California 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities
California is one of the most popular retirement states in the country. With a climate that is diverse as the people, California has long been a favorite among retirees. The list of 55+ communities is a smorgasbord of options with almost every type of climate and lifestyle options imaginable. For retirees seeking 55+ communities in California, the list of best places to retire in California is quite extensive.
California is one of the most popular retirement states in the country. With a climate that is diverse as the people, California has long been a favorite among retirees. The list of 55+ communities is a smorgasbord of options with almost every type of climate and lifestyle options imaginable. For retirees seeking 55+ communities in California, the list of best places to retire in California is quite extensive.
There are more than 80 active adult 55+ communities in California that offer amenity-filled clubhouses, golf courses and organized social activities. Additionally, there are smaller scale 55+ communities in California that offer low-maintenance adult living without the amenities and lifestyle options. Many of the best places to retire in California are very affordable despite what many people believe.
California Climate & Geography
California’s climate varies widely, from the Mediterranean-like retirement communities in San Diego to the temperate climate communities in Northern California. California’s climate is typically warm with dry summers and mild, wet winters. Farther inland, summers are hot and dry, and at higher altitude the weather is more typical of a four-season cycle with cold, snowy winters. Retirees in California can choose from Pacific coastal warm beaches to the snowy, cool areas of the Sierra Nevadas.
California is bigger than 85 of the smallest nations in the world. San Diego and Los Angeles are the largest cities in the state by population. Los Angeles is rated as the fourth biggest economy in the country.
California is also home to the largest county in the entire United States: San Bernardino County.
Recreation, Culture & Entertainment in California
California has a reputation as a haven for people with imaginative minds, and this shows in its multifaceted cultural offerings. The state is home to many famous cultural institutions and national parks. California is home to many well known colleges, including University of California campuses, Pepperdine University, Stanford University, and the University of Southern California.
California is referred to as the “Golden State”. Popular attractions include Hollywood, Disneyland, Yosemite National Park, Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge. California is home to many huge events such as music festivals, the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the largest three-day rodeo.
California has the largest economy in the United States and leads it in agricultural production. The state is also known for film production, food processing, petroleum, computers and computer software, tourism, and aerospace.
California Cost of Living & Taxes
The cost of living in California varies significantly by region but in general, it is relatively high compared to other states. The cost of living tends to be higher in areas that are closer to the Pacific Ocean. The Inland Empire Area of the state is a little less expensive though. However, housing, gas, and consumer goods typically tend to be priced higher than most other states in the country. California also has a higher minimum wage than most states.
California is a high tax state with some of the highest sales, personal income, and corporate taxes in the nation. There is a 7.5 percent sales tax, 13.3 percent individual income tax, 8.84 percent corporate income tax, and $1,426 property tax per capita.
Healthcare in California
California was the first state in the nation to enact legislation creating a healthy benefit exchange under federal health care reform. In 2014, most Californians will be required to have health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. The health plan choices offered by Covered California are as good as you can get in any marketplace, even if you are not eligible for a subsidy. California's 55+ residents love that the state is home to nearly 430 hospitals, 17 of which are nationally ranked.
Communities Near California
- California (203)
- Bakersfield Area (6)
- Bay Area (40)
- Central Coast (10)
- Inland Empire Area (34)
- Los Angeles Area (9)
- Orange County Area (18)
- Palm Springs Area (16)
- Sacramento Area (22)
- San Diego Area (27)
Ovation at Flora Park
- Mid $700ks - Mid $1Ms
- 244 Homes (1 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 2018 - 2020
- No Reviews
Travata
- Mid $800ks - High $1Ms
- 243 Homes
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 2017 - 2021
- No Reviews
Rancho de Napa
- High $200ks - Low $500ks
- 235 Homes (5 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1971 - 2004
- No Reviews
Rancho Monserate Country Club
- Mid $300ks - Low $500ks
- 232 Homes (5 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- New And Resale Homes
- 1970 - Present
- No Reviews
Enclave at Mission Falls
- High $800ks - Mid $2Ms
- 231 Homes
- 55+ Age Restriction
- New Homes Only
- 2019 - Present
- No Reviews
Esperanza
- Mid $600ks - Mid $800ks
- 229 Homes (3 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- New And Resale Homes
- 2019 - Present
- No Reviews
El Grande Estates
- Mid $200ks - Mid $300ks
- 229 Homes (2 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1976 - 1981
- No Reviews
Pacifica
- High $500ks - Low $700ks
- 223 Homes
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1974 - 1980
- No Reviews
Diamond Grove
- Low $500ks - Mid $600ks
- 220 Homes (3 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1997 - 2000
- No Reviews
Maravilla Estates
- High $200ks - Low $400ks
- 218 Homes (2 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 2015 - 2020
- 3 reviews
Traditions at River Oaks
- High $500ks - Low $900ks
- 208 Homes (1 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1999 - 2016
- No Reviews
The Peninsula Regent
- Low $400ks - Low $1Ms
- 207 Homes (22 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1988 - 1988
- No Reviews
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- High $400ks - Low $500ks
- 202 Homes (4 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- New And Resale Homes
- 2017 - Present
- No Reviews
Pilgrim Creek Estates
- High $400ks - Mid $600ks
- 202 Homes (1 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1978 - 1990
- No Reviews
Foster Square
- Low $1Ms - High $1Ms
- 200 Homes
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 2016 - 2020
- No Reviews
Banning Estates
- High $200ks - Low $300ks
- 199 Homes (1 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1980 - 2003
- No Reviews
Auberge at Del Sur
- Low $1Ms - High $1Ms
- 196 Homes
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 2016 - 2017
- 2 reviews
Breakwater Village
- High $400ks - Mid $600ks
- 191 Homes
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 2007 - 2009
- No Reviews
Monarch Summit II
- Low $1Ms - High $1Ms
- 190 Homes
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1973 - 2018
- 1 reviews
Colony Cove
- Mid $800ks - Low $1Ms
- 183 Homes (1 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1964 - 1966
- 1 reviews
San Juan Hills
- Low $700ks - High $800ks
- 182 Homes (3 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1964 - 1978
- 1 reviews
Destinations at Vineyard Point
- High $300ks - Low $500ks
- 177 Homes (1 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 2011 - 2015
- 1 reviews
Rancho Hermosa
- Low $400ks - Mid $500ks
- 176 Homes (2 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1983 - 1984
- No Reviews
Heritage Vineyard Creek
- High $400ks - Mid $600ks
- 171 Homes
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 2017 - 2021
- No Reviews
Las Brisas Pacificas
- Low $500ks - Mid $700ks
- 169 Homes (1 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1988 - 1990
- No Reviews
Wyndham Rose
- Mid $200ks - High $300ks
- 168 Homes (3 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1994 - 2003
- No Reviews
Twin Oaks
- High $600ks - High $800ks
- 168 Homes (1 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- New Homes Only
- 2019 - Present
- 2 reviews
Indian Hill
- Mid $700ks - Low $1Ms
- 163 Homes (3 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1970 - 1990
- No Reviews
Avenida Palm Desert
- 2100s - 3400s
- 161 Homes
- 55+ Age Restriction
- New Homes Only
- Completed 2020
- No Reviews