There’s nothing like small-town living to help you escape the hectic pace of the city. Here are nine quiet places to live in California that will fill your ears with the peaceful sounds of nature while filling your lungs with fresh, crisp air. Take a look to see if any of your favorite small towns in California are at the top of the list.

1. Crestline

Crestline, CA, USA
flickr/thomas hawk
Crestline may not be the first spot that comes to mind when you're daydreaming about where to go for some peace and quiet, as nearby Lake Arrowhead tends to get all the attention. But who can relax in a town that's packed with people? What you need is a relaxing place that will surround you with nothing but nature and beautiful scenery; that's exactly what you'll experience at Crestline. It's a quiet town with a tranquil lake that's a lot less populated than Lake Arrowhead which makes this the perfect spot where locals can relax.

2. Fallbrook

Fallbrook, CA 92028, USA
yelp/caroleann B.
The town of Fallbrook is a delightful escape from the city. One of the best spots around to fully embrace your need of solitude is Live Oak County Park. This green oasis is filled with towering oak trees that are over a hundred years old; it's the kind of setting that can't help but make you feel calm and grounded.

3. Ojai

Ojai, CA 93023, USA
flickr/ken lund
There are parts of Ojai that are definitely more populated than the other towns on this list, but no matter how many people surround you in Ojai you'll always find a calming vibe here that is simply like no other. There's something almost zen about this enchanting little city in Ventura County that instantly transports you to a serene state of mind.

4. Idyllwild

Idyllwild, Irvine, CA 92602, USA
flickr/don graham
What you'll find in Idyllwild is a refreshing mountain getaway where the air is clean and crisp and filled with the smell of pine trees. Whether you go to Idyllwild to enjoy a scenic hike or you are just seeking a town that moves at a slower pace, you'll experience a peaceful setting that will get you away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

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5. Wrightwood

Wrightwood, CA, USA
flickr/rennett stowe
Wrightwood is always at the top of my list for a destination to get away from it all. Perfect for a long weekend of hibernating and soaking up some solitude, Wrightwood is the ultimate place for anyone seeking peace and quiet in a small and quaint town.

6. Running Springs

Running Springs, CA, USA
flickr/don graham
Just looking at this picture makes us long to have a house perched on a hill overlooking the stunning Running Springs San Bernardino Mountains. If you desire the sound of nothing but birds and nature rattling around in the trees, you'll appreciate what Running Springs has to offer.

7. Green Valley Lake

Green Valley Lake, CA 92341, USA
flickr/orange grove media
With a population of less than 500, this small town in San Bernardino County should be added to your list for that weekend escape you've been craving. Say goodbye to the hectic and crazy city, and spend some time near this lake that looks like it's as still as a sheet of glass; I promise you'll start feeling refreshed in no time.

8. Julian

Julian, CA 92036, USA
flickr/TICO
You can't go wrong with a town where apple pie is the main event. With a charming main street, quiet country roads, and an expansive sky bursting with stars every night, you'll be drawn into the Julian lifestyle the moment you arrive.

9. Oak Glen

Oak Glen, CA 92399, USA
yelp/LT
Surround yourself with the charm of the picturesque apple orchards and quaint family farms in Oak Glen and you will feel a sense of tranquility wash right over you. Whether you experience this town for a day, a weekend, or by chance just happen to be lucky enough to live here, Oak Glen will give you a much needed break from the sights and sounds of a hectic world.

We all need a break from the city sometimes. These quiet places to live in Southern California will most definitely do the trick! If you’re feeling lots of state pride, check out this unique California apparel from Wear Your Roots!

If you are seeking even more SoCal charm, here is a feature story on one of our favorite tiny towns in Southern California on this list.

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Quiet Places to Live in Southern California

Tori Jane | September 16, 2022

What are some of the most peaceful places to live in California?  

California is a gigantic state with thousands and thousands of square miles in which millions of people live and thrive. Naturally, some small towns in California are more peaceful than others, and oftentimes you can find these little havens on the top safest places lists year after year. Some of the most peaceful places to live in California include towns like Danville, which has a population of 44,800 and a violent crime rate of 0.5 per 1,000 residents. Other peaceful, quiet places to live in California include Thousand Oaks, Carmel by the Sea, and many more.  

What are the best towns in Southern California for families?  

Cypress, California is one of the best towns in Southern California for families.

Naturally, “best” is subjective, but we do have many favorite towns in Southern California we think are perfect for families. Cypress, California is a great place for kids, boasting a 91% high school graduation rate and lots of families with kids living there already. We also love South Pasadena, Lake Forest, and even Poway, which is a suburb of San Diego and offers excellent education options, as well as higher safety standards. Of course, there are hundreds – if not more – of small towns in Southern California that could easily be on this list. Life in Southern California is simply the best and for lots of reasons!  

What are the safest towns in Southern California?  

When it comes to living in Southern California, it’s important to know where the safest places are – especially if you’re hoping to relocate the whole family. At the time of this writing, some of the safest Southern California towns and cities include jewels like Irvine, which was officially named the safest city in all of California in 2020 and the second-safest city in the United States in 2021, which is quite an honor. Another amazing town in California that’s as safe as it is beautiful is Manhattan Beach, and we also can’t get enough of Moorpark and the Palos Verdes Estates.  

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