What is California known for?
California is renowned for its diverse living conditions and opportunities, from the tech-driven Silicon Valley to the entertainment hub of Hollywood. Its economy, the largest in the U.S. at more than $3 trillion GDP, offers varied job prospects in technology, entertainment, agriculture, and more. Residents enjoy a blend of natural beauty, such as Yosemite National Park, and urban culture in cities like San Francisco. Despite its appeal, California is known for high living costs, with an average home price over $720,000. Safety and cleanliness vary by region, with cities like Irvine being recognized for low crime rates.
- Anaheim
- Antioch
- Bakersfield
- Berkeley
- Burbank
- Carlsbad
- Chico
- Chula Vista
- Clovis
- Concord
- Corona
- Costa Mesa
- Daly City
- Downey
- El Cajon
- El Monte
- Elk Grove
- Escondido
- Fairfield
- Fontana
- Fremont
- Fresno
- Fullerton
- Garden Grove
- Glendale
- Hayward
- Hesperia
- Huntington Beach
- Inglewood
- Irvine
- Jurupa Valley
- Lancaster
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Menifee
- Modesto
- Moreno Valley
- Murrieta
- Oakland
- Oceanside
- Ontario
- Orange
- Oxnard
- Palmdale
- Pasadena
- Pomona
- Rancho Cucamonga
- Rialto
- Richmond
- Riverside
- Roseville
- Sacramento
- Salinas
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- San Mateo
- Santa Ana
- Santa Clara
- Santa Clarita
- Santa Maria
- Santa Rosa
- Simi Valley
- Stockton
- Sunnyvale
- Temecula
- Thousand Oaks
- Torrance
- Vacaville
- Vallejo
- Ventura
- Victorville
- Visalia
- West Covina
Being a liberal state, California is highly diverse. Its racial composition is 37% White, 39% Hispanic or Latino, 15% Asian, 6% Black or African-American, 1% Native American, and 2% with two or more races. The state is home to various minority groups, with approximately 28% foreign-born residents. The LGBTQ+ community is vibrant and supported, particularly in cities like San Francisco. Efforts like the California Minority Business Development Agency enhance opportunities for minority entrepreneurs.
For retirees, California offers a plethora of lifestyle options ranging from tranquil beach towns to scenic wine country. Students will find diverse educational opportunities, from tech-focused programs in the Silicon Valley area to arts and entertainment courses in Hollywood-adjacent locales. Families enjoy the best educational institutions, outdoor activities, and family-friendly destinations like theme parks. Couples, whether they’re into urban life or nature, can enjoy weekend getaways from the wine country to desert landscapes. Singles will find vibrant urban scenes, from artsy neighborhoods to more bohemian ones, and an active nightlife. Different backgrounds and ethnicities flourish here; there’s a neighborhood or community for nearly every culture. The LGBTQ+ community will find California a state with solid protections and many social spaces.