San Diego has comfortable year-round temps, beaches, miles of coastline, and canyon hiking routes. Locals dubbed rising housing costs the "sunshine tax," reflecting the cost of living in sunny weather.
Art museums, concert venues, and Michelin-starred restaurants lure visitors to LA, along with its pleasant weather. Limited housing options raise prices, especially in Bel Air, where the median list price is $8,625,000.
Honolulu is a tropical paradise and a significant city. The Honolulu Museum of Art, Iolani Palace, and annual celebrations like the Honolulu Festival make the city appealing.
Miami attracts Art Deco enthusiasts with its vibrant cultural scene and architectural heritage. The Art Deco Historic District features over 800 early-20th-century buildings, contributing to the city's unique charm.
Santa Barbara, the "American Riviera," has Mediterranean-style residences, beaches, mountains, and wineries. Despite being smaller than Los Angeles, it offers a high-end lifestyle with less congestion.
Due to its cultural offerings, San Francisco remains popular despite greater housing, transportation, and grocery expenditures. Museums, theaters, and cultural centers make it one of the best US cities to live in.
Salinas, the birthplace of John Steinbeck and part of the salad bowl of the world, is recognized for its literary and agricultural value. City living costs are high due to real estate prices.
Santa Rosa, 55 miles north of San Francisco in Sonoma County, is a wine paradise. It has tasting rooms, museums, theaters, and horticultural attractions including Luther Burbank's residence.