You Want to Move to California? But How Big is This Place, Anyway?
Ah, California. The land of sunshine, movie stars, and enough avocados to make your taste buds do a happy dance. But before you pack your flip-flops and dream of becoming a surfer dude (or dudette), you might be wondering: just how big is this state, really?
California's vastness is a bit like a Kardashian closet - there's more in there than you might think. So, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive into the glorious messiness of Californian "places."
California's Got Places Out the Wazoo (That's a Technical Term)
First things first, let's talk numbers. We're not talking grains of sand on the beach here (although California has plenty of those too). California boasts a whopping 482 municipalities. That's a fancy term for cities, towns, and those quirky places with names like "Lower Nowhere." Feeling overwhelmed? Don't worry, most of us Californians can't even keep track of all our In-N-Out Burger locations, let alone every single town.
But here's the kicker: California also has 58 counties. Counties are kind of like big administrative boxes that hold a bunch of cities and towns inside. So, it's like a geographical nesting doll situation. California = Big Box. Counties = Medium Boxes. Cities and Towns = Tiny Boxes full of quirk.
Size Doesn't Matter, It's How You Use It (Especially When It Comes to Real Estate)
Now, when it comes to places to live in California, that's a whole other ball game. You've got bustling metropolises like Los Angeles and San Francisco, where you can rub shoulders with celebrities (or at least their baristas). Then there are charming beach towns where the biggest decision of the day is which flip-flop color matches your sunset.
But here's the not-so-funny part: California living can come with a hefty price tag. Those stunning ocean views don't come cheap. So, unless you're a tech millionaire or planning to live in a converted shoebox, be prepared to do some budgeting magic.
So, How Many Places Are There in California?
The answer, my friend, is a glorious "It depends!". Do you want to know the official number of incorporated cities and towns? That's 482. Do you want to know how many epic surf spots there are? Well, grab a surfboard and get counting, because nobody's keeping track of that.
The real answer is that California has enough places to quench your thirst for adventure, as long as you're prepared for a little sunshine, a lot of options, and maybe a side of sticker shock.
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.