Antioch, CA, United States

With a population of 115,291 as of 2020, Antioch is a sizable, rapidly diversifying suburb on the fringes of the Bay Area. However, the reality is that it's a bedroom community where most adults commute elsewhere for work, and the city's growth over the past 30 years has come with its fair share of growing pains. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city has struggled to implement new infrastructure projects and grapple with issues like the influx of registered sex offenders. On the plus side, Antioch enjoys a mild, semi-arid climate, though its inland location means hotter summers and colder winters than the rest of the Bay. Overall, Antioch is a practical, affordable option for families priced out of pricier parts of the region, but those seeking an urban, culturally vibrant lifestyle may find it lacking.