If you're looking to buy real estate in California, then you're not alone. From the tranquility of the Pacific Ocean to the beauty of wine country to the glamour of Hollywood, the state of California has appeal to millions of Americans. Whether you are out to buy or to sell real estate, California offers some terrific options.

California Real Estate: Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach in Orange County is an exciting California real estate choice for both buyers and sellers. Current reports suggest Laguna Beach is neither a buyer's nor a seller's market, with houses staying on the market an average of not more than one or two months, and sellers getting between 95 and 100 percent of asking price. Job growth in the area suggests Laguna Beach properties will rise in value over the course of 2008. The average price for a house in Laguna Beach is right around $2 million for 2007.

California Real Estate: Westwood

If you're looking to get into the heart of Los Angeles, you may consider buying in Westwood. Westwood is currently a buyer's market, with houses staying on the market for up to three months on average. The average home price in Westwood was around $625,000 at the end of 2007, which is very reasonable for California real estate.

California Real Estate: Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a popular destination for vacationing celebrities, but also hosts a thriving community where many people live and work. There's plenty of appeal in owning a home in Palm Springs, including proximity to the Palm Springs Art Museum, the Spa Resort Hotel and Casino and any number of high quality dining establishments. The median home price for Palm Springs at the end of 2007 was $323,400.

California Real Estate: Sherman Oaks

If something a bit further north of Los Angeles proper is better suited to your needs, think about a Sherman Oaks property. This is also a buyer's market, but job growth in the area makes Sherman Oaks a great investment opportunity if you're willing to hold onto your California real estate for some time while the market rebounds. Houses in this area averaged about $750,000 coming into 2008.

California Real Estate: Pasadena

Pasadena offers a bit of a suburban twist on the Los Angeles experience. Property here is limited, so if you get it now, you may see a serious increase in value in coming years. The average home price at the close of 2007 was about $650,000 and good economic indicators in the area make Pasadena real estate a tempting option for both sellers and buyers.

California Real Estate: Monterey County

Monterey County is legendary for its coastline that includes the mountains of Big Sur and the stunning views along Highway 1. A great location with a great view is an ideal selling point for a home, which can lead to increased value. Monterey County has some of the most coveted homes in California in cities such as Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Salinas and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The median home value at the close of 2007 in Monterey County was about $620,000.

California Real Estate: Oakland

If you're interested in a California real estate opportunity in the northern part of the state, check out Oakland. Single-family homes are moving fast in Oakland, but good prices are still available. Oakland presents a great real estate option for sellers, since the market seems to be moving in a positive direction. The average price for a home in Oakland was $580,000 in 2007.

California sports incredible weather year round and some of the most beautiful ocean views in the world. Good weather and good views are real estate property benefits that never diminish in value, making the right California real estate a good buy in nearly any economic climate.