Living in California, from the outside, seems like a dream. Great cities, wonderful attractions, what more could you ask for? Unfortunately, living in most places in California comes with a very high price tag. The real estate prices are insane and the cost of living tends to be on the higher end. However, there are some places in California that are actually affordable. So, we have put together a list of the most affordable counties in California. We hope you find it useful.
Modoc County
Situated in northeastern California, Modoc County, while being rather small, is perfect for anyone who likes small towns. With a population of 8,907 and a big focus on agriculture, Modoc County is known for its connections to wild west history. In addition, the mountains, ranches, and farmlands make it a great place if you want to live in small and quiet places. The median home price in Modoc County is $140,600 and the median rent is $717. Modoc County is a wonderful place for a fresh start, which only shows the importance of decluttering before a move even more.
Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County is widely renowned as the billionaire hub in California. This said, however, it is still an affordable place to live for most people. The median home price here is $400,000, which is still significantly cheaper than real estate in the bigger cities. Meanwhile, the median rent price here is $1,974. The reason why Palm Beach County is so rich is that it leads the nation in sweet corn and sugar production. This makes for a solid economic base, which makes it a good place to live. In addition, it is fairly safe to live in. However, we should mention that, if you are moving your entire household, you should only rely on movers to get you into the new home. They can ensure a quick transfer of household items and are familiar with the whole process.
Inyo County
Next on the list of the most affordable counties in California, Inyo County is another small place in eastern central California. Nestled between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the state of Nevada, it is home to the Death Valley National Park. The cities in Inyo County are known for their good nightlife and education, making them a popular choice among young professionals. The median home price here is $269,100, while the median rent is $919. However, we recommend you hire the help of a real estate agent when looking for a home here. Just remember to keep in mind the necessary things to identify when hiring a real estate agent.
Shasta County
Now on to a larger county, Shasta County is a great place for families and young people. The nightlife here is good, the education is great and the cities are quite family-friendly overall. The cultural diversity in Shasta County is also something that should be mentioned. All of this put together makes Shasta County a popular choice for young families and professionals alike. The median home price here is $252,300 while the median rent is $1,039, and the cost of living is much lower than the state average. The only real drawback of Shasta County is that the real estate market here has been getting hot, so finding a home could prove a little difficult. But, just remember the important things to know when buying a house and you should be alright.
Fresno County
For a county as big as Fresno County, the cost of living here is one of the lowest in the state. In addition, Fresno County is particularly popular among families because of the family-friendly focus of some of its cities. Gardens, amusement parks, museums, the county has a lot to offer for any family looking to have some fun. Median home prices in Fresno County sit at $255,000 while the median rent is $998, easily placing it on the list of the most affordable counties in California. Only adding to the reason why families love Fresno County, the public schools here are great, and the county is considered fairly safe.
Sutter County
Looking back to a smaller county, Sutter County is a great choice for anyone looking for a friendly environment. The population is diverse and very friendly, and the nightlife here is good. Sutter County is also home to the world’s smallest mountain range: the Sutter Buttes. Also, it is famous for being the place where the seedless grape was developed. While the cost of living here is much closer to the national average, real estate prices are fairly low. The median home price here is $279,400 and the median rent is $1,033.
Butte County
Butte County is widely considered to be a place of natural beauty, and it offers a lot of recreational opportunities in both rural and urban environments. Whether you choose to live in an urban center or a small community, you can expect Butte County’s residents to be very friendly. Butte County is a place favored by people who like to be healthy because of its clean air and beautiful nature. It is one of the few places in California where you can enjoy nature while not breaking the bank on a new home. The cost of life in Butte County is lower than the state average. The median home price here is $271,700 and the median rent is $1,060.
Most affordable counties in California – closing thoughts
It’s no secret that living in California can get very expensive very quickly. However, the state is home to counties that are quite affordable while still being very nice to live in. We hope you found this list of the most affordable counties in California helpful, and we wish you luck in finding your new home.
Lisa Roberts has been engaged in writing blog articles for the last 7 years. Although she started off her career in the moving industry, her experience brought diversification to the content topics she covers. Today, her range of topics spans from moving across the globe to everyday lifestyle tips, marketing, real-estate news, etc. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys running, reading books and spending time with her dogs Lue and Sill. As a great lover of life, she finds something practical and useful in every experience, which contributes to her portfolio as well.
