Affordable Places to Live in California

Traditionally, California has been one of the most expensive places to live in the United States. This is no different now, and with the decline in the economy last year and constantly rising prices of living, finding a good and affordable place to live in California has become even more difficult. California also happens to be one of the states with a high percentage of unemployment, so getting by in this city is not an easy task.

Several factors come into play when picking a place to live, and the size of ones family and the number of children one has plays the most important role. Other important considerations are related to recreational factors, medical institutions, school and colleges nearby, tax rates, prices of homes, crime rate and many other socio-economic issues. California is a huge state, so if you are keen to live there, here are some affordable options for you that fulfill most of these conditions and other expectations.

Bakersfield
This is the 11th fastest growing city in California and it is around 100 miles to the north of Los Angeles. The city's population is around 350,000 and it relies mainly on agriculture, manufacturing and petroleum extraction and refining industries. Living in Bakersfield is very affordable, but the downsides are the rising pollution levels and the scorching temperature in the summer months. The per capita income for the city is $17,500 but the scenic beauty is one of the major advantages of this city. The city has been named after Colonel Thomas Baker, but the city has been regularly featured on lists of the most uneducated metropolitan areas in the United States.

Eureka
Located in the Humboldt County, a population of around 35,000 makes Eureka a great small town for someone looking for affordable homes to live in. Eureka is your typical port city and this makes it a hub for trading, Government services and other docking facilities. So finding a good job in the area is not a problem by any means. California's oldest zoo (Sequoia Park Zoo) is also situated in Eureka. You will find a lot of old Victorian style homes here, and you will also be able to escape the blindingly hot climate of other Californian cities. The per capita income for the city is around $20,000 and the timber and fishing industry are also very prevalent here.

California City
This is a very small city and this is reflected in the size of its population which is just 15,000. It is located in the Mojave Desert and it is around 65 miles from Death Valley National Park. The major sources of employment here are the California City Prison, Mojave Airport, proving grounds for car manufacturers like Honda and Hyundai and a plane salvaging industry. The per capita income is $19,500 but the best part is the unbelievably low rates for house rentals and purchase, making it one of the cheapest and best places to live inside California.

Hesperia
This is another city in the Mojave Desert (also referred to as the High Desert), and it is located in the San Bernardino County. The population here is around 80,000 and it is your typical lake city since it is adjacent to Silverwood Lake and the Mojave River. Cost of homes here is pretty low, making it one of the most affordable places in California, and the level of industrialization and commerce here is pretty high. There are a number of great schools also present in the area so it is a perfect place for families with kids. The per capita income is $16,000 and there are plenty of restaurant businesses and manufacturing industries here that contribute to employment, with the Hesperia Unified School District being the biggest employer.

Imperial Beach
Located in the San Diego County, Imperial Beach is a residential beach city and it is around 5 miles from Tijuana, Mexico and 15 miles away from San Diego city. The population is around the 35,000 mark and its cooler climate makes it an ideal location for someone who does not want to live too far away from a big city (San Diego is the 5th most populated county in the US). The abnormally low crime rate here also makes it very safe for families to live in, and a regular influx of surfers and tourists makes this a city that thrives on the hospitality sector. Jobs are in high supply here, but one should be prepared to live in the midst of many mixed races.

Lancaster
Lancaster is the 4th largest city in the Los Angeles County, and it is around 2 hours drive from LA itself. The population is near the 500,000 mark so living here is a lot more expensive than the places mentioned above. Crime rate has also risen in the recent past, but the development of the city has been rapid and impressive, and the view of the impressive mountain ranges around the city simply add to its charm. Many businesses have flourished in this city as a result of less red tape and encouragement from the local Government, and the per capita income is also near the $25,000 mark. More than 70% of the people from this city own homes, so this is a city that is doing well and is quite affordable when you compare it with much bigger cities.

Redding
Redding is a comparatively bigger city and it is second only to Sacramento in this regard. It is located in the Shasta County and has a population count close to 90,000 people. Homes are slightly more expensive here, but the scenic beauty of the mountains is something that is not found everywhere else. Summers are hot and dry but winters are very cool and foggy, so the weather conditions are ideal for most people. The per capita income for the city is $18,500 and there are tons of business centers and operations that are the best employers in the city.

Auburn
The population of Auburn is around 15,000 and this is another affordable and comfortable little city to live in the state of California. It is located in the Placer County, and it has the honor of being named the Endurance Capital of the World, since the Auburn State Recreation Area is a state park where the best endurance events are held. The per capita income here is $36,000 and this is a fairly high number. Infrastructure and social structure in this city are well managed, and Auburn is also connected with the California Gold Rush history.

Finding affordable spaces in a place like California usually means that you have to compromise on certain issues. Smaller towns, fewer people, fewer recreational facilities, higher crime rate and unemployment rate and lower quality of infrastructure are not everyone's cup of tea but these are things you may have to sacrifice in order to live in an affordable city in California. Most of the smaller cities are located around the bigger ones though, so development rates are going to be high. At the end of the day, you want your home and your family to be comfortable so you must weigh the pros and cons very carefully.