< Previous78 C A L I F O R N I A I N V E S T M E NT G U I DE rom Northern California to Southern California and everywhere in between, the Golden State’s unique vibe is unmatched the world over. California represents the fifth largest economy in the world and is home to many of the world’s most successful enterprises. Outside of the state’s ample professional and trade opportunities, residents also enjoy the coveted California lifestyle. With its moderate year-round temperatures and nine national parks, the state is a bastion for lovers of the great outdoors. Whether climbing mountains in Yosemite, craning to see the tops of the Red Wood Forest or off-roading in Death Valley, the state offers no shortage of fun. Of course, summer is the season in which California really shines. Some of the best waves for surfing can be found in San Diego County, Monterey and Santa Cruz. Music festivals like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is a major event held for two weekends in Indio. by SAVA N NA H K I N G F Q U A LI T Y O F LI F E California Dreamin’ Photos courtesy of Visit CaliforniaC A L I F O R N I A I N V E S T M E NT G U I DE 79 Winter months give way to activities like snowboarding at popular resort locations like Tahoe, Big Basin, Big Bear, Mammoth Mountain and Squaw Valley. Many of California’s world-class resorts have served as the training grounds for ski champions including Jonny Moseley, Stacey Cook, Ted Ligety, Shannon Bahrke Happe, and Julia Mancuso. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is the largest of 12 North Lake Tahoe ski resorts and was the host of the 1960 Winter Olympics. People aren’t the only ones cozying up every winter in Pacific Grove, near Monterey. The small town is known for its butterfly season which runs from October through early March. Monarch butterflies spend the colder months in the city’s pine and eucalyptus trees, and the city holds several events each year to celebrate their tiny, winged residents. Outside to the countless amenities around the state, day-to-day living is also better in California. With an average commute of about 28 minutes and a penchant for casual workplaces, residents find an easier vibe in many California communities. According to Zillow, the median home price for listings in California is $539,000, while the median rent price is $2,750. A recent study by the California Association of Realtors indicates more Californians could afford to purchase a home as lower interest rates and high-income levels improve housing affordability. The Golden State’s reputation for high-quality education is unmatched. From its innovative programs on the grade school level to its world-class research institutions, Californians are an educated lot. The University of California system is the largest in the nation with each of campuses ranking among the best in the world. With such a high quality of life, it only makes sense California would also enjoy the second highest life expectancy in the U.S., ranking only behind Hawaii. According to a JAMA journal report that measured the state of U.S. health from 1990 to 2016, Californians live 80.9 years on average. 80 C A L I F O R N I A I N V E S T M E NT G U I DE I N DE X T O A DV E R T I S E R S Apple Valley Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 AppleValley.org CEDA / CALED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IBC ceda.caled.org City of Hesperia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 cityofhesperia.us/econdev City of Lancaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 cityoflancasterca.org City of Moreno Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 morenovalleybusiness.com City of Ontario . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44-45 ontariothinksbusiness.com City of Redlands | Development Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 CityofRedlands.org City of Roseville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 roseville.ca.us City of Stockton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 advantagestockton.com City of Vacaville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC choosevacaville.com City of West Sacramento . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 cityofwestsacramento.org/business Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance . . . . . . . . . . .23 SoCalLeadingEdge.org Greater Irvine Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 irvinechambereconomicdevelopment.com San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 SBCountyAdvantage.com Shasta EDC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 19 shastausa.com shastaedc.org/stillwater Solano Economic Development Corporation . . . . . 5, 28-29 solanoedc.org TeamCalifornia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC teamca.org Wonderful Real Estate Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 wonderfulindustrialpark.com PAGENext >