It can be difficult to find a spot to settle that satisfies all of your requirements. Most renters and homeowners prefer to live in an area with low crime rates, excellent schools, a thriving local economy, easy access to quality healthcare, and other amenities.
Money researchers searched across the country for the 50 Best Places to Live in the United States in 2023. Irvine (#13) and San Diego (#22) are both from Southern California and made the list. Researchers considered a variety of factors, including the city’s future, career possibilities, quality of life, and general diversity.
Irvine, California
Irvine is a bustling city in the heart of Orange County with enough to offer in terms of jobs, schools, neighborhood activities, and recreational opportunities. Nearby malls including the Irvine Spectrum, South Coast Plaza, and Fashion Island provide people with a diverse choice of world-class dining and shopping opportunities.
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There are approximately 60 public parks and 400 miles of bike routes for those who enjoy being outside. Beaches are only a 20-minute drive away, and almost one-third of the city has been designated as parks, trails, and natural wildlands.
According to city officials, Irvine has had the lowest rate of major crime per person of any city its size for nearly two decades. Locals can easily spend their free time in nearby Los Angeles or at Big Bear, a mountain resort.
According to Money, Irvine’s schools are among the best in California, and the city’s colleges are similarly well regarded. For example, UC Irvine was ranked fifth in Money’s ranking of the best colleges in California and ninth overall on the list of the top 25 colleges in America.
Irvine is home to over 19,000 firms, which means there are several economic and commercial opportunities. According to Money, the University of California, Blizzard Entertainment, and Edwards LifeSciences LLC are among the largest companies.
Quick facts:
- The median household income is $115,606.
- The median property price is $1,300,651.
- The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $4,345.
- Population – 268,777.
- Unemployment rate: 2.8%.
San Diego, California
San Diego, dubbed “America’s Finest City,” boasts world-class beaches, a bustling downtown, pleasant weather throughout the year, and a laid-back lifestyle. Locals like visiting Balboa Park, which spans 1,000 acres. It includes the San Diego Zoo, 15 museums, a horticultural center, the Olde Globe Theater, and other attractions.
There are 340 parks and 40,000 acres of open space in the city for those who enjoy being outdoors. Swimming, fishing, surfing, whale watching, and other activities are available to residents daily. Downtown San Diego residents have access to excellent restaurants, shows, coffee shops, and other amenities. The city has five Michelin-starred restaurants. You can also visit one of the over 120 breweries, brewpubs, or tasting rooms.
Both the city’s schools and the University of California, San Diego, are excellent. Money ranked the university as the seventh-best college in California and the twelfth-best college in the United States. Many IT communications companies, such as Qualcomm and Nokia, as well as an increasing number of healthcare and biotech industries, contribute to economic growth and job creation.
Money states, “The housing market in California is generally more expensive than the rest of the country. However, house prices in San Diego are less expensive than in other major cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Quick facts:
- The median household income is $96,246.
- The median property price is $963,261.
- The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $3,113.
- Population – 1,381,275.
- Unemployment rate is 3.1%.