Many people dream about moving out to California and living on the West Coast. And who wouldn’t love to live in one of the most beautiful states in the country with perfect weather, beaches and movie stars just down the road? However, California isn’t exactly known for being cheap, so it might be hard to find affordable places to live if you need to know where to look.
To say that the cost of living in California is high would be an understatement, but there are still plenty of opportunities to live well in California without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking to move to the Golden State or you’re just wondering about homes for sale California, here is the list of the best places in California to live on a budget, where rent and home prices are low but the quality of life is high.
5) Camarillo
Camarillo is the county seat of Ventura County and has a population of over 106,000. Along with being home to many businesses, Camarillo is also known for its natural resources. Besides, Camarillo is close to the Santa Monica Mountains and many other recreational areas.
In addition, it’s considered one of the safest cities in America. If you’re looking for a smaller town for affordable living that’s close to nature and culture and still offers plenty of opportunity, Camarillo may be the best place to live.
4) Vacaville
Vacaville is where you’ll want to be if you’re looking for a place not too far from the Bay Area. Home to the popular Nut Tree Shopping Center, this city offers many shops and restaurants within walking distance from your home. With its proximity to San Francisco and Sacramento, Vacaville is perfect for those who work or go to school nearby.
This area is so great because it has everything you could ever want without being overly expensive. It also has very low crime rates, which are important if you have children or pets! The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Vacaville is $2,275 per month.
3) Simi Valley
Simi Valley is great for families because of the low cost of living and good schools. It has excellent public transportation, which is perfect for those who work near their homes. It also has many parks and trails suitable for people who like nature. It’s also not too far from LA, so you can enjoy city life when you want to go there. It’s easy to get around town with its bike lanes, sidewalks, and bus stops. Plus, it’s close to Disneyland!
It has some nice areas that aren’t as expensive as other cities but still have all the amenities that any family would need. Lastly, Simi Valley is home to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, so if you’re into history, this is a must-visit spot!
2) Ventura
Located just north of Los Angeles, Ventura is the perfect place for anyone looking for an affordable home. Ventura offers plenty of outdoor activities and natural beauty that you can’t find anywhere else. Access to the Pacific Ocean allows you to enjoy many beach-related activities, including surfing, fishing, and swimming.
For those who prefer water sports, there are two major lakes located near downtown. In addition, Ventura has more than 300 days of sunshine each year, so it’s always warm outside. If you’re looking for an affordable place with plenty of outdoor activity opportunities, look no further than Ventura.
1) Oxnard
Oxnard, CA, is the perfect place to call home if you’re looking for a small town with big-city amenities. It’s safe, has beautiful beaches, and plenty of entertainment. Besides, homes for sale here are pretty affordable too. The median home price is $358,000, which isn’t bad when you compare it to other major cities like San Francisco or New York City, where homes can easily cost $1 million or more. This is even better because the unemployment rate is only 4%.
You also won’t be taxed at a higher rate than you would be in some states, so it’s a great place to live. Property taxes are moderate and don’t exceed 1% of your property value yearly. Living here will make your bank account happy while providing you with all that Southern California has to offer.
What’s Left to Say
Although California is one of the country’s most expensive states, you can still find affordable houses. It won’t come cheap if you want to live near the beach, but if you’re looking for an affordable home close to lots of outdoor activities and big cities, California has it all. With these five locations at your fingertips, you can find your own dream home or place at a reasonable price!