Most Livable Metro Areas In CA: Report

CALIFORNIA — Only one California metro area ranks among the top 20 most livable places in the country, according to a new report.

Analysts at RentCafe.com, a nationwide apartment search website, looked at 139 U.S. metros using 17 key metrics to determine the most livable metros for renters in 2024. The report's authors looked at various factors, from cost of living to commute time to the number of health care providers, then grouped them into three categories: socioeconomics, location and community, and quality of life.

The study ranked Portland, Maine, as the most livable place in the country. The metro area scored fifth for location and community, fifth for quality of life, and 11th for socioeconomics.

"With its mix of urban amenities and scenic natural landscapes, Portland, Maine, metro area strikes that perfect balance between good living and 'location, location, location,'" the report said. "It's no wonder, then, that the metro area is this year's reigning champion when it comes to livability. After all, what's better than the aesthetic of a historic port area?"

Lincoln Nebraska, ranked second, followed by Des Moines, Iowa, in third.

San Francisco ranked as the most livable place in California and the only area in the Golden State among the top 20 most livable places in the U.S. The metro area landed at No. 18 on the list. The San Francisco metro area ranked first for quality of life, 94th for location and community, and 121st for socioeconomics.

As for other California metro areas, Sacramento ranked 54th, while San Diego ranked 60th, and Los Angeles ranked 62nd, according to the report. San Jose came in at No. 101, followed by Stockton at No. 119, Modesto at No. 120, Fresno at No. 124, Riverside at No. 127, and Bakersfield at No. 135.

McAllen, Texas, landed last on the list. The metro area scored 133rd for both socioeconomics and quality of life and 137th for location and community.

Read the full report.