Are you thinking of relocating to Northern California? If so, you’re in for a treat. From the vibrant city life of San Francisco to the breathtaking beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Northern California has a plethora of incredible places to live. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best places to live in Northern California. Whether you’re looking for a coastal city, an outdoor paradise, or a small town, you’ll be sure to find the perfect place to call home. Read on to learn more about these amazing locations!
1) Atherton
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Atherton is one of the most desirable places to live in Northern California. Atherton is a wealthy, affluent community, with a population of approximately 7,000 residents. It is also known for its large homes and spacious yards, as well as its excellent school system. The town has numerous parks and trails, making it perfect for those who love spending time outdoors. With its proximity to major cities, Atherton is an ideal place for commuters. If you’re looking for a beautiful community with great schools, amenities, and activities, then Atherton should be at the top of your list when searching for a place to live in Northern California.
2) Hillsborough
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Hillsborough is a picturesque and affluent city known for its high quality of life. With an average household income of $200,000, Hillsborough has some of the highest home prices in the country, making it an ideal place to live for those who can afford it. The city is filled with parks and trails and has a rich culture and history that adds to its charm. Its excellent schools, local amenities, and proximity to the big city make it a great choice for families.
3) Menlo Park
Menlo Park is an affluent town in San Mateo County, located on the peninsula between San Francisco and San Jose. It’s a popular place to live, thanks to its close proximity to Silicon Valley, excellent public schools, and peaceful atmosphere.
The charming downtown area features upscale restaurants, shopping, and cafes. There are plenty of parks and open spaces to explore, including the lushly landscaped Bedwell Bayfront Park. Menlo Park also has a good selection of housing options, ranging from historic homes to luxury condos.
The city has plenty of public transportation options, making it easy to get around without a car. Caltrain offers direct service to San Francisco, while the Palo Alto Caltrain station is a quick shuttle ride away. With all these amenities, it’s no surprise that Menlo Park is one of the best places to live in Northern California.
4) Mill Valley
Located in Marin County, Mill Valley is one of the best places to live in Northern California. It’s known for its beautiful scenery and many outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. The downtown area has a vibrant energy with many local businesses and restaurants to explore. The homes in the area range from historic Victorians to newer, modern homes. It’s also well-known for its excellent schools and public services. Mill Valley is home to several notable parks, such as Muir Woods National Monument and Mt. Tamalpais State Park, as well as plenty of shopping and dining options. All these amenities make it one of the most desirable places to live in the Bay Area.
5) Moraga
Moraga is a city located in the Bay Area of Northern California. It is conveniently located about 20 miles east of San Francisco, offering an easy commute to the big city.
Moraga is renowned for its excellent schools, which consistently rank among the best in the state. Families looking to settle in the area will be pleased with the excellent education options.
The town offers plenty of outdoor activities and parks, including the Moraga Valley Tennis Club and Rancho Laguna Park. Additionally, residents can take advantage of hiking trails at the nearby Mount Diablo State Park.
The small-town atmosphere of Moraga makes it an attractive place to live for people who prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of a larger metropolitan area. The town is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it easy to make friends and get involved in the community.
Moraga also has a thriving local business scene. There are plenty of unique restaurants, cafes, and shops that give the town a unique character. Additionally, the surrounding area features wineries, farms, and natural attractions like rivers and lakes.
With its convenient location near San Francisco, excellent schools, and vibrant business community, Moraga is one of the best places to live in Northern California.
6) Newport Beach
Located in Orange County, California, Newport Beach is a coastal community with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. With eight miles of beaches and bayside coves, Newport Beach offers a great range of activities, from swimming and sunbathing to fishing and sailing. The city is home to several luxury hotels, shops, and restaurants, making it a great place for visitors and locals alike.
In addition to its stunning beaches, Newport Beach is a wonderful place to live for those seeking outdoor recreation. The city is home to a variety of parks and trails, perfect for hiking and biking. There are also plenty of shopping and dining opportunities here, as well as excellent golf courses, marinas, and other recreational attractions.
Newport Beach also boasts a thriving cultural scene with several art galleries, museums, and theaters. Home to the world-famous Orange County Performing Arts Center, the city regularly hosts events ranging from plays to musicals. Visitors will find plenty of opportunities to learn about the local culture and history here.
Overall, Newport Beach is one of the best places to live in Northern California. Whether you’re looking for beautiful beaches, exciting outdoor activities, or a vibrant cultural scene, this city has something for everyone.
7) Ross
Located in Marin County, the town of Ross is a small but affluent suburb of San Francisco. Known for its picturesque homes, redwood trees, and lush greenery, Ross is one of the most desirable places to live in Northern California.
The town of Ross is small, with a population of only 2,411, but it packs a lot of charm into its 7 square miles. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, from outdoor recreation at Kent Lake and Mount Tamalpais State Park to shopping and dining in downtown Ross. The community has excellent schools and low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and young professionals alike.
Residents of Ross appreciate the semi-rural feel and natural beauty of the town, as well as its convenient location near Highway 101 and other major roads. Commuters also have access to public transportation services such as Golden Gate Transit and Marin Airporter for easy travel to and from San Francisco.
Overall, Ross offers a high quality of life with its charming scenery, vibrant community, and close proximity to many amenities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a short commute to the city, Ross is an ideal place to call home in Northern California.
8) San Carlos
San Carlos is a beautiful city located in the San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California. Located between San Mateo and Redwood City, San Carlos is known for its vibrant downtown area with small businesses, restaurants, and attractions. The city also features a number of parks, including Edgewood Park and Coyote Point Recreation Area, perfect for enjoying nature.
San Carlos also boasts some of the best schools in the area, including San Carlos High School and Tierra Linda Middle School. Additionally, the city is close to many of Silicon Valley’s major tech companies, making it an ideal place to live and work.
Overall, San Carlos is an ideal place to live in Northern California. With its great schools, proximity to the Bay Area’s technology hub, and scenic outdoor attractions, San Carlos is the perfect place for families or individuals who want to experience all that Northern California has to offer.
9) Tiburon
Located in Marin County, Tiburon is a stunningly beautiful coastal town with a unique and charming atmosphere. The town is known for its abundance of upscale restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries, which draw locals and tourists alike to its picturesque downtown area. With stunning views of the Bay, rolling hills, and plenty of outdoor activities, Tiburon is an excellent place to live if you’re looking for a relaxing lifestyle with plenty of natural beauty.
Tiburon offers a variety of housing options, ranging from multi-million dollar homes to small condos. The median home price in Tiburon is around $1.4 million. In addition, the public schools in Tiburon are some of the best in the state. The local public school district also serves families from nearby Belvedere and Strawberry, which gives residents access to even more educational opportunities.
In terms of outdoor recreation, Tiburon has plenty to offer. From fishing, kayaking, and sailing on the bay, to hiking and biking trails through the hills and forests nearby, there are plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy nature. In addition, the town is home to several parks and beaches that provide the perfect backdrop for picnics and summertime fun.
Overall, Tiburon is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a luxurious yet relaxed atmosphere with plenty of outdoor activities and entertainment options. With its incredible views of the bay and beautiful surroundings, Tiburon is one of the best places to live in Northern California.
10) Woodside
Located in San Mateo County, Woodside is a picturesque town that is perfect for anyone looking to move to Northern California. With a population of just over 5,000, Woodside is a small but vibrant town that offers residents plenty of natural beauty, great schools, and easy access to nearby cities such as San Francisco.
Woodside has become a popular choice for families due to its excellent school district and safe neighborhoods. The town is home to several highly ranked public schools, including the acclaimed Woodside High School, which consistently ranks among the top high schools in the state. The area also features several private schools, such as the Woodside Priory School and the Woodside International School.
The town of Woodside is surrounded by lush parks and hiking trails, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are also plenty of shopping options available in town, including an array of boutiques, antique stores, and art galleries. In addition, Woodside is conveniently located near major highways, making it an ideal spot for commuters who work in nearby cities.
Overall, Woodside is a great place to live for those looking for a beautiful and peaceful community in Northern California. With its excellent schools, abundance of outdoor activities, and close proximity to big cities, it’s no wonder that this charming town continues to draw more residents every year.
Final Words
Living in Northern California has its advantages, no matter where you choose to call home. From picturesque views of the Pacific Coast to bustling city centers and quaint small towns, there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a coastal escape or an urban adventure, these 10 cities provide a great foundation for the perfect Northern California experience. From the stunning homes in Atherton to the thriving nightlife in Newport Beach, Northern California offers a wide variety of lifestyles to choose from. So make sure you research your options thoroughly and find the perfect place to call home!