Two Southern California cities named as ‘Best Places to Live in the US’

Both cities are what outdoor enthusiasts are looking for

INQUIRER.NET U.S. Bureau / 09:47 PM December 13, 2023

Photo from cityofirvine/Instagram

Perfect place on Earth? None. But you can always settle for the best and surprisingly, if moving to Southern California has been on your plan, two cities clinched a spot in Money’s “Best Places to Live in the US” list.

Unveiling the list, Money has scoured the nation seeking for the top 50 Best Places to Live in the US. In their quest to rank the best of the best, the researchers consider what matters most — quality of life, economic opportunities, quality of life and a promising future.

Two SoCal gems clinched a spot: Irvine at #13 and San Diego at #22. Meanwhile, Atlanta snagged the #1 place while Tempe lands the #2 spot.

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In the grand scheme of the best dwelling spots, here are the reasons these two Southern California cities will make you want to pack your bags and move.

Irvine

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Emerging at the top 13th spot, the city is sure to captivate both the minds and the hearts. Nestled in the center of Orange County, this bustling city offers a playground of possibilities.

With Irvine’s median household income of $115,606, it doesn’t just promise a home but also hands over a lifestyle. Imagine this: 400 miles of bike trails, over 60 parks and easy access to California’s beach wonders (only a 20-minute drive), it’s heaven on earth for outdoor lovers and culture connoisseurs.

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Family getaways? The city offers whale-watching at Crystal Cove State Park while basking in the Pacific sunset. Or you can enjoy swimming and diving at the five-level water adventure, the Buccaneers Cove. When you get hungry, Irvine Global Village festival offers a feast of international flavors.

Don’t worry about being jobless — the city has more than 19,000 business promising economic security. And if you have kids, “the school system in Irvine is rated among the best in California, and the city plays host to several colleges and universities, including Cal State Fullerton, Pepperdine and UC Irvine,” stated Money.

Notable facts about Irvine:

Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $4,345
Median home price: $1,300,651
Population: 268,777
Unemployment rate: 2.8%

San Diego

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If there’s an inkling to move to the best places to live in the USA, why not make “America’s Finest City” a reality — welcome to San Diego. Don’t opt for just the run-of-the-mill, go to this city that offers world-class beaches, 40,000 acres of open space and 340 parks.

Whether it’s kayaking on Coronado beach, savoring Michelin-starred food or just simply dining downtown, San Diego has tons to offer. Craft beer aficionado? This SoCal city will spoil you with more than 120 breweries, brew pubs and tasting stores.

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For the job market, San Diego is home to tech giants like Nokia and Qualcomm. Not to mention, the sprawling number of biotech companies and healthcare. When it comes to the school system, San Diego can’t be left out.

“The city enjoys a good school system and is home to a branch of the University of California,” said Money. In addition, housing is more affordable, compared to other cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.