Top Places to Live in Northern California

When you think of the greatest places in the world to live most people think of California. The California lifestyle means so many things to other people in other parts of the U.S. and around the world. The very word California conjures up images of golden sunsets and pounding surf, bikini clad beauties and outdoor concerts under the sun. Someone from frozen Moscow for instance may imagine Hollywood stars and wild parties in Beverly Hills. We who live in California know that the reality is much different than the fantasy. The truth is that there are very desirable areas in California and there are much less attractive places, just like anywhere else in the world.

Northern California is famous for the Golden Gate Bridge and the hilly beauty of San Francisco. San Francisco is one of the top places to live in Northern California and for that matter in all of the United States. Year after year it tops the polls around the world when people answer the question: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? But Northern California includes many other scenic towns and cities.

Marin County directly to the north of San Francisco, across the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge and overlooking the San Francisco Bay is where you will find several towns that consistently rank among the top places to live in California. One of these gorgeous towns is Sausalito. Take the first exit after the Golden Gate Bridge on the Marin side and follow the signs over and down the hill and you will find quaint Sausalito with its wonderful restaurants, shops, and boutiques. The older restored architecture mixes well with modernist themes on the densely wooded hillside overlooking the Harbor.

Past Sausalito is scenic Mill Valley, just a few miles from Muir Woods National Park where you can see ancient redwood trees ascending into the heavens. The lovely homes of Mill Valley are some of the most expensive real estate in all of California. Downtown boasts great little restaurants and shops and walking there during the warm summer months is one of the most fun diversions to be found in all of the Bay Area.

Another beautiful Northern California destination and one of the top places to live is the Napa and Sonoma wine country. The entire region is very scenic with mile upon mile of rolling, wooded hills and vineyards. Exploring the wine country is a great way to spend a weekend. You can drive around to all of the wineries, many of them small artisan labels, and sample some of the best wines in the world. Reserve a room at one of Calistogas bed and breakfast inns and you are in for a romantic weekend with your significant other.

Make sure to bring your camera when out sight seeing in the Bay Area because you never know when you turn a corner what breathtaking sights await you. Go with friends or all on your own and discover all of the awesome natural beauty that is par of the Northern California experience and what makes Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area one of the top places to live in the entire world.