The Golden State has something for everyone, especially retirees. The iconic and beautiful State of California is home to thriving cities; it is perfect for active adults who aren’t looking to slow down during retirement and want to make the most out of their newfound freedom.
If you are in California dreaming of your retirement, NewHomeSource has identified the top 10 California cities for retirees. Now, you can finally live the life you dreamed about during all those years you worked indoors.
Top 10 Cities to Retire in California
1. Adelanto
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13%
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 5.6%
Median Home Value: $195,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 463
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 740
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 3
Who says living in California has to be expensive? Retirees looking to stretch their income love life in Adelanto, thanks to its low cost of living and affordable median home price. You can enjoy the best California has to offer, without busting your budget during your retirement.
2. Hemet
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 22.1%
Median Home Value: $196,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 344
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,882
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 9
Hemet is a charming town in the Riverside area. If you are someone who wants to retire in a pleasant climate and escape those endless winters or out of control humidity, then you’ll love making the move of a lifetime and soak up Cali’s perfect weather.
3. Victorville
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 9.3%
Median Home Value: $221,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 990
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,284
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 3
Not everyone wants to spend their retirement fighting crowds at the beach. Victorville, CA is a fantastic city near the Mojave Desert that appeals to retirees who want to stay active during their retirement and enjoy the sublime natural beauty in their daily lives.
4. Hesperia
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 10.2%
Median Home Value: $235,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 464
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,674
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 6
Hesperia is a beautiful lake town in San Bernardino County. Nature lovers will always have something to see and explore thanks to Hesperia’s unbeatable location on the edge of the Angeles National Forest. An added perk – Big Bear Lake is just a short drive away.
5. Visalia
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 11.5%
Median Home Value: $236,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 586
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 4,143
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 5
Visalia, CA is perfectly located for active adults who want to spend their golden years exploring the best that California has to offer. This Central California city is not too far from the Sierra National Forest, Inyo National Forest, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, and the Sequoia National Forest, so get your hiking boots ready!
6. Merced
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 10.1%
Median Home Value: $237,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 540
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,473
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
If you’re looking to stay active during your retirement, you should explore life in Merced. Its numerous parks allow you to easily explore Mother Nature. This surprisingly affordable college town has a welcoming environment, making it perfect for retirees who want to stay engaged and involved with their community during their golden years.
7. Fresno
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 11.1%
Median Home Value: $242,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 3,032
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 17,934
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 8
Fresno is a vibrant college town, perfect for retirees who want to live like they’re young! You can take advantage of Fresno’s fun culture, great location, and affordable median home price, especially if it’s a tiny house, and live your life to the fullest.
8. Bakersfield
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 10%
Median Home Value: $247,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 1,787
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 16,341
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 6
Bakersfield is a treasure trove of activities. Spend your days at the natural history and art museums, take a walk in one of the multiple parks, or visit the Kern River. A wealth of arts and culture await you in Bakersfield; you will always find something new to do and see in this colorful, lively city.
9. San Bernadino
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 9%
Median Home Value: $249,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 3,288
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 9,438
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 17
San Bernardino is perfectly situated for retirees who want to live in an affordable California town, while still having easy access to all the things people love about the Golden State. Since it is just a short drive from LA and the beach, you can enjoy the city, without having to actually live there. Outdoor enthusiasts will love being close to Big Bear Lake and so many amazing national forests.
10. Lancaster
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 9.8%
Median Home Value: $261,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 1,362
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 3,387
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
Lancaster is a beautiful town in Northern Los Angeles, most famous for the beautiful poppy super blooms in Antelope Valley. Surround yourself with California’s iconic scenery during your dream retirement in the truly Golden State.
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city.
Common Questions About Retiring in California
California is an excellent place to retire, but can also be expensive depending on where you are within the state.
The average yearly expenses in California are around 72 thousand, so take that in account when saving to retire in California.
California is a great place to live for anyone looking to maximize their quality of life! California’s mild and sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and exciting cultural opportunities mean you’ll always have something to do.
You can read about home closing costs in California here.
Access to Doctors is calculated by finding the number of hospitals, discounting children’s hospitals and VA hospitals within one mile of the city. NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Other California Resources
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
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