Quick answer
California can be a good place to live in 2027 if its numbers fit your life: the app's top-scoring places have a median home value of $721,700, rent of $2,338/month and household income of $134,923, and the state's violent crime rate (435 per 100k, 2025) is above the median state. Start your research with El Dorado Hills, Mountain House, North Tustin.
Median home value
$721,700
Top-scoring places
Median rent
$2,338/mo
Household income
$134,923
Violent crime / 100k
435
California, 2025
Population change
+1.4%
Tracked places + counties
Home value change
+7.0%
State wage income tax
Yes
Home value ÷ income
5.3×
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Dorado Hills, CA | 92 | $870,300 | $2,468 | $163,544 | +3.0% |
| Mountain House, CA | 91 | $859,700 | $3,232 | $171,675 | +6.4% |
| North Tustin, CA | 85 | $1,212,400 | $2,397 | $186,250 | +3.6% |
| Eastvale, CA | 84 | $752,000 | $3,065 | $161,322 | +0.8% |
| Folsom, CA | 84 | $702,200 | $2,279 | $139,263 | +1.3% |
| Roseville, CA | 83 | $630,600 | $2,099 | $117,354 | +2.4% |
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Placer County | 83 | $658,800 | $1,991 | $114,678 | +1.4% |
| El Dorado County | 77 | $640,500 | $1,626 | $106,190 | +0.3% |
| Inyo County | 74 | $338,400 | $1,140 | $72,432 | -0.1% |
| Nevada County | 71 | $602,800 | $1,635 | $84,905 | +0.1% |
| Amador County | 70 | $422,800 | $1,380 | $81,526 | +1.1% |
| San Benito County | 69 | $751,500 | $1,922 | $108,289 | +2.0% |
Verdict factors to check before you decide
- 1Price the whole address: taxes, insurance, utilities and HOA, not just the listing.
- 2Confirm the exact city, county and school assignment for the address.
- 3Drive the commute at the hours you will actually travel.
- 4Check flood, heat and storm exposure on official maps.
- 5Compare crime at the jurisdiction level, then visit at night.
Frequently asked questions
Why Are People Leaving California?
California can be a good place to live in 2027 if its numbers fit your life: the app's top-scoring places have a median home value of $721,700, rent of $2,338/month and household income of $134,923, and the state's violent crime rate (435 per 100k, 2025) is above the median state. Start your research with El Dorado Hills, Mountain House, North Tustin.
What are the best places to live in California?
In the Smart Movers Club app, the top-scoring California cities are El Dorado Hills, Mountain House, North Tustin, Eastvale, Folsom, and the top counties are Placer County, El Dorado County, Inyo County, Nevada County. Scores combine income, housing, growth, employment and education.
Does California have a state income tax?
Yes, California taxes wage income. Check the state revenue department for current rates and compare property and sales taxes too.
Where does this data come from?
Figures come from the Smart Movers Club app, which compiles U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates and FBI state crime rates. Census figures are survey estimates, not live listing prices.
