Southern California 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

38 Active Adult Communities in Southern California

From warm desert breezes to crisp blue alpine skies, from lively urban centers to quiet golfing communities by the sea, there are few places on earth so perfect for the active adults and retirees as Southern California. The shores of the Pacific Ocean enjoy a pleasant Mediterranean climate, while deeper in the desert, Palm Desert and Palm Springs offer uninterrupted sunshine year round. For those who miss having seasons, the heights of the Sierra Nevada offer the perfect amount of snow without ever once having to shovel it.

The warm, dry climate, many urban amenities, and easy access to domestic and international travel to all parts of the globe make retirement living at one of Southern California’s active adult communities a perennial favorite among retirees. With so many active retirement living options to choose from, you are certain to find one that is absolutely perfect for you.

Retirement Real Estate & Active Adult Retirement Communities

With its warm temperatures, sun-washed sands, abundance of golf courses, varied terrain and lively urban centers, Southern California is one of the most popular retirement destinations for active adults. There are several dozen notable active adult retirement communities in Southern California. From intimate retreats in the desert to luxurious resorts like Laguna Woods Village in Orange County and everything in between, there is most likely a retirement community that offers the homes, amenities, location or lifestyle you desire.

Around San Diego and Oceanside, there are a variety of age-restricted retirement communities. Despite being higher priced and somewhat dated, the San Diego retirement communities are highly desirable for their proximity to the ocean and the nearby entertainment attractions.

For homebuyers who want to get more for their money, places further from the ocean like the Inland Empire and the Coachella Valley/Palm Springs area offer great active adult communities at surprisingly reasonable prices. Despite the notion that Southern California active adult communities are overpriced, many recent homebuyers have been pleased to learn that a two bedroom, two bath single family home in an active retirement community is attainable for the mid to high $100s.

Perennial favorites among active adults include communities such as Sun City Palm Desert, Sun Lakes Country Club, The Colony and Ocean Hills Country Club. In the last 10 years a number of highly attractive new construction active adult retirement communities have sprung up in Southern California. Sun City Shadow Hills, Four Seasons at Beaumont, Trilogy at La Quinta and Solera at Oak Valley Greens have attracted retirees with their newer amenities and newly built homes.

Nearly all of Southern Californias active adult communities are either in a major urbanized area or within an hours drive of big city amenities. Before deciding on an active adult community in Southern California, it is advisable to identify personal needs and wishes such as type of dwelling, willingness to commute, and desired nearby amenities.

Climate & Geography

Although Southern California has a wide range of climates, winter temperatures are generally mild, with temperatures rarely dipping below freezing, while summers are often hot. Most SoCal coastal areas have a Mediterranean climate, with rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Areas closer to the ocean vary less in temperature than areas further away, with the cool California Current helping to moderate temperatures. Along the west side of the Sierra Nevada and in the Tehachapi mountains, summer temperatures stay in the mid 70s, while winter daytime temperatures average in the 60s. Higher altitudes in the Sierra Nevada are snowier and much colder, with even summer temperatures averaging as low as 42 degrees.

The east side of the coastal mountain ranges is much hotter and drier than areas closer to the coast or higher in the mountains. Summer daytime temperatures in the Mojave Desert and even in the San Joaquin Valley often exceed 100 degrees. During temperature inversions, air quality is a concern in San Bernardino and the Inland Empire. The autumn Santa Ana winds which sweep through this area all the way to the Pacific Ocean are extremely hot and dry, but they do clean out the air.

Recreation, Social & Culture

Southern California is an ideal destination for retirees who want an active lifestyle. Whether your passions include sports and outdoor recreation or proximity to social and culture venues, there is something for everyone. Los Angeles is a cultural, entertainment, and sports mecca. In cities such as San Luis and San Diego, outdoor markets and shopping complexes abound. The deep canyons and hills of San Diego also create many pockets of natural parkland and microclimates, so that a cool escape during sweltering summer heat is always close at hand.

Protected natural areas in the Sierra Nevada and along the coastline offer a quiet escape for hiking and birdwatching; while other naturally air-conditioned active adult communities around the Sierra Nevada are designed around golf courses and other recreational amenities. Serious golfers can enjoy some of the finest golf in the world on any of the 100 plus courses around the Palm Springs area.

Southern California is one of the few places in the entire country where it is possible to ski on fresh snow in the morning, then drive an hour to enjoy a round of golf in shirt sleeves in the afternoon. Beach lovers can enjoy miles of white sand beaches ideal for swimming, surfing or simply relaxing.

Despite its overall diversity, different regions of Southern California will suit certain lifestyles better than others. It is a good idea to research and visit before committing to a move.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in Southern California is higher than the national average, driven by the cost of housing, taxes and utilities. However, with the recent correction in the housing market, all types of real estate in age-restricted communities have become much more affordable.

Taxes in Southern California vary considerably based on income level and property level, as well as by city and county. There are 6 state tax brackets, with the lowest being 1 percent and the highest 9.3 percent. Social security benefits are exempt but pensions are not. The state tax rate is 7.25 percent, to which some counties and cities add their own taxes. Property taxes typically range from 1 to 1.3 percent of the homes value. Because property taxes are calculated based on the homes fair market value at the time of purchase and is not affected by any rise in real property values, now is an excellent time to consider a move to one of Southern California’s active retirement communities. Southern California has no estate, inheritance, or gift tax. Complete up to date information can be obtained at the California tax website.

Healthcare & Education

The quality of life Southern California residents enjoy is among the best in the United States. The geography and climate of Southern California promote a healthy and active lifestyle which can be as slow or fast-paced as you prefer. Many Southern California retirement communities are situated so as to be close to spectacular natural scenery and retreats without compromising proximity to urban amenities. The high level of urbanization and sophisticated traffic network mean that high quality health care is never far away.

Continuing education is easy to find in Southern California. In addition to the 5 regional campuses of the University of California and 10 regional campuses of California State University, Southern California is filled with public and private colleges. Most urban centers offer dozens of options for postsecondary education within an hours commute.