Whether you love the ocean, desert, or mountains, California has something for everyone.

If you’re thinking of moving to this massive state, finding the right neighborhood might seem a little daunting.

This handy guide will tell you more about 10 up and coming California neighborhoods that will suit your lifestyle and your budget so you can find the perfect place for you. Read on to explore!

1. Highland

This small neighborhood is nestled inside of Oakland but has a fairly low population of around 4,400 people. Despite its small size, it’s still pretty densely populated.

If you’re looking for a home, you’ll find plenty of new construction here to choose from. The average price of a home is hovering around $344,000, an affordable price for California homes.

There are also plenty of multi-family dwellings to choose from if you prefer condo or apartment living.

2. Lockwood Tevis

This Oakland neighborhood only has about 3,300 residents, and around 75 of them are renters. This makes Lockwood Tevis a great place for college students and anyone who’s just starting out.

If you’re looking to buy, the median listing price is around $468,000. Many homes here were built between 1950 and 1959 so you may end up with a fixer-upper.

This neighborhood is home to the Aspire Goldern State Preparatory Academy.

3. Eagle Rock

This up and coming California neighborhood is located in the northeastern LA area. It boasts an eclectic counterculture and has taken many years to finally find its identity.

Although Eagle Rock is still on its way up, the neighborhood has a relatively high average sales price for homes. With plenty of thirty-somethings and a lot of quirky residents, it’s a popular choice for hipsters and people in the tech sector.

Make sure you stop by and enjoy a beer from Eagle Rock Brewery while you visit.

4. Glendora: California Neighborhoods for Families

If you’re looking for family-friendly California neighborhoods, give Glendora a try. This area located approximately 23 miles east of Los Angeles has a surprisingly low crime area.

The MetroLink extension makes it extremely convenient for workers who need to get into LA but prefer to live outside the city limits. Glendora also features a high-ranking public school system that’s considered one of the best in California.

The combination of low crime and great schools makes it a shoo-in for young families or couples.

5. Mount Washington

This up and coming California neighborhood borders Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Cypress Park, and Glassell Park. It has a unique history that makes it a popular place for those seeking spirituality.

An Indian spiritual leader once lived in Mount Washington and set up his society of self-realization in the town in 1917. Today, it’s a highly diverse area with people from many backgrounds including Hispanic, African-American, Caucasian, and Asian residents.

6. Broadstone

Located in Folsom, California, Broadstone has a population of just around 9,000. This small area is located in Sacramento County and has outstanding grades for education and crime.

With a suburban feel, it’s a fantastic place to raise a family and feel safe while giving your children an excellent education. There are plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, and parks to choose from.

The average house costs approximately $537,000, while rent will set you back around $2,100 per month.

7. Empire Ranch

For true suburban California living, try Eagle Ranch, located in Folsom County. This area features a small population of around 16,468 residents and most people who live here own their homes.

You’ll find lots of great restaurants, parks, and coffee shops to choose from here. The public schools are highly rated, too, making it a popular option for people with children.

The average price for a house in Eagle Ranch is around $515,000 and rent runs around $2,000 a month.

8. Columbia Gardens

With a size of approximately 12 city blocks, Columbia Gardens is a fabulous place to live for families, singles, and seniors like. This pleasant neighborhood has an urban feel and an even mixture of homeowners and renters.

Most of the homes in this area were built around the 1940s, so there’s a good chance you’d need to do some remodeling. The average listing price is around $448,000 for a home, and they sell fairly fast.

Easy access to public transit makes this area a wise option for professionals and students.

9. Natomas Creek

If nature and affordability are both up your alley, check out Natomas Creek. Located in Sacramento, this neighborhood has around 4,300 residents and boasts a slightly urban feel.

Most people who live in this area own their home, but the median price is surprisingly affordable at around $298,000. If you want to get a dose of the great outdoors, this neighborhood has plenty of beautiful parks to choose from.

Public schools here are above average, so it’s a wonderful place to buy a starter home if you have a young family.

10. Bushrod

Bushrod was recently voted by Redfin as their best up and coming neighborhood in the Oakland area. This neighborhood has a high population density with older homes averaging around 73 years.

Prices are rather high, ranging from around $550,000 all the way up to $1.2 million. Homes stay on the market for around 14 days on average, so there’s definitely something about Bushrod that makes it appealing to many buyers.

California Living

Whether you’re looking to stay close to city life or be surrounded by nature, these California neighborhoods have something for everyone. Be sure to check the current school system ratings, crime rates, and the average cost of housing.

You truly can have it all, even in the great state of California as long as you do your homework.

If you’re looking to sell your home for cash so you can move, give us a call or visit our website today.