The Best Places to Retire in California

San Jose

San Jose is one of the wealthiest cities in the world and can be a great fit if you’re looking for a luxury home in a city with lots to offer. Home to San Jose State University (the oldest public university on the West Coast), San Jose is a college town with plenty of things to see and do. With a median home price of over one million, San Jose may be out of range for many retirees’ budgets, but it remains a popular choice year after year.

Median home price: $1.4M

Population: 1M

San Francisco

San Francisco is another popular choice among retirees and is home to many Silicon Valley companies, ranging from the latest innovative startup to famous tech giants. San Francisco has famously cool summers, making it the perfect place if you’re looking to get away from the summer heat. San Francisco is also home to breathtaking fog, which is gorgeous as it covers the Golden Gate Bridge.

Median home price: $1.6M

Population: 884K

Santa Barbara

Home to some of the best scenery around, Santa Barbara is ideal for retirement. Watch Pacific Coast sunsets from the comfort of home, surrounded by beautiful architecture and lush, tropical landscaping. Home to great surfing as well as relaxing, Santa Barbara holds some of the best real estate in California and makes a perfect place for active retirees to enjoy the outdoors all year round.

Median home price: $1.7M

Population: 92K

San Diego

If you’re looking for ideal, nearly perfect weather in your retirement town, San Diego can’t be beaten. Spend your days walking the shores of the California coastline or snorkel and dive at La Jolla Cove. San Diego is also home to great healthcare, including Scripps La Jolla Hospitals and the UC San Diego Health-Jacobs Medical Center. Here are some of the best neighborhoods to live in San Diego.

Median home price: $944K

Population: 1.4M

Santa Rosa

If beautiful vineyards and scenic views surround your retirement dream, look no further than Santa Rosa. Many retirees even work part-time in Sonoma and Napa Valleys at wineries, talking with visitors about vintages and blends. Santa Rosa has some of the happiest residents around, with many people reporting a high sense of well-being and enjoying where they live.

Median home price: $698K

Population: 177K

Modesto

Situated farther inland, Modesto offers more affordable real estate than you’ll find closer to the coast. Located in California’s Central Valley, Modesto is home to rich farmlands that support cattle, milk, almonds, and more. Fun fact: Star Wars creator George Lucas wrote the film American Grafitti about growing up in Modesto, and the movie is celebrated each summer with a festival in its honor.

Median home price: $436K

Population: 218K

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* Median home prices as of February 2022.

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