California is home to some of the most desirable cities in America, offering stunning coastal views, vibrant downtowns, and a lifestyle many people dream of. But according to a recent survey highlighted by Golden Gate Media, one California city ranked as the state’s most livable yet it has also earned another, far less flattering distinction: it is among the most unaffordable places to live.
This paradox exposes a growing truth about life in California: livability and affordability are drifting further apart. Many cities technically offer a high quality of life but only to those who can afford the rapidly rising cost of housing.
In this blog post, we unpack what the survey means, why this city topped two very different lists, and what it reveals about California’s ongoing housing crisis.
Why This City Earned the Title of “Most Livable”
The survey evaluated cities using several key indicators, and the winning city excelled in nearly all of them. Among the strengths were:
Exceptional Quality of Life
Residents enjoy walkable neighborhoods, scenic outdoor areas, and well-maintained public spaces. The city likely includes high-ranked amenities such as parks, libraries, community centers, and cultural hubs features that consistently raise livability scores.
Strong Public Education System
Top-tier schools are one of the biggest drivers of desirability. Families who prioritize education are drawn to cities where student performance and school resources are consistently above average.
Low Crime Rates
Safety is another important factor. Cities with a strong sense of security tend to attract long-term residents, stable neighborhoods, and community involvement.
High Employment Opportunities
Access to jobs, proximity to major employment hubs, and strong local economies contribute to a city’s appeal especially in regions like the Bay Area, Southern California, and certain tech-adjacent communities.
Together, these factors create an environment where residents can enjoy convenience, opportunity, and stability hallmarks of being labeled “most livable.”
The Big Catch: It’s Also One of the Most Unaffordable
Despite its strengths, the same city struggles with sky-high housing costs. The survey revealed a significant contradiction: the qualities that make a city appealing also drive up demand and with limited housing supply, prices soar.
Key affordability challenges include:
1. High Median Home Prices
California’s median home prices already far exceed the national average. But in this “most livable” city, the prices climb even higher making homeownership a distant dream for many.
2. Rent Prices That Outpace Income
Renters face increasing pressure as monthly payments continue to rise faster than wages. For middle-income earners teachers, nurses, service workers living close to their workplace becomes financially impossible.
3. Limited Housing Supply
Strict zoning, resistance to new development, and natural geographic barriers all constrict growth. With few available homes and lots of demand, prices escalate rapidly.
4. Cost Pressures Beyond Housing
Living in a high-quality city often means paying premium prices for dining, transportation, goods, and services.
The result?
A city that’s wonderful to live in… if you can afford it.
Livability vs. Affordability: A Growing California Dilemma
This city’s dilemma is not unique. Across California, many communities score high in livability but fail miserably in affordability.
Here’s what this means for residents:
The Middle Class Gets Squeezed
Professionals who earn solid incomes still struggle to find affordable housing. Being “middle class” no longer guarantees stability or homeownership.
Key Workers Are Pushed Out
People essential to everyday life educators, first responders, service workers often can’t afford to live in the cities they serve.
Longer Commutes Become the Norm
As people move farther from job hubs to find cheaper housing, traffic congestion grows, worsening quality of life.
Economic Diversity Declines
High cost of living creates socio-economic homogenization cities risk losing the diversity that once made them vibrant and resilient.
What This Means for Home Seekers and Renters
Before deciding to move to a “most livable” city, residents should consider:
1. True Cost of Living
Transportation, food, utilities, insurance, and city taxes all factor into monthly expenses.
2. Long-Term Housing Options
Evaluate whether renting or buying is more realistic or whether alternative cities might offer better value.
3. Employment Opportunities
Some cities have high salaries that offset costs others do not.
4. Commute Distance
A perfect home 40 miles away may still impact daily life more than expected.
What Cities & Policymakers Need to Address
The survey reinforces a message California has been grappling with for decades:
A city cannot be truly “livable” if only a portion of people can afford to live there.
To bridge the gap, policymakers might consider:
-
Increasing housing supply through zoning reform
-
Encouraging mixed-income developments
-
Introducing rental protections or incentives
-
Supporting ADU construction (Accessory Dwelling Units)
-
Expanding public transportation to connect affordable areas to job centers
Without action, livable cities may become increasingly exclusive.
Final Thoughts
California’s “most livable” city is a model of what many want: safety, beauty, opportunity, and community. But as long as affordability lags behind livability, the dream of living there will remain out of reach for many.
This survey is a reminder that livability must include affordability. Otherwise, cities risk becoming places that look great on paper but feel unattainable in reality.