If you’re thinking about moving to California, bustling cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco might come to mind. However, this state has much more to offer. From quaint downtowns to festivals that bring the community together, California’s small towns are perfect for anyone looking to experience what life is like in its quieter corners. In this Redfin article, we’ll discuss 11 charming small towns in California, each with their own unique character and plenty of reasons to call home.
1. Boonville, CA
Median sale price: $1,120,000
Homes for sale in Boonville | Apartments for rent in Boonville
Boonville, located in the heart of California’s Anderson Valley, is a small town known for its excellent vineyards. One of the town’s quirkiest features is its local dialect, Boontling, a folk language developed by early settlers that’s still spoken by some residents today. Boonville is surrounded by world-class wineries, making it a prime destination for wine lovers. Each spring, the town hosts the Boonville Beer Festival, a lively event where craft brewers from across California showcase their best brews. If you’re looking to get outdoors, the nearby Hendy Woods State Park offers beautiful hiking trails and peaceful groves of ancient redwoods.
2. Coronado, CA
Median sale price: $2,795,000
Homes for sale in Coronado | Apartments for rent in Coronado
Coronado is an island town just across the bay from San Diego with pristine beaches and historic charm. The town’s most iconic landmark is the Hotel del Coronado, a Victorian-style resort that has hosted celebrities, dignitaries, and even royalty since 1888. Visitors and locals spend their weekends lounging on Coronado Beach, consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the U.S. Each Fourth of July, Coronado pulls out all the stops with a day-long celebration that includes a parade, live music, and a fireworks show over the bay.
3. Arcata, CA
Median sale price: $545,000
Homes for sale in Arcata | Apartments for rent in Arcata
Home to Humboldt State University, Arcata has an exciting energy and spirit. Outdoor enthusiasts often spend their time at the nearby Arcata Community Forest. The area holds a 790-acre redwood forest with miles of hiking and biking trails. Arcata also celebrates its deep connection to the environment with the annual Kinetic Grand Championship. This event involves locals using human-powered sculptures to race across land, water, and sand.
4. Ojai, CA
Median sale price: $1,263,000
Homes for sale in Ojai | Apartments for rent in Ojai
Ojai is located in a valley surrounded by the Topatopa Mountains. The town is famous for its “Pink Moment,” a rare phenomenon where the surrounding mountains turn pink at sunset. Ojai’s thriving arts scene is centered around its many galleries, boutique shops, and the Ojai Music Festival, an annual event that brings world-class musicians to the town. You can also find wellness seekers in Ojai for its many spas and spiritual retreats, making it a haven for relaxation. With its bohemian spirit and natural beauty, Ojai is a peaceful retreat from the bustle of city life.
5. Nevada City, CA
Median sale price: $550,000
Homes for sale in Nevada City | Apartments for rent in Nevada City
Tucked away in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Nevada City is one of California’s best-preserved Gold Rush towns. Walking down Broad Street feels like stepping back in time, with beautifully restored Victorian-era buildings that now house boutique shops, galleries, and cafes. The town’s annual Nevada City Film Festival is a highlight, bringing filmmakers and cinephiles together for screenings and discussions. You can spend the weekend exploring the nearby Yuba River, a popular spot for swimming, hiking, and camping.
6. Lemon Grove, CA
Median sale price: $735,000
Homes for sale in Lemon Grove | Apartments for rent in Lemon Grove
Lemon Grove, just outside San Diego, offers small-town charm with the conveniences of city living. Citrus farming shapes the town’s history, and its famous giant lemon sculpture serves as a quirky tribute to its agricultural roots. The town’s love for this fruit is shown each spring during the annual Lemon Festival. A celebration of all things citrus, featuring live music, local vendors, and, of course, plenty of lemonade. Additionally, the town’s walkable downtown is filled with local eateries, cafes, and murals that reflect the community’s artistic spirit.
7. Carpinteria, CA
Median sale price: $852,000
Homes for sale in Carpinteria | Apartments for rent in Carpinteria
Carpinteria is a beach town between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Known for its calm beaches, Carpinteria State Beach is a favorite for swimming, tide pooling, and spotting seals and dolphins. The town hosts the annual California Avocado Festival, where the streets come alive with live music, food vendors, and avocado-themed creations. Its downtown has lots of local boutiques, cafes, and beachy vibes, making it a perfect place for a relaxing day by the sea.
8. Rio Linda, CA
Median sale price: $472,500
Homes for sale in Rio Linda | Apartments for rent in Rio Linda
Rio Linda is a town about 20 minutes from Sacramento. The town’s agricultural roots are still evident, with many locals enjoying horseback riding and farming on their large, open properties. For those who love the outdoors, the Dry Creek Parkway provides miles of trails for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Rio Linda fosters a strong sense of community by hosting events like the Rio Linda Farm & Tractor Days, which showcase vintage tractors, crafts, and local food. Though small, Rio Linda offers a peaceful lifestyle and a tight-knit community, perfect for those looking to escape the city without leaving it too far behind.
9. Pacific Grove, CA
Median sale price: $1,350,000
Homes for sale in Pacific Grove | Apartments for rent in Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove is a seaside town with beautiful Victorian architecture and coastal views. The town’s Asilomar State Beach is perfect for long walks along the shoreline, where visitors can enjoy tide pooling or simply take in the Pacific Ocean’s beauty. Pacific Grove is also famous for being a stopover for thousands of migrating monarch butterflies. The nearby Monarch Grove Sanctuary offers people a unique chance to see these butterflies up close during their seasonal migration.
10. Dunsmuir, CA
Median sale price: $318,000
Homes for sale in Dunsmuir | Apartments for rent in Dunsmuir
Dunsmuir is situated in the shadow of Mount Shasta. The Upper Sacramento River, which runs through the town, is a top destination for fly fishing, drawing anglers from across the country in search of trout. Visitors can also explore the nearby Mossbrae Falls, a stunning waterfall hidden in a lush forest, accessible via a scenic hike along the river. Dunsmuir’s historic downtown features cozy cafes, art galleries, and the 1920s-era Dunsmuir Theatre, which still hosts performances and film screenings.
11. Placerville, CA
Median sale price: $462,000
Homes for sale in Placerville | Apartments for rent in Placerville
Placerville, once a bustling Gold Rush town, still carries the spirit of its frontier past with its historic downtown and well-preserved architecture. Known as “Old Hangtown,” Placerville played a key role in California’s Gold Rush history. While here, visitors can learn more about the town’s history at the Gold Bug Park & Mine, where they can tour a real gold mine. Each year, the town celebrates its heritage with the Placerville Gold Rush Days, featuring reenactments, live music, and artisanal crafts. Placerville’s Main Street is lined with antique shops, art galleries, and local eateries, giving it a quaint, small-town feel. Additionally, the town’s close proximity to Apple Hill, a region known for its apple orchards and wineries, makes it a popular destination in the fall for cider tasting and scenic drives.
Methodology: The median home sale price and average monthly rental data is from the Redfin Data Center.
