California is one of the most famous states in the United States. That is why, in this article, we discuss some of the best places to start a family in California. Raising a family in the right environment is of utmost importance and having a solid choice of activities and other options can only benefit you. However, moving to California should not be a hard task, especially if you consider hiring movers Santa Ana team to help you prepare for the relocation. Having a home in a good and peaceful neighborhood, while enjoying the view is something many people desire. When starting a family, you want to make sure all the conditions are met for you and your future family to have a wonderful life. Moreover, depending on which city you choose from, a variety of options will be presented. From educational options to choosing your favorite outdoor activity.
Best places to start a family in California
Palm trees, sandy beaches, and warm weather throughout the year are something that makes this state desirable to many people. The state of California is home to many different cultures and people. Because of this, you will be looking at one of the most diverse states in the United States that has a lot to offer to anyone who indulges in it. However, as with everything else in life, you need to consider some things before you make a decision. Moving to a new place in California can be very impactful, so it’s best to think things through. Here is a list of questions you should consider when looking for the best places to start a family in California.
- What choices do you have for educational purposes?
- How safe is it to start your family there?
- Does the city have a lot of activities to offer to your family?
- What are your career options in that city?
- How easy will it be for you to adapt to the lifestyle?
These questions are something most people consider when looking for a home in which they plan to start a family. Of course, finding a good home is important. However, having a good neighborhood and a variety of educational and career options is something that plays a big part in making a choice. In the remainder of this article, you’ll learn about 9 different places to start your family! In the end, we will also briefly discuss the costs of living and how to budget your move properly.
First off we have La Cañada Flintridge
La Cañada Flintridge is a suburban area of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. It is located in Los Angeles County and, judging by the polls, people view it as one of the best places to live in California. The area’s rural feel creates a more “homey” atmosphere, followed by a plethora of activities to enjoy throughout the year. The climate is very typical of a Californian inland valley, making summers hot and winters mild. Moreover, the area has very high ratings in public schooling. For instance, the La Cañada Unified School District boasts of having the second-highest Academic Performance Index in the whole state.
The town also offers other ways one can enjoy time with family. For instance, visiting the Lanterman House, which is a museum and a local historical archive. If you love playing golf, you will enjoy golf courses in the area, or maybe visit NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and admire the science. Another great family activity can be taking the low-cost busses to the beach, which the city provides.
What about the school system in the city, though? Of course, it’s important to enjoy your time with your family, but education matters, too. In La Canada Flintridge, California, 4 public schools will educate 3,980 pupils in 2023 (there are 10 private schools, serving 2,678 private students). In La Canada Flintridge, California, 60% of all K–12 pupils attend public schools, which is lower than the 90% state average.
Next up on our list is Albany
Albany is a city on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. Jazz, poems, cycling, walking, racing, this city has a little something for everyone. With all the activities this city has to offer, you can rest assured that your family will soon find new hobbies and interests. The city has a strong musical program, which can help your children develop musical talents. Another way you and your family can relax is to go to one of the oldest Finnish-style saunas in North America. By hiring Southern California movers you can focus on enjoying what the city has to offer, instead of planning your move. The city is in the top ten best suburbs for young professionals. Because of this, it can play a huge role in the fact that you are planning on starting a family.
The average math proficiency score in Albany, California public schools is 83% (compared to the average for public schools in California of 34%), and the average reading proficiency score is 91% (compared to the state average of 49%).
Irvine comes in next
One of the advantages of moving to Orange County is that you have the chance to visit or live in Irvine. Irvine is a master-planned city that was incorporated in 1971. The city is formed of different villages which are separated by six-lane roads. However, the best part about this city is that most of the population prefers walking or cycling, instead of driving. Moreover, the city traffic lights have sensors to adjust to the traffic at the moment. This creates a safer environment with less pollution and lowers the chances of any accidents. Bikeways encourage people to use bikes as their main source of transportation, which can be a fun family activity.
Summers are mostly warm and dry and winters are mild and with little-to-none frost. The majority of the population is white and Asian, which brings the advantage of Asian cuisine. Food enthusiasts will enjoy the different types of cuisine this city has to offer. Irvine is one of the best places to start a family in California because it offers a great educational system and contains many different corporations that can offer careers.
The average math proficiency score in Irvine, California public schools is 73% (compared to the average for California public schools of 34%), and the average reading proficiency score is 80% (compared to the average for the entire state of 49%). With an average score of 10/10, Irvine public schools are among the best in California.
One of the best places to start a family in California in Anaheim
348,204 people are living in the Californian city of Anaheim, within Orange County. The majority of residents in Anaheim rent their homes, giving residents a sense of living in an urban-suburban mix. There are numerous eateries, coffee shops, and parks in Anaheim, and it’s mostly comprised of young families and professionals. Anaheim’s public schools are better than average.
The center of family enjoyment is Anaheim! It’s easy to plan the perfect family vacation in Orange County with the abundance of theme parks and family-friendly attractions nearby. The name Anaheim, which means “house by the Santa Ana River,” was originally given to the area by early German settlers. Great for families, young professionals, and retirees, Anaheim is close to many tourist destinations, parks, and cultural events that contribute to the city’s rapid growth. Make sure to look for the best moving companies Anaheim has if you plan to move here! Hiring a good moving company in California will spare you lots of problems.
51,608 students will attend 67 public schools in Anaheim, California, for the 2023 academic year (there are 42 private schools, serving 6,164 private students). In Anaheim, California, 89% of all K–12 students attend public schools, which is lower than the state average of 90%.
Villa Park is just as good a place for raising a family or living with your family
5,864 people are living in the Los Angeles suburb of Villa Park. It’s one of the nicest places to live in California, and it is also located in Orange County. Villa Park residents enjoy a rural lifestyle, and the majority own their homes. There are many different eateries, coffee shops, and parks in Villa Park. High praise is given to Villa Park’s public schools, as they’re one of the best in the state. Our movers Villa Park CA trust will help you move here, should you decide for it.
Villa Park, which has active public safety and law enforcement groups, has Orange County’s lowest crime rate. You may enjoy the comforts of big-city life while still having a small-town atmosphere. Despite the absence of parks within its boundaries, you’ll find the one and only Towne Center, more horse trails than sidewalks, few lamps, and streets lined with trees giving the area a rustic atmosphere. The highly regarded high school, junior high, and two elementary schools are all within Villa Park’s boundaries, and children can travel there on foot or by bicycle.
In comparison to the 34% average for California public high schools, Villa Park, CA public high schools had average math proficiency scores of 34% and reading proficiency scores of 58%. Villa Park’s high schools average a 6 out of 10, placing them in the top half of all public high schools in California.
San Clemente is a good place for families as well
San Clemente is a neighborhood in Irvine with around 64,600 residents. Orange County’s San Clemente is among the best locations for families in California. Residents of San Clemente enjoy a dense suburban feel, and a majority of people own their homes. Once again, you’ll find many eateries, coffee shops, and parks in San Clemente, and a large population of families. San Clemente’s public schools are also given lots of praise.
Does San Clemente welcome families? There are numerous outdoor areas in San Clemente that families can enjoy. Walking the pier, spending days at the beach, and strolling down Del Mar are all enjoyable activities. San Clemente, which is in Orange County’s southernmost region, lies about halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles. All in all, it is accessible and healthy: if this is the kind of place you want to raise your family in, you’re in luck! Our movers San Clemente locals rely on will gladly lend you a hand with the move.
The average math proficiency score in San Clemente, California public schools is 51% (compared to the average for public schools in California of 34%), and the average reading proficiency score is 78% (compared to the state average of 49%). The average grade for schools in San Clemente is a 9 out of 10, placing them in the top 20% of all public schools in California.
Newport Beach is worth a shot
85,806 people are living in the Californian community of Newport Beach. Residents in Newport Beach enjoy a mix of urban and suburban living, and the majority own their homes. There are numerous pubs, eateries, coffee shops, and parks in Newport Beach. Residents of Newport Beach are primarily retirees and young professionals, and they lean conservative.
Newport Beach is brimming with wonderful family-friendly activities. Balboa Island, a fun-filled location with whale viewing, educational opportunities, and an amusement park, features some of the best things it has to offer. One of the finest methods to keep the kids occupied is to spend the day at the beach. There are several options to keep youngsters content and safe throughout Newport Beach. What about the schools in Newport Beach though?
In Newport Beach, California, there are 3 public schools with 848 students enrolled for the 2023 academic year (there are 9 private schools, serving 2,101 private students). In Newport Beach, California, 29% of all K–12 children attend public schools. If you think Newport Beach is the place for you and your family, our movers Newport Beach trusts are at your disposal.
Mission Viejo is another one of the nicer places to start a family in California
A suburb of Irvine, Mission Viejo has 93,932 residents. It’s a great place for outdoor activities: just consider the fact that many recent professional athletes grew up in the area. Residents in Mission Viejo enjoy a dense suburban vibe, and the majority own their homes. There are numerous parks and coffee shops in Mission Viejo. Mission Viejo is home to many young professionals who lean leftist. Very, very high praise is also given to Mission Viejo’s public schools.
If you have the means, Mission Viejo, California, is a great spot to raise a family. It shouldn’t come as a surprise given their great schools, low crime rates, and pleasant weather. Additionally, Mission Viejo is multicultural, provides a wide range of outdoor activities, and has a lot of lovely green spaces. One of the largest master-planned communities ever constructed as a single undertaking is Mission Viejo. If this sounds appealing to you, then our company also has movers of Mission Viejo residents’ trust!
The average math proficiency score in Mission Viejo, California public schools is 54% (compared to the average for California public schools of 34%), and the average reading proficiency score is 71% (compared to the state average of 49%). The average grade for schools in Mission Viejo is a 9, placing them in the top 20% of all public schools in California.
Last but not least, we got Long Beach
466,565 people are living in the Californian city of Long Beach. Los Angeles County includes Long Beach. Long Beach gives people a blend of urban and suburban living, and the majority of locals rent their homes. There are numerous pubs, eateries, coffee shops, and parks in Long Beach. Long Beach has a large population of families and young professionals. Long Beach’s public schools are better than average.
There are a ton of enjoyable activities in Long Beach for kids! Explore the Aquarium of the Pacific to find approximately 12,000 different animals, from seals to sharks. Admire the stunning birdlife and picturesque natural setting at El Dorado Nature Center. Furthermore, it is incredibly diversified, cultural, and artistic. The fact that there is a vibrant community of young adults is also fantastic. Family-friendly activities abound in Long Beach, California, which is an excellent spot for families thanks to its stunning coastline setting, fantastic restaurants, and variety of attractions. All in all, Long Beach is a good place to start a family in.
Compared to the average math proficiency score in California public schools, Long Beach’s public schools have a math proficiency score of 34% and a reading proficiency score of 51%. Long Beach’s schools are rated with a 6 out of 10, which puts them in the top 50% of California public schools. If your child’s education is important to you, you might want to move here. If that ends up being the case, our movers Long Beach CA keeps choosing on and on again and will help you.
However, before you continue, you must also count on one last thing not only about Long Beach but also every other place on this list.
Comparing the cost of living of our best places to start a family in California
Besides amenities, points of interest, and school scores, the cost of living is a key factor. California was never a cheap place to live in, as its overall cost of living index is 149.9, which is above the USA average of 100. However, these places have their own, vastly different cost of living indexes as well. These numbers, in most cases, reflect the livability and quality of life of a certain place.
As you can tell, some of these places are more affordable, and some are more luxurious. It all depends on what your budget is and what kind of job you plan to do in California. However, budgeting and comparing prices is so hard, especially in California- but how can you make it easy? By simply using a cost of living calculator, you can figure out the best choice for you.
Some of the best places to live in California are the ones you connect with the most
When searching for a home to start your family in, you must take into consideration the environment in which you want to do so. Many different cities offer different options, after all, California is very diverse. Because of this, one of the best places to start a family in California is the one place you will connect with the most. This means that you should decide what city compliments your lifestyle and long-term goals. So, make sure to check your last minute moving checklist and enjoy the options California has to offer. One last thing you can do to make your upcoming move easier is to hire professional movers to help you. We’ve completed many moves at Family Affair Moving, and we always strive to satisfy our customers. If our assistance is what you need, just get a free moving quote and you’ll be good to go!
References:
https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/california/la_canada_flintridge
https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/california/albany
https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/california/irvine
https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/california/anaheim
https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/california/villa-park
https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/california/san-clemente
https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/california/newport-beach
https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/california/mission-viejo
https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/california/long-beach