By Are you searching for the best places to live in Northern California for your family? With so many options available, it can be challenging to narrow down your choices. To help you out, we’ve analyzed a variety of factors such as affordability, crime rates, quality of schools, and green spaces in various towns and cities in NorCal.
After careful consideration, we’ve identified the top five best places to live in Northern California that offer a great quality of life for families. Read on to discover which locations made the cut and could be the perfect new home for your family.
1. Folsom
Folsom, although famous for its prison referenced in Johnny Cash’s song, is a fantastic family-friendly city located in Northern California. This city is known for having one of the lowest crime rates in the state, being 42% lower than the national average.
Moreover, Folsom offers an excellent quality of life with its 32 miles of biking trails, 46 public parks, and the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary. Although the cost of living index in Folsom is 3% higher than the California average, the median household income is $118,000, providing families with a comfortable living. Additionally, the median home price in Folsom is $800,000, making it an excellent location for families looking to settle down in Northern California.
2. Roseville
Roseville is an excellent choice for families searching for an affordable and safe location to live in Northern California. The city has a crime rate that is 6% lower than the national average, and the cost of living index is 14% lower than the California average.
Roseville boasts 72 public parks, including the Spray Ground, a splash pad that kids will surely enjoy during the hot summer months. Additionally, the city’s Carnegie Museum is a great place for older children to learn about the area’s local history. With a median household income of $114,400 and a median home price of $690,000, Roseville is a great option for families looking for a budget-friendly location to call home in Northern California.
3. San Ramon
San Ramon, located in Northern California, is an excellent option for families searching for a safe and green location to settle down. This city has a crime rate that is an astonishing 58% lower than the national average, making it a great place for families to live.
While the cost of living index in San Ramon is 11% higher than the California average, families can benefit from a median household income of $167,000. However, the median home price is $1.56 million, making it a more expensive option for families looking to buy a house.
San Ramon is surrounded by lush green spaces and offers plenty of activities for families. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the Bridges Golf Club and Crow Canyon Country Club, while hikers can explore the 444-acre Bishop Ranch Regional Preserve, which features challenging trails and the opportunity to spot red-tailed hawks.
4. Rocklin
Rocklin, located just 22 miles away from Sacramento, is an ideal family-friendly community to call home. This city has a crime rate that is 27% lower than the national average and a cost of living index that is 18% lower than the California average, making it an affordable option for families looking for a quality lifestyle in Northern California.
The median household income in Rocklin is $101,000, while the median home price is $700,000, providing families with a comfortable and budget-friendly lifestyle. The city is also known for its beautiful green spaces, including Johnson-Springview Park, a vast area of over 90 acres with plenty of space for recreational activities, including Antelope Creek.
Rocklin’s city motto, “A Family Community,” highlights its commitment to creating a welcoming environment for families and making it an excellent place to raise children.
5. Dublin
Dublin is an excellent location for families searching for a quality education system in Northern California. This city has a crime rate that is 35% lower than the national average, ensuring the safety of your family.
While the cost of living index in Dublin is 8% higher than the California average, families can benefit from a median household income of $152,750. The median home price in Dublin is $1.3 million, making it a more expensive option for families looking to buy a house.
However, the Dublin Unified School District is known for having some of the best-rated public schools in Northern California. Several schools within the district receive a 9 out of 10 score from the school ranking website Great Schools, making it one of the best places to live in Northern California with kids.
