Where to Settle in California as a Newcomer?

California, with the multitude of options it offers, often leaves those looking to start anew wondering where to settle. So, where to settle in California as a newcomer? Good Neighbors Moving Company is here to guide you. This article breaks down the top spots suitable for fresh faces. We’ve mapped everything out, from bustling urban centers to peaceful towns. So, let’s navigate the Golden State’s vast options and pinpoint your ideal location.

Ventura County offers newcomers a glimpse of beach town serenity

Ventura County in California is beautiful, with fantastic beaches and nearby mountains. Besides the natural beauty, the place has pleasant weather, cool cultural stuff, good schools, and a tight-knit community. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to live here, as the area is pretty pricey compared to other parts of the U.S. Nevertheless, many folks still think the good vibes and outdoor fun the site provides are absolutely worth the steep price.

Out of many communities in the County, Oat Park particularly stands out. It’s a perfect place to unwind, as this town of approximately 13,500 people is known for its quietness. Just as its name suggests, it boasts multiple fantastic parks, such as Oak Canyon Dog Park and Mae Boyar Park, which are especially beloved among dog lovers. At the same time, locals are extremely friendly and welcoming, meaning that, should you decide to make this town your home with the assistance of movers Ventura County companies employ, they’ll embrace you with open arms. Whether you decide to purchase or rent a property here is up to you. However, if you choose to venture into homeownership, expect to allocate, on average, $993,000.

two persons with surfboards on the beach thinking of where to settle in California as a newcomer — Ventura County has some fantastic coastal spots that are great for surfing!

Orange County – the example of coastal living at its finest

Orange County houses about 3.2 million people and is mainly known for its beautiful beaches. However, many people want to engage movers Orange County locals turn to time and again not just for excellent coastal living but also for its lively communities like Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Laguna Beach. What’s more, OC is a shopper’s paradise, with exquisite shopping destinations such as South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island, among else.

Newport Beach

Newport Beach is a true gem in Orange County, with around 85,000 inhabitants. It’s right by the sea and is a fancy place to live in. In fact, it’s one of the most luxurious places in the entire county. This is especially apparent when we take into account real estate. Believe it or not, houses in the area often cost as much as $3.5 million! It might be hard for a regular person to afford to live here. Nevertheless, those with higher budgets swear by the high quality of life Newport Beach provides.

Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa loves art and shows it off in every possible way! In detail, the South Coast Metro area has this incredible spot called the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. It is a renowned venue for various cultural and artistic events, including music concerts, ballet performances, theater productions, and then some.

Laguna Beach

Are you looking for an ideal spot for art enthusiasts? Well, you’ve just stumbled upon one! Laguna Beach will make you feel as if you are in a dream. Walking around, you can see many art galleries, and the sea is always nearby. The town loves art so much that they even have special events, like the Pageant of the Masters, for example.

the air view of the coastal suburb in Orange County — When considering where to settle in California as a newcomer, consider Orange County and its coastal beauty.

San Bernardino County offers a blend of traditional and modern living

San Bernardino County is where the old meets the new with its historic buildings and modern restaurants. Finding a job or going to school is easy, especially with California State University offering plenty of professional and educational growth opportunities. Also, houses in this county are pretty affordable by Californian standards, costing around $400,000 on average. There are plenty of communities in the area that speak to newcomers. However, movers San Bernardino County residents have previously worked with have observed that the following ones are slightly more popular than the rest:

The namesake San Bernardino
Montclair
Fontana
Chino
Apple Valley

LA County attracts with a blend of glamour, culture, and opportunities

Los Angeles County is that glittery, bustling spot in California where new beginnings are always in the air. With its population of around 10 million, the County provides exciting opportunities for those still looking to start a new chapter in California in partnership with reliable movers Los Angeles County boasts. The region compromises around 120-125 unincorporated communities, with a couple being more popular than the rest.

La Canada Flintridge

La Canada Flintridge is a fancy town in LA County near the San Gabriel Mountains, which houses about 19,000 people. It’s a peaceful place with great views and good schools. Most of the residents here rent rather than own, which makes absolute sense considering the fact that local houses cost around $2 million on average. Despite the high property prices, many have decided to settle here. Why? Because the town is close to Los Angeles and, at the same time, offers excellent career opportunities, primarily in education, healthcare, and tech.

San Marino

Let’s chat about San Marino, where about 11,780 people enjoy lovely, tree-lined streets and a genuine close community vibe. This town mixes both classic allure with friendly neighbors. San Marino champions education and boasts top-notch schools. Therefore, it’s a great place to move to for families who can afford to dedicate approximately $2.5 million to housing.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, the vibrant core of the county, extends a warm welcome to newcomers. The city embraces all cultures and offers top-tier entertainment. It provides abundant career opportunities, especially in fields like entertainment and technology. Also, Los Angeles is home to renowned universities such as the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the University of Southern California (USC), and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), among others. This makes it a popular choice among young adults and professionals who want to make the most of their education.

A red car going down the street toward Hollywood sign — Embracing aspirations, LA welcomes newcomers chasing their dreams.

Have you found where to settle in California as a newcomer?

If you’re among those thinking about where to settle in California as a newcomer, know that the state as a whole offers a spectrum of choices. Truth be told, each enclave provides a unique blend of lifestyle, culture, and prospects, meaning you won’t be in the wrong wherever you decide to plant roots. Now, if you are still unsure where you’re most likely to fit in, we invite you to research more. The Internet is an excellent ally in this endeavor, but don’t rely solely on it. Instead, take the search to the real world and, if possible, pay your potential community a visit. A real one rather than that of a virtual nature!

References:

Ventura County, California Population 2023. (n.d.). https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-counties/ca/ventura-county-population

Oak Park, California Population 2023. (n.d.). https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/oak-park-ca-population

Orange County, California Population 2023. (n.d.). https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-counties/ca/orange-county-population

Redfin. (n.d.-b). La Cañada Flintridge Housing Market: House prices & trends | RedFin. Redfin. https://www.redfin.com/city/9895/CA/La-Caada-Flintridge/housing-market

Redfin. (n.d.-d). San Marino Housing Market: house prices & trends | RedFin. Redfin. https://www.redfin.com/city/17481/CA/San-Marino/housing-market