I (an adorable copywriter at Seven Gables Real Estate) moved homes just a year and a half ago! I’m not alone in this; the California real estate market is absolutely bustling with new deals every day. While moving here has been wonderful, I distinctly remember the difficulty I had in picking a city to go to. Knowing the best place to move for your family, friends, schooling, interests, and/or lifestyle can be a confusing! We at Seven Gables have pulled together a list of the top destinations for each of your lifestyle needs to keep you from floundering around like I did. Let’s have a look!
Families with Young Children – Tustin
If you’re looking for a place to live with a top school system, low crime rates, quality health care, and community support, look no further than the city of Tustin – the birthplace of Seven Gables Real Estate – that was just ranked number 12 of the ‘Top 25 Places to Live for Families’ by Fortune Magazine. From world-class shopping, dining and recreation to award winning schools and an excellent range of jobs and healthcare options, Tustin truly has it all!
Let’s look at the stats!
Population: 80.276
Persons Age 5 and under: 6.9% (v.s. 5.7% across California)
Median monthly owner costs with mortgage: $2,845 (v.s. $2,422 across California)
Percent of people over 25 with a high school diploma: 87.8% (v.s. 83.9% across California)
Families with Older Children – South Pasadena
Although it’s less than 10 miles from downtown los angeles, enjoy a suburbial small-town life in South Pasadena. Young people here are significantly more likely to finish high school and college. and can enjoy the safety of low crime neighborhoods. Families can enjoy the unique small businesses and fashionable houses amongst the “City of Trees!”
Let’s look at the stats!
Population: 29,943
Persons Age 18 and under: 23.3% (v.s. 22.4% across California)
Median monthly owner costs with mortgage: $3,713 (v.s. $2,422 across California)
Percent of people over 25 with a high school diploma: 97.2% (v.s. 83.9% across California)
Percent of people over 25 with a bachelor’s degree: 70.6% (v.s. 34.7% across California)
Retirees – Seal Beach
Enjoy all of the exciting fun of a beach town with Seal Beach’s slower and more laid-back lifestyle. Containing more seniors than your average town, Seal Beach allows communities to build that offer the townies low crime rates, adorable small businesses, senior living centers, and plenty of fun with friends by the shore!
Let’s look at the stats!
Population: 25,242
Persons Age 65 and over: 41.7% (v.s. 15.2% across California)
Median monthly owner costs without mortgage: $511 (v.s. $618 across California)
Singles – Rowland Heights
Rowland Heights residents enjoy a safe and lavish neighborhood with a large population of other young professionals. Head into town to enjoy the trendy shops and cafes of “Little Taipei” or even head south to Fullerton or north to Azuza on the weekends for their lively nightlife!
Let’s look at the stats!
Population: 48,231
Median monthly owner costs with mortgage: $2,413 (v.s. $2,422 across California)
Living On a Budget – Santa Ana
As one of the most populous cities in Orange County, Santa Ana has it all! From Museums and food to nightlife and a thriving hispanic culture, Santa Ana offers lovely affordable living for SoCal residents.
Let’s look at the stats!
Population: 310,227
Median monthly owner costs with mortgage: $2,142 (v.s. $2,422 across California)
Persons in Poverty Percent: 13.4% (v.s. 12.3% across California)
Living Lavish – Newport Beach
Newport is a lavish beachtown famous for its bodysurfing and boardwalks! This costal city is full of beautiful ocean-front properties, shopping centers (including the world-famous Fashion Island), and delicious dining. Experience the finer things in life in Newport Beach.
Let’s look at the stats!
Population: 85,239
Median monthly owner costs with mortgage: $4,000+ (v.s. $2,422 across California)
Persons in Poverty Percent: 6.9% (v.s. 12.3% across California)
Needs Access to Everything – Hacienda Heights
This central town is just 40 minutes from the beach, 30 minutes from the mountains (or right in the hills!), 30 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles, and 30 minutes from central Orange County. For someone who isn’t sure what they’re looking for or needs access to it all, Hacienda Heights is perfect. This scenic town has a diverse and friendly community, hiking at every turn, and more affordable living!
Let’s look at the stats!
Population: 54,191
Median monthly owner costs with mortgage: $2,422 (same as $2,422 across California)
Persons in Poverty Percent: 8.4% (v.s. 12.3% across California)
As you can see, there’s something great to match everyone’s needs in sunny southern California. I (the adorable copywriter) live in a town near Hacienda Heights and enjoy the ability to explore all of Southern California with ease! What town sticks out to you? If you need more personalized help or are ready to move, contact one of our advisors today to get your process started!
