Do you know best up and coming cities in California?

Luckily, the fastest-growing cities in California offer mountains, deserts, beaches, a good standard of living, an affordable lifestyle, and good job opportunities. So without further ado, here are the top 7 best growing cities in California that you can consider living in.

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Dublin is an incredible city nestled in East Bay that is 35 miles from San Francisco in the suburbs of the Oakland area.  This fastest growing California city is located near Livermore Valley’s burgeoning Wine Country with an average of 260 days of clear sunny skies. There are beautiful parks like Alamo Creek, and Emerald Glen Park to relax and foster mutually supportive interactions.

From greatschools.org, Dublin schools are rated eight to nine on a scale of 1-10 for offering the best class education to students. This small city in the Tri-Valley is safe to live in and has the lowest crime rate, making it one of the best places to shift with your family.

You will easily find a lot of job opportunities in technical service, social assistance, healthcare, and retail trade departments. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US. The cost of living is reasonable compared to living in San Francisco and you will be happy to be part of the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.

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Irvine is the fastest growing city in southern California with the best weather to flaunt your tan. I would probably suggest you live in Woodbury, Portola Springs, and Orchard Hills as these places are quite cheap compared to other places in Irvine. If you’re a retired person and searching for a clean place to live then come to Irvine as the quality of air is so pure.

Unified School District and the University of California at Irvine assures excellent education for the children. Irvine never takes safety for granted and assures you that it is the safest city in the United States! Irvine is home to spectacular beaches like Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar State Beach, Victoria Beach, and many more.

The vibrant and robust economy offers several employment options as large technology companies like Broadcom, Blizzard Entertainment, Edward Lifesciences and other high-paying tech giants sit here. The housing cost, utility cost, and cost of living are 80% higher than the U.S. average. However, the income and expenses in Irvine are high and with proper planning, you can manage them.

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Beaumont sits on top of San Gorgonio Pass, is a great destination for retirees, and is also one of the fastest-growing areas in California. The city is a two-hour drive from Los Angeles and Orange County beaches, making it one of the famous destinations for mountain lovers.

You will be surprised to know that around the 1990s Beaumont was sleepy, pastoral, the land of apple orchards, and one of the booming cities in California. This place is not far from Palm Springs located in Riverside County. You can consider living in Calder Terrace, Caldwood Acres, and Lamar U.

This area offers a lot of hiking trails like Gulf Terrace Park, Folsom hike and bike trail, and a lot more. You can also visit Wildwood Canyon State Park, Cherry Valley, Morongo Golf Club, and many more. The weather is cooler, less smoggy, and offers an affordable lifestyle.

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Menifee sits several miles away from county Temecula and is ranked one of the best growing cities in California. This hidden gem in Riverside County is famous for bright blue skies, a refreshing environment, majestic mountain views, and dog-friendly parks. Menifee holds the 42nd percentile for safety and has a safe community with low crime rates.

Your child or your grandchildren will get the best education offers from Menifee as this is home to the Menifee Valley Campus of Mt. San Jacinto College, a fast-growing community college. There are a lot of parks, green spaces, and playgrounds like Spirit Park, Lyle Marsh Inclusive Playground, Eller Park, and many more.

The open community welcomes people of every culture and ethnicity and you will never feel isolated in this beautiful city. The job market is growing and it has witnessed a 2.2% increase over the previous years. In terms of building construction and affordability, the city is growing and developing. Unarguably, Menifee is one of the best places to live in Southern California.

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Rio Vista is one of the fastest-growing cities in northern California that offers a suburban feeling and simple life to live. You can spend your memorable evening in Sandy Beach Park, Ryer Island Ferry, Deltas Farmers Market, Delta Marina Yacht Harbour, and many more.

The public schools of Rio Vista are above average and a good place to raise your children here. This small city in the county of Solano has a well-knit community with less crime rate and affordable living. Finally, Rio Vista respects diversity and has a lot of green space to offer peace in this busy world.

The city has witnessed an increase in job market opportunities by 0.9% over the previous year. The economy is healthy, growing, and developing with time and you will find opportunities in engineering services, building constructions, code enforcement, and many more.

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Santa Clara County is the fastest-growing county in California whereas Los Gatos sits with plenty of extravagant communities, wonderful medium and small homes, and other amenities. The lovely Mediterranean weather allows you to enjoy a hike, and explore Castle Rock State Park, and Vasona Lake County Park.

According to Payscale, the cost of living in Los Gatos is 138% higher compared to other places in the United States. In terms of state income tax rates, average property value, average housing rental price, and cost of living index, Los Gatos is a little expensive. However, Dwellics analytics assign Los Gatos 63.9 (with 100 being the best) in terms of the safest place to live.

At the base of Sierra Azules, Los Gatos is a beautiful and secure place to live in. It is a part of Silicon Valley and Netflix’s headquarter is in Los Gatos. This is also a hub of many high technology companies like Infogain, Roku, Kyvos Insight, ConnectAndSell, SuVolta, and many more. The economy is very stable and healthy and I would suggest you stay in Almond Grove and Cleffield Heights areas.

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Clovis is the fastest-growing small city in California that sits in the northeast quadrant of the Fresno-Clovis Metropolitan Area. Clovis sits an hour’s drive from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and 30 minutes away from the Sierra National Forest.

The economy is stable and has to experience slow economic growth and development. The unemployment rate is only 3.7%, as Clovis Community hospitals, Costco, Target, and many more offer stable employment opportunities to the people. Clovis Unified School Districts and San Joaquin College of Law strive for excellence in education.

If you are residing in Clovis then you can be part of Clovis Rodeo, an event where you can be part of Ranch Rodeo, Rodeo Blood Drive, Jackpot Roping, and many more. You can explore the Clovis Rotary State Park, Shaver Lake, and many more.

Interesting fact: In 2013, Clovis is ranked #1 as the best place for young families to live in.

California is experiencing massive population growth and therefore to support this growing population the city is growing itself in size. Here are a few reasons why California is growing in size.

Related Post: How Do Average People Afford to Living in California?

Final Words

The fastest-growing cities in California are termed ‘fastest-growing’ in terms of population, network, population density, significance, and many more. The growth rate reflects the population difference from year to year and helps to determine the top fast-growing cities in California. Certainly, there are pros and cons of living in California but each place, state, city, and town has its inherited tastes and values.

Read Next:

• Vernon – 98.2% Growth.
• Lathrop – 59.2% Growth.
• Dublin – 57.7% Growth.
• Irvine – 44.9% Growth.
• Beaumont – 43.8% Growth.
• Imperial – 37.3% Growth.
• Rio Vista – 35.9% Growth.
• Lake Elsinore – 35.6% Growth.

To say it’s overwhelming to move to a state that’s nearly 164,000 square miles is an understatement. As a California local, I’m here to help you pick the best cities in California for residency in the ginormous state.

I’m confident in my expertise to help you find the location of your forever home, so let’s dive right in.

Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

A beachy metropolitan city with incredible nightlife

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With 840 miles of coastal beachline, most people move to California to be close to the iconic SoCal beaches.

San Diego is a prominent U.S. destination and one of the best places to live in California. This beach city is home to remote workers, surfers, and families alike. San Diego is a good place to move with kids, as there are hundreds of San Diego activities including public parks, a zoo, schools, museums, and much more.

Adults also love the abundance of restaurants, shopping, and nightlife in the area. San Diego is a beautiful city and highly coveted among California locals. The only downside, however, is that the cost of living is on the high side.

👉 Pro Tip: Head over to the Gaslamp neighborhood for the best San Diego breweries, bars, and clubs in town.

The capital of wine country USA

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Sonoma City is in the heart of the winemaking region of Sonoma Valley. This Northern California town is less crowded than other major California cities and encompasses both a metropolitan and small countryside atmosphere.

Sonoma bears a rich history, with a colonial-era plaza, adobe buildings, and the historic Mission San Francisco Solano that once served as a Mexican military outpost.

Residents over 21 love the variability of the 425 local wineries in the region. This is perhaps the most popular reason why people move to Northern California’s wine country. There are also various family activities around the town like weekly farmer’s markets and hiking among the looming redwood trees.

Only 30 miles north of San Francisco, Sonoma is the perfect escape to the countryside, with big city amenities just a short car ride away. Santa Rosa is a Sonoma County neighborhood that’s ideal for families. Sonoma City and neighboring Santa Rosa are both safe communities with public amenities.

🏘️ Moving With the Family? Check out my guide to the best kid-friendly activities in California.

The largest city in California with thousands of activities and attractions

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Los Angeles is the second most populous city in the United States, but don’t let its big numbers intimidate you. The “City of Angels” is inhabited by over 3 million residents and spans 34,000 square miles.

Los Angeles is one of the best places to live in California and is the most popular destination to visit in the United States. The big city has everything you need with an overabundance of public and private schools, nightlife, entertainment, tourist attractions, public parks and libraries, and the list goes on.

With a city as big as Los Angeles, you will definitely want to do your research before discerning which LA neighborhood is best to suit your wants and needs.

You will find cheap places to live in LA, but these often compromise a strong sense of security. You may want to spend a little more to live in a safe community in Los Angeles. Or, opt to live on the outskirts in a small town like Claremont or Azusa.

A family city with local amenities and affordable home prices

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Redlands is one of the best places to live in California. This San Bernardino County city has a nationally-acclaimed university, the University of Redlands, and a quaint surrounding college town.

There are local community events found in Redlands almost every day of the week from car shows, farmer’s markets, public park events, and concerts. Just outside of Los Angeles, Redlands is the perfect family town in Southern California.

Many Redlands residents hike and camp in the nearby San Bernardino Mountains, just outside of town. City folks can enjoy watching a concert at the Redlands Bowl or browsing through the San Bernardino County Museum’s natural history exhibits.

Because Redlands is just outside of LA, the cost of living can be on the higher end. If you are trying to budget, there are many affordable apartment options in the area. Redlands is one of the top places to stay in San Bernardino, so don’t miss out.

A small town in the great outdoors with a tight-knit community

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Lake Tahoe is a Northern California mountain town. The village is established around the boundary of the lake, the largest alpine lake in North America.

This is the perfect place for individuals who love nature and aren’t afraid of winter weather. Lake Tahoe is nestled between high-altitude Sierra Mountain peaks on the border of Nevada and experiences a proper California snowy winter.

As a result, skiing is one of the main attractions of Lake Tahoe. With a small year-round population of 40,000, this is one of the smallest and most beautiful mountain towns in California.

There are 8 public schools in Tahoe and the main attractions for both families and individuals are outdoor activities like snowboarding, cycling, water skiing, and mountaineering.

A LA County beach city with a low crime rate and easy access to the beach

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Santa Monica is just a short drive from downtown Los Angeles and is the perfect residential city for beachgoers. Not only will you find high-end shopping centers and top-notch dining options, but also clean public parks and beaches.

The Santa Monica-Malibu School District offers 17 public schools in this Los Angeles County region. The nightlife in Santa Monica is favored by adults but kids also love the area for the close access to the beach.

There are also arcade games on the Santa Monica pier, which is one of the best things to do in Santa Monica. Although the cost of living isn’t exactly inexpensive in Santa Monica, the area is worth the price tag. Not to mention, your neighbor may just be a Hollywood celebrity.

A Spanish-style beach town with a luxurious ambiance

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Santa Barbara is not only an ideal place to stop on your ultimate California road trip, but it’s also one of the top places to live in California. This Spanish-style seaside town is pretty close to surfing paradise.

Most people who live in Santa Barbara are surfers, beach lovers, or college students. UC Santa Barbara is one of the top universities in California and the downtown area of the city caters to the students.

You will find a plethora of bars and restaurants in downtown Santa Barbara. Other fun attractions include visiting the Old Santa Barbara Mission or hanging out at East Beach.

Although the town caters more to college-aged adults, there are 21 public schools in the unified school district. This ensures your children’s top-grade education.

A Northern California gem with rich history and a multitude of activities

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San Francisco is one of the best places in California for both visiting and living. It is an iconic California city and was one of the first established during the Gold Rush Era.

Living in downtown San Francisco won’t be easy on your wallet, but you can find more affordable options just outside of the city. San Francisco is a Northern Californian hub for shopping, eating, tourist attractions, beaches, and cruising on the bay.

This is one of the best places to live in California because it caters to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. You will find an abundance of parks, playgrounds, libraries, schools, colleges, a healthy job market, special events, and more around the city.

A business-oriented city in Northern California

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Business people and entrepreneurs are brought to San Jose’s Silicon Valley each year. Home to major companies like Apple, Facebook, and Google, Silicon Valley is ideal for technology-driven workers looking to relocate for their careers.

Other homeowners are drawn to San Jose for the beautiful weather, safe neighborhoods, and nearby nature excursions. While the city isn’t exactly low-cost, it is far less expensive than nearby San Francisco.

On your tour of San Jose, be sure to check out the Rose Garden neighborhood and admire the 19th-century architecture. The Alameda neighborhood is another highly sought-after historic neighborhood that is known for its tasty restaurants.

The perfect location in between a bustling city and the sunny beach

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Many people moving to California consider Orange County for their forever home. Irvine is in the perfect location, near the beach but centrally located near schools and metropolitan shopping centers.

Irvine is a heavily populated city in Orange County with great city life, an accredited university, and a huge job market. Many people who move to the golden state consider Irvine due to its proximity to major businesses.

Less than 9 miles from Newport Beach, Irvine is one of the entertainment capitals of Southern California. Things to do in Irvine include browsing around the Irvine Spectrum shopping center, catching a concert at the FivePoint Amphitheater, or going surfing at the nearby beach.

An elegant, historic city just outside of LA

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Pasadena is hands down one of the places to live in California. Just outside of Los Angeles, Pasadena is less populated than the Hollywood city and is a great place to live for families.

Settled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, the downtown Colorado Boulevard area offers high-end stores and delicious, 3-5-star restaurants. Pasadena neighborhoods are clean and the municipality is one of the safest in California.

Home of the Rose Bowl (the giant sports stadium) this city offers luxurious housing options for residents who aren’t necessarily looking to budget for their dream home. Pasadena has all of the amenities you could hope for in a city and does not disappoint its inhabitants.

A Southern California countryside town with an extensive public school system

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Temecula is a Southern California wine region with open land and big family houses. Located in Riverside County, Temecula boasts some of the most affordable house prices in California.

Praised for its quintessential Southern California weather, local wine, valley scenery, and excellent schools, many California residents are leaving Los Angeles County and heading to the countryside.

Temecula offers a less congested alternative to living in the greater Los Angeles and San Diego areas and is a top pick for individuals looking to build their own homes. See our guides to what to do in Temecula and where to stay in Temecula for more.

One of the most beautiful Southern California beach towns

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Newport Beach is one of the hippest beach towns in California. It is also one of the best places to live in California for year-round sunshine. It’s hard not to fall in love with this Southern California beach town and its 10-mile coastline.

Located in Orange County, Newport has one of the most extensive public school systems in California. The education is among the top in the state and students love their school’s proximity to the beach.

Newport Beach also has a great nightlife scene with an array of bars right on the waterfront. Newport neighborhoods are clean and safe, making this a top destination for people who want to move to California.

Learn more with our guide to what to do in Newport Beach.

👉 Pro Tip: Newport Beach is in close proximity to Huntington Beach, one of the top surf destinations in the world. When the beach is too crowded at Newport, take a short drive to Huntington to enjoy its less-crowded sandy beaches.

Eight of the country’s 50 most populated cities are in California, and on this list of the fastest-growing cities in the golden state, four of them are located in Southern California. No surprise the state is eighth on LawnStarter’s Quality of Life Index, or that so many people are moving to Southern California. So without further ado, here are the top fastest-growing cities, by a percentage of increase, in Southern California.

Search all homes for sale in Beaumont

The mountains are the backdrop in Beaumont, one of the most popular up-and-coming cities in Southern California, growing 43.82 over the last decade. Beaumont is situated south of Southern California’s highest peak, the 11,503-foot-high San Gorgonio Mountain. Located in Riverside County, it’s not far from Palm Springs.

The cost of living here is lower than in other cities in Southern California, and that makes buying a house with a yard in Beaumont, an attainable goal. A great place for those who love the outdoors, you can pick cherries during the summer in Cherry Valley, located just north of the city, golf at the Morongo Golf Club, or visit Wildwood Canyon State Park to see some views. Plus how can you beat the easy access to Big Bear and Mt. San Jacinto Park?

Search all homes for sale in Chino Hills

Chino Hills is one of the safest places in the country, the FBI ranking it as the city fourth-safest from violent crime rates. But that’s just one reason this city is the fastest growing in Southern California. The population spiked 4.6% in 2017 thanks in part to its convenient location San Bernardino County just a short distance from Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Riverside County. Bordering on Yorba Linda in Orange County, Chino Hills is actually the richest city in San Bernardino County.

Set against the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains, the average income within Chino Hills is well above the national average at over $97,000 a year, but that hasn’t stopped newcomers from moving in.

Search all homes for sale in Irvine

Irvine is not only one of the fastest growing cities, but it’s also one of the safest cities in Southern California and one of the best cities to live in California. The beautiful high-value real estate, award-winning high schools, and master-planned layout of parks and amenities make Irvine such a popular place for people to settle in California.

More than 276,000 people already call Irvine, California, home, and new neighbors are arriving all the time. Irvine saw a 3.4% rise in population, making it the second fastest growing city in Southern California. The suburban feel makes this Orange County city one of the best places for families to live in California. About half of Irvine residents rent their home; the other half owns. It’s also one of the healthiest cities in America.

No surprise, as one of the top up and coming cities in California, Irvine is still growing with tons of newly built homes and communities to choose from. Top neighborhoods in Irvine with new homes include Orchard Hills and Woodbury. If you’re looking for more affordable places to buy in Irvine with a budget of $700k-$800k, check out Portola Springs, Woodbridge, and the Great Park. Warning, because Irvine is full of newer communities, you will often have to pay Mello Roos taxes on top of your monthly mortgage payment. The good news is, not every neighborhood has them, and they have an expiration date.

Search all homes for sale in Aliso Viejo

Aliso Viejo is nestled in the San Joaquin Hills in Orange County. It’s fairly young as cities go, incorporated in July of 2001. Nearly 50,000 people live here. One popular attraction? The Aliso and Woods Canyons Wilderness Park, which offers 4,500 acres for hikers, mountain bikers, and anyone who enjoys nature. It’s also about 15 minutes from the beach and easy access to the 5 and toll roads. That’s part of the reason the population of Aliso Viejo rose 3.1 percent in 2018.

Aliso Viejo also ranks as one of the safest cities in Orange County and one of the best suburbs to live in Orange County. Offering tons of affordable options including charming townhomes and condos, the city is conveniently located off the 241 toll road and also has quite a few great dog-friendly hiking trails including Aliso Summit and Shady Canyon Trail Loop.

Search all homes for sale in Banning

Banning’s population grew by 3.8% last year, making it the fastest-growing city in California with a population over 30,000, according to data from the California Department of Finance. Helping the city grow is an influx of newly constructed homes at affordable prices for Southern California. What’s surprising is that before 2019, Banning went a decade without issuing a single new residential permit, a stark contrast to the city’s current population boom.

In Banning you can visit the Malki Museum, the oldest not-for-profit museum founded with Native Americans to preserve art and artifacts, telling the story of the Southern Californian Indian cultures or catch a Little League game at Lion’s Park.

Search all homes for sale in Brentwood

If you look at sheer numbers, the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego grew by about 33,000 and 20,000 people last year. Since those SoCal cities already have populations in the millions, the growth percentages work out to be smaller than the official five fastest-growing cities in Southern California. There’s clearly something for everyone here. So stop dreaming and pack your bags. Southern California is calling.

Brentwood’s population has increased by 28.01% since the most recent census even though home prices continue to climb. The high cost of living and average household income is only a testament to the popularity of this picturesque suburb.

Search all homes for sale in Lake Elsinore

Lake Elsinore is probably best-known among locals as the best place to see the super bloom when it hits Southern California. Walker Canyon was flooded with visitors from LA, OC, and San Diego in 2019 to capture a photo of the orange hillsides blooming with poppies. The population of Lake Elsinore has also been booming, with a growth rate of 35.59% in 2020.

Located in Riverside County near Temecula, the city offers plenty of newly built homes, space to spread out, and affordable prices compared to the rest of Southern California. Lake Elsinore’s historic downtown area is a great place to drink in some local history and grab a bite among the museums, antique shops, and eateries. The city also has a casino, drawing crowds from neighboring communities.

Search all homes for sale in Imperial City

Located inland of San Diego just above Mexicali you will find Imperial City. Mostly desert landscape, the Imperial Valley includes Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and is characterized by a dry, arid climate. As of 2020, the city has seen a 37.3% population growth.

If you’re into geology, you’ll love this area where you can visit the Salton Sea and obsidian buttes. The result of volcanic activities beneath tectonic plates, you can walk along the buttes and take obsidian samples home as a souvenir. The small town hosts several events throughout the year including an annual Parade of Lights during the holidays.

Search all homes for sale in Menifee

According to census data, the population of Menifee, CA has grown 32.26%, with plenty of Southern California natives heading inland to avoid the high costs of home prices. The affordable city has a median home price of $529,000, trending upward 26% year-over-year. Located within close proximity to Murrieta and Temecula’s wine country, Menifee has low crime rates, offers great schools, and has plenty of more room for growth.

When most people think about moving to California, they imagine traveling to the city of Los Angeles or migrating to the beaches of Malibu. This means that you might be surprised to learn that the city with the highest increase in growth from 2010 to 2020 was the small industrial city of Vernon. Between 2010 and 2020, Vernon saw an increase in population from 112 to 222, meaning that the population almost doubled.

Touting itself as “exclusively industrial,” more and more men and women who work in Vernon are moving out of Los Angeles (which is located to the north) to enjoy a shorter commute and more space. Though the small city is still currently dominated by warehouses and packing plants, residential areas are becoming increasingly more common.

The city with the 2nd highest population growth in California isn’t 1 that you might expect—instead of major hubs like Palm Springs or San Francisco, the small, quaint town of Lathrop takes the top spot. Between 2010 and 2020, the population of Lathrop grew from 18,023 to 28,701 for a growth percentage of 59.2%

It’s easy to see why families, in particular, are making an exodus to Lathrop from California’s major metropolitan areas. Combining easy access to the Bay area by car with a more affordable standard of living and a slower way of life, Lathrop might be an excellent place to call home if you’re looking to enjoy more peace and quiet but don’t want to be totally disconnected from the city.

A suburb of the Oakland area, most residents of California know Dublin for its rich and vibrant art scene. However, the city is also experiencing a surge of new economic activity bleeding over from the San Francisco area. This has resulted in the population of Dublin growing from 46,036 in 2010 to 72,589 in 2020, representing a growth rate of 57.7%.

Raising a child in San Francisco can be tough—and expensive. Many residents who originally lived in San Francisco have moved to Dublin to enjoy a lower cost of living and enhanced educational opportunities. Dublin’s schooling options are some of the highest-rated of California’s major cities, with A-rated public and private schooling choices. Dublin also features easy access to kid-friendly amenities like arcades and parks.

Not every city seeing major growth in California is in the state’s rural area. Taking 4th place on our list is Irvine, CA, the 14th largest city in the state of California and the 66th largest city in the United States as a whole. Irvine’s population grew from 212,375 in 2010 to 307,670 in 2020, marking a population growth of 44.9%.

In the past year, a number of tech giants have moved their headquarters to Irvine and brought along with them a boom of economic growth. Some of the largest technology employers stationed in Irvine include Blizzard Entertainment, Edward Lifesciences, and Broadcom. But the residents of Irvine don’t live an “all work no play” lifestyle. On the weekends, residents of Irvine enjoy access to a wealth of libraries and can enjoy the mild climate in 1 of the city’s 60 parks.

Beaumont, a suburb of Riverside, CA, takes 5th place on our list of the fastest-growing cities in California. The population of Beaumont increased from 36,877 in 2010 to 53,036, representing a 43.8% increase in population. This growth is largely attributed to Beaumont’s increasingly independent economy, which has become significantly more diverse in the previous decade.

Beaumont can be an excellent place to live if you value desert recreation and reasonable climates. Unlike some other cities in the Mojave Desert area (like Joshua Tree or Palm Springs) Beaumont enjoys a relatively mild climate year-round. Beaumont is particularly popular with climbing and hiking enthusiasts, who enjoy the city’s easy access to desert attractions and a variety of national parks.

Situated close to the border between California and Mexico, the city of Imperial’s population has increased from 14,758 in 2010 to 20,263 in 2020. This represents a large growth of 37.3%.

A haven for modern-day pioneers, Imperial offers the best that the Golden State has to offer in terms of outdoor adventuring. The city is close to the Salton Sea, which offers sports like kayaking, swimming, and waterskiing. Those who prefer their events a bit drier can head to Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree is situated to the north of Imperial and offers a wide range of hiking and camping opportunities, with hikes designated for beginners and experienced hikers alike.

Nestled in the Sacramento River Delta region of Northern California, most residents of the Golden State know Rio Vista as a quiet, rural town. However, the economy of Rio Vista has been consistently growing in the last decade—and the city’s reputation as a sparsely populated area may be a thing of the past in the coming years. Between 2010 and 2020, the population of Rio Vista increased from 7,360 to 10,005, representing an overall growth rate of 35.9%.

Rio Vista’s growing economy isn’t the only thing attracting new residents to the area. The city is currently well-known for its diverse population, which brings with it a selection of cultural attractions, museums, and entertainment choices. From visiting the Rio Vista Golf Club to whale watching in the Sacramento River, there’s plenty to explore in this small city.

Lake Elsinore is a city nestled just west of Riverside County—and the 8th most popular city in California for those looking to move into a new environment. Between 2010 and 2020, Lake Elsinore increased from 51,821 to 70,265, representing an increase in population of about 35.6%.

A truly eclectic city, Lake Elsinore offers something for everyone when it comes to weekend fun. Sports fanatics can cheer on the Lake Elsinore Storm at the massive Storm Stadium while sun-worshippers catch some rays at Elm Grove Beach. As is the case with many areas of California, the city also offers a variety of nature trails and hiking options for nature lovers. With so many options, Lake Elsinore is attracting a diverse group of new residents to its city.

Residents of California will find the hidden gem of Menifee in Riverside County—but this beautiful city might not stay hidden for long. Between 2010 and 2020, the population of Menifee increased from 77,519 to 102,527, representing a growth rate of 32.3%.

Located in the heart of Southern California, Menifee is known for its bright blue skies, classic summer fun, and its host of family-friendly amenities. The most popular attraction in the area is the Drop Zone Water Park, a sprawling amusement park that offers everything from quiet camping to high-speed waterslides. In addition to this attraction, Menifee is also an excellent area for family life, with a number of well-maintained dog parks and relatively affordable housing prices.

Rounding out our list is the quaint and slow city of Coalinga. From 2010 to 2020, the population of Coalinga increased from 13,380 to 17,590. This marks an increase in growth of about 31.5%, with more than 4,000 new residents moving in within the course of a decade.

When most people think about moving to California, they imagine traveling to the city of Los Angeles or migrating to the beaches of Malibu. This means that you might be surprised to learn that the city with the highest increase in growth from 2010 to 2020 was the small industrial city of Vernon. Between 2010 and 2020, Vernon saw an increase in population from 112 to 222, meaning that the population almost doubled.

Touting itself as “exclusively industrial,” more and more men and women who work in Vernon are moving out of Los Angeles (which is located to the north) to enjoy a shorter commute and more space. Though the small city is still currently dominated by warehouses and packing plants, residential areas are becoming increasingly more common.

The city with the 2nd highest population growth in California isn’t 1 that you might expect—instead of major hubs like Palm Springs or San Francisco, the small, quaint town of Lathrop takes the top spot. Between 2010 and 2020, the population of Lathrop grew from 18,023 to 28,701 for a growth percentage of 59.2%

It’s easy to see why families, in particular, are making an exodus to Lathrop from California’s major metropolitan areas. Combining easy access to the Bay area by car with a more affordable standard of living and a slower way of life, Lathrop might be an excellent place to call home if you’re looking to enjoy more peace and quiet but don’t want to be totally disconnected from the city.

A suburb of the Oakland area, most residents of California know Dublin for its rich and vibrant art scene. However, the city is also experiencing a surge of new economic activity bleeding over from the San Francisco area. This has resulted in the population of Dublin growing from 46,036 in 2010 to 72,589 in 2020, representing a growth rate of 57.7%.

Raising a child in San Francisco can be tough—and expensive. Many residents who originally lived in San Francisco have moved to Dublin to enjoy a lower cost of living and enhanced educational opportunities. Dublin’s schooling options are some of the highest-rated of California’s major cities, with A-rated public and private schooling choices. Dublin also features easy access to kid-friendly amenities like arcades and parks.

Not every city seeing major growth in California is in the state’s rural area. Taking 4th place on our list is Irvine, CA, the 14th largest city in the state of California and the 66th largest city in the United States as a whole. Irvine’s population grew from 212,375 in 2010 to 307,670 in 2020, marking a population growth of 44.9%.

In the past year, a number of tech giants have moved their headquarters to Irvine and brought along with them a boom of economic growth. Some of the largest technology employers stationed in Irvine include Blizzard Entertainment, Edward Lifesciences, and Broadcom. But the residents of Irvine don’t live an “all work no play” lifestyle. On the weekends, residents of Irvine enjoy access to a wealth of libraries and can enjoy the mild climate in 1 of the city’s 60 parks.

Beaumont, a suburb of Riverside, CA, takes 5th place on our list of the fastest-growing cities in California. The population of Beaumont increased from 36,877 in 2010 to 53,036, representing a 43.8% increase in population. This growth is largely attributed to Beaumont’s increasingly independent economy, which has become significantly more diverse in the previous decade.

Beaumont can be an excellent place to live if you value desert recreation and reasonable climates. Unlike some other cities in the Mojave Desert area (like Joshua Tree or Palm Springs) Beaumont enjoys a relatively mild climate year-round. Beaumont is particularly popular with climbing and hiking enthusiasts, who enjoy the city’s easy access to desert attractions and a variety of national parks.

Situated close to the border between California and Mexico, the city of Imperial’s population has increased from 14,758 in 2010 to 20,263 in 2020. This represents a large growth of 37.3%.

A haven for modern-day pioneers, Imperial offers the best that the Golden State has to offer in terms of outdoor adventuring. The city is close to the Salton Sea, which offers sports like kayaking, swimming, and waterskiing. Those who prefer their events a bit drier can head to Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree is situated to the north of Imperial and offers a wide range of hiking and camping opportunities, with hikes designated for beginners and experienced hikers alike.

Nestled in the Sacramento River Delta region of Northern California, most residents of the Golden State know Rio Vista as a quiet, rural town. However, the economy of Rio Vista has been consistently growing in the last decade—and the city’s reputation as a sparsely populated area may be a thing of the past in the coming years. Between 2010 and 2020, the population of Rio Vista increased from 7,360 to 10,005, representing an overall growth rate of 35.9%.

Rio Vista’s growing economy isn’t the only thing attracting new residents to the area. The city is currently well-known for its diverse population, which brings with it a selection of cultural attractions, museums, and entertainment choices. From visiting the Rio Vista Golf Club to whale watching in the Sacramento River, there’s plenty to explore in this small city.

Lake Elsinore is a city nestled just west of Riverside County—and the 8th most popular city in California for those looking to move into a new environment. Between 2010 and 2020, Lake Elsinore increased from 51,821 to 70,265, representing an increase in population of about 35.6%.

A truly eclectic city, Lake Elsinore offers something for everyone when it comes to weekend fun. Sports fanatics can cheer on the Lake Elsinore Storm at the massive Storm Stadium while sun-worshippers catch some rays at Elm Grove Beach. As is the case with many areas of California, the city also offers a variety of nature trails and hiking options for nature lovers. With so many options, Lake Elsinore is attracting a diverse group of new residents to its city.

Residents of California will find the hidden gem of Menifee in Riverside County—but this beautiful city might not stay hidden for long. Between 2010 and 2020, the population of Menifee increased from 77,519 to 102,527, representing a growth rate of 32.3%.

Located in the heart of Southern California, Menifee is known for its bright blue skies, classic summer fun, and its host of family-friendly amenities. The most popular attraction in the area is the Drop Zone Water Park, a sprawling amusement park that offers everything from quiet camping to high-speed waterslides. In addition to this attraction, Menifee is also an excellent area for family life, with a number of well-maintained dog parks and relatively affordable housing prices.