Figure 1 The attractions of California living are obvious
It is no surprise that many people are attracted to the idea of living in California. With sunshine almost guaranteed all year round, some of the freshest food in the country, and stunning scenery from the northern tip down to the border with Mexico, the Golden State is the place to be.
Whether it is trying to break into the Hollywood movie industry, exploring all the options for online betting California has to offer, or simply spending your days on the miles of sandy beaches, the attractions of this place are obvious. But it will also not come as a surprise to learn that buying or renting a property here is going to cost you.
Obviously, as with all states, there are cheaper and more affordable areas and towns. But some of the most desirable neighborhoods and cities in California come at a premium price. You may not be quite in the position to buy a property in some of the cities we are looking at here. But, even if it’s just for aspirational reasons, here are seven of the most expensive cities to live in California.
Los Altos
It might come as news to some people that one of the most expensive places to live in California is not actually in Los Angeles. Most people think that the wealthier areas of L.A. would top the list. But Los Altos and Los Altos Hills, just north of San Jose in the north of the state actually take that award.
This is where many of the top people in Silicon Valley reside and its close proximity to places like Stanford University only makes this affluent city an even more desirable location. This is actually where Steve Jobs first established Apple and, these days, the average house price is around $5 million.
Atherton
Just a few miles north of Los Altos, still firmly in the Silicon Valley area with great links to downtown San Francisco, is the city of Atherton. Rent prices in the area are actually surprisingly low – but you will do very well to find any, as the vast majority of properties are to buy. And you will need deep pockets to do so.
The average household income in Atherton is over half a million a year, so you will already know that the house prices will reflect that kind of affluence. This smaller neighborhood is much more private than many on the list and residents seem to like it that way.
Santa Monica
Let’s head south a little and name our first Los Angeles-related city on our list. You will all have heard of Santa Monica – and it is just as exclusive and expensive as advertised. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you will expect the house prices to be fairly steep and you won’t get much for anything less than $3.5 million here.
The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most iconic structures on the west coast and the stunning beaches are a major attraction for anyone in the financial position to be able to afford to move here. The close proximity to the center of Los Angeles is also an obvious draw.
Beverley Hills
If you want to be even closer to everything that is going on in Los Angeles, then Beverley Hills is an excellent choice – as long as you have the means to move here. Even the name of this place is synonymous with wealth, thanks to TV shows such as 90210 and The Fresh Prince.
The area really took off in the 1920s, so the diversity and style of the homes are far more interesting than some in the Silicon Valley area. There are plenty of luxury hotels and world-renowned shopping opportunities here – but the average price of a house is around $3.8 million.
Malibu
This is another very famous California city that is treated almost as a getaway for Hollywood celebrities, professional athletes and high-profile business leaders. With its 30-mile stretch of sandy beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu is a hugely attractive place to live.
There are a number of neighborhoods within Malibu that rank highly on that particular wealth list, and the average house price is north of $4 million. It may be the stunning daily sunsets, or maybe the professions of the residents, but Malibu has a very laid-back vibe. One that is probably much easier to pull off when you have the money to enjoy it.
Figure 2 Easy access to LA is another benefit of some of these cities
Palo Alto
Heading back to Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is another name associated with the tech industry and is home to many of the wealthiest innovators in that field. A wonderful mix of urban and natural areas makes Pal Alto a very attractive location for anyone wanting to live in the Bay Area.
Science fans will have plenty to like about the area, with museums and landmarks dotted across the city. But there is a lot for just about everyone to enjoy here. The city stretches from the bay well into the countryside, so if you have $4 million to spare, you could find a very nice place to live.
Manhattan Beach
Our final wealthy California city takes us back down to the Los Angeles area, just south of El Segundo and north of Redondo Beach. The major attraction here is the beachside properties, looking out onto the Pacific Ocean and the surfing and watersports activity industry is very prominent here.
Iconic palm trees, wide streets and sprawling houses are also common here, with a healthy tourist trade and the Manhattan Beach Pier bringing in good numbers of outsiders too. The average house price is a little lower than some of the cities on our list – but if you dream of a California beachside property, you could do a lot worse.
