The Best Neighborhoods for Young Professionals in California

As a young professional in the Golden State, chances are you want to live in a neighborhood where you’re surrounded by like-minded people. California is the ideal place for passionate, skillful, and career-driven individuals to flourish and succeed in their fields. 

From upscale Los Angeles neighborhoods to unique San Francisco districts, there’s something for everyone here. The cost of living in NorCal and SoCal differs greatly, which is why it’s important to determine the ideal area to reside in. Check out the best neighborhoods for young professionals if you’re considering relocating to the West Coast. 

The Best Neighborhoods For Young Professionals In San Francisco

SoMa 

SoMa, also known as South of Market, is home to many major software and tech company offices. The largest convention and exhibition complex in S.F., Moscone Center, is also found in this bustling neighborhood. Here, art and culture are combined with the start-up community, making it one of the most exciting and best neighborhoods for young professionals to both advance their careers and have fun. Make sure to check out the Museum of the African Diaspora and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art while living in the area. With no shortage of galleries and restaurants to choose from, you’ll never get tired of SoMa. 

Russian Hill

There are always places to explore in Russian Hill. Lombard Street—he most famous crooked street in the world—is situated here as well as chic boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants, and gorgeous homes. With charming architecture lining the scenic streets, the picturesque district is an area that welcomes ambitious newcomers with open arms. Enthusiastic tech and finance specialists flock to Russian Hill since it’s close to several work centers, making it a top choice for young professionals in San Francisco. 

Potrero Hill

The hilly neighborhood of Potrero Hill boasts stunning vistas of the San Francisco Bay and skyline—who wouldn’t want to wake up to those views? When Karl the Fog blankets the coastal area, Potrero Hill stands out with its sunny weather, too. The neighborhood is highly coveted not only for its scenery, but also for its convenient location; it’s within close proximity to offices, shops, restaurants, nightlife destinations, and even a Caltrain station. So, it’s not surprising that many working professionals with ties to the tech industry specifically seek to live in Potrero Hill. 

The Best Area To Live In Oakland For Young Professionals

Uptown Oakland

Uptown Oakland is the hottest neighborhood in the city; it’s the arts and entertainment district of Oakland. The streets here are lined with Art Deco buildings and hip boutiques. The city’s start-up scene is booming, with many creative centers and working spaces serving as places for innovators and tech geeks to grow their careers. Nowadays, you’ll find a new cafe or restaurant popping up in Uptown Oakland every week. As a culturally well-developed area, you’ll also find many points of interest here such as the Paramount Theatre and the Fox Oakland Theatre—these theatres are beloved Art Deco landmarks in the city. 

The Best Neighborhood For Young Professionals In San Jose

Edenvale

Named after the Garden of Eden, Edenvale is an urban area of San Jose and is one of the best neighborhoods for young professionals. Most residents have executive, management, manufacturing, sales, and tech jobs due to the types of businesses located in San Jose. Edenvale also has a diverse population—there are residents of Asian, Mexican, Irish, and German descent. Although most people living here prefer driving to work, many enjoy going on foot to stop by their favorite cafe or coffee shop. The lovely neighborhood has many parks, too, each greener than the other. 

The Best Areas To Live In Los Angeles For Young Professionals

Sawtelle

Sawtelle is among the best areas to live in Los Angeles for young professionals. Considered one of the safest areas in L.A., the neighborhood has a low crime rate and is the best-kept secret of Southern California. This quaint locale is lined with lovely trees, countless restaurants, and delightful boutiques. With a charming small-town feel, Sawtelle successfully captivates visitors and turns them into residents. Catering mainly to young professionals, the neighborhood is abundant with retail and recreational facilities. As one of the best places to live in SoCal, Sawtelle is always a good option. 

Los Feliz

Another one of the best areas for young professionals to live in Los Angeles is Loz Feliz. The hillside neighborhood has a hip, creative, and health-driven culture with countless dining options and an ethnically diverse population. Los Feliz is also the birthplace of Mickey Mouse—Walt Disney drew the iconic character when he was living in his aunt and uncle’s garage. Featuring everything from historic mansions to charming apartment buildings, the wonderful neighborhood is home to one of the largest urban parks in North America: Griffith Park. This 4,310-acre park features some of L.A.’s most popular attractions such as the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign. 

Bixby Village

Situated at the southern end of Long Beach, Bixby Village boasts impressive Cape Cod cottage–style architecture. Attracting both young professionals and retirees, the neighborhood is one of the best places to live in California. The diverse area is within close proximity to many local amenities—the Marina Pacifica Shopping Center, El Dorado East Regional Park, Long Beach Airport, and historic Queen Mary. With an abundance of career opportunities, Bixby Village is the best neighborhood for young professionals in Long Beach. 

The Best Neighborhoods For Young Professionals In San Diego

Gaslamp Quarter

The historic Gaslamp Quarter is a lively neighborhood and the best place to live in San Diego for young professionals. The 16.5-block district is recognized for its theaters, art galleries, symphony halls, museums, and nightlife scene. Streets are lined with Victorian-era buildings and state-of-the-art skyscrapers; the juxtaposition of the contemporary with the classic is quite complementary. With an exciting atmosphere and affordable rents, it’s easily a top neighborhood for young professionals. The Gaslamp Quarter also has a diverse food scene. From rooftop lounges to quaint bistros, your options are plentiful. 

North Park

A typical sight in North Park is hipsters and young professionals grabbing a cup of coffee and heading over to office. This dynamic San Diego district is bordered by the iconic Balboa Park in the southwest, so you’ll be close to one of the city’s top attractions. As one of the best neighborhoods for young professionals, North Park has low crime rates and many walkable paths for commuting to different areas of the city. With affordable rent prices that promote a laid-back lifestyle, it’s the ideal San Diego neighborhood.