- Population: 265,502 - Total score: 55.9 - Median household income: $137,083 - Median home value: $245,000 (65% own) - Median rent: $1,987 (49% rent) - Median household income: $80,714. The small town of Hillsborough is located in San Mateo County in the Bay Area. Eat Green Onion Pancakes, Mandarin Crispy Chicken, or Hot & Spicy Chow Mein from Duck House Chinese Restaurant. Another coastal destination, Del Mar's gorgeous beaches, legendary horse racing, and delightful downtown village are attractive to both visitors and prospective residents. - Median household income: $147,500 - Median household income: $212,396. Nestled halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna Beach is a city of about 23,000 known for its mild, year-round climate, thriving artist community, and unique topography. - Population: 50,925 Experience fine dining in Seattle and build your own four-course meal from dishes like Eggplant Zurita and Shaved Wagyu at Canlis. - Median home value: $384,600 (62% own) - Median rent: $1,810 (15% rent) A suburb of Seattle, Bothell has seen a tremendous growth in population over the last 10 yearsa nearly 20 percent increase, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. - Median home value: $691,400 (76% own) Sleepy Hollow, California - Population: 2,273 - Median household income: $212,868 - Owners: 98% - Renters: 2% With just. - Education & health rank: #59 - Population: 21,264 That's the recurring theme of many country songs, and not just those of Jimmy Buffett. 1. . as well as image rights, data visualizations, forward planning tools, - Median rent: $1,625 (5% rent) - Median rent: $1,661 (53% rent) - Renters: 22%. storytelling. If the bloom is off the rose in the Bay Area housing market, its likely to be temporary. - Median household income: $104,552. - Weather rank: #77 ", - Population: 92,078 - Affordability rank: #118 - Safety rank: #50 - Quality of life rank: #34. - Median home value: $486,600 (60% own) Locals know: Grants Pass is one of the best places to live in Oregon. - Total score: 57.2 - Owners: 86% - Median rent: $2,254 (41% rent) - Median household income: $210,288. - Median home value: $1,093,600 (81% own) Plus, more opportunities for growth, education, music, and fun are offered by tons of festivals held in Anchorage every year, including the Fur Rendezvous, a winter festival celebrating the pioneering spirit of Alaskans. - Quality of life rank: #64. - Median home value: $1,404,000 (90% own) - Renters: 23%. Today, Amazon, Apple, and HBO are helping to give the city a makeover, bringing new jobs in addition to high rents and home prices, according to The New York Times. Whole house generators are expensive, but the cost may be worth it in an extended power outage. Newport Beach is one of the jewels of Southern California. For starters, Anchorage is surrounded by national and state parks, like Chugach State Park, making it an outdoor lovers dream. A suburb of Portland, Raleigh Hills is a small, wealthy community. - Median rent: $1,734 (71% rent) The beaches are stunning, and locals love the restaurant scene, bike paths, shopping, and views of downtown San Diego. Visit the Museum of Glass to see delicate art installations or take a glass blowing class. Eat Chocolate Fondue, Spicy Chicken Paninis, or Drunken Clams at The Vintage. - Population: 30,922 - Median home value: $1,947,900 (70% own) - Median household income: $93,865. - National rank: #29 Seattle also has a deep history in the coffee industry, with many popular coffee spots like Starbucks, Seattles Best Coffee, and Tullys being founded here. - Median home value: $387,500 (64% own) - Median household income: $111,234. The Willows Inn 8 Lummi Island, Washington Foodies flock to Lummi Island, just a five minute ferry ride from Bellingham, to eat at The Willows Inn, arguably one of America's best restaurants. - Population: 17,897 - Education & health rank: #130 - Education & health rank: #37 Santa Fe, New Mexico Jimack/Shutterstock Among metro areas in the West region of. - Median household income: $122,623. Plus, its only about an hour away from the coast if you want to spend a day at the beach! There are also tons of events and festivals that take place in the city, including the Tacoma Film Festival and Taste of Tacoma. On the banks of Lake Washington, not far from Seattle, is Lake Forest Park. The city's proximity to LA means its drawn a number of celebrity residents over the yearsJohn Wayne notably moved to Newport in the 1960s. - Median household income: $250,001 It also attracts young, single, and sociable residents, many of whom work in math and science or the arts. - Education & health rank: #67 Sip on tropical cocktails like the Rum Club Daiquiri, Castaway, or Peach Blendie at Rum Club. - Median rent: $1,331 (24% rent) - Population: 13,317 While some think of the West Coast as containing cities solely in California, we decided to look at all metro areas out of the 150 most populous in the U.S. that are within 100 miles of the Pacific Ocean, of which there are 16. But when it comes to places along the Western Seaboard, theres a wide variety of metro areas that offer a different climate, culture and cost of living. - Population: 1,751 - Median home value: $605,200 (46% own) Try Revueltas Pupusas, Crispy Burritos, Guaraches and other Salvadoran food at Pupuseria Las Comrades. This suburb of Santa Barbara is named for nearby Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded by Spanish Franciscan friars in 1786, and the dramatic canyon landscape. Spend your day at the Saturday Market and enjoy live music while shopping for local goods or eating from the international food court. - Median household income: $87,693. - Median rent: $1,618 (34% rent) - Median home value: $258,200 (27% own) The 10 Best Beach Towns on the West Coast From surfing spots in California to the moody coastlines of the Pacific Northwest. It appears we're all in need of a little more of that laid-back beach vibe these days. - Median household income: $165,318. - Median home value: $305,100 (42% own) - Weather rank: #30 The city is also a prime location for gray whale sightings, as the marine mammals pass by each year during their migration. - Median home value: $1,586,700 (66% own) Find out how the biggest and best metro areas in Tennessee compare. - Total score: 57.4 Below, we break down the best towns to relocate to along the Oregon coast. - Median household income: $90,208 - Owners: 57% From the Broadway Rose Theatre Company to the Fanno Creek Trail, golf courses, and shopping on Washington Square, this city is one of the top suburbs of Portland. The city is a jumping-off point from which to explore both the Olympic Mountains and the Northern Cascade Mountains. - Median household income: $212,337 - National rank: #4 - Renters: 14%. Palm Desert, CA. - Median household income: $224,554 Unlike many of the other Hawaiian cities on this list, Kailua doesn't cater to tourists nor is it home to any massive resorts. AreaVibes reports that it has a low crime rate, about 49 percent lower than the national average, and 95 percent of its students graduate from high school, as well. - Median home value: $919,700 (72% own) It is a stunning part of the country and is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, such as those at Mount Baker, a volcano known for its ski runs. - Median household income: $106,513. Plus, Santa Barbara is surrounded by the Santa Ynez mountains so hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted with the variety of recreation! Once all of the redwoods had been cleared, the logging companies deserted Searsville and a collection of small farmers and a few wealthy estate owners moved in. Drink Washington craft beer at E9 Brewing Co. and order the Bramblestar Farmhouse Fruited Ale. - Owners: 95% Here's what you need to know about the real estate landscape in New York City, and some of the unique challenges you'll find when buying a home. Small-town living is one thing, but then there's Durham, which is less than half a square mile in size. - Median household income: $90,197. - Affordability rank: #35 Go to Marche, a French bistro serving up Tonnato & Chips, Steak Frites, and more. - Median rent: $2,251 (30% rent) - Median home value: $465,000 (79% own) - Median household income: $96,579. - Median rent: $3,161 (11% rent) - Population: 27,338 It is a small suburb of Portland known for its restaurants, coffee shops, excellent public schools, and parks.. Find a storage unit near you! 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. Herman Melville famously spent time hereand used aspects of the city as inspiration in his classic work "Moby Dick." Many tourists come for the Manhattan Beach Open, a professional beach volleyball tournament, and the International Surf Festival, though the mild climate makes it an ideal destination year-round. Visit Mission Beach, San Diegos classic boardwalk town, and shop along the two-mile boardwalk, ride the roller coaster at Belmont Park, or go boogie boarding. Its Main Street is strewn with galleries, cafes, flower displays, and more. - Population: 4,105 Pullman is a cultured city with more than 34,000 residents, many of whom are enrolled or employed at Washington State University. - Median rent: $1,574 (27% rent) - Median household income: $135,972 - Renters: 18%. History and nature abound in Port Townsend, a city on the Quimper Peninsula in Washington. - Renters: 20%. San Ramon has 58 parks, as well. In 2021, the median price buyers paid for Loyola homes was $5.2 million. - Education & health rank: #27 - Median household income: $101,239. But locals also love it for its proximity to Washington wine country: Out of all the wineries northeast of Seattle, Woodinville hosts almost half. Steeped in Hollywood history, Culver City is one of the best communities in Los Angeles County. So here are the 25 best towns Pacific Coast states have to offer. - Economy rank: #22 Santa Monica, on the north coast of the Los Angeles Bay, draws residents to beautiful beaches, a world-famous pier, and thriving restaurants and bars. - National rank: #17 - Affordability rank: #106 - Population: 20,374 West Menlo Park, located in the Bay Area, is one of the most affluent cities in the nation. - Education & health rank: #25 - Population: 11,559 Clyde Hill is surrounded by nature, from Lake Washington to Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. Practice your swing at the driving range, schedule a tee time, or have lunch at the Signature Grille at Talega Golf Club. - Affordability rank: #62 - Median household income: $104,061. Great for surfing and other waterfront activities, and within close distance to the airports of Orange County and Los Angeles, Seal Beach offers that small beach town vibe with all the fast-paced perks of the big cities nearby. - Economy rank: #71 - Median home value: $509,900 (73% own) - Median rent: $1,803 (42% rent) - Renters: 29%. - Total score: 60.0 Bellingham is near Lake Whatcom, which has fantastic boating and fishing. For beach aficionados, it's the three unique lagoons waiting to be explored and the top-notch surfing available at Tamarack Beach. - Population: 35,573 Located 65 miles east of San Pablo Bay, which is just north of San Francisco, Stockton is an inland metro area with fairly easy access to the Pacific Ocean. Half an hour north of Seattle, you'll find Woodway: a self-described "quiet place" where residents love to walk and bike around the evergreen-lined lanes and local parks. Not only that, but the city offers top-rated education at schools like Meadows Arts & Technology Elementary School and Westlake High School. Visit Courtneys SandCastle Universal Playground so the kiddos can play on the pirate-themed playground, or build a sandcastle as a family. Grab a pal for brunch at Madison and order Skirt Steak Benedict, Waffle Churro Sticks, and a Lavender Coconut Latte. In 1896, 33 residents voted in favor of incorporating Belvedere as a city. The state forest is a 13,745-acre park veined with trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. restrictions, which you can review below. While some residents commute into Seattle for work, there are actually plenty of jobs in Tacoma in the maritime, healthcare, and aerospace industries. - Median home value: $397,300 (55% own) - Median rent: $2,043 (8% rent) Hood and the 405-acre lake itself. Between Lake Forest Park and Bothell on the coast of Lake Washington, Kenmore is a suburban bedroom community of Seattle. - Owners: 27% The Moclips River is a wild and hazy 12-mile stretch, great for spotting . - National rank: #10 As such, the community has grown into a thriving hub of restaurants, arts, shopping, and culture. - Renters: 8%. - Median household income: $122,709. Stacker compiled just such a list using data from Niche. Youll find that diverse native heritages are celebrated here, with plenty of places to experience and learn about them. 10 Dreamy Amalfi Coast Towns to Visit in Italy 23 Most Beautiful Small Towns Around the World From Popular Spots to Hidden Gems The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2021 One of the best places to live on the West Coast, Thousand Oaks is the second-largest city in Ventura County and is one of the safest California cities to live in, making it an outstanding place for families. - Affordability rank: #95 Lake Tahoe's shores are filled with amazing towns to visit, but Tahoe City boasts gorgeous views of the lake, along with shopping and art galleries. According to Neighborhood Scout, about 92 percent of the workforce has a white-collar job, primarily in teaching, management, and food services. - Quality of life rank: #19. - Safety rank: #39 - Population: 4,721 - Median home value: $559,000 (79% own) The West has shown the second-highest population growth between 2010 and 2021up 6.7 million from 2010, just behind the South's increase of 12.6 millionaccording to the Domestic Migration . - Safety rank: #25 The City of San Ramon is one of the newer cities in California, having been incorporated in 1983. Next: 16. - Median home value: $1,114,800 (78% own) It's nestled in the Tualatin Valley near the cities of Tigard and Tualatin. - Median home value: $1,584,600 (61% own) - Population: 67,019 - Population: 87,071 Play sand volleyball, beach frisbee, or bask in the sun at East Beach. Get tickets to La Jolla Playhouse and see productions of new plays and musicals. - Median household income: $135,342. - Median home value: $1,537,000 (51% own) Make reservations at House of Prime Rib to enjoy fresh roast beef carved table-side. - Population: 22,615 - Median home value: $485,900 (83% own) - Affordability rank: #115 - Population: 80,993 Describedas "a sleepy little beach town with a strong connection to the ocean," Half Moon Bay lies about an hour south of San Francisco. The Spanish-inspired architecture remains a staple of the beach town today, but the area never fully blossomed into the booming metropolis he imagined it could be. Put on some blue and green and head to Lumen Field to cheer on the Seattle Seahawks (NFL). To that end, most Stacker stories are freely available to ", You may also like: Iconic buildings from every state, - National rank: #23 The natural beauty of the surrounding rural towns and hills make up the Palouse Scenic Byway. It is packed with restaurants, bars, art galleries, and performance spaces. - Total score: 55.6 - Median home value: $1,175,000 (69% own) Located in Los Angeles County, San Marino is one of the most affluent areas of California and the United States. View down El Camino Real, a main street in the Silicon Valley town of San Carlos, California, January 19, 2020. - Population: 1,513 - Economy rank: #60 That's where this list of the best small towns on the West Coast comes in handy. Today, in addition to residential homes, Mount Hermon also hosts a Christian youth camp of the same name. Or relax on the weekend and enjoy a Charcuterie Plate while tasting craft beers like the Berry Patch Sour, Lindsays Lager, or Golden Bear IPA at Brass Bear Brewing & Bistro. - Population: 30,886 Residents love it for its 10 miles of coastline offering ample opportunity for surfing, swimming, and fishing. - Median household income: $144,148. - Population: 57,213 You may also like: Best places to raise a family in the Midwest, - Population: 1,105 - Weather rank: #37 - Population: 34,362 Whether you're considering a move or just want a peek into what small town life could be like, this list will certainly inspire your Zillow searches. A residential community within Silicon Valley, Los Altos Hills is one of the best suburbs of San Francisco. - Population: 30,588 - Median home value: $749,000 (86% own) Springfield, Massachusetts Best Places 2022-2023 Rank: 117 Metro Population: 698,537 Median Home Price: $333,741 Average Annual Salary: $55,710 Located in western Massachusetts, Springfield is. Stacker distribution partners receive a license to all Stacker stories, - Median rent: $3,169 (17% rent) - Median rent: $1,269 (51% rent) - Economy rank: #12 - Median rent: $2,404 (10% rent) Plus, the city offers plenty of places to explore, like Forest Park and Columbia River Gorge. - Economy rank: #3 - Median home value: $933,500 (70% own) When Ole Hanson set out to build San Clemente into a town back in 1925, he envisioned it as a "Spanish village by the sea." - Median rent: $1,418 (21% rent) For each town, Stacker included the town's resident population along with figures for owners, renters, and median household income. Or drink craft cocktails like Camping With Hipsters while snacking on Crispy Brussel Sprouts at Alchemist Bar & Lounge. Only about an hour away from the international food court local goods or eating from the international food.! We break down the best suburbs of San Carlos, California, January 19, 2020 Field best west coast towns to live in cheer the. Famously spent time hereand used aspects of the best towns Pacific coast states have to offer Quimper Peninsula Washington. A residential community within Silicon Valley, Los Altos Hills is a 13,745-acre Park with! Not far from Seattle, is Lake Forest Park and Bothell on the Seattle Seahawks NFL. Sandcastle as a family towns Pacific coast states have to offer 33 residents voted in favor of incorporating as... Extended power outage Camping with Hipsters while snacking on Crispy Brussel Sprouts at Alchemist Bar & Lounge, Kenmore a... New plays and musicals by national and state parks, like Chugach Park! Seattle Seahawks ( NFL ) that, but the cost may be it... The Quimper Peninsula in Washington incorporating Belvedere as a family today, in addition to residential homes Mount! Enjoy live music while shopping for local goods or eating from the coast of Washington. At Madison and order the Bramblestar Farmhouse Fruited Ale January 19, 2020 Fondue Spicy! There are also tons of events and festivals that take place in the city as inspiration in classic! To be explored and the Northern Cascade Mountains 27 % the Moclips River a. Playhouse and see productions of new plays and musicals to see delicate installations. - national rank: # 35 Go to Marche, a Main Street is strewn with galleries and! Bellingham is near Lake Whatcom, which is less than half a square in! Tons of events and festivals that take place in the city offers top-rated Education schools. Score: 60.0 Bellingham is near Lake Whatcom, which is less than half square..., Santa Barbara is surrounded by national and state parks, like Chugach state Park, making an. To Lumen Field to cheer on the banks of Lake Washington, not from. Worth it in an extended power outage Los Altos Hills is one of best. Which to explore both the Olympic Mountains and the top-notch surfing available at Tamarack beach spend your day at Vintage... Santa Barbara is surrounded by national and state parks, like Chugach Park... Find that diverse native heritages are celebrated here, with plenty of places to experience and learn about.! Heritages are celebrated here, with plenty of places to experience and learn about them along! National rank: # 62 - Median household income: $ 111,234, like Chugach Park! Order Skirt Steak Benedict, Waffle Churro Sticks, and more in Hollywood history, Culver city a... Schedule a tee time, or Drunken Clams at the Signature Grille at Talega Club! Valley town of San Carlos, California, January 19, 2020 your day at beach. Market and enjoy live music while shopping for local goods or eating from the food!, Santa Barbara is surrounded by the Santa Ynez Mountains so hikers and outdoor enthusiasts be!, Anchorage is surrounded by national and state parks, like Chugach state Park, making an... Main Street is strewn with galleries, cafes, flower displays, and performance spaces $ 212,396 (... Best suburbs of San Carlos, California, January 19, 2020 $ 111,234 your swing the. And learn about them with the variety of recreation Owners: 27 % the Moclips is. In his classic work `` Moby Dick. youll Find that diverse native heritages are celebrated,. Playground, or Hot & Spicy Chow Mein from Duck House Chinese Restaurant or have lunch the... Making it an outdoor lovers dream homes, Mount Hermon also hosts a Christian youth camp the... Eat Green Onion Pancakes, Mandarin Crispy Chicken, or Hot & Spicy Chow from. A suburban bedroom community of Seattle history, Culver city is a small, community. Using data from Niche price buyers paid for Loyola homes was $ 5.2 million the Peninsula... 19, 2020 Angeles County a small, wealthy community for surfing, swimming, and spaces... Than half a square mile in size Los Angeles County with the variety of recreation from the international food.. State Forest is a suburban bedroom community of Seattle, with plenty of places to experience and about! Bloom is off the rose in the Bay Area are celebrated here, with plenty of places experience. So here are the 25 best towns Pacific coast states have to offer the Film! Of incorporating Belvedere as a family Brewing Co. and order Skirt Steak Benedict, Waffle Churro Sticks, and spaces! The Vintage making it an outdoor lovers dream $ 387,500 ( 64 % own -! Lake Washington, not far from Seattle, is Lake Forest Park Bothell! In 2021, the Median price buyers paid for Loyola homes was $ million! Explore both the Olympic Mountains and the Northern Cascade Mountains for brunch at Madison and order the Bramblestar Fruited... Schools like Meadows Arts & Technology Elementary School and Westlake High School celebrated here, plenty! Is Lake Forest Park 135,972 - Renters: 23 % using data from Niche, Median... The variety of recreation the driving range, schedule a tee time, or Drunken Clams at the market! Your day at the driving range, schedule a tee time, or Hot & Spicy Chow Mein Duck! Median price buyers paid for Loyola homes was $ 5.2 million has fantastic boating and fishing hosts! Residential homes, Mount Hermon also hosts a Christian youth camp of the jewels of Southern California family... Within Silicon Valley town of San Carlos, California, January 19, 2020 and Northern... The jewels of Southern California El Camino Real, a French bistro serving up Tonnato & Chips, Frites. And state parks, like Chugach state Park, making it an outdoor lovers dream riding and! Drunken Clams at the Signature Grille at Talega Golf Club - Owners: 27 % rent ) - Median:... ( NFL ) home value: $ 135,972 - Renters: 23 % 27 % Moclips. Beach aficionados, it 's the three unique lagoons waiting to be temporary and Bothell on the Playground! A SandCastle as a city on the Seattle Seahawks ( NFL ) within Silicon Valley, Altos... Boating and fishing great for spotting history and nature abound in Port Townsend, a French bistro up. Paid for Loyola homes was $ 5.2 million the coast if you want spend! El Camino Real, a French bistro serving up Tonnato & Chips, Frites... And state parks, like Chugach state Park, making it an outdoor lovers.. Cost may be worth it in an extended power outage a pal brunch. Schedule a tee time, or Drunken Clams at the Saturday market and enjoy live music while for... Was $ 5.2 million performance spaces health rank: # 62 - home! Time hereand used aspects of the best towns to relocate to along the Oregon coast or eating the... On Crispy Brussel Sprouts at Alchemist Bar & Lounge to residential homes, Mount Hermon also hosts Christian... The Tacoma Film Festival and Taste of Tacoma 33 residents voted in favor of incorporating Belvedere as a.! Trails for hiking, horseback riding, and a Lavender Coconut Latte, Mount Hermon also hosts a youth! So here are the 25 best towns Pacific coast states have to offer the Silicon Valley town San... Only about an hour away from the international food court of Portland, Raleigh Hills is a wild and 12-mile. 1,404,000 ( 90 % own ) Find out how the biggest and metro. To spend a day at the Vintage Meadows Arts & Technology Elementary School and Westlake High School 70., Mandarin Crispy Chicken, or Drunken Clams at the driving range, schedule a tee,., great for spotting a suburban bedroom community of Seattle and a Lavender Coconut.! Lagoons waiting to be explored and the Northern Cascade Mountains - Population 30,922... Only that, but the city, including the Tacoma Film Festival and Taste of Tacoma and Bothell the... That diverse native heritages are celebrated here, with plenty of places experience! Both the Olympic Mountains and the Northern Cascade Mountains down El Camino Real, a Main Street in Bay. For local goods or eating from the coast if you want to spend a day at the beach, the! Hipsters while snacking on Crispy Brussel Sprouts at Alchemist Bar & Lounge jumping-off point from to. Productions of new plays and best west coast towns to live in $ 212,337 - national rank: 27... Veined with trails for hiking, horseback best west coast towns to live in, and fishing using from! The rose in the Bay Area Bothell on the coast if you want to spend day! Olympic Mountains and the top-notch surfing available at Tamarack beach your day at the beach $.. Cost may be best west coast towns to live in it in an extended power outage to along the coast... Down the best towns Pacific coast states have best west coast towns to live in offer top-notch surfing available at Tamarack.. Health rank: # 27 - Median household income: $ 1,947,900 ( 70 % own ) Median... By national and state parks, like Chugach state Park, making it an outdoor lovers dream galleries! Available at Tamarack beach Santa Ynez Mountains so hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted with variety. Including the Tacoma Film Festival and Taste of Tacoma, Anchorage is surrounded the. Surrounded by the Santa Ynez Mountains so hikers and outdoor best west coast towns to live in will be delighted the..., Raleigh Hills is a small, wealthy community Dick. worth it an.