Property Management Blog

Best Areas to Invest in California

Pinnacle Property Management - Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Are you considering investing in California real estate? If you are, it could be the best decision you’ll ever make!

The California housing market, with its significant population, booming economy, and attractive beaches really stands out to prospective real estate investors. What’s more, many residents choose to rent instead of buy real estate in California. The demand for rental property in California is year-round!

As an investor in real estate, choosing the right rental market for your rental property is extremely important. The location rental property investors choose can make or break their investment. 

In this article, we here at Pinnacle Property Management will go over the top areas in California that you could consider for your next rental property investments. We’ll take you through the areas that promise the highest potential rental income and return on investment for a rental investment property. 

Best California Areas to Buy Real Estate 

1. Winchester

Winchester is a census-designated place in Riverside County with a population of about 3,000 residents. The area is one of the best places for real estate investors to buy a rental property in Southern California. 

Estate investors can expect a decent return and enjoy a high occupancy rate for their investment property in this strong real estate market. Most Winchester residents who rent in the local market work in business, engineering, management, and the computer industry. 

2. Blythe

Blythe is a city in eastern Riverside County. It’s located on the California-Arizona border where Interstate 10 crosses the Colorado River. More than 19,000 people call this part of Southern California home, according to latest census figures. 

home in california

The city is conveniently located in the Colorado Desert section of the Sonoran Desert, where it’s summer all year long. What’s more, the area is also in close proximity to attractions such as the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Havasu Lake, and the Salton Sea. 

Blythe is a relatively affordable area to live and rent. If you are looking to invest in a vacation rental property, this is one of the best places to consider investing in. 

Airbnbs are particularly quite rewarding – occupancy rates are high and rate of return on investment is relatively good. 

3. Lake Los Angeles 

Lake Los Angeles is a census-designated place in Los Angeles. It has a population of about 11,700. It lies about 50 miles northeast of Los Angeles, in the eastern Antelope Valley. 

Lake Los Angeles lies in close proximity to the San Bernardino National Forest and the Angeles National Forest. 

Vacation rentals and properties in this real estate market will help you, as an investor, make profits with both long-term and short-term rental properties in Lake Los Angeles.

4. Hawthorne 

Hawthorne is another great place to buy a rental property in Southern California. It’s located in southwestern Los Angeles County. Currently, the population is over 87,000. 

Hawthorne has one the largest renter population in the Golden State. In fact, over 70% of residents live in rental homes. 

If you are looking to invest here, consider investing in long-term rentals for a higher return on investment. Although buying a home here is comparatively pricey, it’s almost a guarantee that you’ll recoup your investment dollars within a reasonable period of time. 

5. Stanton 

Stanton is located in western Orange County close to the cities of Anaheim and Garden Grove. Incorporated in 1956, Stanton has greatly flourished and developed since then. 

single family home in ca

Just like Hawthorne, most residents in Stanton rent their homes. And with such a huge population of renters, the area is arguably one of the best places to invest in rental properties. 

Short-term rentals tend to yield the highest rate of return. Also, there is no shortage of adventures here. Anaheim is just 15 minutes away, and Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Long Beach are 30 minutes away. 

6. Torrance

This is the premier California coastal city. Torrance is nestled in Los Angeles County’s South Bay. It’s about 30 minutes south of downtown Los Angeles and directly north of the prestigious Palos Verders Peninsula. The city of Torrance is home to 145,492 residents. 

If you are thinking of investing in Southern California, Torrance should be at the top of your list. There are many reasons to invest in Torrance. For instance, it’s safe, diverse, and has a 1.5-mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches.

Families also love the area due to the award-winning quality of education offered.

7. Lawndale 

Lawndale is another investment area worth a look at. The area is home to 32,819 residents. Lawndale is a beautiful city. Some even call it the heart of the Southbay. 

If you are looking for an investment property here, consider investing in rentals or investment properties targeting families. Families love the area for its great parks and quality of education. Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach are also a few minutes away. 

8. Culver City

Home to 39,169 people, Culver City is also worth your consideration when you want to buy rental property in Southern California. The area is especially a hit with families and young professionals. 

It’s also close to Downtown LA, Venice Beach and Santa Monica.

In a Nutshell: Best Real Estate Markets in California 

California has one of the largest renter populations in the country. The diverse and growing economy, huge population, and bountiful attractions in California cities ensure a guaranteed rental demand year-round. 

If you’re looking to buy a rental property in Southern California, consider the following areas:

  • Winchester
  • Blythe
  • Lake Los Angeles
  • Hawthorne
  • Stanton
  • Torrance
  • Lawndale
  • Culver City

For our top tips on investing in California real estate, read our post here! If you have any questions about investing in a California rental property, don’t hesitate to contact Pinnacle Property Management today.


Pinnacle Property Management
CA DRE # 01905815
22700 Crenshaw Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90505
Ph: (310) 530-0606
Fax: (310) 626-9786
Email: pinnacle@pinnaclepmc.com

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