Two California cities make HGTV’s new list of rising small cities

Two California communities — Redding and Santa Cruz — earned spots on HGTV’s new list of the 30 Best Up‑and‑Coming Small Cities in America, which highlights places seeing strong growth, rising job opportunities and lifestyle appeal.

HGTV based the rankings on federal data and economic research that track which small cities are gaining momentum — and both California cities stood out for different reasons, from outdoor access to population growth.

Redding is HGTV’s highest‑ranked California city — here’s why

Redding ranked No. 9 on HGTV’s list, making it the highest‑ranking California city featured.

HGTV pointed to rising wages and job growth in Redding, along with its expanding healthcare sector and higher‑education presence. The city is home to three universities and serves as a regional hub for Northern California.

Outdoor access also played a major role in Redding’s ranking. The city sits near Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and several lakes, rivers, and national forests. Popular local destinations include the Sacramento River Trail, Castle Crags State Park, and Turtle Bay Exploration Park.

Despite having fewer than 100,000 residents, Redding averages more than 300 days of sunshine a year, making it attractive to outdoor enthusiasts drawn to hiking, biking, fishing, and water recreation.

Santa Cruz’s coastal lifestyle helped land it on HGTV’s up‑and‑coming cities list

Santa Cruz ranked No. 27 on HGTV’s list and was highlighted for its population growth and coastal lifestyle.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Santa Cruz recorded one of the largest population increases among small cities with at least 50,000 residents, adding about 7,000 people in recent years to reach nearly 62,000 residents.

HGTV noted Santa Cruz’s appeal for outdoor recreation, including surfing, mountain biking, hiking, and sailing, as well as its location along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway.

The city’s beaches, cliff walks, and landmarks — including the historic Walton Lighthouse — were also cited as draws for residents seeking a laid‑back coastal lifestyle with easy access to nature.

How HGTV ranked the best up‑and‑coming small cities

HGTV created the list using data from the U.S. Census Bureau and a report by the Milken Institute, a nonpartisan think tank that tracks economic performance nationwide.

The ranking focused on small cities showing signs of long‑term momentum, including:

• Economic growth
• Population growth
• Job and wage increases
• Housing affordability
• Access to broadband

HGTV also considered lifestyle factors, such as outdoor recreation, quality of life and overall livability.

What cities appeared on HGTV's list of the 30 Best Up-and-Coming Small Cities in America?

Here is HGTV's full list of the 30 Best Up-and-Coming Small Cities in America:

• No. 1: Georgetown, Texas
• No. 2: Queen Creek, Arizona
• No. 3: Buckeye, Arizona
• No. 4: New Braunfels, Texas
• No. 5: Fort Myers, Florida
• No. 6: Meridian, Idaho
• No. 7: St. George, Utah
• No. 8: Coeur D'Alene, Idaho
• No. 9: Redding
• No. 10: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• No. 11: Gainesville, Georgia
• No. 12: Bend, Oregon
• No. 13: Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
• No. 14: Goodyear, Arizona
• No. 15: Maricopa, Arizona
• No. 16: Idaho Falls, Idaho
• No. 17: Abilene, Texas
• No. 18: Logan, Utah
• No. 19: Rapid City, South Dakota
• No. 20: Lewiston, Idaho
• No. 21: Burlington, North Carolina
• No. 22: Kyle, Texas
• No. 23: Mankato, Minnesota
• No. 24: Punta Gorda, Florida
• No. 25: Bloomington, Indiana
• No. 26: Bozeman, Montana
• No. 27: Santa Cruz
• No. 28: Bowling Green, Kentucky
• No 29: Medford, Massachusetts
• No. 30: Missoula, Montana