The remote work revolution is not going away; for many, that means rethinking where to live. If you’re no longer tethered to a physical office, why not live somewhere that truly fits your lifestyle?
California has long drawn dreamers and doers. Now, with more flexible jobs and hybrid careers, it’s also becoming a magnet for remote workers. In this guide, we’ll break down what makes a city remote-work friendly and highlight the best cities in California for remote workers in 2025, whether you want to be near the mountains, coast, or a low-key urban hub.
Why Remote Workers Are Choosing California
Remote work has unlocked a new kind of freedom: where you live is no longer decided based on where your job is. And for many professionals, that freedom is leading them straight to California.
With its unmatched mix of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and innovation, California offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat. Imagine starting your day with a surf session in Santa Cruz or a hike in the Sierra foothills, then logging in to work with high-speed fiber internet. The state’s diversity in climate, communities, and housing means there’s something for everyone, from single freelancers to families working and sometimes learning from home. Of course, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of living in California before making a move. While the state boasts stunning landscapes and endless entertainment options, factors such as the cost of living and traffic congestion (often underestimated) can be challenging. Ultimately, the rewards of California’s dynamic lifestyle often outweigh the drawbacks for many residents.
California also has some of the nation’s best infrastructure for remote workers. Many cities have expanded coworking spaces, built gigabit-speed broadband networks, and launched programs to attract digital professionals. If you’re looking to blend productivity with quality of life, California is increasingly becoming the place to do it.
What Makes a City Great for Remote Workers?
Working from home isn’t just about having a desk and a laptop; it’s about designing a life that supports a healthy work-life balance. Here are the most important criteria we used to evaluate cities:
- High-speed, reliable internet (fiber and cable availability)
- Affordable or flexible housing options
- Coffee shops, coworking spaces, and walkable neighborhoods
- Access to nature, recreation, and community activities
- Mild weather and overall quality of life
- Reasonable cost of living and tax considerations
To compile this list, we pulled broadband data from BroadbandNow, housing prices, and quality-of-life scores from Niche.com, CA.gov, and local business directories.
Keep Reading: Most Affordable Cities in California That Aren’t Boring (2025)
Top Cities in California for Remote Workers in 2025
1. San Diego
- Broadband Speed & Coverage: ~287 Mbps average; ~95% have access to 1 Gbps
- Cost of Living: Very high; median home price ~$849K
- Housing Availability: Tight market with high demand
Pros:
- Fast internet and strong infrastructure
- Coastal lifestyle with year-round sunshine
- Dozens of coworking spaces and remote-friendly cafes
Cons:
- High housing prices
- Traffic congestion in some areas
Why Remote Workers Love It: San Diego blends tech-forward infrastructure with laid-back beach vibes. Remote professionals working in software, biotech, and creative industries find plenty of opportunity and community here.
2. Sacramento
- Broadband Speed & Coverage: ~287 Mbps average; expanding fiber access
- Cost of Living: Index ~134.5; median home price ~$485K
- Housing Availability: Moderate supply, improving through city planning
Pros:
- More affordable housing than coastal metros
- Lower cost of living
- Growing food scene and nature access
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Less cultural vibrancy than LA or SF
Why Remote Workers Love It: Sacramento is emerging as a relocation hotspot for Bay Area tech workers looking for affordability and space.
3. Santa Rosa (Sonoma County)
- Broadband Speed & Coverage: ~300–400 Mbps with expanding fiber
- Cost of Living: High; median home price ~$685K
- Housing Availability: Limited due to geographic constraints
Pros:
- Wine country scenery
- Quiet lifestyle close to Bay Area
- Fiber internet in many neighborhoods
Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Wildfire risk
Why Remote Workers Love It: Santa Rosa is ideal for creatives and solopreneurs seeking inspiration and tranquility in wine country.
4. Carlsbad
- Broadband Speed & Coverage: 1 Gbps widely available
- Cost of Living: High; median home price ~$1.2M
- Housing Availability: Competitive but stable due to master-planned communities
Pros:
- Walkable beach town with top-tier broadband
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Proximity to San Diego
Cons:
- Higher living costs than inland cities
- Limited nightlife
Why Remote Workers Love It: Carlsbad is a tech-friendly beach town popular with marketers, designers, and consultants.
5. Clovis (Fresno County)
- Broadband Speed & Coverage: ~200–500 Mbps available
- Cost of Living: Lower; median home price ~$453K
- Housing Availability: Good, especially for single-family homes
Pros:
- Affordable housing
- Quiet neighborhoods
- Great schools
Cons:
- Fewer coworking options
- Hot summers
Why Remote Workers Love It: Clovis appeals to families and those looking to buy a home without compromising work-from-home reliability.
6. Santa Cruz
- Broadband Speed & Coverage: Up to 1 Gbps available
- Cost of Living: Very high; median home price ~$1.2M
- Housing Availability: Tight; constrained by geography and tourism
Pros:
- Stunning natural surroundings
- Strong remote work culture
- Proximity to Silicon Valley
Cons:
- High housing costs
- Crowds during tourist season
Why Remote Workers Love It: Santa Cruz offers a unique balance of casual beach life and high-tech capability.
7. Paso Robles (Central Coast)
- Broadband Speed & Coverage: ~200–400 Mbps; expanding fiber
- Cost of Living: Moderate; median home price ~$648K
- Housing Availability: Growing, especially in newer developments
Pros:
- Wine country charm
- Affordable homes
- Slow pace
Cons:
- Fewer entertainment and coworking options
Why Remote Workers Love It: Paso Robles is perfect for writers, consultants, and those seeking quiet and calm to focus.
8. Long Beach
- Broadband Speed & Coverage: ~287 Mbps average; widespread fiber
- Cost of Living: High; median home price ~$762K
- Housing Availability: Tight in central neighborhoods; improving with new developments
Pros:
- Diverse, vibrant urban feel
- Strong coworking scene
- Lower housing prices than LA
Cons:
- Some higher-crime neighborhoods
- Parking issues
Why Remote Workers Love It: Long Beach delivers big-city benefits without the chaos. Popular among creatives and tech workers.
City Comparison Table
| City | Broadband (Mbps) | Cost of Living / Median Home | Housing Availability |
| San Diego | ~287 / 1 Gbps | Very high / ~$849K | Very tight; high demand |
| Sacramento | ~287 Mbps | Low / ~$485K | Moderate; improving |
| Santa Rosa | 300–400 Mbps | High / ~$685M | Limited; slow new builds |
| Carlsbad | Up to 1 Gbps | Very high / ~$1.2M | Stable; planned communities |
| Clovis | 200–500 Mbps | Low / ~$453K | Good; family-friendly stock |
| Santa Cruz | Up to 1 Gbps | Very high / ~$1.2M | Tight; limited by zoning |
| Paso Robles | 200–400 Mbps | Moderate / ~$648K | Growing; new inventory |
| Long Beach | ~287 Mbps | Very high / ~$762K | Tight; urban infill in progress |
How to Choose the Right Remote-Friendly California City
Not every remote worker wants the same thing. Here are a few ways to narrow your options:
Check Your Internet Needs Before choosing a location, verify broadband speeds in the neighborhood, especially if you’re on Zoom all day.
Prioritize Lifestyle Fit Do you thrive in a vibrant downtown scene or prefer quiet mornings in nature? Remote work gives you the freedom to choose.
Look for Remote-Worker Perks Some cities offer incentives or coworking credits. Santa Cruz, Sacramento, and San Diego lead the way.
Balance Work and Wellness Midday beach walks or hikes can improve mental health and focus. Outdoor access matters more than you think.
Final Thoughts: Design a Life That Works for You
Long Beach, California
Remote work isn’t just a trend, it’s a societal lifestyle shift. And California, with its mix of natural beauty, broadband infrastructure, and cultural energy, offers something for every kind of remote worker.
Whether you’re a tech pro escaping the Bay Area, a freelancer looking for inspiration, or a family balancing work and school from home, there’s a California city that fits your rhythm.
