Many people dream of being able to live in a beach town. The idea of being near a tropical paradise, where most only get to vacation, seems like the opportunity of a lifetime, especially in a coastal state like California. The year-round warm temperatures, closeness to nature, luxurious residences, and the laundry list of indoor and outdoor activities make beach life something worth considering.
Although it sounds good in theory, many people relocate to beach towns like Venice Beach, CA, and quickly run into obstacles as they adjust to living near the shoreline. While this shouldn’t discourage you from living out your dream, it should encourage you to make an informed decision before uprooting your life. By evaluating critical factors like weather, costs, the economy, community, safety, and overall quality of life, you can select the best California beach town to call home.
Best CA Beach Towns
California has no shortage of beach towns. Below is a look at some of the best communities to live in (in no particular order):
Eureka, CA
If you’re looking for affordability, Eureka is the ideal California beach town to live in. The median house price is $260,00. According to statistic sites like Bestplaces.net, the cost of living comes in just under the national average and dramatically less than other cities in California.
A feasible cost of living isn’t the only thing Eureka, CA has to offer. The coastal town has a beach, forests, and rivers, for those who enjoy being out in nature. It’s a suburban city with cozy homes and family-friendly neighborhoods. Eureka’s public school system ranks high among others in the nation, making it an ideal beach town for families.
La Jolla, CA
When you think of luxury living in California, La Jolla should be high on your list of possibilities. The SoCal beach community is well-known for its grand homes, lavish apartments, luxury amenities, and exclusivity. Not to mention, it’s less than 20 minutes away from San Diego, giving you easy access to city life.
La Jolla real estate is among the most lavish in the state. The community has plenty of shopping centers, well-ranking schools, diverse neighborhoods, and a strong economy with high-paying jobs and a variety of businesses to excel professionally. There’s also plenty of things to do, excellent cuisine, and has breathtaking beaches to keep you entertained.
Capitola, CA
One of the oldest beach towns in California is Capitola. It’s a small beach in Santa Cruz county. Capitola makes the list of potential places to call home for its beautiful architecture, exclusivity, and quaint charm. The bungalow-style homes, condominiums, and apartments provide variety for hopeful residents to consider.
The population is just under 10,000 people. So, if you’re looking for a beach town without all the congestion, Capitola may be just what you’re looking for. The cost of living is high, but it’s worth the investment if money isn’t an object. Capitola has excellent school systems, is ranked high for safety, and has all the amenities you need to survive and enjoy everyday life.
Making The Decision
Do any of the above beach towns sound like your next home? Before making a final decision, it is essential to do your homework. Consider the financial aspects like the average cost of a home or apartment, how much it costs to furnish an apartment, and other expenses like utilities, healthcare, groceries, and taxes. You’ll also want to visit the town and its neighborhoods to get a sense of the community. Finally, factor in needs and desires as it relates to schooling, jobs, and entertainment.
If you thought these were the only California beach towns, you’re sadly mistaken. The state has miles of coastlines and hidden gems that hopeful residents can explore. As long as you evaluate the factors listed above, it won’t be long before you find a paradise you can call home.
