Most people dream about living on the beach at some point in their life. Cool ocean breezes, sunset walks on the sand, and the sound of crashing waves lulling you to sleep—it’s a paradise for many retirees.
Perhaps you’re ready to turn your dream of living by the beach into reality. In that case, we’ve got you covered with these beachside 55+ communities right in the Bay Area. You can stay close to all the fantastic offerings near San Francisco, from Michelin-starred restaurants to world-class shopping and entertainment.
Check out these five 55+ communities offering beach living in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Low $1Ms - High $1Ms
Foster Square is a 55+ condo community in Foster City, just 25 miles south of San Francisco. Known for its stellar location near beaches, lagoons, and canals, Foster City is a water lover’s playground. Residents of Foster Square enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle full of kayaking, paddle-boarding, swimming, windsurfing, and simply relaxing by the water.
Foster Square is comprised of just 200 homes, so residents of this friendly community get to know one-another and spend time together. These newer, low-maintenance condo homes are perfect for those who want luxury and space without the hassle of upkeep.
Ranging from 1,144 to 1,715 square feet, these spacious condos are offered in five distinct floor plans, with two or three bedrooms and two or two-and-a-half bathrooms. Featuring desirable open designs with large master suites, walk-in closets, expansive family rooms, gourmet kitchens, and decks, these airy units are modern and upgraded. Two covered parking spaces are assigned for each unit.
The amenities are minimal but impactful at Foster Square, with basketball and tennis courts, a scenic picnic area, a charming lake, and a pond. The community is also surrounded by walking and biking trails as well as open park space and plenty of shops and restaurants within a short distance.
Nearby Leo Ryan Park is a perfect spot for picnics and leisurely walks as well as water activities at its lagoon. Bay Beach is also not far, offering a sandy beach, small waves, and picturesque coastal scenery.
Low $900s - Mid $1Ms
Located just minutes from the beach and situated right on several bodies of water, Harbortown is a well-established community with 338 attached homes and no age restrictions. Just 20 minutes from San Francisco and 30 minutes from San Jose, residents of this luxury community enjoy proximity to everything the big city and Silicon Valley have to offer. This active adult community also boasts plenty of resort-like amenities as well as plenty of nearby outdoor recreational opportunities.
Homebuyers can expect luxury finishes and well-thought-out designs in the spacious attached homes at Harbortown. Built in 1979, these two-story homes range from 1,150 to 2,100 square feet, and offer one to three bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, and one- to two-car garages.
Along with sweeping views of sparkling water, homeowners here enjoy open-concept floor plans, chef’s kitchens, cozy fireplaces in the living room, master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets, patios, and decks. Some homes feature additional bonuses such as second-story lofts, breakfast bars, and additional guest suites.
The amenities at Harbortown leave nothing to be desired, starting with the spacious clubhouse—the heart of the community. Inside, residents gather to socialize, relax, attend gatherings, and play games in the recreation room or the multipurpose space.
Outdoors, a pool, patio, and spa welcome residents and their guests, and tennis and bocce ball courts await friendly competitors. There are also scenic lakes and ponds on the property and paved walking paths for afternoon strolls. A small homeowners’ association (HOA) fee covers all common area maintenance, ensuring residents have time to enjoy the amenities.
Low $400s - Low $1Ms
Another established San Mateo gem, The Peninsula Regent is a 55+ community built in 1988, with 207 condominiums and plenty of fun amenities. Close to beaches and other bodies of water, this in-demand community is a wonderful option for active adults seeking a smaller community in a prime location near shopping, dining, medical centers, and parks.
There are a variety of homes in different price ranges, so homebuyers can find something to fit their needs and budget. There are eight floor plans offering one to two bedrooms and one to two bathrooms. Buyers can expect master suites with walk-in closets and en-suite bathrooms, private patios, and storage spaces in each condo home.
Some homes boast appliance upgrades, additional den spaces, and views of the courtyard. Residents enjoy ample carport parking within the community. An HOA fee takes care of trash removal, appliance maintenance, building upkeep, 24-hour security, and housekeeping services.
The impressive array of amenities includes a well-equipped fitness center, a library, a multipurpose room, an on-site dining room and bistro, and an indoor pool. Sporty types will appreciate the bocce ball courts on the property, and the courtyard walking area. A standout service at The Peninsula Regent is the shuttle services and community transportation available to non-driving residents, or those who simply want a day off from driving.
Residents also enjoy a wide range of active clubs to engage in, such as a hiking club and bocce club. Homeowners look forward to the many planned holiday parties, concerts, and happy hours that are held throughout the year.
Mid $300s - High $700s
Located just 20 minutes west of San Francisco, Watergate is a sprawling 26-acre condo community with well-priced homes. This community doesn’t have age restrictions, so it welcomes residents of all ages.
The low-maintenance condos attract active adults looking for a carefree lifestyle near beaches and entertainment. Watergate offers it all, from an impressive lineup of resort-style amenities to an enviable location near shopping, fine dining, parks, and much more.
With 924 condominium units, Watergate offers low-maintenance condos ranging from 432 to 2,378 square feet. These condos are available in a wide range of floor plans and sizes, from cozy studios to spacious one and two-bedroom units with one to two bathrooms. Built from 1972 to 1978, these condos have sweeping views of San Francisco or breathtaking views of the Pacific coast.
Modern features such as open-concept floor plans, recessed lighting, custom countertops, and walk-in closets in master suites can be found in these modern condo homes. A reasonable HOA fee covers common area maintenance, landscaping, roof repair, 24-hour security, and trash removal.
Thanks to the HOA, homeowners at Watergate have more free time to enjoy the many stellar amenities, including a large clubhouse, where residents gather for special events or simply to relax and hang out. Multiple outdoor pools are situated on the property as well as racquetball and tennis courts and a fitness center.
Golf enthusiasts love the proximity to the nearby Claremont Country Club, Berkeley Country Club, and Sequoyah Golf Course. Downtown on San Pablo Avenue there is a wide selection of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Low $900s - Mid $3Ms
With 850 attached and single-family homes, Peacock Gap is a luxurious, non-age-restricted community in San Rafael. This upscale community is located next to Peacock Gap Golf Club, where residents enjoy access to world-class golfing and social events for an additional fee.
The attached homes in this community were constructed between 1961 and 2012 and have 1,346 to 3,828 square feet, two to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. The single-family homes of Peacock Gap range from 1,780 to 4,944 square feet and boast three to five bedrooms, two to five bathrooms, and attached two-car garages.
Both attached and single-family homes at Peacock Gap offer upscale finishes and modern features such as high ceilings, gourmet kitchens with stainless appliances and large pantries, fireplaces, and bonus rooms. The HOA takes care of insurance, common grounds maintenance, and landscaping.
Residents of this charming community enjoy an active and social lifestyle, thanks in part to the wonderful amenities available. At the Peacock Gap Golf Club, members and guests enjoy a spacious multipurpose room, a restaurant and bar, a comfortable lounge, and an outdoor patio and fire pit. The 18-hole championship course is challenging and fun to play, and an all-grass driving range allows players to practice their swing.
