From the coast to the desert, the Golden State has it all.
Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications.Published on July 20, 2025
California’s scenery, climate, and natural resources have beckoned since well before the Gold Rush of the mid-1850s. Today, residents are attracted by career opportunities in the state’s major cities, the diverse population, the variety of lifestyles, and the moderate weather in most parts of the state.
More than 840 miles of Pacific coastline entice ocean lovers, and from north to south, the scenery changes from towering redwoods and rugged cliffs to Southern California’s white-sand beaches. If you’re looking for mountain living, California features more ranges than any state except Alaska. From small towns to major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, and from Central Valley farms to wine regions throughout the state, California offers just about every style of living.
California’s many advantages come with a price. The state’s cost of living is the third-highest in the nation (after Hawaii and Massachusetts), with the second-highest transportation costs, due in part to high gas prices. Housing costs are twice the national average, especially in major metropolitan areas. California has a state income tax with the highest rate of 13.3 percent, and capital gains are taxed as regular income. On the plus side for retirees, Social Security benefits are not taxed.
California’s residents appreciate all the state has to offer, even with the costs. When my husband and I arrived in the late 1970s, we quickly fell in love with the Southern California beach cities, and we have stayed, despite my having to decline several job opportunities in other states—with no regrets. Of course, the statewide figures above are averages, and costs and lifestyles vary widely by city and area of the state. There’s a town and community to fit most people’s needs, as many of California’s 39,663,800 residents will tell you.
Sacramento
The state’s capital, Sacramento offers employment opportunities as well as history, diversity, and affordability. Realtor Alice Tomkins of House Real Estate told Travel + Leisure, “I could go on for days singing the praises of Sacramento. I absolutely love this city!” Tomkins continued, “Commonly referred to as ‘The City of Trees’ and the ‘Farm-to-fork Capital,’ Sacramento offers abundant parks, recreation, miles of riverwalk pathways, restaurants, farmers markets, art, and entertainment.”
Sacramento is conveniently located for travel to Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, and both Northern California and Southern California destinations. Tomkins called Sacramento International Airport (SMF) an “easy come, easy go” airport that makes air travel convenient for residents. “The relatively affordable homes in myriad neighborhoods make Sacramento beautifully balanced and diverse. It’s an understandably sought-after locale for people looking to live in the desirable NorCal area.”
According to Tomkins, the median home price is about $500,000, and Zillow’s data indicates $488,528 as the typical home value. Sacramento received an overall grade of B+ from Niche, with high marks for diversity, schools, and families. The current population of the metro area is 2,269,000.
In the Greater Palm Springs area of the Coachella Valley at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, La Quinta is a dynamic community and golfers’ paradise, with more than 20 world-class courses. Scenic neighborhoods, an excellent public school system, hiking trails, and a charming downtown Main Street make LaQuinta a great place to live. In Old Town LaQuinta, there’s shopping, restaurants, a farmers market, entertainment, and a village atmosphere. I’ve enjoyed visits to LaQuinta, played golf there, and stayed several times at LaQuinta Resort & Club, celebrating its centennial in 2026.
Realtor Foxxtold T+L, “La Quinta blends luxury with small-town living. La Quinta offers a variety of housing, from single-family homes to gated communities and rental apartments.” The average home value is around $754,061 according to Zillow, and according to Realtor.com, there are over 800 homes for sale at a wide range of price points. Niche gives LaQuinta an overall grade of B- and quotes a median home value as $612,800.
Nearby in Indio, the annual Coachella and Stagecoach festivals are popular events, and Palm Springs, about 20 miles west, features the Palm Springs International Festival, a lively downtown, and Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). San Diego is 130 miles away, and the distance to Los Angeles is about the same. Golf courses, tennis, resorts, and spas offer recreation for residents and attract “snowbirds” during winter months.