Top 5 Most Affordable Places to Live in California

California is a great state to consider if you’re looking for a place to call home. With its impressive variety of landscapes, vibrant cities, and wealth of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder so many people are choosing to make this sunny state their home.  But for some, such as those with a family, affordability may be a key consideration. Fortunately, there are plenty of reasonably priced places to call home. Whether you’re looking for a bustling city or a laid-back small-town vibe, you can find an affordable option to fit your budget. To make the process easier, we’ve rounded up the top five most affordable places to live in California. We’ve considered median home prices, cost of living, and amenities available in each location. This way, you’ll be sure to know which of these you can call your home soon!

Bakersfield

At the heart of southern California, you’ll find Bakersfield—an affordable, fantastic city that you should consider moving into! It has a great mix of suburban neighborhoods and rural countryside, so you can find the perfect place to call home. Housing options in Bakersfield range from affordable single-family homes to luxurious apartments. Therefore, it is easy to find something to fit your budget. The cost of living is also lower than in other parts of the state. To be exact, it is 24% lower than the state average. So, you can enjoy all that Bakersfield has to offer without breaking the bank.

Bakersfield is also home to lots of amenities you’ll love. The city has many attractions, including the Kern County Museum, Fox Theater, and Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace. There are also many parks and recreation areas, such as Hart Park, Lake Ming, and Kern River Preserve. You can also find plenty of shopping, dining, entertainment options, andplentiful outdoor activities. Bakersfield is a great place to grow your career or get an education, with plenty of job opportunities and universities nearby.

You’ll be able to see plenty of natural views while in Bakersfield.

Eureka

Eureka is a beautiful coastal city with plenty of benefits it can offer. Furthermore, it is one of the most affordable places to live in California (19% lower). Eureka also offers a variety of housing options, from apartments to single-family homes. Therefore, make your nationwide move more affordable, so you have a larger budget. To do that, check out many budget-friendly options when it comes to moving and all the available housing options. This way, you’ll ensure you acquire the perfect housing for your budget.

It is located in Humboldt County and is close to many outdoor activities, like Redwood National and State Parks, King Range National Conservation Area, and many more. There are also plenty of places to shop! When it comes to dining, you will find everything from fine-dining restaurants to small local cafes. And when you’re looking for something to do, you can go to a movie theater, go bowling, or take in the view of the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. Furthermore, the City of Eureka has many job opportunities in various fields, including public safety, education, healthcare, and hospitality. The city is also home to Humboldt State University, the only four-year public university in the region. There are also several community colleges in the area, including the College of the Redwoods and the College of the Siskiyous.

Although it may be one of the most affordable places to live in California, that doesn’t mean you’ll need to sacrifice your education.

Chico

You will find that Chico, CA is one of the most affordable places to live in California. Its convenient location near Sacramento and San Francisco offers the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the peacefulness and small-town charm of Chico and easily explore the city life that nearby cities offer. The cost of living in Chico is 16% below the national average, making it a great option for budget-minded individuals and families. Housing options range from single-family homes to apartments and condos, so whatever your needs are, you will find something to fit your budget.

Chico also has plenty of amenities and activities for locals to take advantage of. There are several parks and outdoor recreation areas, as well as a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The city also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a wide range of performing arts, cultural events, and festivals. From Bidwell Park and the Chico Creek Nature Center to the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and the Chico Mall, there is something for everyone. Chico is home to many universities and colleges, so it’s a great place to live if you’re a student. The city also has a wide range of job opportunities available in the area, including government positions, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Sacramento

Sacramento is full of culture and diversity, and you’ll find people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles in the area. Considering the location and amenities it offers, it may be shocking to hear the cost of living is 14% lower than the state average. As expected, housing options are vast. Particularly rental properties seem to thrive in the area.

When it comes to amenities, Sacramento has a lot to offer. From exploring the city’s many parks, restaurants, shopping centers, theaters, and museums to participating in outdoor activities, including biking, skiing, hiking, and kayaking. Therefore, you can rest assured that each family member will feel safe and fulfilled in Sacramento. Public transportation is also quite good in the city. Plus, if you’re looking to save money on gas, you can take advantage of the city’s bike-sharing program and bike lanes. Furthermore, the thriving economy and the local government’s focus on supporting small businesses make this city perfect for entrepreneurs.

You’ll be able to have not only great entertainment but also great company while in Sacramento, California.

Fresno

Fresno, CA, is an incredible city to consider moving into if you’re looking for some of the most affordable places to live in California. After all, out of 75 cities in the United States, it was ranked 18th in terms of affordability! Not only that, but you might find that Fresno can offer the perfect balance of city and rural life. Whether you want to live in an apartment or acquire a family home, Fresno has covered you.

You’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues in town that offers something for everyone. On the other hand, because the city is close to Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks, it is an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a nature lover, a city dweller, someone looking for a good place to better their education or career, or someone wanting to raise a family, Fresno is a great choice.

PAUL BURROWES, REAL ESTATE CONSULTANT | DRE 01955563

831.295.5130 or 408.497.3989 Paul@Burrowes.com  www.Burrowes.com

5522 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 CRS | CCEC | SFR