Northern California city named one of best places to live in US. It’s not San Francisco

Two California cities are among the best places to live in the nation, according to Money.

The personal finance website compiled its 2024 list of the 50 Best Places to Live in the U.S. to celebrate “cities and towns where a thriving economy meets affordability, diversity and an exceptional quality of life.”

All 50 places are “built around thoughtful policy, civic engagement and community spirit,” Money said, making them “the blueprint for the future.”

Sacramento and Temecula both fall into that category, according to the site.

Why is Sacramento one of the best places to live in US?

The communities on Money’s list of the 50 top spots in the United States range from major metropolises such as Atlanta, Cincinnati and Oklahoma City to smaller cities such as Camas, Washington; Eugene, Oregon, and New Braunfels, Texas.

Sacramento landed on Money’s list thanks to its “vibrant cultural scene,” Money said, namechecking local attractions such as the Crocker Art Museum, B Street Theatre and the Farm-to-Fork Festival.

The capital city has a population of 528,001 residents, the website said.

Unemployment in Sacramento is at 4.7%, Money said, and the median price for a house stands at $465,000.

“What really distinguishes Sacramento from its coastal brethren, though, is its unwavering commitment to the people who call the city home,” the site said, citing efforts to build more affordable housing. “As Sac’s popularity (and population) has grown, locals have fought relentlessly to prevent displacement.”

Which other California city made the list?

Temecula in Southern California also landed on Money’s list.

The site described Temecula as a “community-focused town with good schools and easy access to nature,” as well as nearly 50 wineries.

The city has a population of 111,752 residents, according to Money, and an unemployment rate of 5.20%.

Temecula is less than a 90-minute drive from cities such as Palm Springs, Los Angeles and San Diego and has a median housing price of $800,000.

How did Money come up with its rankings?

To come up with its 2024 list of the Best Places to Live, Money said it relied on “meticulous research and in-depth reporting,” paying special attention to “livability, equity and sustainability.”

The website considered research from public policy and industry advocacy groups such as the American Planning Association, Main Street America and the Project for Public Spaces, and supplemented its findings with data from SchoolDigger, Realtor.com and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, among others.

Money also asked readers for suggestions via a newsletter poll that “produced hundreds of responses,” it said.

During the vetting process, the site compared communities based on metrics including:

▪ Health of the local job market;

▪ Average housing costs borne by homeowners and renters;

▪ Percentage of residents in poverty;

▪ Quality of public schools.

Rather than ranking the cities on its list numerically, Money grouped into five different categories:

▪ Suburbs with a soul;

▪ Hidden gems;

▪ New boomtowns;

▪ Not just college towns;

▪ Culture hubs.

This story was originally published April 8, 2024 at 1:43 PM with the headline "Northern California city named one of best places to live in US. It’s not San Francisco."