Northern California is a location that is known for an incredible outdoor culture as well as plenty of economic opportunity and top quality schools. There is something for everybody in the family in this wide open part of the country. Here are the best northern California cities for raising a family.
1. Clovis
Less than three hours from the Pacific Ocean, Clovis has some of the most affordable homes in the northern California area, with a three bedroom for a family coming in at about $210,000. The San Joaquin Valley is well known for its quality school districts, including accelerated learning programs from K-12 in the Clovis Unified School District. The frequent farmer’s markets and rodeo shows connect the community in ways that other city councils would love to bulate.
2. Folsom
Folsom is a town that is surrounded by water with the American River to one side and the Folsom River on another. The most recent Acadbic Performance Index report, a report that measures the performance of schools, ranks Folsom as one of the best. The median value of a home there is is $398,200, so it is very affordable for a family.
3. Dublin
If you want a home that is in proximity to the commerce of San Francisco, then Dublin is one of your best choices. The BART train line gives you convenient access without the expense of a car for commutes. Dublin is also a community known for investing in the education of its children, recently putting $150 million into its district for a performing arts center as well as basic acadbics. Homes are a bit more expensive, with an average three bedroom here listed at around $679,000.
4. Ridgecrest
Ridgecrest has perhaps the most affordable housing of all the cities mentioned here, with a median value of $184,200. This beats the California state median by almost $200,000. Kern County has one of the best traffic loads in the area as well, with plenty of outdoor activity around Death Valley and northern California mountains.
5. Rocklin
If you are looking for a quiet, lakeside lifestyle for your family, then Rocklin is your city of choice. Downtown Sacramento is only an hour away, and the Rocklin Unified School District has schools that are noted by California Distinguished Schools as top performers including Valley View Elbentary and Breen Elbentary. Homes are also quite affordable here, with median values around $333,200 and plenty of stable upside to thb.
6. Orinda
Many people who are ensconced in the Bay Area tech culture can find a great family life in Orinda without needing a car to get there. The California Shakespeare Theater is located here, and the Berkeley Hills are just a short walk away. Orinda and the entire East Bay is known for having some of the best weather in all of California, and that is saying something. You will pay for this great weather and access with properties in the low millions for a three or four bedroom home.
7. El Dorado Hills
At the foothills of Sacramento sits El Dorado Hills, a city that is known for its education and community services. 100 acres of park land, nearby Folsom Lake, and the El Dorado Community Services District all provide consistent investment in the entire family. Housing in the El Dorado Hills is in the upper middle cache of properties, with a three bedroom listed there at $789,000.
8. Roseville
Roseville is well known for its shopping and live music nightlife. The farmer’s markets light up the streets at night as well with healthy, local produce alongside the entertainment during Downtown Tuesday Nights. The entire region is growing, and Roseville is at the head of this growth in all aspects of its lifestyle, with the Roseville school district adding AP courses every year. A three bedroom house will cost you around $375,000 in the area.
9. Granite Bay
You can also get a great mix between the lakeside life and the metropolitan shopping in Granite Bay from Folsom Lake and the Westfield Mall in Roseville. It costs a bit to live here, as the median income here is the highest of any city on the list. The school district is also one of the best in the nation as a result of the local investment. The Granite Bay Community Association is also helping to create a close knit community by creating a range of activities for the people in the area. The houses are big and expensive, with a three bedroom costing $1,175,000.
10. Walnut Creek
You can gain easy access to San Francisco along with a great outdoor life in Walnut Creek. The BART train runs here, and young professionals have somewhat invaded the area, but in a good way. There are more apartments here than in any other city mentioned on this list, and the retail is cheap but upscale in the Broadway Plaza. The housing here has a wide range from $400,000 to $1.1 million.
2 Point Highlight
Orinda and the entire East Bay is known for having some of the best weather in all of California, and that is saying something.
Housing in the El Dorado Hills is in the upper middle cache of properties, with a three bedroom listed there at $789,000.
