When it comes time to retire, many people dream of spending their golden years in the Sunshine State. California is home to some of the best places to retire in the country, and there is something for everyone here. So if you are thinking about retiring in California, read on!
California is one of the most popular states in the country to retire and for good reason. With its temperate climate, diverse landscape, and rich culture, there’s something for everyone in California. Whether you’re looking for a quiet beach town or a bustling city full of nightlife, we’ve got you covered.
Key Takeaways
- When deciding where to live after retirement, California provides many options such as rancho, farms, beaches, and rural, and urban areas.
- It allows retirees to experience nature, people, and even the culture of the location, which rejuvenates them after many years of working.
- Choosing a location that will refresh them and provide a relaxing atmosphere will contribute significantly to retirees enjoying their retirement years.
San Jose
The capital of Silicon Valley is one of the best places to retire in California. It offers an abundance of golf courses and cultural activities, as well as a low cost of living and great weather.
The city is home to several retirement communities, including the Oakmont Village at Saratoga, which offers senior living apartments as well as assisted living and memory care services. There are plenty of shopping centers and restaurants here that cater to seniors, including Santana Row (which was named one of “America’s Best Malls” by TripAdvisor).
The San Jose Population is about one million people, making it the third-most populous city in California. The average temperature is a mild 70 degrees, and there are more than 300 sunny days per year.
Healthcare options are plentiful in San Jose, with a number of hospitals in the area, including Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, which is ranked among the best hospitals in California.
According to a study by WalletHub, San Jose ranked No. 1 in U.S. cities with the highest number of technology jobs per capita.
Seal Beach
Seal Beach is a small community located in Orange County, California. The city has a population of about 24,000 residents and it is one of the most desirable places to retire in California. The average age of residents is 58 years old and the city is known for its excellent schools, stunning beaches, and quaint downtown area. Seal Beach also boasts a large senior community center that offers many activities for seniors including exercise classes, trips to the theater, and more.
Rancho Mirage
Rancho Mirage has something for everyone. For starters, there’s a very active lifestyle with tons of clubs and organizations to choose from. There are also three golf courses in Rancho Mirage for those who want to play a round or two before heading out for dinner or drinks! And if you want to get out and enjoy nature, don’t worry – there are plenty of hiking trails on which to explore our beautiful desert landscape.
Salinas
Salinas is located about two hours south of San Francisco and is known for its rich culture and famous agricultural industry. Salinas has been a popular retirement destination for more than 50 years, with almost 10 percent of the population over age 65.
The city has an average cost of living, with a median home value of $737,231 and an average rent of $2,108. per month.
San Francisco and the greater San Francisco Bay Area are two of the most expensive places to live in California, according to various sources. Also, Salinas has a lower crime rate than the state and national averages, making it an ideal location to call home. It also has a lower housing cost than the neighboring San Francisco Bay area.
The San Francisco population is projected to grow by about 969,000 people by 2035, and 17.5% of those new residents are expected to be seniors. This growth is largely due to the city’s strong economy and job market, as well as its world-renowned cultural attractions.
There are also many medical facilities in the area including a major medical center at Soledad Community Hospital and a VA hospital in Monterey Park. Salinas offers plenty of activities including golfing, hiking, and biking trails as well as libraries and museums. Several community centers throughout the city offer programs for seniors on everything from gardening to health education workshops.
If you’re looking for a retirement destination that has it all, San Francisco should be at the top of your list.
Villa Park
Villa Park is an unincorporated area of Orange County located on the border between Anaheim and Orange. This quiet neighborhood is home to many retirees with its affordable housing, small-town feel, and proximity to attractions like Disneyland.
Southern California city enjoys proximity to many of the state’s top attractions, including Knott’s Berry Farm, California Adventure Park, and of course, Disneyland. The city is also home to a large senior center that offers a variety of activities and programs for residents.
If you want to be close to nature but still be close to all the amenities of Southern California, then Laguna Niguel may be the place for you. You can spend your days hiking through miles of trails and beaches or golfing at one of two local courses.
Newport Beach
Newport Beach is the perfect place to retire in California. It has nice weather, beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and awesome nightlife. The city also has a lot to offer when it comes to entertainment. There are many museums and art galleries where you can spend your time after retirement.
The city also has plenty of medical facilities that can cater to your health care needs. You will not have any difficulty finding a doctor or hospital here. The place even has several rehabilitation centers that offer excellent services for senior citizens who want to get back on their feet again after an injury or illness.
Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa has a low cost of living, which means you can live comfortably on a smaller budget. The average home price is $726,000, which means that it’s quite an expensive place to buy real estate. There are also plenty of apartments available for rent at affordable prices.
Costa Mesa has several attractions that make it an ideal place for retirees to call home. The Orange County Fairgrounds is located in the center of town, and offer entertainment and events throughout the year. You’ll also find many parks in this area—including Seal Beach State Park—where you can go hiking or camping with your family or friends.
Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove is a small town located in Monterey County, California. The city is situated between Central California city; Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey. It is home to an estimated 15,471 residents and has a population density of about 5,351 people per square mile.
Pacific Grove has been named as one of the best places to retire by several publications including Sunset Magazine and Money Magazine. It’s also been named as one of America’s top 10 towns for retirement by CNNMoney.com.
The city has a lot to offer retirees including its beautiful beachfront location, world-class golf courses, shopping centers, and restaurants. It also offers a variety of activities for those who want to stay active such as hiking trails and horseback riding trails.
Del Mar
Del Mar, California is a small coastal town that is located in San Diego County. It was founded in the 1800s and has become one of the most popular retirement spots in California with its beautiful beaches, mild climate, and plenty of activities for seniors.
Del Mar residents can enjoy golfing at the world-class Paraiso del Mar or spend time on the beach playing volleyball or walking along the shoreline. The town has several restaurants and shops to explore, as well as many festivals throughout the year.
Del Monte Forest
Del Monte Forest is a small forested community located between Pacifica and Montara. It’s less than a mile from beautiful Del Monte Beach, which is known for its great surfing waves. The town has a small downtown area with restaurants and shops, as well as a library and post office.
The homes in this community are mostly single-story ranch-style houses with one or two bedrooms. Many of them have been updated with new kitchens and bathrooms. If you’re looking for something larger, some newer homes offer four bedrooms plus an attached garage or driveway parking space.
There are several parks in Del Monte Forest that residents can enjoy during their free time. The largest park is called Del Monte Park, which offers tennis courts, baseball fields, basketball courts, playgrounds for children, picnic areas, and more!
San Diego
California cities like San Diego is a popular retirement destinations for many reasons. The city’s mild climate, low cost of living, and beautiful beaches make it ideal for seniors who want to enjoy the California lifestyle.
San Diego has quite a few senior-friendly neighborhoods and communities where retirees can enjoy the simple pleasures of their golden years.
The City of San Diego has an extensive network of parks and recreational facilities that offer something for everyone, including golf courses, tennis courts, museums, and theaters. Seniors often take advantage of these amenities by joining one of the many community activities sponsored by local churches or civic groups.
Additionally, the San Diego population has a large number of highly-rated hospitals to choose from should the need arise.
While you’re getting active in your neighborhood, don’t forget about some of San Diego’s famous attractions such as Balboa Park’s museums, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park or Horton Plaza Park downtown. Hotels near Balboa Park offer easy access to public transportation so you can explore this historic district on foot or by trolley car!
Piedmont
Piedmont is an affluent city located in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is known for its excellent public schools, beautiful homes, and tree-lined streets. Piedmont has a population of about 11,454 people and a median household income of over $200,000.
This city offers its residents a high quality of life with plenty of things to do. Piedmont has over 30 parks, including a dog park, an off-leash area, and several playgrounds. There are also many recreation programs offered through the city’s recreation department, such as classes for seniors, youth sports leagues, and after-school programs.
Piedmont is also home to a number of shops and restaurants. There are several grocery stores, as well as specialty shops like bakeries, bookstores, and clothing stores. For those who enjoy dining out, Piedmont has a variety of restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining.
Indian Wells
Indian Wells is a small city located in the Coachella Valley. It is known for its luxury resorts, golf courses, and tennis tournaments. The city has a population of about five thousand people and a median household income of over $100,000.
The median home price is about $1.3M , and the average rental price is around $2500. Indian Wells has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Indian Wells is home to two world-class resorts: The Indian Wells Resort Hotel and The Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa. These resorts offer a variety of amenities for guests, including golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, and spa services.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Indian Wells offers plenty of activities. There are several hiking trails in the area, as well as a nature preserve and an animal sanctuary. The city also has several parks, including a skate park and a dog park.
Indian Wells is also home to several shops and restaurants. There are several grocery stores, as well as specialty shops like bakeries, bookstores, and clothing stores. For those who enjoy dining out, Indian Wells has a variety of restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining.
Belvedere
Belvedere is a small city located in Marin County. It is known for its beautiful homes, stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, and its proximity to the city of San Francisco. The city has a population of about two thousand people and a median household income of over $247,768..
Belvedere is home to several parks, including a dog park, a playground, and a nature preserve. There are also many recreation programs offered through the city’s recreation department, such as classes for seniors, youth sports leagues, and after-school programs.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Belvedere offers plenty of activities. There are several hiking trails in the area, as well as a nature preserve and an animal sanctuary. The city also has several parks, including a skate park and a dog park.
Palos Verdes Estates
Palos Verdes Estates is a small city located in Los Angeles County. It is known for its beautiful homes, stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and its proximity to the city of Los Angeles. The city has a population of about thirteen thousand people and a median household income of over $194,543.
Palos Verdes Estates is home to several parks, including a dog park, a playground, and a nature preserve. There are also many recreation programs offered through the city’s recreation department, such as classes for seniors, youth sports leagues, and after-school programs.
Cedar Ridge
Cedar Ridge is an active community that’s located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. The town is about two hours from the San Francisco Bay Area and one hour from Sacramento. It’s a wonderful place to retire because it has a slower pace of life and there are many things to do here.
Cedar Ridge offers its residents access to parks, trails, and local events. There are also several shopping opportunities, including antique stores and boutiques. This community is also home to several restaurants where seniors can enjoy delicious food while they socialize with friends and family members.
Corte Madera
Corte Madera is a town in Marin County, California. It’s known for being centrally located, laid back, and having an outdoor lifestyle. This town is also home to two of Marin County’s finest shopping centers – The Town Center and The Village at Corte Madera. These shopping centers offer major department stores, a variety of boutiques, and restaurants. Corte Madera also has a vibrant community that hosts many events throughout the year. This town is a great place to retire for seniors who are looking for an active lifestyle.
Laguna Woods
Laguna Woods is an older-adult retirement community in Laguna Woods, California. The facility has 18,500 residences, including condominiums, cooperatives (or “co-ops”), and single-family houses.
Laguna Woods Village offers a variety of amenities, including seven clubhouses, five pools, golf course, tennis courts, and a fitness center. The community also has its newspaper, TV station, and radio station. For those who enjoy the arts, Laguna Woods Village has an art gallery and a performing arts center. There are also several clubs and organizations that residents can join, such as the Laguna Woods Camera Club and the Laguna Woods Lawn Bowling Club.
Laguna Woods is a great place to retire for seniors who are looking for an active lifestyle. The community offers a wide variety of amenities and activities, and there is always something going on. Residents can also enjoy the beautiful weather and stunning views of Southern California.
Larkspur
Larkspur is a city in Marin County, California, United States. It is located about 8 miles south of San Francisco and about 30 miles south of Napa. The population was 12,363 at the 2020 census.
Larkspur is home to several parks, including a dog park, a playground, and a nature preserve. There are also many recreation programs offered through the city’s recreation department, such as classes for seniors, youth sports leagues, and after-school programs. The city also has a vibrant community that hosts many events throughout the year. This town is a great place to retire for seniors who are looking for an active lifestyle.
Palm Springs
The desert oasis of Palm Springs is a popular retirement destination, and with good reason. The weather is warm year-round and the city has a vibrant social scene, with plenty of activities and events to keep retirees busy.
From golfing to hiking to shopping on El Paseo, there are plenty of things to do in this resort town. Plus, it’s only a short drive from Palm Springs to nearby Joshua Tree National Park for those who want to explore the great outdoors without leaving town limits.
If you’re looking for peaceful surroundings or an active lifestyle, Palm Springs has something for everyone.
Montecito
The highlights of this California town are the natural surroundings and the stunning beach.
If there were a way to bottle up the feel of Montecito, it would go on the market as a cure-all for what ails you. This charming coastal town is just north of Santa Barbara and boasts incredible views of the Pacific Ocean.
The town is known for its lavish homes and high-end shopping. And if you’re looking for fun things to do, there are plenty of options — from hiking trails to museums and golf courses.
Montecito’s location makes it easy to get around town. The area is accessible by car or bus, but if you prefer walking or biking, there are miles upon miles of trails that wind through the mountains and along the coast.
Alamo
Alamo is a beautiful city located in Contra Costa County, California. It’s an idyllic place for those who want to enjoy a rural community and the simple life — many residents own their homes, and it’s a popular destination for retirees as well. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants, cafés, and parks nearby when you’re ready to take a break from all that peace and quiet. And with most of its residents leaning towards moderate political beliefs, Alamo is one of the most diverse and welcoming California cities you can find!
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is an absolute treat! Located on the spectacular Pacific Coast of Los Angeles, this beach city of 35,069 offers it all. From the laid-back town atmosphere to a wide selection of activities – Manhattan Beach is a great place to visit or call home. Not only can you find some of the best California cities here, but you’ll also get to experience some of the best surfing in California. There’s plenty more for everyone with a fishing pier, boardwalk, and several parks to explore and appreciate. Be sure and make your plans for Manhattan Beach soon.
Riverside
Riverside is a city in Riverside County, California, and is the county seat. The city has a population of 327,569 and is located about 50 miles east of Los Angeles.
The median monthly mortgage cost is about $1,969, which is lower than the national average. Riverside is a great place to retire for those who want an affordable cost of living and access to all the amenities of a large city.
Riverside is home to many historical landmarks, such as the Mission Inn and the Fox Performing Arts Center. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, with several art galleries and a thriving theater community.
Riverside is a great place to retire for seniors who want to be close to Los Angeles without living in the city. The cost of living is relatively low and there are many things to do in Riverside, from exploring the arts scene to enjoying the outdoors.
Cerritos
Cerritos is one of the many vibrant California cities located in Los Angeles County. The population of Cerritos is about 49,041 and it’s situated roughly 20 miles away from Downtown Los Angeles. Compared to other cities, Cerritos offers a reasonable home price with the typical median house costing around $1,001,188. Even more so, Cerritos has something for everyone – there’s a huge shopping mall, various parks, and recreation centers, and even a thriving arts scene complete with art galleries and performing arts centers!
All of this makes Cerritos an ideal location for seniors who want to be close and connected to all that Los Angeles has to offer without having to live directly within the city. The cost of living is comparatively low as well compared to adjacent cities which makes exploring within the area all the more inviting! From appreciating fine art pieces to taking nature walks – Cerritos will simply have you covered no matter your interests!
Conclusion
With so much in the way of climate, topography, and culture, it’s good to know that California is also a haven for retirees. There are many excellent cities in this state that can serve as the perfect place to enjoy your retirement years. The only catch is you must know where to go. You can schedule a free call today to discuss your retirement goals and see how I can help you find the perfect place to retire.
