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9 Richest Cities in California

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We are all aware of Tech companies like Apple and Uber and how they contribute to the robust economy in California. Furthermore, California has a booming film and entertainment industry as well as world-renowned entertainment attractions like Universal Studios and Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Consequently, the state is annually inundated with new residents and it comes as no surprise that it contains some of the most expensive cities in the nation.

California Hollywood Roadway truck
Beautiful Hollywood road with Roadway truck, palms and a sign on the hills.

With such a vast range of prices, one may wonder where they can find housing at an affordable rate. Fortunately, many areas in California offer an ideal balance between cost and quality of living without breaking the bank. In this article, we will take a look at some of these locations and explore what makes them so appealing.

Los Altos Hills is a small town located 30 miles south of San Francisco in the heart of Silicon Valley. With a population of only 7,300 residents, this unincorporated community is widely regarded for its high-quality public schools and low crime rates. Furthermore, Los Altos Hills offers an array of unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries that cater to the tastes of all visitors. The cost of living in Los Altos Hills is quite reasonable. The average home value is $ 1.2 million (in 2022) while the average rental rate is $2,350 per month (1 bedroom). For those who can afford it, with a plethora of exclusive properties available for purchase, Los Altos Hills is certainly an attractive option.

California Google
View of Google office building. Google is a multinational corporation specializing in Internet-related services and products.

Woodside is another unincorporated city located in the heart of Silicon Valley. With a population of only 6,000 residents and an average home value of $1.8 million, some would say that this town is not for everyone. However, those who can afford to live here are treated to unparalleled quality-of-life amenities including excellent public schools, world-class restaurants, and shopping centers, as well as scenic hiking trails and parks. Woodside also has some of the most affordable rental rates in Silicon Valley. The average rental rate is $2,500 per month (1 bedroom). With such great opportunities and a thoughtful community, Woodside is certainly a great option for those who want to live in the Bay Area without breaking the bank.

California homes line
Aerial view of palm tree lined Street

Hillsboroughis a small town located 30 miles south of San Francisco. Its population is only 5,400 residents and an average home value is $1.7 million. Crime rates in this town are low, thanks in part to the excellent public schools. Families can also enjoy world-class shopping at Hillsborough Square Mall, which features high-end stores and restaurants. Hillsborough also has some of the most affordable rental rates in Silicon Valley. The average rental rate is $2,600 per month (1 bedroom).

Los Altos is a small city located 30 miles south of San Francisco. With a population of only 11,900 residents and an average home value of $1.8 million, this unincorporated community is ideal for those who want to live close to all of Silicon Valley’s best attractions without having to pay outrageous rent prices. Los Altos has world-class restaurants and shopping centers like The Shops at Willowbrook Mall as well as scenic hiking trails and parks. Furthermore, Los Altos is known for its excellent public schools and low crime rates. The average rental rate in Los Altos is $2,700 per month (1 bedroom).

Willowbrook mall
Willowbrook Mall

Orinda is a small city located 30 miles south of San Francisco. It has a population of approximately 17,000 people and is known for its beautiful scenery and small-town feel. Orinda is a great place to live if you want to be close to the city but also enjoy a more relaxed pace of life. There are plenty of things to do here, from hiking and biking trails to shopping and dining. And, of course, the scenery is unbeatable. If you’re looking for a place to call home that has it all, Orinda is worth considering. The average home value is $1.4 million. There are world-class shopping centers like Orinda Village Shopping Center and Southside Plaza. These shopping centers offer a wide variety of stores and restaurants, as well as a variety of entertainment options.

Palos Verdes Estates is a small city located south of Los Angeles in the coastal region known as “Orange County“. The city is known for its beautiful scenery, with its cliffs and bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Palos Verdes Estates is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike. With a population of only 11,000 residents, it is one of California’s least populated communities and its exclusivity makes it a desirable place to live. The average home value in Palos Verdes Estates is $ 1.7 million (in 2022) while the average rental rate is $2,100 per month (1 bedroom). Furthermore, this idyllic town provides an array of recreational activities for all residents. In addition to several parks and gardens, there is also a waterfront park that overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

California Pacific Ocean
Beautiful Coastline in Big Sur,California

Cupertino is another town located in the heart of Silicon Valley. It is widely regarded for its proximity to major tech companies and excellent public schools. Cupertino offers access to a variety of recreational activities including hiking trails, golf courses, and bike paths. There are also several parks in the city, as well as a community center with a swimming pool, gym, and tennis courts. The cost of living in this city is quite reasonable as well. The average home value is $ 1.3 million (in 2022) while the average rental rate is $2,300 per month (1 bedroom).

La Habra Heights is a small town located in the Los Angeles area. The city was established by a group of citrus growers who were looking to establish an agricultural community in Southern California. Today, La Habra Heights is known for its scenic views and tranquil atmosphere. With only 5,000 residents, this unincorporated community provides residents with opportunities for recreation as well as relaxation. There are plenty of hiking trails, equestrian centers, and golf courses that can be enjoyed in La Habra Heights. Furthermore, many caves in the area provide ample space for relaxation and meditation.

Mavericks Beach
Steep cliffs jut into the Pacific Ocean north of Tunitas Creek Beach near Half Moon Bay with Pillar Point and Mavericks Beach on the horizon in San Mateo County, California.

Foster City is a small city located 30 miles south of San Francisco. With its school district, low crime rates, and convenient location, Foster City is an ideal place to raise a family. In addition to these benefits, the city has several recreational activities available for residents including surfing at Mavericks Beach, boating on the San Francisco Bay, and hiking in the Marin Headlands. The cost of living in Foster City is quite reasonable.

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