California has no shortage of towns with million-dollar listings and luxury branding—but not all of them deliver the goods. Using newly released 2025 data, we ranked 25 towns where sky-high prices, snoozy amenities, and lifestyle letdowns expose a mismatch between cost and actual quality of life. Think mediocre amenities, lackluster walkability, and an overall vibe that doesn’t match the price tag. They might look like luxury on paper, but for many buyers, they’re all cost and no payoff.
25. Markleeville – Steep Prices, Shallow Perks
Markleeville sits in the eastern Sierra Nevada region, near the Nevada border. While it boasts proximity to natural attractions like Grover Hot Springs State Park, the town itself is a sleepy, remote outpost with limited services and virtually no nightlife or shopping. The appeal is mostly outdoorsy—but even that comes with drawbacks, like wildfire risk and winter isolation.
Despite its rustic charm, Markleeville doesn’t offer much in the way of infrastructure or community amenities to justify its high housing costs. It may appeal to die-hard nature lovers or retirees looking to unplug, but for the average buyer expecting both luxury and livability, the experience falls flat.
Markleeville – Luxury 72.21 vs. Lifestyle 36.18
- Luxury Score: 72.21
- Family Friendliness: 32.12
- Retirement Friendliness: 76.63
- Walkability: 4.47
- Vibrancy: 3.00
- Urban Sophistication: 64.67
With a Luxury Score above 70, Markleeville might seem like an upscale retreat—but the Lifestyle score tells another story. Poor walkability, virtually nonexistent vibrancy, and low family appeal drag it down for anyone seeking a balanced, fulfilling home base. It may be beautiful, but it’s far from convenient or dynamic.
24. Friant – All Flash, No Fun
Just north of Fresno, Friant sits along the San Joaquin River and near Millerton Lake, making it a spot with natural beauty and some boating appeal. But outside of weekend water sports, there’s little else drawing in full-time residents. Services are sparse, and it functions more like an outer exurb than a true town.
Despite a near-perfect family friendliness score, Friant doesn’t deliver on broader lifestyle metrics—especially for those who want walkability, culture, or an active daily routine. For a town with high luxury branding, it’s remarkably hollow once you’re past the front gate.
Friant – Luxury 82.43 vs. Lifestyle 51.77
- Luxury Score: 82.43
- Family Friendliness: 97.30
- Retirement Friendliness: 71.78
- Walkability: 1.25
- Vibrancy: 12.89
- Urban Sophistication: 75.65
Friant’s high Family and Urban Sophistication scores make it look promising, but the almost nonexistent walkability and vibrancy numbers tell a different story. Despite luxury pricing, the lack of activity and daily convenience leaves a lot to be desired.
23. The Sea Ranch – Scenic But Stagnant
Located along Sonoma County’s rugged coast, The Sea Ranch is known for its striking architecture and windswept views. But beyond the visual drama, it’s a remote enclave with limited services, few social hubs, and long drives to everyday needs like groceries or healthcare. That isolation might be tranquil for some, but stifling for others…