California

California, the most populous state in the United States, has a total of 482 cities. It’s the preferred residence of almost every Hollywood star and is home to Silicon Valley – the famous tech hub of the world. Besides, the beautiful state is known for its top-notch wines, ancient Redwood and Sequoia forests, diverse climates, and amazing culinary scene.

Nicknamed “The Golden State”, California is undoubtedly one of the nation’s wealthiest and most socially as well as politically influential states.

What’s more, California leads the country in the production of fruits, vegetables, wines, and nuts. Agriculture is one of the key sectors of the state’s economy. Cannabis, nuts, grapes, cotton, flowers, and oranges are the state’s most valuable crops. In fact, the majority of domestic wine produced in the U.S. comes from California.

The median home listing price is approximately $729,000 in California. That translates to an average price per square foot being $409. Of course, the home value depends largely on the city it’s located in, the size of the property, its design elements, the neighborhood, and proximity to the local amenities.

Typically, a house sells around 34 days after being on the real estate market. The average monthly rent for an apartment ranges from $1,726 to $2,686 – depending on the location, property type, square footage, and the condition of the house.

Whenever it comes to figuring out how much rent you can afford to pay, you must follow the golden rule – to spend only around 30% of your income on rent. This formula will help you reach a healthy balance between comfort and affordability in California.

State highlights

The West Coast state of California is renowned for its numerous attractions that draw visitors all year long – right from famous sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hollywood Sign situated on Mount Lee peak of the Santa Monica Mountains to an abundance of natural beauty and the numerous outdoor as well as indoor entertainment options.

You can enjoy the Sun, sand, surf, lakes, deserts, and mountains any time of the year. In fact, the landscape is so diverse that you can experience all of these in just one day! You can start your day on the beach, drive to Big Bear for some skiing, and reach Joshua Tree National Park in the desert.

This gorgeous state makes for a well-rounded area to live in. Besides, there are some exciting options for kids, such as Disneyland and Universal Studios. Whether you’re a professional, a family, a student, or a retiree – the state of California will provide you with the best of the economic, educational, and familial advantages.

Geographic location

California is located in the Western United States, along the Pacific Coast. In terms of land area, it’s the third biggest U.S. state. It has a total area of 163,696 square miles.

Climate

Most parts of California experience a Mediterranean-like climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. On the coast, freezing temperatures are uncommon, even in the winter. During summers, the maximum temperature often hovers around 70°F.

Demography

With 39.2 million residents in California – the state is the most populous U.S. state. And, is one of the most culturally as well as linguistically diverse areas. You can find Latinos (39%), Whites (35%), Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders (15%), African Americans (5%), and other people of multiracial ethnicities (4%).

Cost of Living

California is the third most expensive U.S. state to live in – with high home prices and notoriously high costs of living.

As compared to the rest of the U.S. states, the cost of living in California is 41% higher. The reason is that housing is 96% higher, utilities are 27% higher, groceries are 10% higher and clothing costs are 10% higher than the national average. Furthermore, healthcare services cost 10% more than the national average.

Keep in mind that the exact cost of living in California will vary depending on the city. The most expensive city in California is San Francisco, where the cost of living is 38% higher than the state average and 94% higher than the national average. A single adult can expect to pay roughly $3,886 as the average monthly expenditure and $6,312 as annual tax.

Transportation

The state of California is quite big and diverse. But the good news is that in practically every county of the state, public transit is accessible. Of course, its efficiency may vary. The system is most efficient in the San Francisco Bay Area.

California has dependable local bus networks in almost all of its main towns and cities. Using the bus or train saves money on parking and gas, which can add up quickly in California.

Schools

California has some of the top-rated public schools, including Sage Canyon School (San Diego), Scripps Elementary School (San Diego), Torrey Hills School (San Diego), Canyon Vista Elementary School (Aliso Viejo), Michael G. Wickman Elementary School (Chino Hills), Carmel Valley Middle School (San Diego), Whitney High School (Cerritos), Day Creek Intermediate School (Etiwanda), University Preparatory School (Victorville), Granite Ridge Intermediate School (Fresno), Foothill Technology High School (Ventura), Middle College High School (Stockton), Tesoro High School (Las Flores), West Campus (Sacramento), and Westview High School (San Diego).

In California, there are numerous reputable colleges and universities. The University of California system and the California State University system are two of the best-known public college systems in the country.

What is the state like?

California is famous for its laid-back lifestyle, rich culture, and diverse environment. There are beautiful sun-kissed surf beaches, dazzling towns, rocky mountains, dramatic deserts, towering redwood forests, and exquisite vineyards.

California is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful states in the U.S. Moreover, it’s the ideal place for parents to raise their children. It’s the 27th safest U.S. state. The family-friendly place has a relatively low property crime rate.

With lucrative job opportunities, mild weather year-round, quality higher education, and a diverse culinary scene, California is one of the most popular destinations for many. What’s more, because the state has such a diverse landscape, you can reach many terrains within a few hours drive.