Cloverdale, CA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Budget Magazine named Cloverdale as one of the coolest small towns in America, and Cloverdale 55+ communities have gained popularity. Cloverdale offers retirees a comfortable year-round climate, scenic landscapes, and many recreational opportunities in one of the Bay Area’s Wine Country cities in Northern California.

Climate & Geography

Cloverdale has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, meaning residents of Cloverdale experience hot, dry summers and mild winters. Although the region is prone to summer droughts, there is some rainfall in the winter, and the city also gets about 205 days of sun each year.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

Cloverdale's weather makes it a great location for outdoor festivals. Popular annual events include the Citrus Fair, a fiddle festival, a car and motorcycle show, weekly live music, and more. There are also a number of clubs and recreation organizations active within the city.

Other cultural attractions include the Cloverdale Arts Alliance, which is an art gallery that features paintings, ceramics, and crafts created by resident artists and their guests. The gallery also hosts workshops and classes. The Sculpture Trail features 30 large outdoor sculptures which are displayed year round. Those interested in theater can catch a show at the Cloverdale Performing Arts Center; the 99-seat theater hosts community events, comedy and drama productions, and other events, including a free series of readings and interviews from writers and speakers.

There are 156 wineries in the area, with some offering tastings and a behind-the-scenes look at the wine-making process. The Cloverdale Certified Farmers Market features produce and prepared food, ranging from carrots and strawberries to pita chips and donuts.

Just 40 miles east of Cloverdale, residents can take a day trip to Sacramento for all the opportunities that city has to offer.

Cost of Living & Taxes

California is moderately tax friendly for retirees. There is no tax for Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, though all other retirement income is taxable. Residents 65+ are able to claim an additional $118 exemption that is taken from their tax bill, and the state has an automatic Homestead Exemption for all homeowners.

Though the cost of living in Cloverdale is higher than the national average, living in the city is lower than the state index, with the main factor being the cost of housing and home at over twice the national average. The sales tax in Cloverdale is 8.25 percent.

Health Care

Residents of 55+ communities in Cloverdale have several options for their health care needs. In addition to a variety of medical care practices there are three hospitals within 25 miles of Cloverdale. Healdsburg District Hospital in Healdsburg, Sutter Lakeside Hospital in Lakeport, and Adventist Health Clear Lake is in Clearlake.