Oceanside, California

When you close your eyes and picture stereotypical California, chances are you’re picturing something that looks a whole lot like Oceanside. It’s pretty Idyllic year-round and lives up to its name with miles of beaches for every taste. Harbor Beach is the largest and is lauded as one of the best surf spots in one of the most respected surf areas in the country. City Beach is great for kids and has a pier that you’ve probably seen in plenty of Instagram Posts. Buccaneer Beach is a smaller, but its adjacent lawn, creek, and cafe give you more to do than just tan.

Nice summary of love for Oceanside from a former resident:
It depends on what type of person you are. I hated La Jolla and felt nothing for Carlsbad, but really loved Oceanside. The people are surfer or beach types who are more relaxed. The beach was always so close and I loved walking it at night. My housemate was a huge Harley riding sweetheart who was building his own bed because they didn't make one that could fit him. We used to ride into downtown and get coffee. People were so friendly. It was the only place I ever lived in Southern CA that I loved.

For more reviews of Oceanside from locals check out: The Buzz

The issue with being somewhere everyone wants to be is that, well, everyone wants to be there. Those moving to Oceanside from out of state will receive a rude welcome to the California housing market, as housing in Oceanside is more expensive than even the Golden State average. The weather and a combination of other factors have led to the state of California having a homelessness problem and Oceanside is no exception to the issue. Traffic resulting both from commuters to San Diego and tourists coming into Oceanside to hit the beach make driving a pain. There’s no getting around that, unfortunately, as Oceanside’s sprawl makes a car a necessity.

Here are some cons about living in Oceanside from a local:
Lots of homeless people, and petty crime such as car break-ins. Don't leave anything in your car overnight. Also make sure to chop up your registration sticker on your car because I've had that stolen a couple times, too. The schools are ok but over the border in Carlsbad is much better. Also in the beach areas, it's super LOUD at night.