Starting with the Gold Rush in 1848, California has been a destination for those looking to live the luxury lifestyle of easy wealth and sandy beaches, and later of surfing, shopping, and Hollywood dreams. As the state rose from a population of 15,000 in 1848 to today’s approximately 37 million (making it the most populous state in the union), it’s easy to see that the California dream has considerable appeal. And California is not all fun and games. If it were a country, California would rank among the largest 10 economies of the world and is home to several significant economic regions such as Silicon Valley, Hollywood, and Wine Country. The amazing luxury real estate market in San Francisco is well known, and as a whole the state has an array of desirable properties available for the discerning luxury home buyer.