Discover the Top 5 Most Affordable Places to Live in Northern California; Where to Live Without Breaking the Bank
Whether you want to live by the ocean or amid the redwoods, NorCal has what you’re searching for—at a reasonable price. People frequently associate Northern California with the world-renowned tech industry, vibrant cities, rocky coastline, and lush woods. This end of the Golden State provides all of that (and much more). But what is the best part? NorCal is affordable.
Although Northern California is home to some of the most costly cities in the state, there are still many excellent affordable areas to reside. From lovely rural villages and coastal cities to magnificent mountain towns and picturesque suburbs, the northern area of the Golden State has what you’re searching for—and at a reasonable price.
Without further ado, let us take a quick tour of the most affordable places to live in Northern California.
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Here Are the Cheapest Places to Live in Northern California:
1. Clearlake
- Location: Lake County.
- Median property price: $220,888
Clearlake, one of Northern California’s most affordable cities, is a nature lover’s dream with its beautiful scenery, scenic highways, and freshwater lakes. The city of Clearlake, named after California’s largest freshwater lake, is surrounded by breathtaking views.
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Life in this little lakeside town is slower-paced than in other Bay Area cities, making it ideal for people seeking a calm life in a quieter environment. Are you worried about missing out on the city’s rush and bustle? Fear not, since Clearlake is only a 2.5-hour trip from San Francisco.
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2. Chico
- Location: Butte County
- Median property price: $457,280.
As the most populated community in Butte County, this affordable college town is known for its mild winters, outdoor activity, and moderately cost housing. This charming tiny town is home to the well-known California State University, Chico, as well as the stunning Bidwell Park, the world’s 26th largest municipal park.
The cheap city in Northern California is great for those who enjoy spending time outside. Residents enjoy the wonderful year-round weather and explore the picturesque mountains and valleys that surround the town. Plan a visit to Chico to see whether you want to live here. But keep in mind that this is California’s fastest-growing city for a reason, so don’t put off making a move.
3. Arcata
- Location: Humboldt County.
- Median property price: $508,988
The name Arcata comes from the Yurok word oket’oh, which roughly translates as “where there is a lagoon.” It’s appropriate for this lovely yet affordable Northern California community. The Plaza is the heart of Arcata, with lush grass, abundant flowers, and a plethora of taverns, coffee shops, restaurants, and bookstores. You’ll quickly fall in love with the vibe of downtown Arcata.
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Arcata, one of California’s most attractive college towns, exudes a bright, youthful vitality. If you prefer a more quiet atmosphere, a short drive from town will take you to craggy coasts and beautiful forests. It’s time to detach from technology and clear your mind while exploring one of Northern California’s cheapest locations to live.
4. Crescent City
- Location: Del Norte County.
- Median property price: $354,338.
Crescent City, named after its crescent-shaped sandy beach, is one of the most affordable areas to reside in Northern California, near the extreme northwest corner of the Golden State. Crescent City rebuilt itself from the ground up after being devastated by a tsunami in 1964, demonstrating the perseverance of its citizens.
The average travel time is 14 minutes, and there are lots of outdoor activities to enjoy in this family-friendly and economical NorCal town. People from all over the state visit the beaches and hiking trails of Crescent, an affordable coastal town, so if you want to meet new people, you know where to go.
5. Eureka
- Location: Humboldt County.
- Median property price: $420,736.
Eureka is an excellent spot to live if you enjoy the great outdoors. As one of the cheapest places to live in Northern California, this small town has a lovely temperature and plenty of forests, beaches, lakes, and rivers to explore (without the crowds). Furthermore, one of the most economical places to live in Northern California is ideal for families. The small-town atmosphere, diverse restaurants, boutiques, and architecture will make you feel like you’ve found it—your new spot in life.
Not sure if this is the place for you yet? Don’t rush; take a quick weekend vacation to Eureka to see if this cheap NorCal town is a good fit for you.