If you’re looking for somewhere to call home in California, some of the best places to live are in one Los Angeles County city, according to a new ranking based on quality of life issues released Monday.
Now in its 12th year, the 2026 Best Places to Live ranking from the data-driven platform Niche helps everyone from young people just starting their careers or families to retirees decide where they want to live. The report analyzes places of various sizes.
The ranking includes 230 cities and 18,000 towns, suburbs and neighborhoods.
California places performed especially well in categories including outdoor activities, opportunities for young professionals, raising a family, retirement, public schools, diversity and overall health.
No California locations ranked at the top for cost of living or home affordability.
Three LA County neighborhoods were ranked among the top 50 Best Places to Live in America. All were in Santa Monica:
Santa Monica — City Center (No. 17)Santa Monica — Mid-City (No. 40)Santa Monica — Mid-City (No. 50)
Similarly, several Palo Alto neighborhoods placed high on the national list — three neighborhoods in the Northern California city made the national top 10 list.
Niche also compiled a list of Best Places to Live in California. Among LA County neighborhoods, Santa Monica dominated the top of the list:
The rankings are based on a wide range of public data sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, combined with millions of resident reviews.
LA County also earned top marks in specific categories:
La Cañada Flintridge was named No. 1 on the list of Best Places to Raise a Family in CaliforniaRedondo Beach was named No. 1 on the list of Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area
View the complete lists of Best Places to Live in California and Best Places to Live in America on Niche.