Are you one of the 66 million Americans who want to live in Los Angeles? If so, not knowing which Southern California city to call home may be holding you back from fulfilling your California dream.

Los Angeles may be the most desirable SoCal city, but it certainly isn't the only one. Lesser-known areas like Temecula, Menifee, Murrieta, Riverside, and La Jolla are quickly becoming popular places to call home.

Are you wondering about the best cities to live in Southern California? If so, you've come to the right place. Read on for five cities to consider, how much a home will cost you, and the best neighborhoods to start your search.

1. Temecula, California

Temecula is a medium-sized city halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles. It has a population of 109,376 people made up of young professionals and families who come for the highly-rated schools, safety, and suburban feel.

With a median home listing price of $898,240, Temecula is more affordable than other California cities. Prices per square foot are on the decline, too, meaning now is the time to act if you're thinking of buying a home.

The Best Neighborhoods in Temecula, CA

The best neighborhoods in Temecula are close to top public schools like Red Hawk Elementary and Great Oak High School, local coffee shops, and lush parks. They include:

  • Paloma Del Sol

  • Wolf Creek

  • Morgan Hill

  • Chardonnay Hills

  • Temeku Hills

Of these, Temeku Hills and Paloma Del Sol offer the most affordable and family-friendly homes. Morgan Hill is the best option if you're looking for a more luxurious lifestyle close to Temecula Valley wine country.

2. Menifee, California

15 miles north of Temecula is the city of Menifee. With a population of 106,401, it is a medium-sized city with a large retirement community. With above-average public schools and A+ diversity, many families also call Menifee home.

One of the most attractive features of this suburban area is its affordable homes. The median list price is currently $656,050. But if you want to move to Menifee, act fast because prices per square foot are rising.

The Best Neighborhoods in Menifee, CA

The best neighborhoods in Menifee depend on the age demographic. Retirement communities sit close to the city's many golf courses. Family-friendly areas are concentrated on the city's outskirts and include:

  • Andalusia

  • Menifee Lakes

  • Park Ridge

  • The Oasis

  • Sun City

The Oasis and Sun City are the best places to search for more reasonably priced homes. Meanwhile, Park Ridge is a resort-style masterplan community that will put you in the lap of luxury.

3. Murrieta, California

Murrieta is in the heart of the LA-San Diego mega-region and just south of Menifee. It has a mid-sized population of 112,991 people and is growing fast due to its hybrid suburban/urban feel.

Home prices per square foot have been dropping since October. Right now, the median home list price is only $739,690, which may explain why so many families and young professionals are moving to the area.

The Best Neighborhoods in Murrieta, CA

The best neighborhoods in Murrieta are close to the city's highly-rated public schools, such as Vista Murrieta High School and Red Hawk Elementary. Here are the Murrieta, California neighborhoods where you should start your search:

  • Alta Murrieta

  • Bear Creek

  • Central Park

  • Clarendon Hills

  • Copper Canyon

Alta Murrieta and Clarendon Hills are the most family-friendly of the bunch. Bear Creek is the most luxurious option, featuring gated communities and a private golf course.

4. Riverside, California

Riverside is a larger city that is home to more than 300,000 people. Located about 50 miles from downtown LA and boasting a thriving economy of its own, this city is a popular choice for young professionals.

Families also love Riverside for its cost of living. Homes list for a median price of $706,700, which comes out to about $361.81 per square foot. If you've been thinking about moving to this city, act now before prices go back up.

The Best Neighborhoods in Riverside, CA

The best neighborhoods in Riverside are on the west side of the city, closer to LA. They offer convenience to major employers as well as top public schools like JFK High School and Benjamin Franklin Elementary and include:

  • Wood Streets

  • Downtown Riverside

  • Canyon Crest

  • Mission Grove

  • Victoria

Wood Streets and Downtown Riverside are excellent choices for young professionals. Golf-loving families should search in Victoria, while Canyon Crest offers something for everyone.

5. La Jolla, California

La Jolla may not be the most affordable, but it is one of the most desirable cities on our list, known as The Jewel of San Diego. It is a small suburb with a population of 46,781 located a few miles north of downtown San Diego.

If you want to live in this desirable area, be prepared to pay top dollar for a home. The median listing price is currently $5.15 million and rising. That's why retirees and high net-worth families are the typical La Jolla residents.

The Best Neighborhoods in La Jolla, CA

The best neighborhoods in La Jolla are close to the area's A+ public schools, like Preuss School, and competitive private academies, such as La Jolla Country Day. But you really can't go wrong with any of the following neighborhoods:

  • La Jolla Village

  • Bird Rock

  • Muirlands

  • Lower Hermosa

  • La Jolla Shores

Birdrock and Lower Hermosa are the places to look for family homes near good schools. If you are moving to the area for the stunning coastal views, La Jolla Village and La Jolla Shores offer some of the best in the area.

These Are the Best Cities to Live in Southern California

Temecula, Menifee, Murrieta, Riverside, and La Jolla are the best cities to live in Southern California. They offer top-notch schools and strong economies, and all but La Jolla provides a reasonable cost of living.

Are you ready to buy a home in Southern California in one of these top cities? Let Mogul Real Estate lend you a hand. We are the leading real estate team in the Temecula Valley, San Diego, and Riverside areas.

Start your search today and get in touch with one of our agents to finally make your California dream a reality.