Now, the city is one of the cheapest places to live in Southern California and is home to more than 200,000 people who enjoy access to waterfall hikes, verdant parks, go-kart racing, and the quirky Bono’s Historic Orange on Route 66. What does it mean to be a California.com Recommended Business? , so there’s always an adventure to be had when living in Oxnard. The bustling waterfront offers maritime museums and boat tours, too, so passersby can watch the fishmongers reel in their fresh catches of the day. San Francisco, which is roughly 1.5 hours away, Sacramento is arguably among the best places to live in California. But residing in a place with such enticing features can sometimes come at a cost. With a fascinating past as an agricultural heartland and a rich, vibrant culture, the charming community draws droves with its historic downtown, premium outlets and shops, diverse restaurants, pretty parks, and, . You understand that your consent is not a condition of purchase. The Stockton Marina makes it possible to explore the intricate maze of inlets and bays via riverboats; afterward, wander the downtown waterfront to hear live music. With Yosemite National Park as well as Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks just a short drive away, you can take your pick of activities such as cycling, hiking, or jogging on the many trails that encircle Clovis. Now, the city is one of the cheapest places to live in Southern California and is home to more than 200,000 people who enjoy access to waterfall hikes, verdant parks, go-kart racing, and the, quirky Bono’s Historic Orange on Route 66, . Murrells Inlet, SC. Home to soothing rivers, historic streets, farm-to-table eateries, and affordable homes, the state capital is a top place to live. This is a natural balloon boom/bust cycle. Closest metropolitan city: San Francisco, which is roughly 1.5 hours away. Thanks to Fontana’s proximity to Los Angeles, it’s also easy to make a day trip to L.A. to see the city’s best attractions and most beautiful beaches. And when you crave the hustle-and-bustle of a larger city, take a trip to San Jose and enjoy some South Bay adventures. Situated on the shores of Clear Lake—the largest natural freshwater lake in California—this small town is a paradise for nature lovers and is home to a flourishing wine scene. and residents living in larger metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco—are certainly feeling the financial squeeze, as the state’s housing and rent prices continue to climb but wages stay relatively stagnant. Situated between L.A. and Santa Barbara, this coastal town boasts seven miles of white-sand beaches, bountiful farm stands (with ultra-sweet strawberries), world-class taquerias, and a lovely harbor that offers easy access to Channel Islands National Park. Clearlake also happens to be one of the cheapest places to live in Northern California, with the average home costing less than $200,000. So, if you want to live in one of America’s most exciting states but don’t want to deal with the high real estate prices (and still want to be close to famed attractions and bustling metropolitan areas), here are the least expensive places to live in California: Does your business rank among the best in California? Oxnard, a beach city in Ventura County with 200,000 residents, is located … Clovis is known as the “Gateway to the Sierra” for a reason: The town is nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, making it a top real-estate choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a cheap place to live in California. 1 ranking on the list of affordable beach cities. Expansive parks and waterfall hikes abound in the town, but when the mountains call, the majestic Lassen Volcanic National Park is merely a stone’s throw away.