[2023]-#7 Best Affordable Places to Raise a Family In Southern California

Southern California is known for its sunny beaches, vibrant cities, and luxurious living. However, the high cost of living can make it challenging for families to find affordable and suitable places to settle down.

But fear not, as there are plenty of affordable cities in Southern California that offer a great quality of life for families without breaking the bank.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the best affordable places to raise a family in Southern California, taking into account factors such as housing, education, transportation, recreation, and community. Whether you’re looking for a small town feel or a bustling city atmosphere, there’s something for everyone in these top affordable cities. So, let’s dive in and discover the best places to call home in Southern California!

Southern California is a desirable region to live in for many reasons, including its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, and diverse cultural offerings. However, it can also be an expensive place to raise a family. Here are some of the best affordable places to raise a family in Southern California:

1. Corona:

Located in Riverside County, Corona is a family-friendly city with good schools, plenty of parks and recreational opportunities, and a low crime rate. The median home price in Corona is around $575,000.

Corona is a city located in Riverside County, Southern California, known for its suburban feel and family-friendly community. Here are some things to know about living in Corona:

Housing: The median home price in Corona is around $575,000, which is considered affordable for Southern California. The city offers a mix of housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments.
Education: The city has a good school system, with several highly rated public and private schools. Corona is home to several colleges and universities, including California Baptist University and La Sierra University.
Transportation: Corona is conveniently located near several major highways, including the 91, 15, and 71. The city is also served by a Metrolink train station, which provides easy access to Los Angeles and Orange County.
Recreation: Corona offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, with over 394 acres of parks and open spaces. The city also has several golf courses, including the Dos Lagos Golf Course.
Community: Corona has a strong sense of community, with several events and festivals throughout the year, including the popular Lemon Festival. The city also has several community organizations and volunteer opportunities.
Weather: Corona has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The city enjoys an average of 275 sunny days per year, making it a great place for outdoor activities.

Overall, Corona is a great place to raise a family, with its affordable housing, good schools, and community-oriented culture. The city offers easy access to major highways, outdoor recreation, and a pleasant climate, making it a popular choice for many Southern California residents.

2. Ontario:

Ontario is a city in San Bernardino County that offers affordable housing, good schools, and easy access to major highways and airports. The median home price in Ontario is around $460,000.

Ontario is a city located in San Bernardino County, Southern California, known for its diverse community and easy access to major highways and airports. Here are some things to know about living in Ontario:

Housing: The median home price in Ontario is around $460,000, which is considered affordable for Southern California. The city offers a mix of housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments.
Education: Ontario has several public and private schools, including the Ontario-Montclair School District and the Chaffey Joint Union High School District. The city is also home to several colleges and universities, including Chaffey College and National University.
Transportation: Ontario is located near several major highways, including the 10, 15, and 60. The city is also served by the Ontario International Airport, which offers flights to several domestic and international destinations.
Recreation: Ontario offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, with over 220 acres of parks and open spaces. The city also has several golf courses, including the Whispering Lakes Golf Course.
Community: Ontario has a diverse community, with several events and festivals throughout the year, including the popular Ontario Festival of the Arts. The city also has several community organizations and volunteer opportunities.
Weather: Ontario has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The city enjoys an average of 279 sunny days per year, making it a great place for outdoor activities.

Overall, Ontario is a great place to live, with its diverse community, affordable housing, and convenient location. The city offers easy access to major highways and airports, outdoor recreation, and a pleasant climate, making it a popular choice for many Southern California residents.

3. Temecula:

Temecula is a city in Riverside County known for its wineries and historic downtown area. It has a strong sense of community and excellent schools, with a median home price of around $575,000.

Temecula is a city located in Riverside County, Southern California, known for its beautiful wine country, historic downtown area, and family-friendly community. Here are some things to know about living in Temecula:

Housing: The median home price in Temecula is around $575,000, which is considered affordable for Southern California. The city offers a mix of housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments.
Education: Temecula has several highly rated public and private schools, including Great Oak High School and Temecula Valley High School. The city is also home to several colleges and universities, including the Temecula Education Complex.
Transportation: Temecula is conveniently located near several major highways, including the 15 and 215. The city is also served by a Metrolink train station, which provides easy access to Los Angeles and Orange County.
Recreation: Temecula offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, with over 40 parks and recreational areas. The city is also known for its beautiful wine country, with several wineries and vineyards offering tours and tastings.
Community: Temecula has a strong sense of community, with several events and festivals throughout the year, including the popular Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival. The city also has several community organizations and volunteer opportunities.
Weather: Temecula has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The city enjoys an average of 275 sunny days per year, making it a great place for outdoor activities.

Overall, Temecula is a great place to live, with its beautiful wine country, family-friendly community, and convenient location. The city offers easy access to major highways and a Metrolink train station, outdoor recreation, and a pleasant climate, making it a popular choice for many Southern California residents.

4. San Bernardino:

San Bernardino is a city in San Bernardino County that is experiencing a revitalization, with new restaurants and businesses moving in. The median home price in San Bernardino is around $350,000, making it one of the most affordable places to live in Southern California.

San Bernardino is a city located in San Bernardino County, Southern California, known for its rich history and cultural diversity. Here are some things to know about living in San Bernardino:

Housing: The median home price in San Bernardino is around $350,000, which is considered affordable for Southern California. The city offers a mix of housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments.
Education: San Bernardino has several public and private schools, including the San Bernardino City Unified School District and the San Bernardino Community College District. The city is also home to several colleges and universities, including California State University San Bernardino.
Transportation: San Bernardino is located near several major highways, including the 10, 215, and 210. The city is also served by a Metrolink train station, which provides easy access to Los Angeles and Orange County.
Recreation: San Bernardino offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, with over 46 parks and recreational areas. The city is also home to the historic Route 66 and the San Bernardino National Forest.
Community: San Bernardino has a diverse community, with several events and festivals throughout the year, including the National Orange Show Festival. The city also has several community organizations and volunteer opportunities.
Weather: San Bernardino has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The city enjoys an average of 280 sunny days per year, making it a great place for outdoor activities.

Overall, San Bernardino is a great place to live, with its rich history, cultural diversity, and affordable housing. The city offers easy access to major highways and a Metrolink train station, outdoor recreation, and a pleasant climate, making it a popular choice for many Southern California residents.

5. Murrieta:

Located in Riverside County, Murrieta is a growing city with good schools and plenty of parks and recreational opportunities.

Murrieta is a city located in Riverside County, Southern California, known for its family-friendly community, excellent schools, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Here are some things to know about raising a family in Murrieta:

Housing: The median home price in Murrieta is around $540,000, which is considered affordable for Southern California. The city offers a mix of housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments.
Education: Murrieta has several highly rated public and private schools, including Murrieta Valley High School and Vista Murrieta High School. The city is also home to several colleges and universities, including Mt. San Jacinto College and National University.
Transportation: Murrieta is located near several major highways, including the 15 and 215. The city is also served by several public transportation options, including bus and rail.
Recreation: Murrieta offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, with over 50 parks and recreational areas. The city is also home to several golf courses and is located near several hiking and biking trails.
Community: Murrieta has a strong sense of community, with several events and festivals throughout the year, including the Murrieta Field of Honor and the Murrieta Rod Run. The city also has several community organizations and volunteer opportunities.
Weather: Murrieta has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The city enjoys an average of 275 sunny days per year, making it a great place for outdoor activities.

Overall, Murrieta is a great place to raise a family, with its family-friendly community, excellent schools, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The city offers easy access to major highways and public transportation, a strong sense of community, and a pleasant climate, making it a popular choice for many Southern California residents.

6. Moreno Valley:

Moreno Valley is a city in Riverside County that offers affordable housing, good schools, and easy access to major highways. The median home price in Moreno Valley is around $390,000.

Moreno Valley is a city located in Riverside County, Southern California, known for its affordable housing, diverse community, and recreational opportunities. Here are some things to know about raising a family in Moreno Valley:

Housing: The median home price in Moreno Valley is around $390,000, which is considered affordable for Southern California. The city offers a mix of housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments.
Education: Moreno Valley has several public and private schools, including the Moreno Valley Unified School District and Riverside Community College. The city is also home to several colleges and universities, including the University of California, Riverside.
Transportation: Moreno Valley is located near several major highways, including the 60, 215, and 10. The city is also served by several public transportation options, including bus and rail.
Recreation: Moreno Valley offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, with over 40 parks and recreational areas. The city is also home to several golf courses and is located near several hiking and biking trails.
Community: Moreno Valley has a diverse community, with several events and festivals throughout the year, including the Moreno Valley Street Fair and the Moreno Valley Food Truck Festival. The city also has several community organizations and volunteer opportunities.
Weather: Moreno Valley has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The city enjoys an average of 280 sunny days per year, making it a great place for outdoor activities.

Overall, Moreno Valley is a great place to raise a family, with its affordable housing, diverse community, and recreational opportunities. The city offers easy access to major highways and public transportation, a strong sense of community, and a pleasant climate, making it a popular choice for many Southern California residents.

7. Hemet:

Hemet is a city in Riverside County that offers affordable housing and a low cost of living. It has a strong sense of community and plenty of parks and recreational opportunities. The median home price in Hemet is around $310,000.

Hemet is a city located in Riverside County, Southern California, known for its affordable housing, small-town feel, and recreational opportunities. Here are some things to know about raising a family in Hemet:

Housing: The median home price in Hemet is around $310,000, which is considered affordable for Southern California. The city offers a mix of housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments.
Education: Hemet has several public and private schools, including the Hemet Unified School District and Mt. San Jacinto College. The city is also located near several colleges and universities, including California State University San Bernardino and University of California, Riverside.
Transportation: Hemet is located near several major highways, including the 10 and 215. The city is also served by several public transportation options, including bus and rail.
Recreation: Hemet offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, with over 20 parks and recreational areas. The city is also home to several golf courses and is located near several hiking and biking trails.
Community: Hemet has a small-town feel, with several community events and festivals throughout the year, including the Hemet Christmas Parade and the Western Science Center’s Annual Ice Age Soiree. The city also has several community organizations and volunteer opportunities.
Weather: Hemet has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The city enjoys an average of 280 sunny days per year, making it a great place for outdoor activities.

Overall, Hemet is a great place to raise a family, with its affordable housing, small-town feel, and recreational opportunities. The city offers easy access to major highways and public transportation, a strong sense of community, and a pleasant climate, making it a popular choice for many Southern California residents.

Is it safe to raise a family in Southern California and why?

Southern California is generally considered a safe place to raise a family, although like any large metropolitan area, there are neighborhoods that may have higher crime rates.

However, many Southern California communities have strong law enforcement and community safety programs. Neighborhoods with good schools and parks often have a strong sense of community and low crime rates. Additionally, Southern California’s mild climate allows for outdoor activities year-round, which can contribute to a healthy and active lifestyle.

It’s always important for families to research neighborhoods and consider factors such as crime rates, school quality, and proximity to amenities when deciding where to live in Southern California.

Keep in mind that these prices are based on median home prices and can vary widely depending on the specific neighborhood and size of the home. Additionally, while these cities are considered affordable compared to other areas in Southern California, they may still be more expensive than other regions of the country.

Southern California is a great place to raise a family, with a diverse range of communities, excellent schools, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities. Here are some frequently asked questions about raising a family in Southern California:

Q: What are some family-friendly neighborhoods in Southern California?

A: Southern California has many family-friendly neighborhoods, including Irvine, Santa Clarita, Yorba Linda, Carlsbad, and Thousand Oaks. These neighborhoods offer good schools, safe streets, and plenty of parks and recreational activities for families.

Q: What are the best schools in Southern California for families?

A: Southern California is home to many excellent schools, both public and private. Some of the top-ranked public school districts in the region include Irvine Unified School District, Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, and San Marino Unified School District. Many private schools in the region also have strong reputations, including Harvard-Westlake School, Marlborough School, and Loyola High School.

Q: What are some family-friendly activities in Southern California?

A: Southern California offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, including theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios, beaches, museums, and parks. Families can also enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing in the nearby mountains.

Q: What is the cost of living like in Southern California for families?

A: The cost of living in Southern California can be high, particularly in more affluent areas. However, there are also many more affordable neighborhoods in the region, particularly in the inland areas. Families should research housing costs and other expenses before choosing where to live in Southern California.

Q: What is the job market like in Southern California for families?

A: Southern California has a diverse economy, with many job opportunities in industries such as entertainment, technology, and healthcare. However, competition for jobs can be high, particularly in more desirable areas. Families should research the local job market and consider factors such as commute times when choosing where to live.

Q: What are some factors to consider when raising a family in Southern California?

A: When raising a family in Southern California, it’s important to consider factors such as access to good schools, safety, cost of living, and recreational opportunities. Families should also consider commute times and transportation options, as traffic can be a major factor in the region.

[2023]-#7 Best Affordable Places to Raise a Family In Southern California | Cheapest Towns in Southern California