California Cities Lag in National 'Best Places to Live' Ranking

Seven California cities were recognized in U.S. News & World Report's ranking of the 250 best places to live in the country, though none appeared in the top 100. Dublin, located in the East Bay, secured the highest spot for California, ranking No. 119 nationally.

Dublin, described as the "crossroads of the San Francisco Bay Area," sits at the intersection of Interstates 580 and 680. Despite its central location, residents face an average commute time of 31.2 minutes, exceeding the national average by about nine minutes. The city's job market shows a lower unemployment rate of approximately 3.42%, compared to the national rate of 4.54%.

However, the cost of living in Dublin is notably higher than in similarly sized cities. The median home value is $1,283,390, significantly above the national median of $359,870. Renters also face higher costs, with a median rent of $2,681.

The city has recently been in the news due to a fatal shooting at a local park involving a New York Times executive, Jonathan McKinsey, who was reportedly killed by his elderly in-laws.

Following Dublin, Cupertino was the next highest-ranked California city at No. 140 nationally. Palo Alto followed at No. 164, and Sunnyvale was No. 225. Folsom ranked fifth in the state at No. 230 overall.

Further south, Encinitas ranked sixth in California and 235th nationally. San Ramon took the seventh spot among California cities, ranking 243rd nationwide.

Other California cities that made the list include Santa Clara (No. 265), Fremont, and Redondo Beach, which ranked eighth, ninth, and tenth respectively among the state's cities.

Carmel, Indiana, topped the national list, boasting an average commute of 21 minutes and a median household income of $144,615, with a lower cost of living compared to comparable communities. Fishers, Indiana, and Flower Mound, Texas, secured the second and third positions nationally.