You’ve seen these lists before. Best places to live in California. Best sururbs in California. Best counties in California.
Etc., etc., etc.
But they all focus on major cities and towns in the Golden State, and no one pays attention to the little guy.
Well, that’s all about to change as we put together a list of the superb small towns in California based on numbers–not opinions or hearsay.
We’ll dive right into our methodology in the next section, but first, we thought you might want to know which places in California ranked the best based on Saturday Night Science.
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Summary | Table
The 15 Best Small Towns To Live In California For 2024
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Del Mar
- Loyola
- Monte Sereno
- Mount Hermon
- West Menlo Park
- Emerald Lake Hills
- Cambrian Park
- Mission Canyon
- Ross
- Castle Hill
- Belvedere
- Ladera
- Callender
- Los Ranchos
What’s the best small town in California? Carmel-by-the-Sea is the best small town in California based on the most recent Census data. If you live in one of these small towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea, chances are, you’re not surprised. After all, you know how great you have it.
But for the rest of you–keep reading, and we’ll get to just why these small towns made our list.
For more reading on the Golden State check out:
- Best Places To Live In California
- Cheapest Places To Live In California
- Most Dangerous Cities In California
The 15 Best Small Towns In California For 2024
1. Carmel-By-The-Sea
/10
Population: 3,239
Median Income: $126,406 (69th Best)
Median Home Value: $2,205,659 (19th Best)
Unemployment Rate: 1.0%
2. Del Mar
/10
Population: 3,956
Median Income: $185,335 (26th Best)
Median Home Value: $3,618,018 (8th Best)
Unemployment Rate: 2.0%
3. Loyola
/10
Population: 3,818
Median Income: $250,001 (6th Best)
Median Home Value: $2,264,441 (15th Best)
Unemployment Rate: 2.7%
4. Monte Sereno
/10
Population: 3,444
Median Income: $250,001 (6th Best)
Median Home Value: $3,980,200 (5th Best)
Unemployment Rate: 0.9%
5. Mount Hermon
/10
Population: 1,174
Median Income: $152,632 (40th Best)
Median Home Value: $1,173,432 (57th Best)
Unemployment Rate: 0.0%
6. West Menlo Park
/10
Population: 3,401
Median Income: $250,001 (6th Best)
Median Home Value: $2,264,441 (15th Best)
Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
7. Emerald Lake Hills
/10
Population: 4,425
Median Income: $250,001 (6th Best)
Median Home Value: $2,512,849 (11th Best)
Unemployment Rate: 2.5%
8. Cambrian Park
/10
Population: 3,551
Median Income: $232,000 (19th Best)
Median Home Value: $2,173,409 (20th Best)
Unemployment Rate: 0.9%
9. Mission Canyon
/10
Population: 2,500
Median Income: $196,667 (23rd Best)
Median Home Value: $1,977,875 (22nd Best)
Unemployment Rate: 1.5%
10. Ross
/10
Population: 2,537
Median Income: $250,001 (6th Best)
Median Home Value: $3,838,437 (7th Best)
Unemployment Rate: 3.1%
11. Castle Hill
/10
Population: 1,010
Median Income: $233,879 (17th Best)
Median Home Value: $1,938,700 (23rd Best)
Unemployment Rate: 0.0%
12. Belvedere
/10
Population: 2,327
Median Income: $250,001 (6th Best)
Median Home Value: $4,544,020 (2nd Best)
Unemployment Rate: 1.4%
13. Ladera
/10
Population: 1,427
Median Income: $190,486 (24th Best)
Median Home Value: $2,264,441 (15th Best)
Unemployment Rate: 12.9%
14. Callender
/10
Population: 2,444
Median Income: $155,677 (38th Best)
Median Home Value: $1,116,029 (62nd Best)
Unemployment Rate: 0.0%
15. Los Ranchos
/10
Population: 1,571
Median Income: $148,500 (46th Best)
Median Home Value: $1,306,355 (45th Best)
Unemployment Rate: 2.6%
Methodology: How We Determined The Coolest Towns In California
We threw a lot of criteria at this report to get the best, most complete results of the best small towns in California possible.
Using the most recent data from the Census’s 2018-2022 American Community Survey, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Saturday Night Science, this is the criteria we used:
- Population Density (Higher is better)
- Lowest Unemployment Rates
- Housing costs (Higher is better. More demand.)
- Adjusted Median Income (Higher is better)
- Highly Educated Adults (Higher is better)
- Insurance Rates (Higher is better)
- Commute Times (Lower is better)
We looked at places with populations lower than 5,000 people and greater than 1,000, of which there were many – 362 to be exact.
We then ranked each place in each category with scores from 1 to 362, averaged them out, and the lowest scores went to our Best Small Towns in California. Top of that list — Carmel-by-the-Sea.
This is our tenth time ranking the best small places to live in California.
Summary: Science Can Tackle Any Issue, Even Small Ones
We said it once, and we’ll say it again — this list: it’s just science. We did the research, crunched the numbers, and it turns out these 15 small towns in California are the best in which to live.
And who can argue with that?
The best small towns in California are Carmel-by-the-Sea, Del Mar, Loyola, Monte Sereno, Mount Hermon, West Menlo Park, Emerald Lake Hills, Cambrian Park, Mission Canyon, and Ross.
If you’re curious, here are the worst small towns in California:
- Berry Creek
- North Edwards
- Homestead Valley
For more California reading, check out:
- Best Places To Raise A Family In California
- Safest Places In California
- Worst Places To Live In California
Best Small Towns In California
| Rank | City | Population | Median Income | Median Home Value | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA | 3,239 | $126,406 | 1.0% | |
| 2 | Del Mar, CA | 3,956 | $185,335 | 2.0% | |
| 3 | Loyola, CA | 3,818 | $250,001 | 2.7% | |
| 4 | Monte Sereno, CA | 3,444 | $250,001 | 0.9% | |
| 5 | Mount Hermon, CA | 1,174 | $152,632 | 0.0% | |
| 6 | West Menlo Park, CA | 3,401 | $250,001 | 4.1% | |
| 7 | Emerald Lake Hills, CA | 4,425 | $250,001 | 2.5% | |
| 8 | Cambrian Park, CA | 3,551 | $232,000 | 0.9% | |
| 9 | Mission Canyon, CA | 2,500 | $196,667 | 1.5% | |
| 10 | Ross, CA | 2,537 | $250,001 | 3.1% | |
| 11 | Castle Hill, CA | 1,010 | $233,879 | 0.0% | |
| 12 | Belvedere, CA | 2,327 | $250,001 | 1.4% | |
| 13 | Ladera, CA | 1,427 | $190,486 | 12.9% | |
| 14 | Callender, CA | 2,444 | $155,677 | 0.0% | |
| 15 | Los Ranchos, CA | 1,571 | $148,500 | 2.6% | |
| 16 | Monument Hills, CA | 1,281 | $236,131 | 2.2% | |
| 17 | Pasatiempo, CA | 1,264 | $148,468 | 0.0% | |
| 18 | Portola Valley, CA | 4,397 | $250,001 | 2.7% | |
| 19 | Rose Hills, CA | 2,718 | $139,615 | 2.4% | |
| 20 | Moss Beach, CA | 3,165 | $116,950 | 0.2% | |
| 21 | Casa Conejo, CA | 2,711 | $142,847 | 4.4% | |
| 22 | Lexington Hills, CA | 2,587 | $245,536 | 1.0% | |
| 23 | Shell Ridge, CA | 1,041 | $234,160 | 1.8% | |
| 24 | Reliez Valley, CA | 3,190 | $249,063 | 6.7% | |
| 25 | Dollar Point, CA | 1,233 | $113,269 | 2.5% | |
| 26 | Hidden Hills, CA | 2,107 | $250,001 | 4.7% | |
| 27 | Broadmoor, CA | 4,419 | $155,137 | 4.9% | |
| 28 | Del Monte Forest, CA | 3,416 | $145,250 | 5.1% | |
| 29 | Woodlands, CA | 1,924 | $151,736 | 0.0% | |
| 30 | Bell Canyon, CA | 1,768 | $237,384 | 1.6% | |
| 31 | Del Rio, CA | 1,146 | $186,333 | 2.2% | |
| 32 | Lake Sherwood, CA | 1,617 | $233,462 | 7.1% | |
| 33 | Santa Rosa Valley, CA | 2,508 | $176,058 | 4.7% | |
| 34 | Fairbanks Ranch, CA | 3,014 | $250,001 | 0.0% | |
| 35 | Black Point-Green Point, CA | 1,684 | $159,737 | 4.3% | |
| 36 | Rolling Hills, CA | 1,451 | $250,001 | 5.8% | |
| 37 | Fruitdale, CA | 1,219 | $161,250 | 4.6% | |
| 38 | Seacliff, CA | 3,550 | $109,269 | 6.5% | |
| 39 | Mather, CA | 4,712 | $135,329 | 1.3% | |
| 40 | San Pasqual, CA | 1,934 | $132,500 | 4.1% | |
| 41 | Felton, CA | 3,701 | $108,370 | 2.9% | |
| 42 | Lake Of The Pines, CA | 4,703 | $110,688 | 3.4% | |
| 43 | Santa Venetia, CA | 3,785 | $120,446 | 7.1% | |
| 44 | Carmel Valley Village, CA | 4,642 | $166,117 | 4.4% | |
| 45 | Montara, CA | 2,649 | $184,692 | 10.4% | |
| 46 | Tahoe Vista, CA | 1,171 | $91,944 | 0.0% | |
| 47 | La Honda, CA | 1,422 | $250,001 | 0.8% | |
| 48 | Rancho Santa Fe, CA | 3,033 | $231,319 | 6.3% | |
| 49 | Toro Canyon, CA | 1,692 | $174,929 | 7.7% | |
| 50 | Sunnyside-Tahoe City, CA | 1,536 | $125,144 | 0.0% | |
| 51 | Sleepy Hollow, CA | 2,778 | $207,847 | 8.4% | |
| 52 | Silverado Resort, CA | 1,012 | $161,778 | 5.2% | |
| 53 | Lake San Marcos, CA | 4,080 | $94,811 | 4.5% | |
| 54 | Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, CA | 1,746 | $151,000 | 2.1% | |
| 55 | Forestville, CA | 3,632 | $105,536 | 3.9% | |
| 56 | Meadow Vista, CA | 3,589 | $96,108 | 2.9% | |
| 57 | Cutten, CA | 3,309 | $89,728 | 3.9% | |
| 58 | La Selva Beach, CA | 2,320 | $171,250 | 3.6% | |
| 59 | East Richmond Heights, CA | 3,285 | $112,344 | 6.4% | |
| 60 | Brisbane, CA | 4,756 | $137,583 | 9.9% | |
| 61 | Penryn, CA | 1,112 | $89,205 | 5.9% | |
| 62 | Morada, CA | 3,335 | $102,500 | 1.7% | |
| 63 | Del Rey Oaks, CA | 1,611 | $121,667 | 11.3% | |
| 64 | West Bishop, CA | 2,430 | $105,685 | 5.3% | |
| 65 | Mountain View, CA | 2,166 | $86,136 | 2.1% | |
| 66 | Indian Wells, CA | 4,832 | $132,479 | 6.4% | |
| 67 | Summerland, CA | 1,274 | $128,311 | 12.3% | |
| 68 | Hartley, CA | 2,807 | $139,904 | 1.7% | |
| 69 | San Antonio Heights, CA | 3,294 | $133,250 | 2.1% | |
| 70 | Mission Hills, CA | 3,458 | $102,024 | 5.0% | |
| 71 | Angwin, CA | 2,731 | $117,813 | 5.8% | |
| 72 | North El Monte, CA | 3,983 | $104,491 | 3.0% | |
| 73 | East Sonora, CA | 2,664 | $73,466 | 0.0% | |
| 74 | San Juan Bautista, CA | 1,976 | $103,036 | 2.3% | |
| 75 | Bolinas, CA | 1,280 | $99,191 | 2.3% | |
| 76 | Penngrove, CA | 2,184 | $97,237 | 6.3% | |
| 77 | Bishop, CA | 3,802 | $75,451 | 2.7% | |
| 78 | Occidental, CA | 1,061 | $86,042 | 3.7% | |
| 79 | Aromas, CA | 2,744 | $182,536 | 3.5% | |
| 80 | Day Valley, CA | 3,252 | $143,295 | 4.5% | |
| 81 | Avalon, CA | 3,441 | $89,131 | 0.0% | |
| 82 | Newcastle, CA | 1,501 | $101,925 | 4.2% | |
| 83 | Cayucos, CA | 2,361 | $81,366 | 2.0% | |
| 84 | Woodacre, CA | 1,389 | $144,632 | 6.2% | |
| 85 | Meiners Oaks, CA | 3,914 | $87,567 | 2.6% | |
| 86 | Corralitos, CA | 2,154 | $152,036 | 10.8% | |
| 87 | Coronita, CA | 3,235 | $110,625 | 1.6% | |
| 88 | East Oakdale, CA | 2,381 | $124,010 | 5.3% | |
| 89 | Sutter Creek, CA | 2,659 | $59,028 | 7.6% | |
| 90 | Sunnyside, CA | 4,565 | $106,750 | 5.7% | |
| 91 | El Verano, CA | 3,034 | $87,180 | 11.4% | |
| 92 | Bonny Doon, CA | 2,858 | $139,375 | 3.7% | |
| 93 | Yountville, CA | 3,397 | $75,134 | 7.2% | |
| 94 | Graton, CA | 1,671 | $94,436 | 5.9% | |
| 95 | Channel Islands Beach, CA | 2,708 | $95,250 | 2.8% | |
| 96 | Woodbridge, CA | 3,870 | $116,190 | 4.0% | |
| 97 | Tres Pinos, CA | 1,006 | $222,891 | 5.7% | |
| 98 | Santa Ynez, CA | 4,716 | $144,792 | 0.7% | |
| 99 | Forest Ranch, CA | 1,686 | $147,348 | 5.2% | |
| 100 | Colma, CA | 1,376 | $123,864 | 6.9% |
