What California towns/cities do you recommend working in and why?

[fd5151]

Hi everyone, i would like to send my message out in hopes of getting some recommendations on great places to live and work in California. I have never been and thought i would start with this discussion board to research good communities.

What is important to me above all in choosing a place to work is a definite preference for smaller, reputably safe communities as i would be relocating with my family and this is priority #1. I love the outdoors so access to the forests and mountains are definitely a plus also. I would of course be looking for an area that is affordable and reasonably priced in terms of accommodation if there is such a thing!

Hope you can help, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!