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Best Places to Retire in California

Best Places to Retire in California
Do you want to retire in California? Below are our recommendations for the best places to retire in California. Click on the destination links to find area description and characteristics, area amenities and things to do, climate and weather, housing options, cost of living, senior assistance, area demographics and job & volunteer opportunities.

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retire in Mendocino CountyMendocino County, California - Mendocino County is not so much a place as a state of mind. Spectacular scenery, a sense of isolation, an aesthetic sensibility, and a strong sense of community are the standout highlights of a trip to Mendocino County. The reward at the start of a vacation or weekend is to pack a bag, fuel up, and head to a destination where you leave the stress behind.


retire in Solana BeachSolana Beach, California - Solana Beach The charming, seaside community of Solana Beach home to 50+ local restaurants, nightclubs and cocktail lounges is nestled along the northern coast of San Diego County, and is approximately 20 miles from downtown San Diego. Its main access routes include Interstate 5, Highway 101, Lomas Santa Fe Drive, and Via de la Valle.

retire in San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo, California - Simply called "SLO" or "San Luis" by locals, the city is the cultural, commercial and entertainment hub of California’s scenic Central Coast. It's anchored by one of California's historic missions, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, one of the best-preserved examples of 18th century Spanish architecture.


retire in SanteeSantee, California - Santee incorporated in December, 1980. With a population of 56,000 and located in eastern San Diego County, Santee is the twelfth largest of San Diego County's 18 cities. With approximately half of its land undeveloped, Santee is one of the few cities in the county with space to grow. Since its incorporation, Santee has worked steadily to enhance the community's quality of life.

retire in East BayEast Bay, California - The City of San Ramon is considered to be one of the most desirable living areas in the Bay Area. San Ramon has 56 parks, which includes 17 school parks; four community centers, two aquatic centers, two libraries, two police stations, four fire stations, eleven elementary schools, two high schools, and a community college.


retire in Sierra Nevada Foothills near YosemiteSierra Nevada Foothills near Yosemite, California - Over the years Tuolumne County has been known as a popular "vacation play land" Once known for its gold extraction and its valuable timber resource, Tuolumne County has now become a favorite vacation spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

retire in Costa MesaCosta Mesa, California - Costa Mesa is the perfect blend of prosperous businesses, outstanding shopping centers, friendly neighborhoods and a breathtaking landscape. Residents benefit from one of the most desirable climates in the nation, as well as business-friendly communities that reach out to small companies and corporate America to further enhanced the local economy.

retire in Central ValleyCentral Valley, California - The City of Clovis is located in California's great San Joaquin, a large flat valley that dominates the geographical center of the state. Clovis has long enjoyed a culture of family values, healthy outdoor activities and an emphasis on education and high-quality public safety. In 2014 and 2015, Clovis was ranked as the number 1 city in California to raise a family by nerdwallet.

retire in Redondo BeachRedondo Beach, California - Redondo Beach is one of the three Beach Cities located in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The population was 66,748 at the 2010 census. The city is located in the South Bay region of the greater Los Angeles area. The primary attractions include Municipal Pier and the sandy beach, popular with tourists and a variety of sports enthusiasts.

retire in Solvang and the Santa Ynez ValleySolvang and the Santa Ynez Valley, California - The scenic casual Santa Ynez Valley includes six communities located inland 30 miles from the ocean on the Central Coast of California.

retire in Petaluma  - Sonoma CountyPetaluma - Sonoma County, California - Located just 32 miles north of San Francisco, Petaluma is a vibrant community of about 60,000 residents. Known as the gateway to Sonoma County, Petaluma's central location makes getting to the dramatic Sonoma Coast, majestic redwoods or hundreds of wineries an easy and beautiful drive. Residents and visitors love the charm of our walkable, historic downtown.

retire in BakersfieldBakersfield, California - The Central Valley’s southern gateway, Kern County is a vast puzzle piece in the landscape of California. More than 8,000 square miles in area, it is the third-largest county in the state.

retire in San Francisco / Silicon ValleySan Francisco / Silicon Valley, California - The City of San Carlos is an interesting community covering 5.92 square miles, with many local resources. San Carlos, “The City of Good Living,” is located in the center of the San Francisco Bay Area and has everything at its doorstep. San Francisco is 25 miles north and San Jose is 25 miles south.

retire in City of Pismo BeachCity of Pismo Beach, California - This classic beach town is located on California's famous central coast, half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles along Pacific Coast and 101 Highways. We offer long white beaches for taking a pleasant stroll or for just enjoying the spectacular views of the Pismo Beach sunset. Enjoy Pismo Beach's great weather and fabulous area wineries.

retire in HollywoodHollywood, California - Hollywood is the historic center of the motion picture industry and a major tourist destination. When it comes to entertainment options, Hollywood has more than any other community in Southern California, ranging from music venues, to historic theatres, to live entertainment. It is an energetic, urban environment.

retire in La MesaLa Mesa, California - The city of La Mesa is known as the "Jewel of the Hills" since its early beginnings. It is located a short drive from downtown San Diego, the mountains and the beaches. More than 55,000 people now call this desirable city their home.

retire in Northern California, Silicon Valley, San Francisco Bay AreaNorthern California, Silicon Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, California - With over 300 days of sunshine annually and an innovative spirit, Santa Clara is known as the city where big ideas happen. Located an hour south of San Francisco in the center of Silicon Valley, the city built world-class Levi’s Stadium home of the San Francisco 49ers and Super Bowl 50.

retire in Southwest CaliforniaSouthwest California, California - Temecula, known as Southern California Wine Country, has award winning schools, higher educational opportunities, vast array of parks and trails, diverse shopping/dining options and beautiful residential neighborhoods.

retire in San Joaquin CountySan Joaquin County, California - The community of Tracy, California is an amiable and safe San Joaquin Valley city of approximately 83,000 residents and growing. It is located near several major regional markets and attractions, and offers its own unique flavor, which brings together a “small-town” friendliness and progressive development.

retire in Monterey CountyMonterey County, California - Monterey County is situated on California's central coast with its northern border approximately 100 miles south of San Francisco and 45 minutes from San Jose, and its southern border about 200 miles north of Los Angeles.

retire in Southern California Desert RegionSouthern California Desert Region, California - With a hometown atmosphere and an ideal location in Southern California's high desert about 35 minutes northeast of Palm Springs on Highway 62, Yucca Valley residents enjoy a climate and quality of life that is nearly impossible to match.

retire in Central CoastCentral Coast, California - The community of Los Osos/Baywood Park is nestled along the Southern tidal estuary of Morro Bay, on the smog-free coast of Central California.

retire in Healdsburg  - Sonoma County Wine CountryHealdsburg - Sonoma County Wine Country, California - Healdsburg - Sonoma County, CA is a wine country town of 11,000 +/- people deep agricultural roots and small town values. Main industries, grape growing, wine making and tourism. Healdsburg is surrounded by several of Northern California's finest regional wine appellations, including Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley.

retire in Santa Clarita ValleySanta Clarita Valley, California - Located in north Los Angeles County , Santa Clarita offers the ideal California experience. Santa Clarita also boasts abundant sunshine, a unique blend of upscale sophistication and small town charm, historic elements. These characteristics and more make Santa Clarita a must see destination when visiting Southern California.

retire in Yolo CountyYolo County, California - Yolo County is tucked-away between Lake Tahoe and San Francisco, but it is a world apart.

retire in MurrietaMurrieta, California - When Murrieta officially became a city on July 1, 1991, it was already home to more than 24,000 residents. Compare that to the 2,200 estimated to have been living here in 1980. By 2005, more than 85,000 people had moved to the community, making it one of the five largest in Riverside County.

retire in Kern River ValleyKern River Valley, California - The Kern River Valley is still California's best kept secret, as it represents one of the finest areas for recreation, relaxation and abounding beauty. It is nestled in the majestic Southern Sierra Nevada mountain range, just hours from the hub-bub of city living, and is waiting for you to enjoy all it has to offer.

retire in QuincyQuincy, California - Quincy is a great place to retire because of it's beauty and slow pace. With only 2 stop lights, traffic is not an issue. Being a small town of 5500 their is a strong sense of community.

retire in Hemet /San Jacinto ValleyHemet /San Jacinto Valley, California - The San Jacinto Valley is located in south western Riverside County, in Southern California. The valley is located at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains in the east and Santa Rosa Hills to the south with the San Gorgonio Pass to the north. It is home to two cities; San Jacinto and Hemet.

retire in SacramentoSacramento, California - Orangevale is the only Town in Sacramento County with plenty of History. Orangevale is made up of primarily residential areas and local mom and pop shops. Orangevale is a great place for retirement if you are looking for country in the city! Orangevale has great schools and plenty of diverse places to worship. Nestled in between four cities, Orangevale has a profound township of pride.

retire in LodiLodi, California - We are a small city of about 65,000 people in the Central Valley of California. A very agricultural area for sure, we are the largest most prolific grape growing region in the state and grow more winegrapes than Napa and Sonoma combined.

retire in NipomoNipomo, California - Nipomo, founded in 1882, is the southernmost community in San Luis Obispo County. Its name is derived from the Chumash Indian word “Nepomah”, meaning “the foot of the hills”.

retire in Yosemite AreaYosemite Area, California - WE LIKE IT HERE! Residents of Eastern Madera County are among the fortunate Americans who have found that life still can be lived on a human scale. One glance at the snow-capped Sierras, the pines, poppies, deer, foxes and beavers who share our lives tells you all you need to know about our quality of life.

retire in East Contra Costa CountyEast Contra Costa County, California - Antioch is one of the oldest Cities in our county, established in the 1850s.

retire in Sonoma Valley Wine CountrySonoma Valley Wine Country, California - Sonoma Valley, in California's famous wine country, is the perfect place to retire. With 17 miles of rolling hills, vineyards, quaint shops, spas and countless parks, Sonoma Valley offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of life.

retire in San Anselmo, Bay AreaSan Anselmo, Bay Area, California - San Anselmo sits about 18 miles from San Francisco. The Mediterranean climate is envied throughout the nation. San Anselmo’s business community is walkable and includes boutiques, grocery stores, and award-winning dining. The schools are exemplary and the town is one of the safest places to live for all ages.

retire in Coachella ValleyCoachella Valley, California - These are a collection of communities in the southern California desert on both sides of I-10 Freeway on the east side of the San Jacinto Mountains east of Los Angeles County and northeast of San Diego County. Famous for healing hot waters from former geysers which still are active enough to develop Spas.

retire in Alpine CountyAlpine County, California - Alpine County, California Major communities - Markleeville, Woodfords, Bear Valley, Kirkwood Under 1,200 residents Recreation, tourism Museum, Hot Springs General Store Restaurants - Motel Ski Areas

retire in High SierraHigh Sierra, California - Welcome to a place with enough around-the-clock activities to keep you playing all day on the shore of the largest alpine lake in North America. It's clear water surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada. Jaw-dropping vistas, stately groves of pines, and gorgeous sunsets await. When it comes to wild life, we've got both kinds.

retire in SaratogaSaratoga, California - Great Wine, Weather and Community.


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