by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors
Of course, there are endless attractive destinations across the region, most of which don’t have the name recognition of LA. The abundance of jobs in entertainment, technology, and science is one of the more practical reasons to relocate to the West. Add to that the consistent (some might say consistently pleasant) weather, entrepreneurial opportunities, a broad focus on health, and a peaceful lifestyle, and it’s easy to see why so many Americans choose to call the West home.
But where in the West suits your family best? Deciding on a place to raise a family on the West Coast comes with several key considerations, including the basics such as the cost of living and the quality of the public school system. Then there are the west coast lifestyle considerations: the feel of the area, population density, safety, family activities, and the town’s walkability, among other factors. Finding a place that checks off all the boxes can be tricky—in some cases, nearly impossible. Nevertheless, neighborhoods, towns, and cities fit everyone’s lifestyle and needs.
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#25. Solana Beach, California
– Population: 12,841
This small town in Southern California has a mix of active families, competitive surfers, and nature preservationists. It only spans 3.5 square miles by the sea, but this limited area offers beautiful sunsets and stunning seascapes. Due to its quaint size, this neighborhood is a tight-knit and relatively affluent community, with a median home value exceeding $1.9 million.
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#24. Corte Madera, California
Located at the base of Mount Tamalpais, Corte Madera is beloved for the laid-back, outdoorsy lifestyle it provides. Residents can enjoy two protected natural areas (the Shorebird Marsh and the Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve), two of the best shopping centers in Marin County, and a weekly farmer’s market that brings fresh produce and locally-made goods from all over the state. Corte Madera also emphasizes education, offering several highly-ranked public school options and a handful of private schools for families to choose from.
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#23. San Marino, California
– Population: 12,279
San Marino, an affluent suburb of Los Angeles, is a destination for many wealthy retirees. Despite the older demographic, this slightly rural-feeling neighborhood is also ideal for raising a family. The area offers many cultural activities, such as visiting the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens; watching the New Year’s Day Rose Parade; or exploring the Kidspace Children’s Museum.
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#22. Mercer Island, Washington
– Population: 25,282
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#21. Castle Pines, Colorado
– Population: 12,573
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#20. Foster City, California
– Population: 32,964
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#19. Woodinville, Washington
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#18. Piedmont, California
Piedmont, a suburb of Oakland and a liberal neighborhood, has an extremely high median home value of $2 million. The population also boasts a high level of academic achievement, with 35% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree and 52% having received a master’s degree or higher.
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#17. Hermosa Beach, California
– Population: 19,248
Named an “outstanding coastal town” by Los Angeles Magazine, life in Hermosa Beach is centered around the outdoors of the West Coast. Whether spending a day on the area’s 94 acres of public beach or biking along the Strand (a gravel path connecting many beach towns up and down the California coast), there are plenty of ways to spend your free hours. Mild year-round temperatures are also a major draw for families looking to avoid cold weather.
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#16. Pleasanton, California
Another suburb of California’s Bay Area, Pleasanton has a “dense suburban feel” mixed with quaint small-town charm. Families can enjoy a local farmer’s market, learn to identify trees in nearby Sycamore Grove Regional Park, or check out the Alameda County Fairgrounds in the summer.
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#15. Albany, California
– Population: 19,768
Earning a prime spot among the best California suburbs, Albany is a blend of suburban and urban areas. Its high median home value is nevertheless not quite as steep as many of its neighboring communities. Residents are fairly split between owning and renting, with 54% owning their homes.
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#14. Greenwood Village, Colorado
– Population: 15,485
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#13. Moraga, California
Moraga, a suburb of San Francisco, is home to a mix of young professionals and retirees. The median home value in this affluent area is closing in on $1.6 million, and an impressive 84% of residents own their homes. Its proximity to San Francisco allows residents to take advantage of the city’s energy while also enjoying the quaintness of the suburbs.
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#12. Bellevue, Washington
– Population: 151,199
This city offers an “urban suburban mix feel” with many shops, activities, and restaurants. There is no shortage of fun for the whole family, including the Bellevue Botanical Garden, Bellevue Downtown Park, Chism Beach Park, and the shopping center at Bellevue Square.
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#11. San Ramon, California
– Population: 85,734
Because it’s near Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco, San Ramon is an ideal suburb for raising a family and enjoying city life, especially for those seeking a “dense suburban” feel. Those concerned about crime will be pleased to learn that San Ramon’s crime rates are significantly lower than the national average. The city also has several excellent public schools.
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#10. Bethany, Oregon
The Portland, Oregon, suburb of Bethany is more ethnically and economically diverse than many other communities on this list. It has scored several No. 1 placements in Niche’s rankings, including the best place to raise a family in Oregon, the best suburbs in Oregon, and the best suburbs for raising a family in Oregon. Bethany’s strong public schools certainly help it earn those top spots.
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#9. Irvine, California
For the last two decades, Irvine has earned the title of the “safest city of its size,” which makes it a wonderful place to raise a family. Despite its population, this city has the charm of being a college town, as it’s home to the University of California, Irvine. It offers easy access to restaurants, shops, and parks, and is only about an hour from Los Angeles (depending on traffic).
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#8. Manhattan Beach, California
– Population: 34,584
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#7. Mountain View, California
– Population: 82,363
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#6. Redondo Beach, California
– Population: 69,814
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#5. South Pasadena, California
– Population: 26,297
While affordability certainly isn’t the selling point for choosing South Pasadena to raise your family—with a median home value of over $1.5 million—the city does have plenty to offer. It has a diverse community, crime rates below the national average, and excellent public schools.
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#4. Redmond, Washington
– Population: 75,721
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#3. Sammamish, Washington
– Population: 66,375
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#2. Cherry Creek, Colorado
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#1. La Cañada Flintridge, California
Located in the Crescenta Valley at the base of the Verdugo Mountains, La Cañada Flintridge also provides stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Although the community is rural, with proximity to the Angeles National Forest, it offers a variety of local restaurants and shops, as well as access to Los Angeles. La Cañada Flintridge boasts low crime rates, substantial ethnic and economic diversity, a high average household income, and fantastic schools—all of which combine to secure the top spot on this list.
Additional writing by Madison Troyer. Story editing by Louis Peitzman. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire.
Source: Black Enterprise
