Southern California has 3 of the nation's top family-friendly cities, study finds (2024)

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Southern California has 3 of the nation's top family-friendly cities, study finds? ›

San Diego scored high in family fun, education and childcare while Huntington Beach ranked high in education and childcare and had a high socioeconomics rating. The number one city to raise a family, according to WalletHub's research, is Fremont, a city in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Fremont led WalletHub's “Best & Worst Places to Raise a Family (2024)” list, with a total score of 73.6. Overland Park, Kansas, took second place with a total score of 70.1, followed by Irvine in third place with 69.

Los Angeles is the largest city in California and one of the largest cities in the Americas.

Two San Diego-area neighborhoods among 'friendliest' in US: study.

1. Massachusetts. WalletHub named Massachusetts the best state to raise a family, citing its low unemployment rate, good school systems, and safety for children's health and well-being.

As the best place to raise a family, Fremont boasts a high average net worth ($122,000), low poverty, public schools rated at least 7 out of 10 and abundant summer camp opportunities and green spaces.

1. Massachusetts. Raising a child in Massachusetts costs an estimated $35,841 a year – the most expensive state in the country and nearly double the national average.

Within Southern California are two major cities, Los Angeles and San Diego, as well as three of the country's largest metropolitan areas. With a population of approximately 4 million, Los Angeles is the most populous city in California and the second most populous in the United States.

SoCal's got all the good beaches

If you're into people-watching, you're sure to get an eyeful at Venice Beach, and El Matador is perfect for a romantic stroll for two. The beaches at Coronado have been voted among the best in the world, whether you want to swim, surf or catch a glimpse of the California gray whale.

It is in the South Bay area of San Diego County, 14.1 miles (22.7 km) south of downtown San Diego and 5 miles (8 km) northwest of downtown Tijuana, Mexico. Imperial Beach is the southernmost city in California and the West Coast of the United States. Nickname: Most Southwesterly City in Continental U.S.

What city in California has the best cost of living? ›

What is the cheapest place to live in California? The cheapest place to live in California is Fresno. It offers an affordable cost of living 21% lower than the state average. » 10 Cheapest Places to Live in California: Find out the other cheapest places to live in California!

Personal income

Some coastal cities include some of the wealthiest per-capita areas in the U.S., notably in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Greater Los Angeles Area.