California’s beaches, mountains, deserts, and vineyards attract hundreds of millions of visitors each year, leading many vacationers to dream of spending their golden years in the Golden State. From major cities to small towns, oceanfront townhouses to mountain cabins, California offers a wide variety of places to live.
While California’s high housing costs are generally known, “sticker shock” is often the first reaction among home buyers. In addition, California’s overall cost of living is the second highest in the nation (after Hawaii), and the state is in the top three most expensive for housing, utilities, transportation, groceries, and health care. Still, many retirees who have the financial resources want to make their homes in California and are able to achieve their goal by researching places to live, finding an affordable location, and managing their expenses. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, California’s population of 39,431,263 includes 16.5 percent of residents over age 65.
California does not tax Social Security, but there is a state income tax on earning, pensions, and capital gains. Financial advisor Lawrence E. Smith of Centaurus Financial Inc. commented that most retirees will need income in addition to Social Security and pensions. He emphasizes the importance of building assets while working to provide a steady income after retirement and says, “Structure yourself so that no matter what happens, you’ll have the income you need.”
Several organizations have researched California’s best cities for retirees, considering housing, health care, and overall cost of living as well as activities and lifestyle. Retireable.com points out that California’s diverse landscape offers affordable options and listed 15 Best Places to Retire in California in 2025. Retirement Living compared home prices, rents, sales tax, poverty rate, and percentage of population over age 65 to come up with their recommendations for the Best Cities to Retire in California.
Based on this data along with input from local real estate experts and my experience of living in California for nearly 50 years, I selected these cities as the Best Places to Retire in California.
Roseville
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This city, located about 17 miles northeast of Sacramento, topped the list of Retirement Living’s Best Places to Retire in California. The survey states a median home price of $635,000, consistent with the estimate by Niche of $630,600. Noting that the city offers “a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks,” Niche gives Roseville an overall grade of A-. Roseville also received high marks on AARP’s Livability Index, with above average scores in Health and Neighborhood Access. Nearly 20 percent of residents are over the age of 65, so retirees will find abundant senior services and community resources.
“Roseville provides strong healthcare access with Sutter, Kaiser, and other convenient medical facilities,” according to Alice Tompkins of House Real Estate. “There are many 55-plus communities, and Sun City alone has several developments with resort-style living, golf, clubhouse, and activities. I just placed a client in Sun City for around $500,000, and she is delighted with living there.” Tomkins estimates the median home price is in the low to mid $600,000s, and commented that retirees also have options in more age-diverse neighborhoods if that’s their preference.
“We have the four seasons here, which I think is a plus for many retirees,” Tomkins said. “There are regional parks, golf courses, walking and biking trails, farmers markets, and lots of community events.” Historic Old Town Roseville boasts local shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. In Old Town, the Vernon Street Town Square is the place for local festivals, concerts, and seasonal celebrations. The annual Placer County Fair is held at Roseville Fairgrounds where there are year-round events and performances.
Fairfield
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Located about 45 miles from both San Francisco and Sacramento, Fairfield offers farmland, vineyards, forests, and rolling hills. “Bordering the world-famous Napa Valley, a ferry ride away from San Francisco, and near three international airports, Fairfield is bountiful with leisure opportunities,” Broker/Realtor Nadia Dumas of Dumas Real Estate tells T+L. “Even Lake Tahoe’s snow-covered peaks and the Pacific breezes of the Monterey Peninsula are easy options for a weekend getaway.”
According to Dumas, “Fairfield ranks as one of the most affordable Bay Area Cities for homes. The median home price is $624,000, about half the price in most other Bay Area counties. Housing choices are diverse, from executive housing in gated communities to smaller town homes.” Niche gives Fairfield an overall grade of B- and indicates the median home value as $592,600. Fairfield received an AARP Livability Index of 53 percent, above the national average.
Dumas also mentioned Fairfield’s moderate weather, short winters, diverse demographics, and community activities. “Quaint local wineries host food truck and music events as residents mingle with vintners among magnificent views of oak-studded hills and vineyards.” She added that “medical care is plentiful and includes David Grant Medical Center, making Fairfield a popular retirement spot for military personnel.” (Fairfield is home to Travis Air Force Base.)
Oceanside
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Real Estate Broker Liz Saldana, an Oceanside resident for nearly 25 years, has been a realtor there for two decades. “Oceanside is a great place to call home, blending the beauty of coastal living with everyday ease,” she told T+L. “Walkable beaches, year-round recreational activities, and a vibrant calendar of community events make the lifestyle both active and relaxed. Add in some of Southern California’s most enjoyable weather, and you get true coastal living, without the premium price tag or traffic of many nearby beach cities.”
This northern San Diego County city was second on Retirement Living’s list of Best Places to Retire in California, with a median home sale price of $850,500. Niche indicates a median home value of $702,000 and gives an overall grade of B. Retirement Living noted that 20 percent of Oceanside’s residents are over age 65, and Saldana says, “Retirees are especially drawn to Oceanside for its variety of 55+ communities, from gated golf course neighborhoods to low-maintenance attached homes.” AARP gives Oceanside a 51 percent Livability Index with strong marks for neighborhood access to parks, libraries, and grocery stores.
Active retirees will enjoy the beaches, golf courses, fishing pier, and parks. Residents have a walkable downtown, public art, historic buildings, and restaurants. Entertainment is convenient with downtown theaters and the annual Oceanside International Film Festival. The Oceanside Museum of Art offers a variety of events and special exhibitions, and the California Surf Museum explores the popular sport. Nearby Legoland, Disneyland, and San Diego Zoo will keep visiting grandchildren happy for days.
Pasadena
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Well known for the New Year’s Day Rose Parade, Pasadena is located in the San Gabriel Valley about 11 miles northeast of downtown L.A.. The annual event is said to attract newcomers from cold climates who watch the parade as it’s bathed in sunshine with a backdrop of snow-covered mountains. AARP gives Pasadena a Livability Index of 54, placing it in the top 50 percent of U.S. communities. Pasadena receives a grade of A from Niche, with a median home value of $1,045,000.
Real estate professional Brigham Yen specializes in the area and spoke enthusiastically about all that Pasadena has to offer. “Pasadena is a place where retirees can remain active and take advantage of many cultural and entertainment opportunities. There’s the Norton Simon Museum, the Huntington, and the USC Pacific Asia Museum as well as the Pasadena Symphony and events at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and Pasadena Playhouse,” according to Yen. “Our residents can find much to do conveniently near home. Pasadena is a walkable city, with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, so residents can get their steps in while browsing, shopping, or enjoying coffee. It’s becoming even more walkable with new stores and dining spots being added.”
Pasadena is a historic city with several National Historic Landmark buildings, and its Old Pasadena area offers guided and self-guided walking tours. “Pasadena is home to Vroman’s Bookstore, Southern California’s largest and oldest bookstore, dating to 1894, as well as Canterbury Records, L.A.’s oldest record shop, and the legendary Ice House Comedy Club” Yen said. “Pasadena is a place filled with culture, history, and beautiful surroundings.”
Modesto
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On Retirement Living’s list of 20 of California’s best cities for retirees, Modesto is noted as the most affordable, with a median home sale price of $457,500. Niche states a median home value of $415,600. Located in California’s central valley, Modesto is mainly an agricultural area. Stunning pink and white almond blossoms from mid-February to mid-March attract visitors who “cruise” through miles of flowering orchards. Summer brings farmers markets, delicious stone fruits like peaches and pluots, and small town style events.
According to Ben Balsbaugh of PMZ Real Estate, Modesto’s median home price is in the $450,000 range with both single-family and multi-family options available. “We also have plenty of senior living options,” Balsbaugh told T+L. “One of the big reasons people like Modesto for retirement is that it’s more affordable than most of California. It’s still higher than the national average, but compared to the rest of the state, it’s very reasonable, especially if you’re on a fixed income.” He added that the weather is also a plus. “Yes, it can get quite warm in the summer, but overall the weather is pretty mild in Modesto.”
Retirees can enjoy live entertainment at four downtown venues including The Gallo Center for the Arts where the Modesto Symphony Orchestra performs. They can stroll among Modesto’s vibrant street art, spend time in more than 70 public parks, or explore Dos Rios State Park, California’s first new state park in nearly a decade. The 1973 coming-of-age comedy/drama American Graffiti was set in 1962 Modesto, and each summer, events celebrating the film include car shows, sing-alongs, concerts, and more.
Richmond
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Across San Francisco Bay about 16 miles northeast of San Francisco, Richmond offers pleasant weather from coastal breezes to the warmer hills, with 32 miles of shoreline. Conveniently located about a half hour from San Francisco and 20 minutes from Oakland, it’s a small town feel with a historic center, according to realtor Marco Rodriguez of Genesis Real Estate.
“There’s a historic part of Richmond with coffee shops, retailers, restaurants, and a wide variety of cuisines,” Rodriguez told T+L. “With a median price of about $550,000, homes are affordable, especially compared to nearby bigger cities. We have parks, a marina, hiking and biking trails, and a lot to do outdoors. There’s plenty of shopping, and Richmond has a Costco”. Rodriguez pointed out that Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center is a major local healthcare provider.
Retirement Living calls Richmond one of the best places to retire in California and notes a median home sale price of $569,500, with a median rent price of $1,814. Niche gives Richmond an overall grade of B- with high marks for diversity and nightlife. AARP grades Richmond at 59 percent Livability Index, mentioning the city’s cultural opportunities and neighborhood access.
Vacaville
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Realtor Dominic Santoni was born and raised in Vacaville surrounded by family who also live in the city. “Vacaville is a small town that is conveniently connected to big cities,” Santoni said. “San Francisco is about 45 miles away, and Sacramento is just about 30 miles from here. Lake Tahoe is not far either. We like to say that you can have the beach or the snow within two hours.” Downtown Vacaville features walkable streets, a year-round farmers market, ice skating rink, library, shops, and a theater. “Vacaville has restaurants offering any kind of food you can think of, community events, and concerts,” according to Santoni.
An active 55-plus community, Leisure Town offers more than a thousand residences, with new homes currently being added. “My grandmother lived there, so I’m very familiar with the community. They offer classes, events, and many activities for residents, with reasonable HOA fees,” said Santoni. Assisted living properties and apartment-style homes are also available in Vacaville.
Santoni estimated the median home prices at around $605,000. Niche gives Vacaville an overall grade of B, noting a median home value of $596,700 and mentioning that the area offers many parks and above average public schools. AARP’s Livability Index is 54 percent, with high ratings for healthcare access, neighborhoods, and the environment. Santoni mentioned North Bay Hospital in Vacaville for nearby medical care.
Indian Wells
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Retirees who enjoy the desert weather and environment—and who have a considerable amount to spend on a retirement home—will enjoy living in Indian Wells, the most affluent city in the Coachella Valley. Luxury homes, gated communities, and country clubs are living options in Indian Wells. “The exclusive Indian Wells zip code is prized by those seeking to surround themselves with luxury and sporty endeavors,” according to realtor RoseAnne Foxx of Bennion Deville Homes.
“The median listing price of homes is $1.49 million,” according to Foxx. “Surrounded by the majestic Santa Rosa Mountains, incredible weather with almost year-round sunshine, and no shortage of local activities, Indian Wells is a wonderful place to live.” Niche gives Indian Wells a B+ grade and notes a median home value of $1,002,200. AARP’s Livability Index is 45, giving high marks for health care availability, with several nearby major hospitals, including Eisenhower Medical Center. Housing affordability lowered the score, and environmental issues were also noted for a number of annual days with unhealthy air quality.
Local golf courses host professional tournaments, and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is home to the annual BNP Paribas Open. The Tennis Garden also features a fitness center, tennis lessons for all ages, concerts, events, and a Nobu restaurant. Also nearby, the Living Desert is a beautiful place to be outdoors, strolling among the desert landscape and animals, as well as participating in a variety of community events. The cities of Greater Palm Springs, including Indian Wells, offer convenient shopping, entertainment, dining, spas, and hiking and biking trails.
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