WASHINGTON — The Senate confirmed 48 of President Donald Trump’s nominees at once, voting for the first time under new rules to begin clearing a backlog of executive branch positions that were delayed by Democrats.
Frustrated by the stalling tactics, Senate Republicans moved last week to make it easier to confirm large groups of lower-level, nonjudicial nominations. Democrats forced multiple votes on almost every one of Trump’s picks, infuriating the president and tying up the Senate floor.
The new rules allow Senate Republicans to move multiple nominees with a simple majority vote — a process that previously would have been blocked with just one objection. The rules don’t apply to judicial nominations or high-level Cabinet posts.
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“Republicans have fixed a broken process,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said ahead of the vote.
The Senate voted 51-47 to confirm the four dozen nominees. Thune said those confirmed Thursday all received bipartisan votes in committee, including deputy secretaries for the Departments of Defense, Interior, Energy and others.
Among the confirmed are Jonathan Morrison, the new administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and Kimberly Guilfoyle as U.S. ambassador to Greece. Guilfoyle is a former California prosecutor and television news personality who led the fundraising for Trump’s 2020 campaign and once was engaged to Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr.
Thune’s move is the latest salvo after a dozen years of gradual changes by both parties to weaken the filibuster and make the nominations process more partisan. Both parties obstructed each other’s nominees for years, and senators in both parties have advocated for speeding up the process when they are in the majority.
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Republicans first proposed changing the rules in early August, when the Senate left for a monthlong recess after a breakdown in bipartisan negotiations over the confirmation process and Trump told Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer to “GO TO HELL!” on social media.
Democrats blocked more nominees than ever before as they struggled to find ways to oppose Trump and the GOP-dominated Congress, and as their voters have pushed them to fight Republicans at every turn. It’s the first time in recent history that the minority party hasn’t allowed at least some quick confirmations.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Democrats delayed the nominations because Trump’s nominees are “historically bad.” He told Republicans they will “come to regret” their action — echoing a similar warning from GOP Leader Mitch McConnell to then-Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., in 2013, when Democrats changed Senate rules for executive branch and lower court judicial nominees to remove the 60-vote threshold for confirmations. At the time, Republicans blocked President Barack Obama’s picks.
Republicans took the Senate majority a year later, and McConnell eventually did the same for Supreme Court nominees in 2017 as Democrats tried to block Trump’s nomination of Justice Neil Gorsuch.
“What Republicans have done is chip away at the Senate even more, to give Donald Trump more power and to rubber stamp whomever he wants, whenever he wants them, no questions asked,” Schumer said last week.
Republicans will move to confirm a second tranche of nominees in coming weeks, gradually clearing the list of more than 100 nominations that have been pending for months.
“There will be more to come,” Thune said Thursday. “And we’ll ensure that President Trump’s administration is filled at a pace that looks more like those of his predecessors.”
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The American dream of buying a home in a quaint small town is still alive and well. In fact, a growing number of people consider rural living to be ideal: According to a Gallup poll conducted in December 2020, 48% of respondents said they would prefer to live in a town or rural area instead of a city or suburb — this represents a 9% increase from 2018. Rural areas also had the highest level of inbound moves in 2021, according to data from the National Association of Realtors.
Of course, a small town in a great location will always be more popular than one that’s truly remote. That’s where this list of the best small towns on the West Coast comes in handy. To compile this list, Stacker referenced Niche’s 2021 Best Places to Live study, narrowed the results to the West Coast, and narrowed them further to places under 5,000 residents. Niche calculated the best places to live based on cost, safety, weather quality, access to healthy living, and other factors.
While this data is the most current available, some housing statistics Niche uses to calculate its rankings — such as median home values and housing costs — are not entirely reflective of the current housing market. Since these numbers are subject to frequent changes and housing represents 5% of Niche’s total ranking, those statistics are omitted from forthcoming data points and do not detract from Niche’s overall assessment of the best places to live. For each town, Stacker included the town’s resident population along with figures for owners, renters, and median household income. Whether you’re considering a move or just want a peek into what small town life could be like, this list will certainly inspire your Zillow searches.
You may also like: Best county to live in for every state
HannaTor // Shutterstock
– Population: 3,126
– Median household income: $45,841
– Owners: 27%
– Renters: 73%
Located just a few miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, this community is well-positioned for workers who need to commute to Bay Area offices. Marin City’s history begins during World War II, when the land was used for temporary housing of 6,000 shipyard workers who built tankers and liberty ships in nearby shipyards. Though the town sits within affluent Marin County, the median household income in Marin City was less than half the countywide median in 2018.
Sundry Photography // Shutterstock
– Population: 4,361
– Median household income: $72,383
– Owners: 71%
– Renters: 29%
This Contra Costa County town was a bustling commercial hub in the 1850s, receiving shipments of grain on cargo ships that would sail six miles up Walnut Creek to Pacheco’s warehouses. However, the environmental effects of clear-cutting redwood forests and overgrazing of pastures, combined with a huge flood in 1861 that was quickly followed by a multi-year drought, eventually caused Walnut Creek to fill with silt and sand, making shipping impossible and beginning Pacheco’s transition into a sleepy residential town.
Photos by Kerstin // Shutterstock
– Population: 3,162
– Median household income: $91,100
– Owners: 79%
– Renters: 21%
One Oakland Tribune advertisement from 1913 called East Richmond Heights “the garden of the gods.” Though that slogan might have been exaggerated to sell tracts of land, this quiet, small town still ranks highly for its diversity and family-friendly lifestyle.
Sundry Photography // Shutterstock
– Population: 3,258
– Median household income: $176,964
– Owners: 80%
– Renters: 20%
Although Cambrian Park sits inside San Jose city limits, it is technically an unincorporated census-designated place — a confusing designation that stems from shifting school district boundaries, press coverage, and zip codes in the 1950s. Easy access to city and county parks, good schools, and shopping malls make Cambrian Park a desirable place to live.
Sundry Photography // Shutterstock
– Population: 1,607
– Median household income: $250,001
– Owners: 100%
– Renters: 0%
First founded as a housing cooperative in 1946, Ladera has a colorful history. The Peninsula Housing Association — the group of 262 members behind the purchase and development of the land — ran out of money before they could build the community they had dreamed of. Before the land could be sold to a developer, the four non-white families were forced to withdraw from the investment. Only white people were allowed to buy homes in the resulting development — a requirement that remained in the housing rules until 2021.
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pbk-pg // Shutterstock
– Population: 4,592
– Median household income: $224,554
– Owners: 77%
– Renters: 23%
Though Portola Valley sits on top of the San Andreas Fault, the potential for seismic activity has not hampered the town. What is now known as Portola Valley began as a logging town community called Searsville. Once all of the redwoods had been cleared, the logging companies deserted Searsville and a collection of small farmers and a few wealthy estate owners moved in.
David Papazian // Shutterstock
– Population: 2,508
– Median household income: $135,972
– Owners: 87%
– Renters: 13%
This suburb of Santa Barbara is named for nearby Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded by Spanish Franciscan friars in 1786, and the dramatic canyon landscape. Visitors flock to this neighborhood to check out the lush Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and several popular hiking trails.
Tania Chatterjee // Shutterstock
– Population: 2,510
– Median household income: $137,083
– Owners: 80%
– Renters: 20%
Rancho Santa Fe’s history dates back to before California’s statehood, when Mexico’s Governor Pio Pico awarded the area in a land grant to San Diego’s first mayor Jose Usuna in 1840. In the early 1900s, the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad company bought the land and planted eucalyptus trees to use as railroad ties. After that experiment failed, the company decided to turn the land into a residential development, and Rancho Santa Fe as we know it was born.
bonandbon // Shutterstock
– Population: 1,751
– Median household income: $246,042
– Owners: 95%
– Renters: 5%
Known for celebrity residents like Kim Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, and The Weeknd, Hidden Hills offers a rarefied version of a small town lifestyle. This gated residential community developed in the mid-1950s boasts an extensive network of equestrian trails — some residents even pick up their kids on horseback. With so many A-list celebrities in the community, Hidden Hills also takes privacy extremely seriously. The community has even banned Google’s photography vehicles from recording the area for Google Street View.
Lux Blue // Shutterstock
– Population: 1,259
– Median household income: $90,208
– Owners: 66%
– Renters: 34%
This small town in Santa Cruz County was originally known as Tuxedo Junction, a stop on the South Pacific Coast Railroad with a well-known resort. Today, in addition to residential homes, Mount Hermon also hosts a Christian youth camp of the same name.
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David Papazian // Shutterstock
– Population: 2,273
– Median household income: $212,868
– Owners: 98%
– Renters: 2%
With just 750 homes, Sleepy Hollow is a quiet, peaceful Bay Area town beloved by equestrians and hikers alike for its proximity to two nature preserves. Fun fact: During World War II, the U.S. Army used a Sleepy Hollow golf course for the secret storage of munitions.
David Papazian // Shutterstock
– Population: 4,721
– Median household income: $230,313
– Owners: 85%
– Renters: 15%
Just south of Mount Diablo, this Contra Costa County town offers easy access to all kinds of outdoor activities. Equestrian centers like Highland Riding Stable and Five Star Equestrian are just a few miles away, as are multiple scenic hikes and even a country club with two 18-hole golf courses.
Leonel Calara // Shutterstock
– Population: 2,290
– Median household income: $224,500
– Owners: 83%
– Renters: 17%
First incorporated in 1908, this quaint town in Marin County is run by a five-person town council as well as a town manager. Ross has a real small town feel, with just two churches, three schools, and a few cultural institutions like the Marin Art and Garden Center as well as a library run by the historical society.
Marben // Shutterstock
– Population: 2,134
– Median household income: $245,208
– Owners: 76%
– Renters: 24%
In 1896, 33 residents voted in favor of incorporating Belvedere as a city. The San Francisco Bay borders the town on three sides: It’s technically composed of two islands and a lagoon, giving the homes here unbeatable views.
FourthNovemberStudio // Shutterstock
– Population: 3,267
– Median household income: $212,337
– Owners: 86%
– Renters: 14%
Halfway between the Seattle suburbs of Bellevue and Kirkland, this community on the shore of Lake Washington is an attractive choice for families — as well as a few well-known wealthy residents like Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates. It’s also an expensive place to buy a home: According to Zillow, the median home price in Medina is more than $3.8 million. It’s no surprise that Medina was ranked the eighth richest zip code by Bloomberg.
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Artazum // Shutterstock
– Population: 1,105
– Median household income: $194,904
– Owners: 97%
– Renters: 3%
Half an hour north of Seattle, you’ll find Woodway: a self-described “quiet place” where residents love to walk and bike around the evergreen-lined lanes and local parks. The town’s history dates back to 1912, when David Whitcomb Sr. developed 400 acres into modest, country-style homes.
Artazum // Shutterstock
– Population: 4,105
– Median household income: $147,500
– Owners: 82%
– Renters: 18%
This unincorporated census-designated place in Monterey County is known for its picturesque views. Visitors might want to spend a leisurely afternoon checking out all the sights on 17-Mile Drive, including the Lone Cypress — a rugged, salt air-pruned tree clinging to a craggy rock in the bay — and the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links course. Though Pebble Beach is technically a separate community, it sits within Del Monte Forest.
Abbie Warnock-Matthews // Shutterstock
– Population: 3,367
– Median household income: $246,563
– Owners: 92%
– Renters: 8%
Like the neighboring towns of Mountain View and Los Altos, Loyola is an affluent community. In 2021, the median price buyers paid for Loyola homes was $5.2 million. Top-rated schools, luxury amenities like a country club, and its proximity to the Bay Area make Loyola an appealing — if pricey — place to live.
Sundry Photography // Shutterstock
– Population: 4,160
– Median household income: $214,167
– Owners: 78%
– Renters: 22%
This small community sits just west of Stanford University, with most of its bars, restaurants, and local businesses lining Alameda de las Pulgas. Excellent school districts make this area particularly sought after by Bay Area families.
Diego Grandi // Shutterstock
– Population: 1,513
– Median household income: $250,001
– Owners: 95%
– Renters: 5%
This gated residential community on the Palos Verdes Peninsula covers just three square miles, but each of the 700 properties has at least one acre and is zoned for keeping horses. Nearby attractions include the Palos Verdes Art Center, the hiking and equestrian trails in the Portuguese Bend Reserve, and the architecturally significant Wayfarers Chapel designed by Lloyd Wright, the son of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
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MILA Zed // Shutterstock
– Population: 3,479
– Median household income: $250,001
– Owners: 94%
– Renters: 6%
When a community first began to form in what is now Monte Sereno in the early 1900s, the area was rural and agricultural. Today, you won’t find any orchards, farms, or livestock: just a peaceful residential community that has been home to author John Steinbeck, painter Thomas Kinkade, and Beat poet Neal Cassady over the years.
David Papazian // Shutterstock
– Population: 3,830
– Median household income: $98,188
– Owners: 57%
– Renters: 43%
A popular tourist destination in its own right, Carmel-by-the-Sea is renowned for its charming downtown, historic mission, top-notch restaurants, and stunning Carmel Beach. Some of the town’s first residents were artists such as author Jack London and poet Robinson Jeffers, giving the city an intellectual bent and creative spirit.
Virrage Images // Shutterstock
– Population: 4,331
– Median household income: $129,063
– Owners: 53%
– Renters: 47%
Another coastal destination, Del Mar’s gorgeous beaches, legendary horse racing, and delightful downtown village are attractive to both visitors and prospective residents. The city hosts about 2 million visitors annually.
LuvAlisa // Shutterstock
– Population: 1,202
– Median household income: $250,001
– Owners: 94%
– Renters: 6%
Set on a peninsula in Lake Washington, Yarrow Point borders the number one town on this list, Clyde Hill. Though the first homesteads date back to the 1880s, Yarrow Point wasn’t incorporated until 1959. Nearly one-fourth of the homes here have waterfront views — but even residents who aren’t so lucky can enjoy public parks like the Wetherill Nature Preserve and Road End Beach.
karamysh // Shutterstock
– Population: 3,329
– Median household income: $238,958
– Owners: 89%
– Renters: 11%
From some of Clyde Hill’s higher elevations, you can spy views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, and the Cascade Mountain Range, in addition to Lake Washington and the Seattle Skyline. The area was first settled in 1882 by Irish immigrant Patrick Downey, who farmed strawberries on his claim. Clyde Hill made national news in 1975 when its mayoral race ended in an even tie; the contenders flipped a coin to decide the race.
You may also like: Best small towns for retirees in every state
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Landscape during golden hour seeing from a cottage front yard in Carmel Valley.
Renato Garcia M // Shutterstock Best West Coast small towns to live in
Best West Coast small towns to live in
The American dream of buying a home in a quaint small town is alive and well. In 2023, more people moved to small towns than to cities, and the Census Bureau reported in 2024 that some of the fastest-growing communities in the country are considered exurban (i.e., well outside of major metropolitan areas).
Though 2023 marked the first year since the 1970s that migration to small towns exceeded migration to urban areas, this trend had been on the rise in recent years in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasingly common practice of remote work. Young Americans have been at the forefront of the shift. A report from the University of Virginia released in 2024 shows that, since 2020, adults aged 25 to 44 have increasingly left major metropolises to settle down in either rural counties or cities with fewer than 1 million residents.
If you’re looking to follow suit and relocate to the West Coast, this list offers plenty of attractive options. Stacker referenced Niche’s 2025 Best Places to Live and filtered the results to the West Coast and then narrowed them further to places with fewer than 5,000 residents. Niche calculated the best places to live based on cost, safety, weather quality, access to healthy living, and other factors.
Whether you’re considering a move or just want a peek into small-town life, this list will certainly inspire some home searches.
#25. Avila Beach, California
– Population: 1,365
Located off of California’s Highway 1, Avila Beach faces south, which means it gets more direct sunshine than any other beach town in the area. The walkable village is situated perfectly between the ocean, the wooded hills, and the swath of wineries that dot the region, meaning there’s something here for everyone.
#24. Sleepy Hollow, California
– Population: 2,644
Not to be confused with the village of Sleepy Hollow in New York’s Hudson Valley, this Sleepy Hollow is a quiet, peaceful Bay Area town with just 750 homes. It’s beloved by equestrians and hikers alike for its proximity to two nature preserves. During World War II, the Army used a Sleepy Hollow golf course for the secret storage of munitions.
#23. Mirrormont, Washington
– Population: 4,217
Mirrormont, just west of Tiger Mountain State Forest in the southeastern suburbs of Seattle, was founded in 1962. It has large lots featuring plenty of trees and signature A-frame-style homes. With great schools and outdoor activities nearby — including golf, tennis, and swimming at the local country club — Mirrormont is known for its privacy and strict rules to protect the neighborhood’s rustic character.
#22. Carmel Valley Village, California
– Population: 4,435
A lovely walkable community in Central California, Carmel Valley Village is packed with highly rated restaurants, wine tasting rooms, art galleries, and locally owned shops. Outside of the village center, residents can enjoy Garland Ranch Regional Park and the Quail Lodge & Golf Club.
#21. Mount Hermon, California
– Population: 1,203
This small town in Santa Cruz County was originally known as Tuxedo Junction, a stop on the South Pacific Coast Railroad with a well-known resort. Today, in addition to residential homes, Mount Hermon hosts Christian camps of the same name.
#20. Hidden Hills, California
– Population: 2,079
Known for celebrity residents like Kardashian family members, music stars, and actors, Hidden Hills offers a rarefied version of a small-town lifestyle. This gated residential community developed in the 1950s boasts an extensive network of equestrian trails — some residents even pick up their kids on horseback. With so many A-list celebrities in the community, Hidden Hills also takes privacy extremely seriously. The community has even banned Google’s photography vehicles from recording the area for Google Street View.
#19. Mission Canyon, California
– Population: 2,296
This suburb of Santa Barbara is named for nearby Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded by Spanish Franciscan friars in 1786, and the dramatic canyon landscape. Visitors flock to this neighborhood for the lush Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and several popular hiking trails nearby.
#18. Geneva, Washington
– Population: 2,200
Nestled between Lake Whatcom and Lookout Mountain in northeastern Washington, Geneva strikes a perfect balance between rustic and urban. Residents have easy access to all of the conveniences of nearby Bellingham, while being able to enjoy the larger property sizes and outdoorsy lifestyle of Geneva.
#17. Diablo, California
– Population: 1,072
Once a premier summer destination for affluent San Franciscans, Diablo is now a quaint community of around 400 homes. The Diablo Country Club, which features a par-72 golf course, is the community’s crown jewel. More than 100 years after it was first opened, the club recently underwent a massive renovation.
#16. Medina, Washington
– Population: 2,889
Located between the Seattle suburbs of Bellevue and Kirkland, this community on the shore of Lake Washington is an attractive choice for families — but it’s also become known as a “secret billionaire hideaway” thanks to residents like Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates. It’s a predictably expensive place to buy a home: According to Zillow, the median home price in Medina tops $4.5 million. It’s no surprise that Medina is the Washington city with the highest placement on a list of the richest zip codes in America.
#15. Rancho Santa Fe, California
– Population: 2,574
Rancho Santa Fe’s history dates back to a time before California’s statehood, when Mexico’s governor Pio Pico awarded the area in a land grant to San Diego’s first mayor, Juan Osuna, in 1840. In the early 1900s, the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway company bought the land and planted eucalyptus trees for later use as railroad ties. After that experiment failed, the company decided to turn the land into a residential development, and Rancho Santa Fe, as we know it, was born.
#14. Lexington Hills, California
– Population: 2,777
Situated between Los Gatos and Santa Cruz, Lexington Hills is a small community of less than 3,000 people. While it’s certainly not a cheap place to live — the median home value is $1.2 million — residents appreciate the area’s rural feel, which includes miles of hiking and equestrian trails.
#13. Ross, California
– Population: 2,626
First incorporated in 1908, Ross is a quaint town in Marin County governed by a five-person town council and a town manager. Ross has a real small-town feel, with just two churches, three schools, and a few cultural institutions, like the Marin Art and Garden Center, as well as a library run by the historical society.
#12. Belvedere, California
– Population: 2,415
Belvedere, proudly proclaiming itself one of the smallest and oldest cities in California, was first incorporated in 1896. The San Francisco Bay borders the town on three sides. In fact, the 0.5-square-mile city is technically composed of two islands and a lagoon, giving the homes here unbeatable views.
#11. Woodway, Washington
– Population: 1,174
Just 20 miles north of Seattle, you’ll find Woodway, self-described as “the quiet place.” Residents love to walk and bike around the evergreen-lined lanes and local parks. The town’s history dates back to 1912 when David Whitcomb Sr. developed 400 acres into modest, country-style homes.
#10. Loyola, California
– Population: 3,883
Like the neighboring towns of Mountain View and Los Altos, Loyola is an affluent community. As of September 2025, Zillow puts the median home value at over $4.5 million. Top-rated schools, luxury amenities like a country club, and its proximity to the Bay Area make Loyola an appealing (albeit pricey) place to live.
#9. Del Monte Forest, California
– Population: 3,576
This unincorporated community in Monterey County is known for its picturesque views. Visitors might want to spend a leisurely afternoon checking out all the sights on 17-Mile Drive, including the Lone Cypress — a rugged, salt air-pruned tree clinging to a craggy rock in the bay — and the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links course. Though Pebble Beach is technically a separate community, it sits within Del Monte Forest.
#8. Monte Sereno, California
– Population: 3,459
When a community began forming in what is now Monte Sereno in the early 1900s, the area was rural and agricultural. Today, you won’t find any orchards, farms, or livestock — just a peaceful residential community that has been home to author John Steinbeck, painter Thomas Kinkade, and Beat poet Neal Cassady over the years.
#7. Fairbanks Ranch, California
– Population: 2,794
Originally owned by Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, two of the biggest actors in early Hollywood, Fairbanks Ranch has been converted into one of Rancho Santa Fe’s most luxurious communities. Consisting of just one gated neighborhood, Fairbanks Ranch has ample amenities, including a clubhouse, tennis courts, and an equestrian center. It’s probably no surprise to learn that the median home listing price as of September 2025 is nearly $6 million.
#6. West Menlo Park, California
– Population: 3,382
This small community sits just west of Stanford University, with most of its bars, restaurants, and local businesses lining Alameda de las Pulgas. Excellent school districts make this area particularly sought after by Bay Area families.
#5. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
– Population: 3,186
A popular tourist destination in its own right, Carmel-by-the-Sea is renowned for its charming downtown, historic mission, top-notch restaurants, and stunning Carmel Beach. Some of the town’s first residents were artists such as author Jack London and poet Robinson Jeffers, giving the city an intellectual bent and creative spirit.
#4. Del Mar, California
– Population: 3,921
Another coastal destination, Del Mar’s gorgeous beaches, legendary horse racing, and delightful downtown village are attractive to both tourists and residents. The city hosts about 2 million visitors annually, but it’s a wonderful place to live year-round.
#3. Rolling Hills, California
– Population: 1,511
This gated residential community on the Palos Verdes Peninsula covers just three square miles, but each of the 700 properties has at least one acre and is zoned for keeping horses. Nearby attractions include the Palos Verdes Art Center, the hiking and equestrian trails in the Portuguese Bend Reserve, and the architecturally significant Wayfarers Chapel designed by Lloyd Wright, the son of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
#2. Clyde Hill, Washington
– Population: 3,104
From some of Clyde Hill’s higher elevations, you can spy views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, and the Cascade Mountain Range, in addition to Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline. The area was first settled in 1882 by Irish immigrant Patrick Downey, and became known for its farming in the early 20th century. Clyde Hill made national news in 1975 when its mayoral race ended in an even tie; the contenders flipped a coin to decide the race.
#1. Yarrow Point, Washington
– Population: 1,192
Set on a peninsula in Lake Washington, Yarrow Point earns the top spot on the list. Though the first homesteads date back to the 1880s, Yarrow Point wasn’t incorporated until 1959. Nearly one-fourth of the homes here have waterfront views — but even residents who aren’t so lucky can enjoy public parks like the Wetherill Nature Preserve and Road End Beach.
Additional writing by Madison Troyer. Story editing by Louis Peitzman. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire.
The American dream of buying a home in a quaint small town is still alive and well. In fact, a growing number of people consider rural living to be ideal: According to a Gallup poll conducted in December 2020, 48% of respondents said they would prefer to live in a town or rural area instead of a city or suburb — this represents a 9% increase from 2018. Rural areas also had the highest level of inbound moves in 2021, according to data from the National Association of Realtors.
Of course, a small town in a great location will always be more popular than one that’s truly remote. That’s where this list of the best small towns on the West Coast comes in handy. To compile this list, Stacker referenced Niche’s 2021 Best Places to Live study, narrowed the results to the West Coast, and narrowed them further to places under 5,000 residents. Niche calculated the best places to live based on cost, safety, weather quality, access to healthy living, and other factors.
While this data is the most current available, some housing statistics Niche uses to calculate its rankings — such as median home values and housing costs — are not entirely reflective of the current housing market. Since these numbers are subject to frequent changes and housing represents 5% of Niche’s total ranking, those statistics are omitted from forthcoming data points and do not detract from Niche’s overall assessment of the best places to live. For each town, Stacker included the town’s resident population along with figures for owners, renters, and median household income. Whether you’re considering a move or just want a peek into what small town life could be like, this list will certainly inspire your Zillow searches.
You may also like: Best county to live in for every state
HannaTor // Shutterstock
– Population: 3,126
– Median household income: $45,841
– Owners: 27%
– Renters: 73%
Located just a few miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, this community is well-positioned for workers who need to commute to Bay Area offices. Marin City’s history begins during World War II, when the land was used for temporary housing of 6,000 shipyard workers who built tankers and liberty ships in nearby shipyards. Though the town sits within affluent Marin County, the median household income in Marin City was less than half the countywide median in 2018.
Sundry Photography // Shutterstock
– Population: 4,361
– Median household income: $72,383
– Owners: 71%
– Renters: 29%
This Contra Costa County town was a bustling commercial hub in the 1850s, receiving shipments of grain on cargo ships that would sail six miles up Walnut Creek to Pacheco’s warehouses. However, the environmental effects of clear-cutting redwood forests and overgrazing of pastures, combined with a huge flood in 1861 that was quickly followed by a multi-year drought, eventually caused Walnut Creek to fill with silt and sand, making shipping impossible and beginning Pacheco’s transition into a sleepy residential town.
Photos by Kerstin // Shutterstock
– Population: 3,162
– Median household income: $91,100
– Owners: 79%
– Renters: 21%
One Oakland Tribune advertisement from 1913 called East Richmond Heights “the garden of the gods.” Though that slogan might have been exaggerated to sell tracts of land, this quiet, small town still ranks highly for its diversity and family-friendly lifestyle.
Sundry Photography // Shutterstock
– Population: 3,258
– Median household income: $176,964
– Owners: 80%
– Renters: 20%
Although Cambrian Park sits inside San Jose city limits, it is technically an unincorporated census-designated place — a confusing designation that stems from shifting school district boundaries, press coverage, and zip codes in the 1950s. Easy access to city and county parks, good schools, and shopping malls make Cambrian Park a desirable place to live.
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– Population: 1,607
– Median household income: $250,001
– Owners: 100%
– Renters: 0%
First founded as a housing cooperative in 1946, Ladera has a colorful history. The Peninsula Housing Association — the group of 262 members behind the purchase and development of the land — ran out of money before they could build the community they had dreamed of. Before the land could be sold to a developer, the four non-white families were forced to withdraw from the investment. Only white people were allowed to buy homes in the resulting development — a requirement that remained in the housing rules until 2021.
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– Population: 4,592
– Median household income: $224,554
– Owners: 77%
– Renters: 23%
Though Portola Valley sits on top of the San Andreas Fault, the potential for seismic activity has not hampered the town. What is now known as Portola Valley began as a logging town community called Searsville. Once all of the redwoods had been cleared, the logging companies deserted Searsville and a collection of small farmers and a few wealthy estate owners moved in.
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– Population: 2,508
– Median household income: $135,972
– Owners: 87%
– Renters: 13%
This suburb of Santa Barbara is named for nearby Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded by Spanish Franciscan friars in 1786, and the dramatic canyon landscape. Visitors flock to this neighborhood to check out the lush Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and several popular hiking trails.
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– Population: 2,510
– Median household income: $137,083
– Owners: 80%
– Renters: 20%
Rancho Santa Fe’s history dates back to before California’s statehood, when Mexico’s Governor Pio Pico awarded the area in a land grant to San Diego’s first mayor Jose Usuna in 1840. In the early 1900s, the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad company bought the land and planted eucalyptus trees to use as railroad ties. After that experiment failed, the company decided to turn the land into a residential development, and Rancho Santa Fe as we know it was born.
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– Population: 1,751
– Median household income: $246,042
– Owners: 95%
– Renters: 5%
Known for celebrity residents like Kim Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, and The Weeknd, Hidden Hills offers a rarefied version of a small town lifestyle. This gated residential community developed in the mid-1950s boasts an extensive network of equestrian trails — some residents even pick up their kids on horseback. With so many A-list celebrities in the community, Hidden Hills also takes privacy extremely seriously. The community has even banned Google’s photography vehicles from recording the area for Google Street View.
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– Population: 1,259
– Median household income: $90,208
– Owners: 66%
– Renters: 34%
This small town in Santa Cruz County was originally known as Tuxedo Junction, a stop on the South Pacific Coast Railroad with a well-known resort. Today, in addition to residential homes, Mount Hermon also hosts a Christian youth camp of the same name.
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– Population: 2,273
– Median household income: $212,868
– Owners: 98%
– Renters: 2%
With just 750 homes, Sleepy Hollow is a quiet, peaceful Bay Area town beloved by equestrians and hikers alike for its proximity to two nature preserves. Fun fact: During World War II, the U.S. Army used a Sleepy Hollow golf course for the secret storage of munitions.
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– Population: 4,721
– Median household income: $230,313
– Owners: 85%
– Renters: 15%
Just south of Mount Diablo, this Contra Costa County town offers easy access to all kinds of outdoor activities. Equestrian centers like Highland Riding Stable and Five Star Equestrian are just a few miles away, as are multiple scenic hikes and even a country club with two 18-hole golf courses.
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– Population: 2,290
– Median household income: $224,500
– Owners: 83%
– Renters: 17%
First incorporated in 1908, this quaint town in Marin County is run by a five-person town council as well as a town manager. Ross has a real small town feel, with just two churches, three schools, and a few cultural institutions like the Marin Art and Garden Center as well as a library run by the historical society.
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– Population: 2,134
– Median household income: $245,208
– Owners: 76%
– Renters: 24%
In 1896, 33 residents voted in favor of incorporating Belvedere as a city. The San Francisco Bay borders the town on three sides: It’s technically composed of two islands and a lagoon, giving the homes here unbeatable views.
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– Population: 3,267
– Median household income: $212,337
– Owners: 86%
– Renters: 14%
Halfway between the Seattle suburbs of Bellevue and Kirkland, this community on the shore of Lake Washington is an attractive choice for families — as well as a few well-known wealthy residents like Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates. It’s also an expensive place to buy a home: According to Zillow, the median home price in Medina is more than $3.8 million. It’s no surprise that Medina was ranked the eighth richest zip code by Bloomberg.
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– Population: 1,105
– Median household income: $194,904
– Owners: 97%
– Renters: 3%
Half an hour north of Seattle, you’ll find Woodway: a self-described “quiet place” where residents love to walk and bike around the evergreen-lined lanes and local parks. The town’s history dates back to 1912, when David Whitcomb Sr. developed 400 acres into modest, country-style homes.
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– Population: 4,105
– Median household income: $147,500
– Owners: 82%
– Renters: 18%
This unincorporated census-designated place in Monterey County is known for its picturesque views. Visitors might want to spend a leisurely afternoon checking out all the sights on 17-Mile Drive, including the Lone Cypress — a rugged, salt air-pruned tree clinging to a craggy rock in the bay — and the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links course. Though Pebble Beach is technically a separate community, it sits within Del Monte Forest.
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– Population: 3,367
– Median household income: $246,563
– Owners: 92%
– Renters: 8%
Like the neighboring towns of Mountain View and Los Altos, Loyola is an affluent community. In 2021, the median price buyers paid for Loyola homes was $5.2 million. Top-rated schools, luxury amenities like a country club, and its proximity to the Bay Area make Loyola an appealing — if pricey — place to live.
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– Population: 4,160
– Median household income: $214,167
– Owners: 78%
– Renters: 22%
This small community sits just west of Stanford University, with most of its bars, restaurants, and local businesses lining Alameda de las Pulgas. Excellent school districts make this area particularly sought after by Bay Area families.
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– Population: 1,513
– Median household income: $250,001
– Owners: 95%
– Renters: 5%
This gated residential community on the Palos Verdes Peninsula covers just three square miles, but each of the 700 properties has at least one acre and is zoned for keeping horses. Nearby attractions include the Palos Verdes Art Center, the hiking and equestrian trails in the Portuguese Bend Reserve, and the architecturally significant Wayfarers Chapel designed by Lloyd Wright, the son of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
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– Population: 3,479
– Median household income: $250,001
– Owners: 94%
– Renters: 6%
When a community first began to form in what is now Monte Sereno in the early 1900s, the area was rural and agricultural. Today, you won’t find any orchards, farms, or livestock: just a peaceful residential community that has been home to author John Steinbeck, painter Thomas Kinkade, and Beat poet Neal Cassady over the years.
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– Population: 3,830
– Median household income: $98,188
– Owners: 57%
– Renters: 43%
A popular tourist destination in its own right, Carmel-by-the-Sea is renowned for its charming downtown, historic mission, top-notch restaurants, and stunning Carmel Beach. Some of the town’s first residents were artists such as author Jack London and poet Robinson Jeffers, giving the city an intellectual bent and creative spirit.
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– Population: 4,331
– Median household income: $129,063
– Owners: 53%
– Renters: 47%
Another coastal destination, Del Mar’s gorgeous beaches, legendary horse racing, and delightful downtown village are attractive to both visitors and prospective residents. The city hosts about 2 million visitors annually.
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– Population: 1,202
– Median household income: $250,001
– Owners: 94%
– Renters: 6%
Set on a peninsula in Lake Washington, Yarrow Point borders the number one town on this list, Clyde Hill. Though the first homesteads date back to the 1880s, Yarrow Point wasn’t incorporated until 1959. Nearly one-fourth of the homes here have waterfront views — but even residents who aren’t so lucky can enjoy public parks like the Wetherill Nature Preserve and Road End Beach.
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– Population: 3,329
– Median household income: $238,958
– Owners: 89%
– Renters: 11%
From some of Clyde Hill’s higher elevations, you can spy views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, and the Cascade Mountain Range, in addition to Lake Washington and the Seattle Skyline. The area was first settled in 1882 by Irish immigrant Patrick Downey, who farmed strawberries on his claim. Clyde Hill made national news in 1975 when its mayoral race ended in an even tie; the contenders flipped a coin to decide the race.
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Landscape during golden hour seeing from a cottage front yard in Carmel Valley.
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