Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara, an idyllic coastal city, seems much further than 90 miles (144 kilometers) from the glitz and hype of its sprawling southern neighbor, Los Angeles.

With its laid-back attitude, warm climate, and sprawling Spanish-style homes, Santa Barbara has a distinctly Mediterranean feel. It is bordered by the Pacific to the south and the Santa Ynez Mountains to the north and is tucked away among countless acres of windswept hills and lush foliage. It is home to spas, resorts, celebrity hideaways, and – oenophiles take note – scattered throughout that countryside are the area's nearly 200 wineries and vineyards (and almost all have tasting rooms in which to try local vintages).

But Santa Barbara is probably most well-known for it's unique beaches, which have the singular quality of facing south rather than west. The number of high-quality, pristine locations is part of what makes Santa Barbara such a relaxing place to live. Not that everyone wants to relax: just 15 minutes south of Santa Barbara, you can find one of the planet's top surfing spots – Rincon Point, where nearly every major surf champion on the globe has taken a test drive.

And the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) brings a vibrant energy to the city and boosts its cultural venues. There are also more than 20 festivals and celebrations throughout the year including the Summer Solstice Celebration, the International Orchid Show, and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. And there's the Community Arts Music Association and Opera Santa Barbara.

Given everything the city has to offer, it's no wonder that it is thriving, with an expanding population of 92,325, and that people continue to make Santa Barbara their home in paradise each year.

See our 16 Jobs in Santa Barbara, California