What is a good city in California that is affordable?

Me and my family are looking to move out of our apartment at which we are currently paying $875 a month. We were ;looking to move the Pittsburgh but it's on the other side of the country and we are not sure of the job market. I was wondering if anyone knew a city in California that the home prices, for a house not a condo, are priced below $100k and are on the safer end. I know Palmdale and Lancaster fit this criteria but they seem to have horrible reputations regarding safety.