Nextdoor Names California's 10 Friendliest Places to Live

From coastal towns to Silicon Valley, the Golden State's most welcoming communities are highlighted.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Nextdoor has released its list of the 10 friendliest places to live in California for 2026. The list includes coastal towns known for their natural beauty and walkability, as well as communities in the heart of Silicon Valley praised for their family-friendly atmospheres. Locations range from Half Moon Bay and Newport Beach to Stanford and Emeryville.

Why it matters

This list shines a light on the diverse array of welcoming, community-oriented towns and neighborhoods across California, highlighting the state's reputation for livability and quality of life. The rankings reflect factors like walkability, access to nature, and a sense of local pride that make these places attractive to both residents and visitors.

The details

Nextdoor's criteria for the friendliest places to live in California included factors like walkability, access to nature, family-friendly amenities, and an overall welcoming vibe as reported by local residents. Many of the top-ranked towns are known for their charming, small-town feel despite being located in or near major metropolitan areas like the San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego.

  • Nextdoor released its 2026 list of the friendliest places to live in California on February 16, 2026.

The players

Nextdoor

A social networking service for neighborhoods that connects local communities.

Half Moon Bay

A coastal town in California known for its beaches, ocean views, and walkable, family-friendly atmosphere.

Hillsborough

A prestigious residential community on the San Francisco Peninsula, known for its tree-lined streets and family-friendly vibe.

Mill Valley

A peaceful town below Mount Tamalpais, beloved by residents for its beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and dog-friendly walkability.

Stanford

A census-designated place in the heart of Silicon Valley, known for housing the prestigious Stanford University and offering a clean, peaceful community.

Emeryville

A small, dynamic Bay Area city filled with restaurants, parks, and a welcoming community atmosphere.

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What they’re saying

“Neighbors appreciate its walkability and family-friendly community, with plenty of dog-friendly spots to enjoy.”

— Nextdoor (desertsun.com)

“It's a clean, safe place that Nextdoor Neighbors love for its family-friendly atmosphere and friendly community.”

— Nextdoor (desertsun.com)

“Known for its hiking trails, it's also a haven for dog owners due to its walkability.”

— Nextdoor (desertsun.com)

“Nextdoor Neighbors appreciate its beautiful campus scenery and walkability, making it a friendly community for both students and families.”

— Nextdoor (desertsun.com)

“It's a peaceful place with parks and a welcoming community.”

— Nextdoor (desertsun.com)

The takeaway

Nextdoor's list of California's friendliest places to live highlights the diversity of welcoming communities across the state, from coastal towns to Silicon Valley suburbs. These rankings showcase the importance of factors like walkability, access to nature, and a strong sense of local pride in creating livable, family-friendly environments that residents are proud to call home.