11 Best Places to Live in California

5) Los Angeles

Los Angeles can be a “love it or hate it” sort of place. Some people equate it with celebrities and traffic, but many inhabitants thrive on the diversity and energy of LA. The commute might be rough, but the city does have a lot to offer — good weather, beaches, mountains, creative networking, major league sports teams, high-end shopping and more than 30,000 restaurants. While entertainment may be the first industry that comes to mind, it’s also known as one of the most difficult to break into. For that reason, many people work in hospitality, manufacturing, trade and government. Los Angeles presents the same high cost of living issues that are found elsewhere, plus a housing shortage. The average salary is only slightly higher than the national average. The crime rate, however, is lower than comparable cities.