California continues to hold a unique appeal for second-home buyers drawn by its extraordinary landscapes, vibrant culture and year-round temperate climate. For retirees seeking serenity or digital nomads in search of inspiration, the state offers more than just sunshine and ocean views. It presents a spectrum of lifestyles, from quiet mountain towns to cosmopolitan coastal enclaves – each with its own rhythm, identity and investment potential.

Let’s explore a curated selection of cities that stand out for international buyers. Whether you are seeking prestige and long-term growth, a balanced family life, a foothold that makes financial sense, or simply a place to pause and breathe, these locations capture the diversity and depth of Californian living.

Rather than focusing solely on price, we’ve looked at liveability, value retention and quality of life – the qualities that matter most when your home is also your escape.

Contents

• Best cities for luxury living and long-term growth
• Best cities for families and work–life balance
• Best cities for budget-conscious buyers
• Underrated hidden gems for 2025

Best cities for luxury living and long-term growth

California’s allure has always been rooted in its diversity of landscapes, lifestyles and climates. For second home buyers seeking prestige, privacy or permanence – even if part-time – some locations stand apart. Whether drawn by exceptional natural surroundings, proximity to global business hubs, or the sense of stability that comes with blue-chip real estate, these three cities combine liveability with long-term investment value.

Irvine is a hub for some of the state’s biggest businesses outside Silicon Valley

Irvine: Orderly elegance and quiet affluence

Set in Orange County, Irvine offers a rare blend of thoughtful urban planning and understated luxury. For overseas buyers, particularly retirees or professionals working remotely, Irvine provides a reassuring sense of structure – wide boulevards, manicured neighbourhoods, and one of the safest city profiles in the United States.

What sets Irvine apart is its subtle sophistication. Home to satellite offices of global firms and a strong academic community centred around the University of California, it fosters an international outlook without the intensity of Los Angeles or San Francisco. The master-planned layout, ample green space, and excellent healthcare facilities make it particularly attractive to retirees.

Although property prices are high, the value lies in consistency. Irvine has long enjoyed steady property appreciation, and while yields may not be explosive, the city offers stability, rental demand, and an enduring appeal to tenants and buyers alike. For digital nomads or part-time residents, there’s reassurance in knowing that the property will retain its desirability – and its value – in the years ahead.

Famous for its distinct architecture, Santa Barbara has a unique character

Santa Barbara: A coastal retreat with enduring charm

Few places capture California’s coastal ideal quite like Santa Barbara. Tucked between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the city exudes a Mediterranean charm that appeals as much to discerning investors as it does to lifestyle-focused buyers.

For those purchasing a second home, Santa Barbara offers what many see as the best of both worlds: a small-town atmosphere with big-city amenities. The historic Spanish architecture and walkable downtown sit comfortably alongside Michelin-starred restaurants, art galleries and boutique wineries. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts will find year-round options for hiking, sailing or simply enjoying the region’s famed sunshine.

From a long-term perspective, Santa Barbara has historically weathered economic shifts better than many other Californian markets. Its constrained geography limits overdevelopment, which supports price resilience. As a result, homes here hold their value well, particularly those within walking distance of the coast or the downtown core. For retirees seeking tranquillity or digital nomads craving scenic inspiration, Santa Barbara’s blend of natural beauty and cultural refinement is difficult to rival.

Famous as a technology hub, some of the world’s largest companies got their start here

Palo Alto: Prestige at the heart of innovation

Palo Alto, at the centre of Silicon Valley, is best known as the home of technology giants and Stanford University. For international buyers with an interest in prestige real estate or long-term capital growth, few places compare.

Although it is among the most expensive property markets in the United States, what buyers gain is more than location – it is access to one of the most robust and globally recognised economic ecosystems in the world. Homes here often attract interest not only for their architecture or amenities, but also for their proximity to innovation and influence.

For digital nomads, Palo Alto may appeal less as a place to “retreat” and more as a base of operations – albeit a luxurious one. For retirees, it may serve as a legacy investment or a strategic foothold for family planning, particularly if children or grandchildren are studying or working in the region.

What unites these cities is not simply their price tags, but their capacity to offer something more enduring: quality of life paired with long-term value. For overseas buyers considering California as their second home, these are locations where lifestyle and logic meet.

Best cities for families and work–life balance

For many second-home buyers, especially those relocating from abroad, California’s appeal lies not just in its climate or coastlines, but in its ability to support a well-rounded lifestyle. Cities that balance career opportunities with family-friendly amenities, cultural life with outdoor space, and connectivity with calm are especially sought after by digital nomads and part-time residents. The following destinations offer that rare equilibrium – places where work and leisure coexist with ease.

Well-connected to the rest of the US, San Diego is a great place to call home

San Diego: Urban energy with a coastal heartbeat

San Diego is often described as California’s most liveable city – and for good reason. It combines the vibrancy of a major metropolis with the laid-back pace of a coastal resort. For digital nomads, this makes it a compelling base: fast internet, international airports, coworking hubs and a thriving start-up culture are all present, yet without the intensity that often characterises larger cities.

For families, San Diego’s appeal lies in its safe neighbourhoods, excellent public schools, and a strong sense of community. The beach is never far away, and the city’s extensive park system – including the iconic Balboa Park – ensures that green space and cultural enrichment are always within reach.

While property prices are higher than the state average, they are justified by the lifestyle on offer. For those spending part of the year abroad, homes in San Diego are relatively easy to maintain, with a mature property management sector and strong rental demand.

While it may not be near the state’s beaches, Lake Forest is home to many hiking trails

Lake Forest: Tranquil suburbia with a sense of space

Set inland from the Pacific coast, Lake Forest offers a quieter alternative to some of Orange County’s more headline-grabbing postcodes. It is, in many ways, a reflection of Southern California at its most accessible – clean, safe and neatly laid out, with good schools and a strong local infrastructure.

For international buyers, Lake Forest provides an opportunity to enjoy Californian life without the hustle of the major urban centres. It is particularly attractive to those with school-aged children or those seeking a more restful pace. The city is known for its expansive parks, hiking trails and family-oriented events – all contributing to a strong community spirit.

Lake Forest is also more affordable than neighbouring Irvine, making it a smart option for buyers seeking proximity to the same regional amenities – including healthcare, education and retail – without the same financial outlay.

More a cluster of towns than a single city, Orange County has its own personality

Orange County: A lifestyle region with global reach

Although technically a region rather than a single city, Orange County warrants its place on this list due to the sheer breadth of lifestyle it offers. From beachfront towns such as Huntington Beach and Newport Beach to inland communities like Mission Viejo and Tustin, the area caters to a wide range of tastes and priorities.

What unites these towns is their shared commitment to quality of life. Excellent transport links, strong employment figures and a broad cultural offering – from art festivals to concert halls – make the region attractive to both residents and visitors. For digital nomads, the variety of neighbourhoods makes it easy to find a setting that suits their rhythm. For retirees or part-time residents, the healthcare facilities and recreational opportunities are hard to match.

Property prices in Orange County vary widely, but the region as a whole benefits from consistent demand and strong fundamentals. For those considering California as a long-term base – even if only for part of the year – Orange County represents a reliable investment in lifestyle as much as in bricks and mortar.

Best cities for budget-conscious buyers

While California is often associated with high prices and exclusivity, there remain pockets of affordability for those willing to look beyond the coastal enclaves and celebrity hotspots. For second-home buyers – especially those relocating from abroad or seeking a foothold in the United States without overstretching their budget – several cities offer strong value alongside liveable, welcoming communities. These locations may not always appear on postcard covers, but they offer a quality of life that is both accessible and enduring.

As people search for more affordable living, Sacramento is on its ascendancy

Sacramento: Capital appeal with surprising value

As California’s state capital, Sacramento offers a mix of political significance, cultural energy and relative affordability. It is a city that defies easy categorisation: simultaneously a government hub, a centre for innovation, and one of the state’s greenest urban areas.

For overseas buyers, particularly those looking for a balance between price and potential, Sacramento represents a sound choice. Property prices remain markedly lower than those in coastal regions, and the city’s growing technology sector brings with it a steady influx of professionals and tenants. This creates opportunities not only for personal enjoyment, but for long-term rental income when the property is not in use.

Sacramento’s appeal extends beyond economics. It is known as the “City of Trees” and offers a slower, more grounded pace than California’s larger metros. For retirees, the abundance of parks, bike trails and medical facilities is reassuring. For digital nomads, proximity to Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley and San Francisco allows for weekend escapes without major travel.

While much of California has been built recently, Redlands is one of the places you can buy that has a history

Redlands: Historic charm with modern convenience

Situated in the heart of the Inland Empire, Redlands combines architectural character with a modest cost of living. Once a key centre in California’s citrus industry, the town has reinvented itself as a cultured, family-friendly city with a strong sense of identity.

The downtown area is particularly appealing – filled with preserved Victorian-era buildings, independent bookshops, farmers’ markets and community events. For part-time residents, this creates a strong local rhythm that is easy to plug into. Redlands also benefits from being within easy reach of both Palm Springs and Los Angeles, making it an ideal base for those seeking access to both desert tranquillity and urban amenities.

The local housing market is steady and shows signs of sustainable growth. Homes tend to offer more space than those in comparable price brackets closer to the coast, making Redlands especially attractive for buyers who intend to stay for extended periods each year or travel with family.

If you’re looking for the California of the golden age of cinema, look no further than Palm Springs

Palm Springs: Desert serenity with cultural cachet

Long known as a retreat for Hollywood’s golden age, Palm Springs has emerged as a leading destination for those in search of sun, space and style – all at a price point that remains attainable compared to California’s coastal cities.

The appeal here is twofold. First, the lifestyle: a relaxed desert pace, abundant sunshine, and a distinct architectural legacy that includes some of the finest examples of mid-century modern design in the United States. Second, the economics: property prices in Palm Springs remain accessible, and the area’s popularity as a short-term rental destination offers promising returns when the home is not being used personally.

For retirees, Palm Springs offers a climate and rhythm that suits slower living. For digital nomads, there is a creative undercurrent – from galleries and design studios to film festivals – that keeps the city intellectually engaging. Moreover, the international airport makes it easy to arrive from overseas or connect to major U.S. cities.

Underrated hidden gems for 2025

While the spotlight often shines on California’s well-known cities, the state also holds quieter, lesser-known destinations that may suit second-home buyers even more. These hidden gems are not only more affordable, but also offer a slower pace of life, access to nature, and the kind of authenticity that’s increasingly hard to find in larger markets. For international buyers seeking simplicity, community and value, these towns offer a different kind of Californian dream.

One of the more affordable parts of California, Bakersfield’s becoming an artists’ hub

Bakersfield: Affordability with a growing reputation

Long regarded as a stopover between Los Angeles and the Central Valley, Bakersfield is steadily emerging as a place to stay rather than pass through. Though it lacks the glamour of the coast, it more than makes up for it in space, value and a sense of grounded community.

For retirees or digital nomads looking to stretch their investment, Bakersfield offers some of the most affordable housing in the state. Homes here are significantly cheaper than the state median, and the lower cost of living extends to everything from utilities to groceries. Yet despite this affordability, the city has much to offer: a growing arts scene, proximity to nature, and a notable history in music and agriculture.

Bakersfield also sits within reach of the Sierra Nevada mountains, making it a convenient base for weekend getaways. Its charm lies in its modesty – and for those disillusioned with inflated coastal markets, that’s increasingly part of the appeal.

This university city is home to sprawling, untamed green spaces

Chico: A university town with outdoor soul

Tucked away in northern California, Chico may not be well known internationally, but for those in the know, it’s a haven of natural beauty and small-town charm. Home to California State University, Chico retains a youthful, progressive energy, which sits comfortably alongside its slower, more rural lifestyle.

The city is surrounded by parks, trails and rivers, making it a favourite among those who value outdoor recreation. Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States, runs through the city and provides a natural spine for daily life. For second-home owners, this means instant access to walking trails, swimming spots and peaceful green spaces – without the crowds found elsewhere in the state.

Chico’s housing market remains accessible, and its cultural life – boosted by the university – keeps it lively throughout the year. For digital nomads in particular, it offers an ideal combination: the calm of the countryside with the connectivity and amenities needed to stay productive.

This old port city has a unique character you won’t find elsewhere in the state

Eureka: Coastal heritage and creative quiet

On California’s far north-western coast, near the Oregon border, lies Eureka – a historic port city with a rich architectural legacy and a strong artistic spirit. Unlike California’s more commercialised coastlines, Eureka feels lived-in and authentic, defined more by its redwood forests and Victorian facades than by chain hotels or beachfront developments.

For retirees seeking peace and a slower rhythm, Eureka is ideal. The weather is cooler and the pace more deliberate, offering a striking contrast to the heat and hustle of southern California. The city is home to a growing number of artists, writers and craftspeople, many of whom have relocated for the space and affordability.

Though remote, Eureka is well connected by road and air, and serves as a gateway to the spectacular Redwood National and State Parks. For second-home buyers who place a premium on natural beauty and creative solitude, it is a rare find.

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For second-home buyers coming from abroad, California offers a wide spectrum of possibilities – from the rarefied air of Palo Alto to the quiet creativity of Eureka. The right location will depend not only on your budget, but also on how you want to live: with the sound of the ocean outside your window, the energy of a dynamic city at your doorstep, or the stillness of open space to support rest and reflection.

What unites the places in this guide is their ability to offer more than just property. Each provides a lifestyle, a pace, and a sense of belonging that extends beyond bricks and mortar. Whether your goal is to retire in comfort, work remotely in inspiring surroundings, or invest with confidence, California remains a compelling choice – not simply because of what it is today, but because of what it allows you to become.