Best places to live on the West Coast

Canva For centuries, Americans and people from around the world have heeded Horace Greeley’s advice to “go west.” The West Coast of the United States has been calling settlers ever since the early 1800s. From the Oregon Trail to the Gold Rush to 1967’s Summer of Love, something magnetic about the Pacific Coast of the United States calls to the hearts of those looking to start anew. And who could blame them? From the sun-drenched beaches of Southern California to the brilliant minds of Silicon Valley, the verdant forests of Oregon, and the lakes and towering mountains of Washington State, the West Coast is incredibly varied and dynamic. Thus, narrowing down the best places to live on the West Coast can certainly be a challenge. Stacker compiled just such a list using data from Niche. Cities, towns, and suburbs in the following states were considered: California, Oregon, and Washington. Some of these places are surely already on your radar, like tech-savvy Palo Alto, California, or the culturally cosmopolitan city of Seattle. Others may be a bit more under the radar, like Tualatin, Oregon, known for its quirky festivals. Many places on this list are suburbs of affluent and diverse metropolitan cities, while others are planned communities or older cities that have undergone revitalization projects. Cities with access to the great outdoors are ubiquitous here, as there is just so much raw, unspoiled beauty to be seen in the American West. Whether you’re looking to settle down and raise a family or are interested in hitting the town with your batch of new, educated friends, there’s a place on this list that will surely draw your attention. How many of these places do you know? Is your town or city on the list? Click through to find the best places to live on the West Coast. You may also like: 10 hacks to make any room in your home look bigger #100. Carlsbad, California Tonya Staab // Shutterstock – Population: 114,411 Located between Los Angeles and San Diego, Carlsbad has the best of everything California offers. From 7 miles of coastline to easy access to some of the country’s finest resorts and amusement parks to its incredible local breweries, shopping, and golf courses, the city has a little something for everyone. Carlsbad’s thriving information technology and manufacturing industries also mean plenty of jobs in the area. #99. Woodway, Washington Nadia Yong // Shutterstock – Population: 1,077 Just 20 minutes from Seattle, Woodway is a small city known for its walkability, bike paths, and nearby wine country. It calls itself “The Quiet Place,” and for good reason–it is packed with parks. From the Woodway Reserve to Deer Creek Park and the John Bush Play Area, there are many outdoor opportunities for residents of all ages. #98. Millbrae, California Cassiohabib // Shutterstock – Population: 22,998 Milbrae offers a fairly unique living experience in California, a state seemingly only populated with overcrowded cities and barely-there small towns. Located just south of San Francisco, the town is an easy drive away from the restaurants, shopping, and cultural scenes that draw folks to urban hubs. However, with less than 23,000 residents, it also offers a much more affordable cost of living and a know-your-neighbors sort of experience. #97. Los Alamitos, California trekandshoot // Shutterstock – Population: 11,521 Similarly to Millbrae, the Los Angeles suburb of Los Alamitos offers its residents a best-of-both-worlds experience. Easy commuting distance from the big city, residents have employment opportunities in nearly every field at their fingertips. That, combined with the fact that Los Alamitos is safe and affordable (most folks own their homes here), makes it a dream location for those looking to settle down in southern California. #96. San Mateo, California Canva – Population: 103,619 Not far outside of San Francisco is San Mateo, a town beloved for its Mediterranean climate and easy winters. The sprawling suburban area has plenty of outdoor recreation options (like hiking trails and impeccably landscaped parks) that create many opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the perfect, year-round weather. San Mateo also boasts a thriving downtown and is within easy community distance of the even bigger metropolis–a dream for anyone who wants both easy access to nature and the benefits of living in one of the country’s biggest cities. You may also like: Can you guess these famous skylines? #95. Emeryville, California Canva – Population: 11,679 Between Berkley and Oakland lies Emeryville, a small but surprisingly industrious town. The city is home to several major companies, including Pixar Animation Studios, Clif Bar, the Center for Investigative Reporting, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, and several tech firms. Its small population is largely made up of young professionals (many of whom commute to larger cities nearby), and, as a result, its bar and restaurant scenes are thriving. #94. Snoqualmie, Washington Canva – Population: 13,550 Surrounded by mountains and forest, Snoqualmie is one of the best places to live in Washington. The town has 40 parks and more than 20 miles of trails for walking, biking, or horseback riding. It also has more than 30 restaurants, an arts and entertainment community, and the legendary Snoqualmie Falls, a beautiful waterfall that plunges over granite cliffs. #93. Orinda, California ktao // Shutterstock – Population: 19,461 Not far from Oakland lies the city of Orinda. Residents love it for its laid-back lifestyle, nature hikes, history, and breezy commute times. It’s a small town within a stone’s throw of two of California’s largest cosmopolitan areas, according to SFGate. #92. Pacific Grove, California Alexander Demyanenko // Shutterstock – Population: 15,471 Sometimes referred to as “America’s most romantic city,” Pacific Grove has been the backdrop for many TV shows and movies like “Big Little Lies” and “Turner & Hooch.” Aside from being jaw-droppingly beautiful, the town’s main draws are its acres of shoreline, an abundance of outdoor activities, and quiet way of life. It’s also the winter home of the country’s monarch butterfly population, which migrate to the area from the fall equinox through the spring equinox. #91. Laguna Beach, California Canva – Population: 22,991 The seaside resort town of Laguna Beach boasts a mild year-round climate, low crime rates, and some of the best public schools in the nation. Additionally, it has a thriving art scene and a booming tourism industry, both of which provide a plethora of unique jobs. The city is also dedicated to environmental preservation. It has plenty of organizations focused on saving its miles of coastline, ensuring its wealth of public beaches will be there to enjoy for years to come. You may also like: Best places to live in the Midwest #90. Mill Valley, California Sundry Photography // Shutterstock – Population: 14,456 Down in Marin County is Mill Valley, a wealthy community known for its low poverty and crime rates, excellent public schools, and wealth of opportunities for outdoor activities. Muir Woods, a national park filled with old-growth redwood trees, is nearby, as is Stinson Beach, one of the best swimming beaches in northern California, according to the National Park Service. #89. Alameda, California trekandshoot // Shutterstock – Population: 79,827 Located on a series of islands just off the coast of San Francisco, Alameda is a bustling suburban town. It’s incredibly diverse, family-oriented, and within easy commuting distance for those looking to work in some of the city’s better-paying industries (the cost of living is quite high here). More locally, Alameda has a great public transportation system and a downtown area that has grown significantly over the last decade. #88. Tiburon, California cdrin // Shutterstock – Population: 9,167 Tiburon is one of San Francisco’s quieter suburbs. With less than a 10th of the population of Alameda, Tiburon is much more close-knit than its counterpart, though it’s equally as expensive and diverse. Good schools, an easy commute, and a focus on outdoor activities are among its other major draws. #87. Rolling Hills Estates, California MILA Zed // Shutterstock – Population: 8,025 Rolling Hills Estates is a gated Los Angeles suburb. All its property is privately owned, except for its stoplight-free streets and 23 miles of horse trails. Folks who chose to move here do so for the safety, community feel, and equestrian focus. #86. Walnut Creek, California Chris LaBasco // Shutterstock – Population: 69,836 Walnut Creek lies at the junction of three highways (leading from Sacramento, San Jose, and San Francisco/Oakland) and is easily accessible by the BART, making it a commuter’s dream. Equal parts laid-back and high-energy, the town has both a thriving nightlife scene and plenty of outdoor activities, like several golf courses, miles of biking trails, and easy access to everything Mt. Diablo State Park has to offer. You may also like: Oldest cities in America #85. Claremont, California Albert Campbell // Shutterstock – Population: 35,610 “The city of trees and P.H.d’s,” Claremont boasts seven colleges and some of the best-preserved historic districts in the United States. Primarily residential, those working outside of academia will likely need to commute to nearby Los Angeles or San Bernardino, but travel time to both places is quite short. The city also hosts several large retirement communities, making it an excellent option for those looking to slow down with other folks in the same stage of life. #84. Belvedere, California FourthNovemberStudio // Shutterstock – Population: 2,246 Belvedere is a wealthy sailing community consisting of two islands and a lagoon that boasts two major yacht clubs. Although its cost of living is high, the town is incredibly safe and home to several of the state’s best public schools. Like Claremont, it’s largely residential, but folks won’t have to travel far for work as it’s only 4 miles north of San Francisco. #83. Folsom, California Canva – Population: 79,584 Folsom may be best known for Folsom State Prison, but it offers much more than its correctional center. Folsom is home to 30 miles of bike trails that cater to folks of all skill levels, highly rated public schools, and a family-oriented feel. It also ranked as one of the safest cities in the state as recently as 2019, with a violent crime rate of just 0.82 per 1,000 people. #82. North Tustin, California Eric Urquhart // Shutterstock – Population: 25,147 An unincorporated community in Orange County, North Tustin is growing at a fairly decent clip. With a low poverty rate and a median household income that is well above the national average, there seems to be plenty of opportunity in the southern California town. #81. Lake Forest Park, Washington Cascade Creatives // Shutterstock – Population: 13,455 On the banks of Lake Washington, not far from Seattle, is Lake Forest Park. The wealthy community is known for its low crime rate, low unemployment rate, and excellent school system. You may also like: These are best cities to raise a family in #80. Aliso Viejo, California Matt Gush // Shutterstock – Population: 50,385 Aliso Viejo is a wealthy community with some of the highest real estate values in the nation. It also attracts young, single, and sociable residents, many of whom work in math and science or the arts. #79. Ross, California Matt Gush // Shutterstock – Population: 2,453 Despite being just outside of San Francisco, Ross offers residents a fairly rural experience. Quiet, family-oriented, and surrounded on one end by a protected watershed, it’s hard to believe that it’s located in one of the densest counties in the country. A small downtown area, gorgeous homes, and the pristine Pheonix Lake are some of the area’s biggest assets. #78. Montecito, California Darryl Brooks // Shutterstock – Population: 8,210 Home to famous faces like Oprah, Ellen, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle, Montecito is something of a celebrity enclave. Luxurious, quiet, and laid-back, the city has gorgeous views, as well as plenty of shopping, dining, and outdoor activities. #77. Alamo, California Chris LaBasco // Shutterstock – Population: 13,864 One of the most affluent suburbs of San Francisco, Alamo is chosen by many residents for its luxurious lifestyle and bucolic countryside feel. Good schools, dozens of well-designed parks, and a high safety rating are among the city’s best attributes. #76. Santa Clara, California Canva – Population: 126,723 Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara has it all: the headquarters of some of the country’s biggest tech firms, the oldest university in the state, an NFL stadium, and a 112-acre amusement park. The cost of living certainly isn’t cheap, but residents will never find themselves without something to do or somewhere to explore. You may also like: The richest town in every state #75. Gold River, California Andrew Zarivny // Shutterstock – Population: 7,930 Gold River holds the distinction of being the highest-income-per-household town in all of Sacramento Valley ($117,000). A fully planned community, Gold River is primarily residential, though there are a handful of retail and commercial areas. #74. Torrance, California KevinKim // Shutterstock – Population: 144,430 With 1.5 miles of coastline and year-round moderate weather, Torrance is an outdoorsman’s dream. The city has more than 200 acres of natural space that include everything from beaches to hiking and biking trails. With a crime rate well below the national average (and among the lowest in Los Angeles county) and booming manufacturing and oil industries, this southern California town is also perfect for folks looking to lay down some roots. #73. Oak Park, California Joe Mabel // Wikimedia Commons – Population: 13,987 Oak Park is a safe, quiet suburb of Los Angeles that has a family-friendly feel to it. With plenty of parks, hiking and biking trails, award-winning schools, and beautiful neighborhoods, it makes an excellent place to start a family. #72. Oak Hills, Oregon Thye-Wee Gn // Shutterstock – Population: 11,682 Oak Hills is located in northwest Oregon along the Columbia River and the border with Washington state. It is known for its master-planned Oak Hills community, built in the 1960s. Key assets for residents include an elementary school, pool and tennis courts, green spaces, and plenty of walking paths. #71. Lake Oswego, Oregon Canva – Population: 39,476 Just south of Portland, Lake Oswego is a historic community known for its beautiful homes and access to nearby nature, from the Columbia River Gorge to Mt. Hood and the 405-acre lake itself. Lake Oswego is also peppered with art galleries and performing arts centers, making it one of the more culture-rich places to live in the area. You may also like: Iconic buildings from every state #70. Cupertino, California Uladzik Kryhin // Shutterstock – Population: 59,799 Cupertino is one of the top cities to live in, not only in California but in the nation. According to AreaVibes, it has a low crime rate and a school system that is well above the national average. An impressive 97% percent of the youth graduate high school, and test scores are 75% higher than the U.S. average. #69. Arcadia, California Kit Leong // Shutterstock – Population: 57,053 Located in Los Angeles County, Arcadia is one of the best places to live on the West Coast, thanks to its suburban living, restaurants, parks, and diversity. Niche reports that 60% of its residents are homeowners.  #68. Cedar Hills, Oregon Nadia Yong // Shutterstock – Population: 9,514 The affluent Cedar Hills is a safe, wealthy community with a low crime rate and excellent education, according to AreaVibes. Crime was 32% lower than the national average in 2020, according to FBI data.  #67. West Linn, Oregon Canva – Population: 26,764 Poised between the Willamette and Tualatin rivers just outside of Portland, West Linn is one of the most historical places in the state. Residents love it for its outdoor activities like golfing, cycling, kayaking, and skiing, but it’s also a hot spot for fresh Oregon cuisine and wine. It is also steeped in Native American history. #66. Rossmoor, California Lucy Autrey Wilson // Shutterstock – Population: 11,923 In 1951, an enterprising businessman bought the land Rossmoor now lays on with the sole intent of creating a planned community of about 3,500 houses. Though the town’s boundaries have shifted some since then, the core of it– a residential community with two commercial areas, a single park, and a well-funded school–remains the same. You may also like: What the 50 biggest cities in America looked like 50 years ago #65. Kentfield, California Lucy Autrey Wilson // Shutterstock – Population: 7,423 Outdoorsy, quiet, and packed with historic homes, Kentfield is a Marin county gem. Excellent schools, perfect weather, and tons of local activities make this suburb appealing to folks who are looking to commute to San Francisco for work but who aren’t looking to partake in the city’s hustle and bustle on the weekends. #64. Cerritos, California Matt Gush // Shutterstock – Population: 49,388 A so-called “gateway city,” Cerritos lies just outside Los Angeles, providing a suburban landing place for thousands of primary city workers. The town places a lot of emphasis on the arts (it has a notable art in public places program), takes pride in its many public parks, and focuses heavily on its educational opportunities (one high school has a 99% graduation rate and was ranked 14th in the nation by U.S. News in 2022). #63. Kirkland, Washington The Image Party // Shutterstock – Population: 91,146 Located on the eastern shore of Lake Washington, Kirkland is all about outdoor living, cuisine, and arts and culture. Parkland comprises about 25% of the city, while the downtown area is packed with restaurants showcasing the farm-to-table cuisine and wine of the region. In addition, the Kirkland Performance Center is a 400-seat theater that hosts a year-round calendar of music, theater, and dance performances. #62. Issaquah, Washington Ryan C Slimak // Shutterstock – Population: 38,707 On the shores of Puget Sound and at the base of the Cascade Mountains just east of Seattle, Issaquah is heaven for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to its outdoor activities, Issaquah has a charming downtown with shopping, museums, and restaurants–all within a short drive from the cosmopolitan cultural hub of Seattle. #61. Lafayette, California Chris LaBasco // Shutterstock – Population: 25,949 Lafayette is steeped in history, packed with ways to enjoy the great outdoors, and home to a popular art and wine festival. With its own Bay Area Rapid Transit District station, the trip from the sleepy community to downtown San Francisco is easy, something that’s undoubtedly appealing to its large mass of commuters. Low crime rates and highly-rated public schools round out the area’s appeal. You may also like: How much the typical home cost in your state in 1950 #60. Loyola, California Sundry Photography // Shutterstock – Population: 3,404 The home of Facebook’s first headquarters, Loyola is a woodsy area between Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. It provides residents a rural experience without being too far from major industry hubs. Ranked a great place for families and diversity, it is easy to see why it falls so high on this list. #59. Rancho Palos Verdes, California GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock – Population: 41,635 The coastal community of Rancho Palos Verdes is an affluent town with high-net-worth residents. The vast majority of residents work white-collar jobs, according to Neighborhood Scout. There is a high diversity of residents, with nearly a third born outside of the U.S. #58. Larkspur, California Charles Cathey // Shutterstock – Population: 12,363 Larkspur, California, is a short drive north of San Francisco, nestled among centuries-old redwood trees. With its turn-of-the-century feel and historic downtown, the city offers a unique old-world feel in a future-focused state. #57. Atherton, California Sundry Photography // Shutterstock – Population: 7,060 Atherton may be one of the best places to live on the West Coast, but as recently as 2019, it was also one of the most expensive. Located just 20 minutes from major companies like Facebook, Tesla, and Google headquarters, the suburban community is filled with mega mansions and little else (there are no restaurants or shopping centers within city limits). The average household income here is above $450,000, and the median home price is north of $6 million. All that money may not buy you a lot of adventure, but it will buy you safety and privacy if that’s what you’re after. #56. Corte Madera, California Drew Shetter // Shutterstock – Population: 9,793 Nestled at the base of beautiful Mount Tamalpais, Corte Madera is a small, charming coastal community at the convergence of San Francisco Bay and Corte Madera Creek. As such, it is packed with stunning scenery, but it also offers its affluent residents high-end shopping, restaurants, and Shorebird Marsh, a 31-acre wildlife habitat. You may also like: 30 things to look for when deciding where to retire #55. Encinitas, California Marcel Fuentes // Shutterstock – Population: 62,967 Southern California is packed with beautiful beach towns, but Encinitas remains one of the best. A vibrant downtown is packed with coffeehouses and restaurants, while the coastline calls surfers and outdoor enthusiasts. Residents take pride in the outdoor offerings but are also among the highest net-worth individuals, as real estate is some of the highest in the country. #54. Newcastle, Washington Ryan C Slimak // Shutterstock – Population: 12,078 Newcastle is a highly affluent community located at the edge of Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, southeast of Seattle. Residents have access to acres of outdoor activities within the park. AreaVibes notes that crime is lower than the U.S. average. #53. Belmont, California Canva – Population: 26,963 Belmont is a Bay Area community just outside of San Francisco. The community is known as being top-notch for families thanks to its public school system. Niche gave Belmont an A for ethnic and economic diversity in 2022.uuuu #52. Saratoga, California Sundry Photography // Shutterstock – Population: 31,084 Saratoga is a suburb outside San Jose, perched on the edge of wine country and Portola Redwoods State Park. Its residents are surrounded by nature, at the doorstep of many restaurants and outdoor activities, and within easy reach of the attractions, airport, and services of San Jose. #51. Ladera Ranch, California Canva – Population: 24,996 Ladera Ranch has some of the highest real estate in California and offers a quiet, family-friendly vibe. Residents work in white-collar jobs like management, sales, and finance, according to Neighborhood Scout. You may also like: Here are the best places to live on the East Coast, from New England to the Florida Keys #50. Monte Sereno, California Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz // Shutterstock – Population: 3,511 Monte Sereno is one of the most expensive places to live in California. Residents are attracted to low crime rates, excellent public schools, and access to hundreds of acres of nature, from Castle Rock State Park to El Sereno Preserve, Mt. Bielawski, and Portola Redwoods State Park. #49. West Menlo Park, California Sundry Photography // Shutterstock – Population: 3,720 West Menlo Park, located in the Bay Area, is one of the most affluent cities in the nation. In fact, according to AreaVibes, it’s more suitable for “executive lifestyles” than 99.6% of the neighborhoods in the U.S. About 54% of residents have earned a master’s degree or higher, and nearly 80% of the workforce comprises executives, managers, and professionals. #48. Sunnyvale, California Sundry Photography // Shutterstock – Population: 152,569 Sunnyvale is a bustling city in the Bay Area. Niche rated it among the best in the U.S. for young professionals, thanks to its diversity, activity, public schools, and low crime rate. The mix of urban and suburban vibes gives residents plenty to do, from restaurants and bars to parks and recreation. #47. Los Gatos, California Sundry Photography // Shutterstock – Population: 31,943 Los Gatos is a mid-sized city not far from the Bay Area. The downtown area offers a small-town vibe with pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining, as well as historic architecture. AreaVibes reports the crime rate islower than the U.S. average, and students test significantly higher than the rest of the country. #46. El Segundo, California Paul W Thompson // Shutterstock – Population: 16,575 El Segundo may cover just 5.5 square miles, but it’s an economic powerhouse. The aerospace capital of the world, at least seven aerospace companies, including Boeing, have offices in the town, as do several other Fortune 500 companies like Mattel and Direct TV. Economic opportunity, therefore, is a driving factor in folks’ decision to settle down here, but beautiful neighborhoods, good schools, and a thriving nightlife scene don’t hurt either. You may also like: Metros where people owe more than their homes are worth #45. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California David A Litman // Shutterstock – Population: 3,789 Carmel-by-the-Sea is a poetically beautiful community along California’s central coast. Its beaches,  90 acres of parks, performing arts events, galleries, and restaurants attract residents. #44. San Anselmo, California Will Alpert // Shutterstock – Population: 12,623 Marin County’s San Anselmo is a historic small town that is big on community vibes. It is also nestled between San Francisco and Napa, offering its residents the benefits of culture and cosmopolitan living. It’s near Mount Tamalpais State Park and the Robson-Harrington Gardens, giving outdoor enthusiasts access to miles of hiking and biking trails. #43. San Francisco, California Pete Niesen // Shutterstock – Population: 874,784 San Francisco is one of the world’s most famous cities, but it comes in a pint-sized package. The city measures 46.87 square miles but is filled with expensive homes, museums, restaurants, and culture. It is also at the doorstep to some of the most exciting outdoor adventures in Northern California. #42. Pleasanton, California Michael C. Berch // Wikimedia Commons – Population: 79,975 Forty-five miles east of San Francisco is the city of Pleasanton. Home to the Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, a 9,090-acre preserved natural area, it’s a prime spot for outdoor lovers. Pleasanton is also close enough to the culture and employment opportunities of San Francisco, giving residents a well-rounded living experience. #41. Cedar Mill, Oregon Canva – Population: 18,661 Cedar Mill is an affluent suburb of Portland. Neighborhood Scout reports it is more expensive than nearly 84% of the neighborhoods in the U.S. Residents get a lot for what they pay for, however, from access to nature with Forest Park, Cooper Mountain Nature Park, and the Willamette River to the culture and diversity of nearby Portland. You may also like: The best places to live out your West Coast retirement dreams #40. Los Altos, California Canva – Population: 30,878 Los Altos sits in northern Silicon Valley, near San Francisco. It is an affluent and well-educated community and offers its residents much to do, from hundreds of acres of nearby preserved forest to art and museums. Niche reports that the area also has an excellent public school system. #39. Mercer Island, Washington Russ Heinl // Shutterstock – Population: 25,820 Located in Lake Washington between Seattle and Bellevue, Mercer Island is rated the sixth-best suburb to live in Washington, according to Niche. Peppered with public green spaces like Luther Burbank Park, Mercerdale Park, Pioneer Park, and Groveland Beach Park, there is ample opportunity for outdoor recreation. #38. Coronado, California Canva – Population: 24,526 Just across the bay from San Diego, Coronado has a private-community vibe that makes it one of the most exclusive places to live in the state. The beaches are stunning, and locals love the restaurant scene, bike paths, shopping, and views of downtown San Diego. #37. San Ramon, California Zhuo Wen Chen // Shutterstock – Population: 81,344 The City of San Ramon is one of the newer cities in California, having been incorporated in 1983. It is 35 miles east of San Francisco, and residents are attracted to its natural beauty, school systems, and job opportunities. San Ramon has 58 parks, as well. #36. Hillsborough, California Gary gary gary // Wikimedia Commons – Population: 11,608 The small town of Hillsborough is located in San Mateo County in the Bay Area. It is a white-collar community. The majority work in management, sales, and health care. It’s a great community for families, as well, due to its excellent public schools and educated adults. You may also like: Best place to live in every state #35. Menlo Park, California