Best places to live in California
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in California
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in California using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
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#25. Davis
- Population: 68,543
- Median home value: $652,300 (43% own)
- Median rent: $1,567 (57% rent)
- Median household income: $69,379
- Top public schools: Davis Senior High School (A+), Da Vinci Charter Academy (A+), Robert E. Willett Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. James School (unavailable), Davis Waldorf School (unavailable), Peregrine School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1140 Los Robles St, Davis ($3.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $652,300 (43% own)
- Median rent: $1,567 (57% rent)
- Median household income: $69,379
- Top public schools: Davis Senior High School (A+), Da Vinci Charter Academy (A+), Robert E. Willett Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. James School (unavailable), Davis Waldorf School (unavailable), Peregrine School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1140 Los Robles St, Davis ($3.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#24. Moraga
- Population: 17,539
- Median home value: $1,140,700 (82% own)
- Median rent: $2,128 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $140,378
- Top public schools: Campolindo High School (A+), Miramonte High School (A+), Acalanes High School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Saklan School (A+)
- Pictured: 9 Shannon Ct, Moraga ($3.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,140,700 (82% own)
- Median rent: $2,128 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $140,378
- Top public schools: Campolindo High School (A+), Miramonte High School (A+), Acalanes High School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Saklan School (A+)
- Pictured: 9 Shannon Ct, Moraga ($3.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#23. Monte Sereno
- Population: 3,479
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (94% own)
- Median rent: $2,722 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Saratoga High School (A+), Los Gatos High School (A+), Saratoga Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 16125 Greenwood Ln, Monte Sereno ($19.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (94% own)
- Median rent: $2,722 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Saratoga High School (A+), Los Gatos High School (A+), Saratoga Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 16125 Greenwood Ln, Monte Sereno ($19.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#22. San Carlos
- Population: 30,154
- Median home value: $1,625,700 (72% own)
- Median rent: $2,321 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $182,083
- Top public schools: Carlmont High School (A+), San Carlos Charter Learning Center (A), Tierra Linda Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Charles School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 168 Queens Ct, San Carlos ($6.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,625,700 (72% own)
- Median rent: $2,321 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $182,083
- Top public schools: Carlmont High School (A+), San Carlos Charter Learning Center (A), Tierra Linda Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Charles School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 168 Queens Ct, San Carlos ($6.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#21. Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Population: 3,830
- Median home value: $1,550,600 (57% own)
- Median rent: $2,209 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $98,188
- Top public schools: Carmel High School (A+), Carmel Middle School (A+), Carmel River Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: Scenic 6 1/2 Sw of Ocean, Carmel ($9.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,550,600 (57% own)
- Median rent: $2,209 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $98,188
- Top public schools: Carmel High School (A+), Carmel Middle School (A+), Carmel River Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: Scenic 6 1/2 Sw of Ocean, Carmel ($9.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#20. San Marino
- Population: 13,194
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (86% own)
- Median rent: $3,293 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $166,607
- Top public schools: San Marino High School (A+), K.L. Carver Elementary (A+), Valentine Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Southwestern Academy (A+)
- Pictured: 1550 Oak Grove Ave, San Marino ($24.5 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (86% own)
- Median rent: $3,293 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $166,607
- Top public schools: San Marino High School (A+), K.L. Carver Elementary (A+), Valentine Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Southwestern Academy (A+)
- Pictured: 1550 Oak Grove Ave, San Marino ($24.5 million, 8 bedrooms)
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#19. Del Mar
- Population: 4,331
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (53% own)
- Median rent: $2,320 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $129,063
- Top public schools: Canyon Crest Academy (A+), Torrey Pines High School (A+), San Dieguito High Academy (A+)
- Top private schools: Winston School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2984 Sandy Ln, Del Mar ($18.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (53% own)
- Median rent: $2,320 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $129,063
- Top public schools: Canyon Crest Academy (A+), Torrey Pines High School (A+), San Dieguito High Academy (A+)
- Top private schools: Winston School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2984 Sandy Ln, Del Mar ($18.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#18. Foster City
- Population: 33,997
- Median home value: $1,245,800 (57% own)
- Median rent: $3,209 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $158,529
- Top public schools: Carlmont High School (A+), San Mateo High School (A+), Hillsdale High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Kids Connection Elementary School (unavailable), Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School (unavailable), Bright Horizon Chinese School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 606 Portsmouth Ln, Foster City ($2.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,245,800 (57% own)
- Median rent: $3,209 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $158,529
- Top public schools: Carlmont High School (A+), San Mateo High School (A+), Hillsdale High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Kids Connection Elementary School (unavailable), Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School (unavailable), Bright Horizon Chinese School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 606 Portsmouth Ln, Foster City ($2.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#17. Burlingame
- Population: 30,576
- Median home value: $1,901,900 (48% own)
- Median rent: $2,210 (52% rent)
- Median household income: $128,447
- Top public schools: Mills High School (A+), Burlingame High School (A+), Lincoln Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Mercy High School, Burlingame (A), St. Catherine of Siena School (unavailable), Our Lady of Angels School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 132 Elm Ave, Burlingame ($7.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,901,900 (48% own)
- Median rent: $2,210 (52% rent)
- Median household income: $128,447
- Top public schools: Mills High School (A+), Burlingame High School (A+), Lincoln Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Mercy High School, Burlingame (A), St. Catherine of Siena School (unavailable), Our Lady of Angels School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 132 Elm Ave, Burlingame ($7.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#16. Los Altos Hills
- Population: 8,505
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (92% own)
- Median rent: $2,674 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Henry M. Gunn High School (A+), Los Altos High School (A+), Mountain View High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Pinewood School - Upper Campus (A+)
- Pictured: 27500 La Vida Real, Los Altos Hills ($40.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (92% own)
- Median rent: $2,674 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Henry M. Gunn High School (A+), Los Altos High School (A+), Mountain View High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Pinewood School - Upper Campus (A+)
- Pictured: 27500 La Vida Real, Los Altos Hills ($40.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#15. Piedmont
- Population: 11,317
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (88% own)
- Median rent: $3,229 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $224,659
- Top public schools: Piedmont High School (A+), Beach Elementary School (A+), Piedmont Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Corpus Christi School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 52 Glen Alpine Rd, Piedmont ($13.0 million, 9 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (88% own)
- Median rent: $3,229 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $224,659
- Top public schools: Piedmont High School (A+), Beach Elementary School (A+), Piedmont Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Corpus Christi School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 52 Glen Alpine Rd, Piedmont ($13.0 million, 9 bedrooms)
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#14. Redondo Beach
- Population: 67,423
- Median home value: $926,500 (52% own)
- Median rent: $2,072 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $113,499
- Top public schools: Redondo Union High School (A+), Tulita Elementary School (A+), Alta Vista Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: South Bay Faith Academy (A-), St. Lawrence Martyr Elementary School (A-), Valor Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 417 Paseo De La Playa, Redondo Beach ($15.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $926,500 (52% own)
- Median rent: $2,072 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $113,499
- Top public schools: Redondo Union High School (A+), Tulita Elementary School (A+), Alta Vista Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: South Bay Faith Academy (A-), St. Lawrence Martyr Elementary School (A-), Valor Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 417 Paseo De La Playa, Redondo Beach ($15.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#13. La Cañada Flintridge
- Population: 20,261
- Median home value: $1,518,000 (91% own)
- Median rent: $2,858 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $175,788
- Top public schools: La Canada High School (A+), Crescenta Valley High School (A+), Palm Crest Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Flintridge Preparatory School (A+), Flintridge Sacred Heart (A+), St. Francis High School (A+)
- Pictured: 1600 Fairmount Ave, La Canada Flintridge ($9.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,518,000 (91% own)
- Median rent: $2,858 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $175,788
- Top public schools: La Canada High School (A+), Crescenta Valley High School (A+), Palm Crest Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Flintridge Preparatory School (A+), Flintridge Sacred Heart (A+), St. Francis High School (A+)
- Pictured: 1600 Fairmount Ave, La Canada Flintridge ($9.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#12. Culver City
- Population: 39,169
- Median home value: $892,000 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,888 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $95,044
- Top public schools: Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (A+), High Tech Los Angeles (A+), El Marino Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Willows Community School (unavailable), Village Glen West (unavailable), Turning Point School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4244 Revere Pl, Culver City ($3.4 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $892,000 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,888 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $95,044
- Top public schools: Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (A+), High Tech Los Angeles (A+), El Marino Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Willows Community School (unavailable), Village Glen West (unavailable), Turning Point School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4244 Revere Pl, Culver City ($3.4 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#11. Solana Beach
- Population: 13,356
- Median home value: $1,192,600 (61% own)
- Median rent: $2,232 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $108,118
- Top public schools: Canyon Crest Academy (A+), Torrey Pines High School (A+), San Dieguito High Academy (A+)
- Top private schools: Santa Fe Christian Schools (A+), Fusion Academy Solana Beach (B+), St. James Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 421 N Granados Ave, Solana Beach ($11.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,192,600 (61% own)
- Median rent: $2,232 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $108,118
- Top public schools: Canyon Crest Academy (A+), Torrey Pines High School (A+), San Dieguito High Academy (A+)
- Top private schools: Santa Fe Christian Schools (A+), Fusion Academy Solana Beach (B+), St. James Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 421 N Granados Ave, Solana Beach ($11.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#10. Palo Alto
- Population: 66,573
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (55% own)
- Median rent: $2,569 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $158,271
- Top public schools: Henry M. Gunn High School (A+), Palo Alto High School (A+), Los Altos High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Castilleja School (A+), Kehillah Jewish High School (A+), The Girls' Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 610 Los Trancos Rd, Portola Valley ($53.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (55% own)
- Median rent: $2,569 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $158,271
- Top public schools: Henry M. Gunn High School (A+), Palo Alto High School (A+), Los Altos High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Castilleja School (A+), Kehillah Jewish High School (A+), The Girls' Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 610 Los Trancos Rd, Portola Valley ($53.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#9. Palos Verdes Estates
- Population: 13,434
- Median home value: $2,000,000 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,683 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $194,543
- Top public schools: Palos Verdes Peninsula High School (A+), Palos Verdes High School (A+), Point Vicente Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 909 Via Coronel, Palos Verdes Estates ($19.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $2,000,000 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,683 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $194,543
- Top public schools: Palos Verdes Peninsula High School (A+), Palos Verdes High School (A+), Point Vicente Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 909 Via Coronel, Palos Verdes Estates ($19.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#8. Irvine
- Population: 273,157
- Median home value: $838,000 (47% own)
- Median rent: $2,361 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $105,126
- Top public schools: Orange County School of the Arts (A+), University High School (A+), Northwood High School (A+)
- Top private schools: TVT Community Day School (A+), Pacific Academy (A+), Crean Lutheran High School (A+)
- Pictured: 60 Golden Eagle, Irvine ($19.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $838,000 (47% own)
- Median rent: $2,361 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $105,126
- Top public schools: Orange County School of the Arts (A+), University High School (A+), Northwood High School (A+)
- Top private schools: TVT Community Day School (A+), Pacific Academy (A+), Crean Lutheran High School (A+)
- Pictured: 60 Golden Eagle, Irvine ($19.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#7. South Pasadena
- Population: 25,661
- Median home value: $1,071,000 (47% own)
- Median rent: $1,802 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $104,308
- Top public schools: South Pasadena Senior High School (A+), Monterey Hills Elementary School (A+), Arroyo Vista Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holy Family Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1339 Garfield Ave, South Pasadena ($3.6 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,071,000 (47% own)
- Median rent: $1,802 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $104,308
- Top public schools: South Pasadena Senior High School (A+), Monterey Hills Elementary School (A+), Arroyo Vista Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holy Family Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1339 Garfield Ave, South Pasadena ($3.6 million, 8 bedrooms)
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#6. Berkeley
- Population: 121,485
- Median home value: $1,004,900 (43% own)
- Median rent: $1,722 (57% rent)
- Median household income: $85,530
- Top public schools: Miramonte High School (A+), Berkeley High School (A+), Jefferson Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Maybeck High School (A+), St. Mary's College High School (A+), Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley (A)
- Pictured: 22 Roble Rd, Berkeley ($12.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,004,900 (43% own)
- Median rent: $1,722 (57% rent)
- Median household income: $85,530
- Top public schools: Miramonte High School (A+), Berkeley High School (A+), Jefferson Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Maybeck High School (A+), St. Mary's College High School (A+), Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley (A)
- Pictured: 22 Roble Rd, Berkeley ($12.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#5. Manhattan Beach
- Population: 35,500
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (70% own)
- Median rent: $2,628 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $153,023
- Top public schools: Mira Costa High School (A+), Aurelia Pennekamp Elementary School (A+), Pacific Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: American Martyrs Catholic School (unavailable), Manhattan Academy (unavailable), Montessori School of Manhattan Beach (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1516 The Strand, Manhattan Beach ($17.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (70% own)
- Median rent: $2,628 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $153,023
- Top public schools: Mira Costa High School (A+), Aurelia Pennekamp Elementary School (A+), Pacific Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: American Martyrs Catholic School (unavailable), Manhattan Academy (unavailable), Montessori School of Manhattan Beach (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1516 The Strand, Manhattan Beach ($17.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#4. Albany
- Population: 19,804
- Median home value: $882,500 (47% own)
- Median rent: $1,856 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $95,400
- Top public schools: Albany High School (A+), Marin Elementary School (A), Albany Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Tilden Preparatory School - Albany (A+)
- Pictured: 735 Curtis St, Albany ($1.6 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $882,500 (47% own)
- Median rent: $1,856 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $95,400
- Top public schools: Albany High School (A+), Marin Elementary School (A), Albany Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Tilden Preparatory School - Albany (A+)
- Pictured: 735 Curtis St, Albany ($1.6 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#3. Mountain View
- Population: 81,656
- Median home value: $1,413,500 (42% own)
- Median rent: $2,456 (58% rent)
- Median household income: $139,720
- Top public schools: Los Altos High School (A+), Mountain View High School (A+), Homestead High School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Francis High School (A+), Waldorf School of the Peninsula - Mountain View Campus (A+), German International School of Silicon Valley - Mountain View Campus (A)
- Pictured: 249 Monroe Dr, Mountain View ($4.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,413,500 (42% own)
- Median rent: $2,456 (58% rent)
- Median household income: $139,720
- Top public schools: Los Altos High School (A+), Mountain View High School (A+), Homestead High School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Francis High School (A+), Waldorf School of the Peninsula - Mountain View Campus (A+), German International School of Silicon Valley - Mountain View Campus (A)
- Pictured: 249 Monroe Dr, Mountain View ($4.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#2. Hermosa Beach
- Population: 19,539
- Median home value: $1,542,900 (47% own)
- Median rent: $2,181 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $136,702
- Top public schools: Mira Costa High School (A+), Hermosa View Elementary School (A), Hermosa Valley Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Fusion Academy South Bay (A-)
- Pictured: 600 The Strand, Hermosa Beach ($22.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,542,900 (47% own)
- Median rent: $2,181 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $136,702
- Top public schools: Mira Costa High School (A+), Hermosa View Elementary School (A), Hermosa Valley Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Fusion Academy South Bay (A-)
- Pictured: 600 The Strand, Hermosa Beach ($22.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#1. Santa Monica
- Population: 91,577
- Median home value: $1,382,700 (29% own)
- Median rent: $1,802 (71% rent)
- Median household income: $96,570
- Top public schools: Santa Monica High School (A+), Franklin Elementary School (A+), Grant Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (A+), New Roads School (A+), Pacifica Christian High School (A+)
- Pictured: 609 E Channel Rd, Santa Monica ($50.0 million, 13 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,382,700 (29% own)
- Median rent: $1,802 (71% rent)
- Median household income: $96,570
- Top public schools: Santa Monica High School (A+), Franklin Elementary School (A+), Grant Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (A+), New Roads School (A+), Pacifica Christian High School (A+)
- Pictured: 609 E Channel Rd, Santa Monica ($50.0 million, 13 bedrooms)
