While the majority of the world is in the race of leisure living, it is not everyone’s cup of tea. If you are someone who has changed their priorities or someone who always wanted to lead a slow living lifestyle, you are at the right place.
It is indeed a famous belief that California is the royalty of the West. But, what may have missed your attention is that the state is brimming with serene and peaceful little towns all over. From rich history to peaceful beauty, it is no wonder why these towns are known to be the picturesque peace of California.
Whether you are someone who always found peace in the 90s aesthetic or someone who is all about the golf courses and clubs, let us take you on a journey to the small towns in California that might be your new home.
Few of the Cutest Rural & Old Towns in California to Live
For the folks who are not from California, they are not small at all when we speak of small towns. But, compared to its biggest cities, such as San Francisco, these towns are small and cute. From the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains to 5000 feet high at Cuyamaca mountains, California is all about the peaceful and slow way of living with the cute and small old towns in the state.
- Sutter Creek
Sutter Creek is an absolutely cute community in California, situated in Amador County. The town combines gorgeous Sierra Nevada foothills and small-town hospitality and charm. It is a distinct destination that features Knight Foundry. It is one of the last water-powered iron foundries in the United States. The foundry provides fascinating demonstrations and tours. There is a heaven for the foodies in Sutter Creek Cheese Shoppe. It is known for its wide variety of artisan cheese and gourmet snacks. From gorgeous wineries to cute boutique shops, there is something for everyone in Sutter Creek.
- Ferndale
Between the majestic Humboldt Redwoods State Park and the lost coast of California. You will get to enjoy the heritage-rich and beautiful town of Ferndale. With an abundance of preserved Victorian-era buildings and a main street brimming with shops and restaurants, it is a great place to start a new home and settle down.
With an average home value of $463100, nature lovers may hike along the Lost Coast or travel through the earthy Redwood forest nearby. The nearby Victorian village will take you down to memory lane.
- Julian
Julian is a small town near San Diego. It is packed with tourists during the winter season. Situated in the Cuyamaca mountains, the average home value in this small town is around $529700. It is located at an altitude of 5000 feet, and as you go up, you will witness the scenic landscape changes in front of your very eyes. The gorgeous green vegetation encircles the path throughout the small California town, providing gorgeous and unique scenery.
As a mountain town, Julian is the perfect location for snow sports or other outdoor activities. A home in this small city will be perfect for you if you want to live cozy while cherishing the obvious luxuries of a place.
- Nevada City
If you wish to enjoy the gold rush era of California, Nevada City is the place to be. It is considered a quirky old town with restaurants, boutique shops, and galleries all over the broad street. You may visit the Nevada County Historical Society to learn about the town’s rich heritage.
From hiking through the mountain to biking by the Yuba River, there are many fun activities that you and your loved ones can undertake as you start a new life in the calm and peaceful old town of California. Be it the cheesecakes or the Nevada City film festival, the city’s biggest attractions make it a favorite for many Americans.
- Solvang
It is yet another laid-back and slow-living village in California. This Danish-like village is right at the heart of the famous Santa Ynez Valley. It is a place where you may cherish the glamour of European architecture, all while sipping the classic local wine with Danish pastries as sides. From the giant windmills to the carriage tours, there are many activities in the city you may enjoy upon deciding to stay in this small town.
Brief Historical Reference
The history of California has seen the native American period, the European period, the Spanish period, and the Mexican period. If we go down to the memory lane, back in 1821, California was still a part of Mexico. However, in 1848, the United States got control of California after the Mexican-American war. From the aesthetic gold rush era to now being the center of attention of Hollywood, the state is rich with history. Nowadays, there are more Californian than the Greeks, Canadians, and Americans. The third biggest state of the U.S.A. had many cultural and culinary evolution over the years.
Speaking of the Gold Rush era, the serene city of Sutter Creek is named after John A. Sutter. He was the owner of the sawmill in Coloma. It is a place that is famous for gold discovery. Sutter was the first among the Europeans to try his luck mining at this place.
From the famous Redwood trees to the Victorian era buildings, there are many highlights of the city Fernadale. And all thanks goes to the still-thriving dairy industry. The city itself shows a peaceful and historical side of the state.
The heritage of these small towns is very rich. For example, Julian, known for its charming and historical buildings, reflects the origins of the gold rush in the 1870s. 1897, the Julian Hotel was established, making it the city’s oldest building. Apple orchards surround the city, and visiting the local bakeries is a must, as the city is famous for apple pies.
When the conversation is about movies, the first thing that comes to mind is Hollywood. While the glamor and glitz of Hollywood is something adored by all over the world, if you are looking for something that is more laid-back in terms of cinema experience, the Nevada City Film Festival is the place to be.
In the Santa Ynez Valley, California is often mistaken as a Danish state, as the architecture and windmills of Solvang come with Danish roots. The Old Mission Santa Inés from 1804 showcases the Spanish colonial period in California. Southern California is rich in history, and these small towns prove that.
Entertainment & Leisure Activities
Take the initiative to check out the snow sports on Julian, as you and your family will have the time of your life enjoying the outdoor activity. If you wish to witness the lush glamour of the nights, you may also visit the casinos nearby.
Speaking of activities, Nevada City has you covered all your needs. You can trek and bike by the Yuba River, go on a walk, or enjoy with your friends. If you like spending me-time alone or haven’t gone alone-time for quite some time now, then it’s a great thing to sip the local wine while enjoying online sports betting by the weekend from your balcony. Nevada City, with its quaint beauty is ideal for you.
If you’re a sports enthusiast, Nevada City has something special for you. While the town boasts its natural beauty and recreational activities, it also opens doors to the thrilling world of online sports betting. From catching the latest game to placing your bets on your favorite teams, immerse yourself in the excitement of sports while enjoying the picturesque surroundings of this charming town. Seamlessly blending leisure with the adrenaline rush of wagering, sports betting adds an extra dimension to your California experience. Now browse around this website to find more information and discover the perfect platform for your betting endeavors, enhancing your leisure time and making every moment unforgettable.
Back in Sutter Creek, you may take your time to enjoy a wide variety of artisan cheese and gourmet snacks. You may also enjoy hopping through the cute boutique shops.
If you plan to start a new home and live in Ferndale, you may enjoy the gorgeous Victorian-era buildings. From Belle’s Lounge to Schramm’s Mead, a trip to the wineries is guaranteed to be a day of fun.
Interesting Facts & Figures
You probably aren’t ready for this but California has more people than many countries. The majority of the state’s location is in Los Angeles County. Therefore, it makes total sense why the small towns in California are still less crowded. LA County has over 9.9 million people alone.
The San Francisco Bay Area and Central Valley are two other places that have a lot of population. For a better understanding, the population of California is way more than the neighboring country of the U.S.A, Canada.
It was way back in 1850, when California was counted as the 31st state of the U.S.A. Here’s something interesting; before California was counted as a state, for a single month in 1946, it was counted as an independent country.
After Texas and Alaska, California, which is also known as the Golden State, is the third biggest state of the U.S.A.
If you wish to know the significance of the Redwood tree, let me tell you that back in 1937, the Redwood Tree was decided to be the California State tree.
We all remember the time of depression where bankruptcy was in every step ahead. Even in this tough time, San Francisco was untouched. None of the banks in the city went bankrupt. The state right now which perfectly balances the glamor and rich living on one part and the slow living and quiet luxury lifestyle on the other was previously known as the Grizzly Bear state.
According to a study in 2022, the state of California has over 482 cities. From Julian to Solvang, if you are looking to lead a peaceful and slow lifestyle, you certainly have many options.
Conclusion
Living in a small town is a great decision that you can make today. Contrary to the fast-paced life in the big cities, small towns are great for people who wish to take things slow and live peacefully with their families.
The small towns in California add more to such value. These small cities are different in aesthetics, popular activities, and neighborhoods.
