Best Cities on the West Coast to Live – Relocation Guide (2025)
The West Coast stretches from San Diego to Seattle and covers an enormous range of places to live. The coastline itself shapes much of life here, temperate ocean air, and cities that have learned to grow around natural limits. For movers, the region offers some of the strongest job markets in the world, and famously unique lifestyles that have drawn newcomers since the gold rush era.
Living on the West Coast
Life here leans outdoors. People walk, bike, hike, surf, and glide, and gather in parks year-round. Most cities have access to water, mountains, or both, and that geography still influences the rhythm of daily life.
The economy is increasingly powered by tech and classically by tourism, but not all cities share the same scale or pace. Some are global business centers; others feel more like self-contained small towns with great food and art scenes. What ties them together is a focus on outdoor livability; access to nature and culture, all within reach.
Top Cities on the West Coast
San Diego, California
San Diego’s climate is as close to perfect as a big city gets. World-class beaches and tourism, the major naval presence, and a broad economy keep the city both stable and diverse. Neighborhoods range from dense and walkable to family-friendly suburbs, each with its own version of coastal calm.
Why It Works: You get big-city resources without big-city pressure, and the weather sets an easy tone for daily life.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles functions more like a patchwork of smaller cities than one huge one. Its economy runs on creativity (entertainment and design) and technology, but its real character is in its neighborhoods. You can live near the beach, the hills, an intimate neighborhood, or a dense urban core, all inside the same metro.
Why It Works: LA rewards people who carve out their corner and stay curious — it’s as big or as small as you make it.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco’s small footprint hides a lot of variation. It’s dense, walkable (although mind the hills), and filled with views that make even errands feel cinematic. The tech industry defines much of the job market, but the arts and food scenes still give it texture beyond work.
Why It Works: It’s one of the few places that still feels like a city built for both ambition and individuality.
Portland, Oregon
Portland keeps its creative reputation by focusing on livability. Local funky businesses, an incredible network of bike lanes, and year-round community events shape its identity more than big developments do. The surrounding forests and rivers mean it never feels far from nature.
Why It Works: A city that balances accessibility and personality is easy to navigate and grounded in local pride.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle grew around trade and technology, and that combination still drives it forward. The downtown skyline meets the water on one side and mountain views on the other. Despite its scale, the neighborhoods keep a strong local feel through their communal markets and parks.
Why It Works: Seattle offers serious opportunity with enough green space to keep life balanced.
Sacramento, California
Sacramento’s growth has accelerated as people leave the Bay Area in search of space. It’s a state capital with a down-to-earth culture and a location that keeps both mountains and coast within reach. The city invests in local food, bike paths, entrepreneurial ventures, a growing downtown food scene, and historic districts, which gives it quiet depth.
Why It Works: Sacramento delivers California living that’s still financially reachable for most families.
San Luis Obispo, California
San Luis Obispo, often called “SLO,” feels like a permanent weekend town. The downtown is walkable, and life runs on a slower schedule. It draws a mix of students and retirees, and a growing cadre of remote workers who escape the big cities and appreciate the persistent mountain views.
Why It Works: SLO captures the relaxed rhythm of the Central Coast without losing a sense of purpose.
Eugene, Oregon
Eugene blends university energy with a steady local and creative life. It’s a place where outdoor recreation fits easily into daily routines, and the city’s size makes it approachable. A local social scene, centered around food and music, and a craft culture keep it interesting for long-term residents.
Why It Works: Affordable-ish, and active, Eugene works for people who like connection over pace.
Bellingham, Washington
Bellingham sits between Seattle and Vancouver, but it feels self-contained. The waterfront is walkable, and nearby trails and mountains make weekend trips easy. It’s a favorite among people who want access to the outdoors and appreciate skipping the big metro.
** It Works:** A small city that stays independent, with nature always within reach.
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara’s setting can feel unreal, with beaches below and hills rising behind the city. Its Spanish architecture and ocean light give it a distinct sense of place. It’s expensive, but it remains a dream location for people who can afford it.
Why It Works: Everyday life happens in postcard settings, and that still matters to people who choose it.
Why People Move to the West Coast
The West Coast works for people who want climate and culture in the same package. It’s more expensive than other regions, but it offers consistent job growth and a lifestyle tied to the landscape. Whether that means urban opportunity, or smaller cities with creative depth, it’s a region where people align where they live with how they live.
FAQ About Living on the West Coast
Q: What’s the cost of living like?
A: Higher than the national average in most metros, but income potential and amenities offset it for many residents. Smaller cities like Eugene or Sacramento offer a more balanced trade-off.
Q: Are there affordable parts of the West Coast?
A: Yes, though they’re limited. Inland California, parts of Oregon, and smaller Washington towns provide more attainable housing than coastal cores.
Q: What’s the weather really like?
A: Coastal areas stay mild year-round, while inland valleys get hotter in summer. Rain is frequent in the Pacific Northwest, but winters are rarely harsh.
Q: Is traffic really as bad as people say?
A: In major metros, yes. But most cities have walkable cores or public transit that ease the grind once you settle in.
Q: Who tends to move here?
A: People who prioritize environment and lifestyle — tech workers, creatives, and families seeking strong schools and outdoor access.
Find Your City on the West Coast
Not sure which West Coast city fits you best? Take the LookyLOO Quiz and start building your MoveBook to save and compare your top matches.