Located along the Pacific Coast, California is the largest state in the union in terms of population, and it ranks high in terms of land mass as well. While California has many largely populated cities, the largest metropolitan areas are Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, and San Francisco. These areas, along with the state capital of Sacramento, are enjoying a booming California real estate market. Be sure to check out the many California homes for rent in these areas: Anaheim, Antioch, Bakersfield, Berkeley, Burbank, Chula Vista, Citrus Heights, Concord, Corona, Costa Mesa, Daly City, Davis, Downey, El Monte, Escondido, Fairfield, Fontana, Fremont, Fresno, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Glendale, Hayward, Huntington Beach, Inglewood, Irvine, Lancaster, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Modesto, Monterey, Moreno Valley,, Newport Beach, Norwalk, Oakland, Oceanside, Ontario, Orange, Oxnard, Palmdale, Pasadena, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, Richmond, Riverside, Sacramento, Salinas, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Clarita, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, Simi Valley, Stockton, Sunnyvale, Thousand Oaks, Torrance, Vallejo, Ventura, Visalia, West Covina, East Los Angeles and Isla Vista by University of Santa Barbara.

Such size is optimal for living, as well as touring the many features of the state. Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway and marvel at the coastline and redwood trees. Or, head over to Sequoia National Park in the southern Sierra Nevada and stand near the largest living organisms on the planet—the massive sequoia trees. California is home to productive agricultural areas, and is a hub for computer and technology industries. Wine enthusiasts will be at home in Napa Valley or Sonoma Valley.

If you’d like to live among the stars, then examine the many options in the California real estate market in and around Hollywood. The steep rolling hills of San Francisco cannot be missed. The Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars are just a few features you’re sure to love as a resident there. Row houses with personality, modern architecture, and even Victorian-style homes can be found at “The City by the Bay.”

For those looking to make an investment, it would be wise to capitalize on California foreclosures going on now. Or, California houses for rent are great opportunities for those looking to avoid a mortgage and have some additional flexibility. Whether you’re looking for the excitement of city life or a peaceful setting out in the country, the California real estate market provides a multitude of options.

It also has great schools like UCLA, USC and Stanford.