11 Best Places to Live in California

11) Temecula

Although Temecula didn’t make the 2017 U.S. News list, it did make Business Insider’s 2016 “25 Safest American Cities to Live In.” In addition, 247wallst.com ranked it as one of 50 best cities in the country. This affluent area in Southern California and a major draw for tourists who come for the wineries and vineyards, golf courses, resorts, shopping in Old Town, wine festivals and international film festival. The schools are considered the best in the county and three high schools have been recognized as top schools. Besides tourism, residents work in education, finance and retail. The city hosts several regular events, including the Temecula Special Games for people with developmental disabilities, a classic car show, and the Art & Street Painting Festival. Residents also enjoy 97 miles of bike lanes and 22 miles of trails.