough and want your kids to experience and do something unique, you can always plan a day trip to Disneyland. It is about 90 miles away, so you’ll need about an hour and a half to get there. Don’t worry – this visit will probably be memorable, so it’s definitely worth the drive.

Bridge next to the ocean in San Diego
This location will amaze you on so many levels

#4 Beaumont Is a Good Option for People With Kids Who Prefer Active Lifestyle

This attractive location is great for people with children who love hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. With amazing landscapes and numerous trails, you’ll enjoy every minute of an active lifestyle around here. This charming place might definitely be a perfect place for your new home, especially because of the good housing options. 

The median home price in the city is about $340,000, which is very affordable for CA. The Beaumont Unified Schools System is rated above average, so your children will definitely get a good education around here. Some of the highest-rated schools are:

  • San Jacinto Valley Academy,
  • Tournament Hills Elementary School,
  • Holy Names High School,
  • Sundance Elementary.

Enjoy Beautiful Surroundings and Turn Every Day Into a New Adventure

You can start your adventures around this area by following historic trails at the Wildwood Canyon State Park. This is a place where you can discover some spectacular views of the outstanding mountain scenery. Edward-Dean Museum and Gardens is another interesting option. You’ll be able to admire paintings, fine antique china, a library, and a picturesque garden. Giant Cabazon Dinosaurs is one of California’s oddest attractions – just a 15-minute drive away from Beaumont. These will definitely draw your children’s attention.

Family hiking after relocating with cross country movers
Want hiking to become one of your family traditions? Then move to Beaumont and explore a new trail every weekend

#5 Relocating to Clovis Is a Great Solution for Young Families

This small and quiet place located northeast of Fresno is highly recommended for families. The community is very safe and welcoming, so you can meet neighbors as soon as you relocate and potentially make some friendships. 

Bustling downtown is the part of the city that everyone enjoys because of the vibrant food scene and many amazing dining and shopping places. This place is also good for starting a local business, and schools are among the top-rated in the county. Some of the top-rated public schools around here are:

  • University High School,
  • Clovis North High School,
  • Buchanan High School,
  • Design Science Middle School High School.

You Don’t Need a Lot of Money to Have Fun Around Here

Apart from the fact that life here is very affordable when it comes to housing (median home value is about $300,000), this place also offers some affordable entertainment, suitable for everyone’s pocket. Hillcrest Park and Hillcrest Zoo might be great places, to begin with. 

Here your children can enjoy seeing a wide array of birds, mammals, and exotic animal habitats. This zoo offers fun and educational experiences for different age groups. Roller World Skating Center is another popular destination, especially for organizing memorable birthday parties. It offers a snack bar, a bounce house, and many party packages. 

Kids at school
Schools in this area are highly rated

#6 San Ramon Is Among the Best Places to Raise a Family in California

If, when relocating to CA, you decided that San Ramon is the place where you want to settle down, you made the right choice. It shouldn’t take you long to pack your stuff and relocate here with the help of cross-country movers after you learn more about everything this place has to offer. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll quickly forget about moving stress once you get here and start exploring the area. 

Various golf courses, scenic bike paths, and nicely maintained local parks are only the beginning. Prices around the downtown area are a little higher than average, but totally worth it if you can afford to buy a property for approximately $1,000,000, which is a median value. Schools here are also highly rated, and some of the top picks are:

  • Dougherty Valley High School,
  • Monte Vista High School,
  • California High School,
  • Bollinger Canyon Elementary.

You’ll Hardly Ever Get Bored Around Here

Another reason to move here is that this place is full of interesting amenities that all age groups can enjoy and find entertaining. Las Trampas Regional Wilderness is a preserve that offers almost 6,000 acres of wilderness and an expanded trail system that attracts many visitors. You can also enjoy horseback riding with astonishing landscape views and let your kids fall in love with these animals. 

Forest Home Farms Historic Park is another great place to visit. City Center Bishop Ranch offers many kid-friendly areas. Here you can enjoy outstanding cuisine, go to the movies and explore interesting shops. Check out this video about amazing dining places and choose where you want to have the first dinner together after relocating here.

Choose One of the Best Cities to Raise a Family in California and Don’t Hesitate to Relocate Here Right Away

Some of the best places to live in California are waiting for you, so don’t hesitate about long-distance moving to the state of Cali. You can finally live that California dream you always imagined and share it with your loved ones. If you take them with you, it will be much easier than relocating to a new state alone – you are each other’s support system, and you can go through everything together. If you want to ensure you move efficiently and everything goes smoothly, help from professional long-distance moving services is something that will do wonders for your relocation.

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