The Golden State, with its mountains, beaches, deserts, palm trees, national parks, and sunny weather, attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. Many dream of making California their home, and quite a few do just that. Retirees from all over the U.S., lured by the state’s natural beauty and lifestyle, seek their long-term homes here.
While California has much to offer, there are many factors to consider when planning for the future. The state’s cost of living is higher than the national average, and housing is relatively expensive, especially in the coastal and most desirable areas. Taxes are another consideration, as income, property, and sales taxes vary by state and city. The not-so-great news is that California is deemed one of the least tax-friendly states for retirees. That said, many plan accordingly and still head west to find homes in cities and towns that meet their financial needs.
Taking into account cost, environment, location, lifestyle, services, health care, and more — plus tapping local real estate experts to provide insight — we've come up with a list of the best places to retire in California. As always, “best” is in the eye of the beholder, but we selected a few lower-cost options and some highly rated, pricey spots.
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Greater Palm Springs
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“The Coachella Valley consists of nine incorporated cities, from Palm Springs in the west to Coachella in the east. And there’s something for everyone in our year-round outdoor playground — biking, hiking, golf, swimming, world-class spas, and music festivals,” says RoseAnne Foxx, CRS, realtor at Bennion Deville Homes in Palm Desert. “The desert is seeing growth, with eight top-tier over-55 communities and the newest construction, Cotino, in Rancho Mirage. The area’s median price for a 1,900-square-foot home as of October 2023 was approximately $580,000. For luxury homes in the top 15 country clubs, the median resale price was about $3,800,000 for a 4,500-square-foot home.”
About 125 miles east of Los Angeles, the area offers a wide range of home prices and lifestyles, including single-family abodes, condos, apartments, adult communities, and country clubs. Palm Springs International Airport serves major cities with convenient flights, and there’s shopping, entertainment, museums, and outdoor activities to be enjoyed. The cost of living is about 31 percent higher than the national average. And excellent health care facilities are widely available in the desert cities.
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Oxnard
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Located in Ventura County, about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles International Airport,Oxnard offers miles of beaches, strawberry farms, and historic architecture dating to the late 1800s. Its harbor is the gateway to Channel Islands National Park, and the ocean provides opportunities for kayaking, surfing, boating, and seasonal whale-watching tours. Health care access is excellent, and while the cost of living is about 54 percent higher than the national average, affordable houses are available.
“Oxnard offers retirees the perfect blend of coastal serenity and vibrant community life. With its temperate climate, picturesque beaches, and rich cultural scene, Oxnard provides an ideal setting for a fulfilling retirement experience,” says Arturo Hernandez of Re/Max Gold Coast. “Oxnard’s real estate market is not only appealing, but it’s also accessible for retirees seeking an affordable haven. Entry-level homes and condos typically start in the $350,000 to $600,000 range, allowing retirees to embrace coastal living without compromising their budget.”
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Paso Robles
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About halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Paso Robles is home to world-class wineries, lakes, hot springs, and stunning views of rolling hills and vineyards. The walkable downtown offers shops, restaurants, wine-tasting rooms, breweries, historic buildings, and a park. Retirees can enjoy numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including Summer Concerts in the Park. The median home price in October 2023 was $715,000, according to Redfin.
“Paso Robles, with its mild climate, cultural richness, and scenic beauty, stands out as a top-notch destination for retirees seeking a fulfilling and tranquil retirement,” says Liz Lee of Heart to Heart Real Estate. “Whether indulging in wine tastings, exploring the outdoors, or immersing themselves in the local culture, retirees can find a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement in this Central Coast gem.” There are numerous 55+ communities that serve seniors with a budget. They include the River Walk Terrace Apartments, a brand-new 79-unit rental complex for low- to medium-income occupants, as well as The Vintage at River Oaks, where homes typically sell from the mid-$700,000s to the $900,000s, and many other neighborhoods with price points in between.”
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Torrance
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Located in Los Angeles County, about 12 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport, Torrance borders the Pacific Ocean with a pier and white-sand beach. Shopping, entertainment, a local theater, parks, and excellent schools attract families and retirees to the city’s homes, apartments, condos, and adult communities. Torrance was also ranked among the 10 best cities to retire in America, as well as one of the healthiest places to live in the country, according to Niche.com. Plus, two major hospitals provide excellent access to health care.
Chris Teer of Vista Sotheby’s International Realty tells Travel + Leisure, “Torrance is a great place to retire, as it was rated one of the healthiest cities in all of California. Residents can take advantage of the amazing year-round weather by enjoying the local beach and nearby hiking trails. There are countless ways to stay active and live stress-free in Torrance.” According to Teer, the median home price is $1.1 million.
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Lakeport
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“I always call Lake County California’s best-kept secret,” says Mara Eichelmann of Engel & Völkers real estate company. “We’re on the state’s largest natural lake with some of the best air quality in the country. A popular and quaint area of Lake County, Kelseyville is like an early American small town, with communities that are home to many retirees. One of my favorites is Buckingham, where there are beautiful homes on the lake, oak-studded walk streets, and friendly people.” Lake County was also named one of the most affordable places to live in California by Kiplinger.
Located about 125 miles northwest of Sacramento, the city of Lakeport, meanwhile, offers outdoor activities like boating, swimming, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and a variety of community events for retirees who enjoy a small-town lifestyle. Once considered part of Napa Valley before Prohibition, Lake County is home to several wineries. According to Redfin, the median home price in October 2023 was $339,000, and the cost of living and health care availability are close to thenational average.
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Carmel-by-the-Sea
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This lovely coastal town in Monterey County boasts parks, beaches, restaurants, shops, art galleries, and an ambience that makes it a favorite among visitors. It also tops Niche.com's list of best places to retire in California in 2023. The cost of living here is about 52 percent higher than the national average, and health care availability is excellent. According to Redfin, the median home price in October 2023 was $2.3 million.
“Carmel-by-the-Sea is a perfect place to retire,” says Juan Mancheno, a local real estate broker. “The walkable downtown has restaurants, shops, well-lit streets, and many community events to enjoy or become involved in. And hiking and walking trails, golf, parks, and the seashore offer plenty to do outdoors.”
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Bakersfield
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Less than two hours north of Los Angeles, Bakersfield offers a warm climate and outdoor activities such as boating, kayaking, fishing, and hiking, and walking trails. The cost of living is slightly below the national average, and there are several hospitals, medical facilities, and urgent care centers in the area. Amenities for seniors include museums, parks, theaters, and shopping centers. U.S. News placed Bakersfield on its list of best places to retire in California, noting its dry summers and mild winters, as well as its year-round fresh, local produce.
Bakersfield native and local realtor Marissa Aceves highly recommends her city as an ideal place to retire. “Bakersfield offers affordability, a strong sense of community, and a friendly atmosphere. The median home price is $439,000, and options include single-family homes, retirement communities, and condos.”
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Carlsbad
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Carlsbad was deemed one of the best places to live in California, according to Niche.com, The city in North San Diego County offers beaches, a charming downtown, cultural activities, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere. The outdoor lifestyle, which incudes hiking, water sports, and a walkable village, attracts retirees. Tourists are also drawn by Legoland, The Flower Fields, and nearby resorts. While the cost of living is pegged at about 55 percent higher than the national average, residents appreciate the area’s weather, natural beauty, and excellent access to health care.
TopRetirements.com reports that “Carlsbad is divided into quadrants that include different types of housing such as cottages, bungalows, and mansions overlooking the ocean, and are separated from areas where resorts and master-planned communities are located.” The National Association of Realtors reports the median sale price for a home during the third quarter of 2023 to be $978,500 in the Carlsbad area.
