Your guide to the Golden State
AuthorsPosts by Alex Schult
Alex Schult
Alex Schult is the founder of Living in California and a licensed real estate professional based in Southern California. A U.S. Army veteran, Alex has spent over 27 years building, scaling, and managing online media companies, including PhotographyTalk.com and 4wdTalk.com. His focus at Living in California is delivering honest, data-backed city guides, housing market analysis, and cost of living insights drawn from real resident experience. He hosts weekly California market updates on the Living in California YouTube channel covering home sales trends, mortgage rates, and policy changes that affect homeowners and buyers across the state.
Zillow vs Redfin vs Bankrate: 2026 Housing Forecast
Quick Verdict: The Zillow vs Redfin vs Bankrate 2026 housing forecast comparison reveals three views of the same market. Zillow projects home values rising...
11 Most Budget-Friendly California Cities for 2026
Quick Verdict: The most budget-friendly California cities for 2026 sit in the Central Valley, far north interior, and along the far north coast. Six...
Best Time to Visit California: A Local’s Month-by-Month Guide
Quick Verdict: The best time to visit California for most travelers is September through November. Fall delivers warm temperatures (70-85°F in most regions), thinner...
10 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in California: A Local’s Off-Leash Guide (2026)
Quick Verdict: The best dog friendly beaches California offers for off-leash play are Huntington Dog Beach (Southern California), Carmel Beach (Central Coast), and Fort...
California Property Tax Deadline April 10, 2026: Penalties, Payment Options, and Exemptions
Quick Verdict: The second installment of California property taxes is due by 5 p.m. on April 10, 2026. If you miss this deadline, a...
California Gas Prices 2026: Why They’re So High
Quick Verdict: California gas prices have surged to a statewide average of $5.82 per gallon as of March 2026, nearly $2 above the national...
Prop 13 California Explained: Property Tax Rules for 2026
Quick Verdict: Prop 13 California caps your property tax rate at 1% of the purchase price and limits annual assessment increases to 2%, regardless...
California Housing Affordability Hits 18%: What the Latest CAR Data Means for Buyers
Quick Facts
•18% of California households could afford a median-priced home in Q4 2025, up from 16% a year earlier (C.A.R.)
•The statewide median...
