Top 5 family-friendly cities in Southern California
Southern California is a heavenly place and it’s no surprise why so many people come here to enjoy the beautiful weather, the ocean-side views, the sightseeing, and the local cuisine. But it is more than just a fine vacation place. It is also a perfect place to raise your family. If you are thinking of moving to Southern California for good and you wonder which city would be the best for your family, we have the answer.
What are the criteria for choosing a good place to raise a family?
People have different needs and desires, which means one place might seem good for some and not preferable for others. The main points most people take into consideration when choosing are:
- Housing costs. Probably the first thing one would be looking at is the cost of housing in California. There are indeed places in Southern California where housing can be affordable for families.
- Education. Any parent wants the best for their children and education is at the top of the list. Receiving a good education would come from the kindergarten and school the kid attends, (since for college the child can decide to move as far as the other side of the country or even go abroad).
- Commute time. Transportation can be a hustle when living in a crowded area. No one likes spending hours in traffic on the way to work or taking the kids to school.
- Surroundings and entertainment.This might not seem as an important factor in the beginning but if you don’t consider it you will start regretting it very soon. How you spend your free time is what makes the difference between having an exciting life and having a boring life. When choosing a place to spend the rest of your days, always think about the places you can go and the things you can do to have fun.
Top 5 family-friendly cities in Southern California
Rancho Santa Margarita is located in Orange County -between Los Angeles and San Diego. It is home to almost 50,000 people. The city is mainly composed of planned residential neighborhoods. There are, however, many places to work, shop and dine. This smaller city prides itself on being beautiful and safe. There are plenty of parks for hiking or simply walking the dog. Compared to some of the other cities on this list, housing is more expensive; however, it is balanced out by local salary rate which is also higher.
One of the best location for exploring the beaches along the coast as well as hiking trails. There are tons of parks for biking, hiking, and playing. The city is for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. The adults won’t have to worry about how early they would need to wake up and get going to work so that they are not late due to traffic. Homes are indeed more expensive, but the price tag is well worth it.
Moorpark is considered to be one of the safest places to live-in as it has the lowest crime rates in Ventura County. This family-oriented city hosts a lot of small-town events such as the annual Apricot Festival and Country Days. It also has highly ranked schools. It is located close to the Happy Camp Canyon Park – the perfect place for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Manhattan Beach’s homes are among the priciest in the region. The School District ranks third overall in the state. The parents have the choice of enrolling their children either in public or private schools. In addition to the area’s stunning surroundings, The Manhattan Beach community values family. The experience will not disappoint.
Long Beach CA, located in Los Angeles County is another destination favored by many outdoors-loving families. The options for activities do not end with the world’s biggest ocean at your finger tips. There are plenty of parks in and around the city that are perfect for biking, horse riding, and dog walking. The schools in the area are among the highest ranking for the district. The prices of the homes in this area do not differ much from the other places on this list.
With so many great looking cities in Southern California, it might be hard to decide which one you’d want to call “home”. Moving to a new place is a huge step. Carefully analyze the advantages and disadvantages of every city. Consider the needs and preferences of every family member, pets included. And once you settle in your new home – enjoy it!
