Not a single California city cracked the top 30 on a list of the most livable metro areas in the US — despite the state’s continued reputation for quality of life appeal, according to a recent study.
RentCafe, a top rental search platform, sifted through data from 149 US metro areas, weighing 17 crucial factors like cost of living, healthcare availability and community feel to uncover the nation’s most desirable places to live.
The study grouped its criteria into three categories: socioeconomics, quality of life and location and community.
Socioeconomic indicators included the cost of living, income growth, poverty levels and unemployment.
Quality of life was measured by access to healthcare providers, food options, exercise opportunities and overall well-being.
Location and community focused on education levels, arts and entertainment, civic engagement, housing conditions and commute times, according to RentCafe.
Each metro area received a composite score across all categories to determine its ranking.
While California cities exceled in subjective lifestyle and satisfaction surveys, high living costs and economic pressures lowered their standing on lists focused on affordability and balance.
San Francisco, for example, ranked third nationwide overall, yet only 33rd for livability, while Los Angeles settled at No. 77.
The most livable metro city in the US was Washington, DC, which earned top marks across the board.
The data contrasted with another analysis featured by KTLA, which named several California metros as leaders in lifestyle satisfaction for their climate, amenities, and outdoor access.
San Diego, Sacramento, Santa Rosa and Vallejo all landed in the top 20 on that list.
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