11 CA Cities Have America's Most ‘Envied Lifestyles’

In a new nationwide poll surveying more than 3,000 people, 11 California cities have been recognized as having the most envied lifestyles in the country — more than any other state.

From the yacht-lined harbors of Newport Beach to the redwood-shaded mansions of Atherton, the Golden State’s blend of luxury, nature and laid-back culture appears to offer a lifestyle many Americans dream about.

The survey, conducted by the New Jersey Real Estate Network, asked one simple question: Which lifestyle do you envy the most? The results reflect a growing national fascination with communities that seem to strike the elusive balance between wealth, well-being, abundance of nature and beauty.

Unsurprisingly, the states that topped the list were California, Hawaii and Florida.

At the very top of the list was Beverly Hills, where polished glamor, privacy and celebrity culture earned it the No. 1 spot.

"Beverly Hills is more than a zip code — it’s a status symbol," according to the poll. "Synonymous with luxury, the neighborhood offers palm-lined streets, gated mansions, and boutiques where price tags are optional."

Other California standouts in the top 10 include Newport Beach (#4), known for its casual coastal affluence, and Calabasas (#9), a favorite for Hollywood's elite seeking serenity behind the gates. Palo Alto rounded out the top ten at #10, representing the dream of tech-driven success with a suburban twist.

Outside the top ten, California cities continued to dominate the top 50:

• La Jolla (#13): A seaside San Diego gem blending ocean views with culture and academic clout.
• Hillsborough (#14): A Bay Area enclave of old money and sprawling estates.
• Los Altos Hills (#17): A haven of privacy for Silicon Valley’s elite.
• Saratoga (#23): Where redwoods, wineries, and quiet wealth define the pace.
• Rancho Palos Verdes (#27): A cliffside retreat offering tranquility above the Pacific.
• Rancho Santa Fe (#29): Inland luxury with an equestrian bent and resort-style living.
• Atherton (#40): One of the wealthiest ZIP codes in America, practically its own universe.

According to the survey, what makes these locations so desirable isn’t just scenic landscapes or wealth — but the lifestyle itself: a slower pace, proximity to nature, work-life balance, and a sense of exclusivity that remains quietly alluring.

In an age of burnout and hustle, these California cities appear to offer something increasingly rare: not just a place to live, but a way to live well.

"There are places in America that seem to have it all — where locals don’t just live, they thrive. Maybe it’s the easy pace of a beach town where mornings start with surfing and end with sunset tacos," the study says. "Or a mountain enclave where work breaks mean trail runs and the farmer’s market feels like a weekly reunion."

Here are the top 10 cities that made the list nationwide:

1. Beverly Hills, California

2. East Honolulu, Hawaii

3. Kahala, Hawaii

4. Newport Beach, California

5. Boca Raton, Florida

6. Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

7. Upper East Side (in Manhattan), New York

8. Coral Springs, Florida

9. Calabasas, California

10. Palo Alto, California