Four California cities regarded for their affluence and easy living have the most enviable lifestyles in the United States, according to a recent survey.
In response to a straightforward question, “Which lifestyle do you envy the most?” by home-listing platform, New Jersey Real Estate Network, three Southern California cities and a suburban enclave in the San Francisco Peninsula made the top 10.
Palo Alto in Silicon Valley, celebrity haven Calabasas, and Los Angeles-adjacent Newport Beach and Beverly Hills were noted for their work-life balance.
“There’s no denying that many of these communities are expensive —but it’s not just about money,” says a New Jersey Real Estate Network spokesperson. “What people envy is the lifestyle these communities promise: more space, time, and access to nature. These places represent a kind of ease and everyday luxury that resonates with people across the country.”
Palo Alto, where the high-tech and high-brow meet
Like the classic Hollywood trope, Palo Alto is the smart girl who is suddenly a drop-dead stunner when she takes off her glasses. The local getaway for neighboring Stanford University, Palo Alto is filled with all the amenities one would expect from a city both known for its destination school and place in Silicon Valley lore. Its downtown is filled with cafes and upscale restaurants, perfect spots for making deals and discussing business strategy, and is home to one of the state’s oldest repertory cinemas, The Stanford Theater. The city’s tree-lined streets and historic homes give it a deeply livable feel. Residents enjoy access to innovation, intellect, and immense wealth, and all within a bike ride of a green juice bar.
Calabasas, home to Hollywood darlings and media royalty
Calabasas got its start as a relaxing getaway from the growing LA metropolis at the turn of the 20th century when several spots in the city were developed into weekend respites, according to the city’s official history. Its rolling hills and rugged scenery were perfect for early studio films like Tarzan and The Adventures of Robin Hood, beginning a long relationship with Hollywood that continues to this day. Celebrities such as Will Smith, Justin Bieber, and the Kardashian family own homes in Calabasas, a city that manages to feel exclusive without being exhausting. Beyond the gates and rolling hills, it’s all luxury SUVs, designer athleisure, and dogs with better skincare than most humans.
Beverly Hills, the OG celebutant
Every teenager in the ’90s may not have known their own zip code, but they definitely knew the one belonging to Beverly Hills. Synonymous with luxury, the neighborhood offers palm-lined streets, gated mansions, and boutiques where price tags are optional. Cher, the famous character-teen in the movie Clueless, brought home the easy glamor of Rodeo Drive, home to designer boutiques like Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, and Louis Vuitton. Where doing everyday tasks like going to the dry cleaners or picking up a coffee feels luxurious, Beverly Hills is not just a place to live, it’s an aspiration.
Newport Beach, the epitome of coastal chic
It’s all yachts and beachfront homes with no curtains in Newport Beach, where coastal cool meets serious money. Stylish, but effortlessly, locals wear linen like a uniform and prefer sailing to commuting. Located in the center of coastal Orange County, the city surrounds Newport Bay, where more than 9,000 boats are docked. The city’s own visitor website promises “luxury at your leisure,” offering award-winning cuisine, high-end and boutique shopping, and many opportunities to sit back and enjoy a perfectly crafted cocktail.
The Top Ten Cities with the most envied lifestyle
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Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
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Upper East Side (in Manhattan), New York
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Poll finds these California cities have the most enviable lifestyles