When some people think about California, there are certain themes that come to mind, such as sunshine, celebrities, great food, and of course, living by the beach. For many homebuyers searching for their next dream home, beach town living in California might sound unattainable and impractical, especially when it comes to everyday life and budgeting. It’s a common misconception that living by the beach is unaffordable and unrealistic for average buyers. However, according to a study from WalletHub, there are several beach and lake cities in California that are reasonably priced and suitable for daily living.

Below is a list of California’s top beach towns to live in and what they have to offer to new homeowners. 

Mill Valley

Strawberry Bay / Photo by Frank Schulenburg / CC BY-SA

Out of the 205 beach and lake cities compared throughout the nation, Mill Valley, a city that sits about 15 miles north of San Francisco in Marin County, made the top of the list at number four, ranking especially high in “Economy” and “Safety.” While Mill Valley’s northwestern neighborhoods are further inland, many of the city’s south and east side neighborhoods are near the beach.

For homeowners looking to stay close to the coast, Mill Valley neighborhoods such as Strawberry and Tamalpais Valley are all ideal when it comes to enjoying everyday life without spending too extravagantly. There’s a wide array of property options in each neighborhood, ranging from sprawling estates, mansions, and historical cottages to waterfront communities with highly desirable condominiums and even hidden properties with oceanside views of the beach. Three popular coastal communities that offer residents easy freeway access and luxurious living space with waterfront views include Shelter Bay and Sunrise Pointe Condos. The home prices for Mill Valley’s popular beach towns range anywhere from the mid $600,000s and upwards.

Santa Monica

Homes along Santa Monica Beach / Shutterstock

Even though living in Santa Monica is practically synonymous with Los Angeles, it’s indeed its own independent city on its way to becoming one of the world’s most self-sustainable and pedestrian-friendly communities. Located in Southern California, Santa Monica came in sixth place on WalletHub’s list of beach cities near the ocean, ranking high in “Overall Quality of Life.” With notable restaurants and nightlife, thriving businesses, a multitude of shopping centers, and so many bike lanes, Santa Monica is a dream city.

Home to the iconic Santa Monica Beach and popular tourist attraction Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier, most of the neighborhoods in Santa Monica are incredibly sought-after and expensive. Perhaps attributed to the recent influx of tech companies or the opening of the Metro’s new Expo line, Santa Monica has seen a wave of wealthy and affluent professionals move to the area. In fact, the city was ranked among LA County’s top zip codes for fancy living in 2017, with median home sales hovering around $3.4 million. The best Santa Monica neighborhoods ideal for living close to the beach while being close to amenities include areas around Main Street, Downtown Santa Monica, Third Street, and Ocean Avenue. Property options range from quiet villas further inland to modern high-rise residential dwellings and beachside homes near the coast.

Folsom

Aquatic Center and beach area in Folsom / Shutterstock

Although living by the ocean has its perks, the same can be said for lakeside cities. Compared to the beachside, these communities tend to be quieter, more low-key, and very charming with a hint of small-town vibes. The Sacramento County city of Folsom ranked third overall for lakeside communities, and it scored among the highest for “Affordability,” “Weather,” “Economy,” and “Quality of Life.” The city is known for being close to Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma, which are popular for boat racing, kayaking, sailing, fishing, and other aquatic activities. It’s also conveniently located a half-hour drive from Sacramento and an hour-and-a-half away from Tahoe National Forest.

Popular Folsom neighborhoods include Waterford Place, Cobble Hills Ridge, and Broadstone, among many others. Homes in this city range from sprawling estates to midsized single-family properties. For homeowners looking for a place to live near a lake, popular areas include Natoma Station, Canyon Terrace Lane, Folsom’s City Center near Lake Natoma Shores, and homes along Blue Ravine Road. Home prices in Folsom are still relatively affordable, with properties starting in the mid $400,000s for a single-family home.