Advertisement
Business

California’s top livable mid-size cities

Palo Alto was No. 1 in the list of top cities to live in by Livability.com. The city, which has about 66,000 residents according to census figures, is home to Stanford University. Above, a 2012 file photo shows a view of a home sold in the area.

Palo Alto was No. 1 in the list of top cities to live in by Livability.com. The city, which has about 66,000 residents according to census figures, is home to Stanford University. Above, a 2012 file photo shows a view of a home sold in the area.  (Paul Sakuma/Associated Press)

Share

Livability.com released its list of top cities to live in last week, and several California cities made the cut. The list is based on several factors including affordability, infrastructure and quality of schools. Cities considered had populations between 25,000 and 350,000.

No. 2: Berkeley

The city of Berkeley ranked No. 3 in the overall list, but it’s the second most livable city in California. Above, a 2012 file photo shows a lease sign in front of an apartment building.   (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

No. 3: Santa Clara

Santa Clara, just outside of San Jose, earned top marks for livability. The city is also the home of the San Francisco 49ers’ new stadium project, above, seen earlier this month.   (Mathew Sumner/Associated Press)

No. 4: Pasadena

Pasadena was the highest-ranked Southern California city on the best cities to live list. It was No. 15, according to Livability.com. Above, floats in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade were on display along Sierra Madre Boulevard in Pasadena last January.   (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)

No. 5: Alhambra

Alhambra, population 84,000, also made the top 100 list by Livability.com. Above, riders cruise through the city’s streets on their way to a dim sum restaurant.   (David Sprague/For the Times)

No 6: Anaheim

Anaheim, home to Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks, was the sixth most livable California city. Above, visitors participate in the Spring Dapper Day in February.   (Christina House/Los Angeles Times)

No. 7: Torrance

Torrance ranked No. 32 in the overall top 100 list. Above, Teiko Miyoshi takes pictures at the city’s inaugural Cherry Blossom Tree Festival in 2012.  (Christina House/For the Times)

No. 8: Burbank

Burbank landed at No. 33 in the top 100 best cities to live list. Above, residents attend a Fire Service Day held in May.   (Raul Roa/Burbank Leader)

No. 9: Irvine

Irvine is one of two Orange County cities to make Livability.com’s list. Above, a worker cleans windows at a home in a new housing division.  (Cheryl A. Guerrero/Los Angeles Times)

No. 10: Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara ranked No. 37, but rounded out the top 10 list of most livable California cities. Above, shoppers stroll through downtown Santa Barbara.   (Carlos Chavez/Los Angeles Times)

Business

More From the Los Angeles Times

Advertisement