California is a dream retirement destination! It offers breathtaking landscapes, mild year-round weather, and vibrant cities that attract visitors from around the world. However, the state’s high cost of living can make it challenging for retirees looking to settle down affordably. The good news? There are plenty of affordable retirement communities in California, particularly in areas outside major metropolitan hubs. From scenic coastal towns to quiet inland retreats, budget-friendly options exist for active adults seeking an enjoyable and cost-conscious lifestyle.
Keep reading to discover our top picks for California’s most affordable active adult communities.
1. Bella Vista Park – Yountville, CA
Mid $100ks – Mid $300ks
The San Francisco Bay Area is a highly desirable place to live for active adults. Beyond the pleasant climate and gorgeous natural landscape, the region is also one of the most culturally diverse in the U.S. Residents have a plethora of opportunities for recreation and leisure to fit their tastes.
Bella Vista Park puts Bay Area living within reach for budget-conscious retirees. The community consists of manufactured homes and a community clubhouse with an outdoor pool and patio area. With only 83 homes total, Bella Vista Park residents become part of a small, tight-knit 55+ community. Here, they can foster lasting friendships and organize fun activities to enjoy with their neighbors.
2. Banning Estates – Banning, CA
High $100ks – Low $300ks
Banning is in the Inland Empire, a region east of Los Angeles set against the backdrop of the Mojave Desert. In addition to warm weather throughout the year, the Inland Empire provides access to state parks as well as the L.A. and San Diego metropolitan areas.
The area surrounding Banning exemplifies the duality of the Inland Empire. The cities of Riverside, San Bernardino, and Palm Springs are just a short drive to the west and east. At the same time, the San Bernardino National Forest and San Jacinto Mountains are to the north and south. This location puts both urban amenities and outdoor adventure within easy reach.
Banning Estates offers a luxury 55+ lifestyle at an affordable price point. The community’s amenities include a clubhouse with multipurpose rooms, a library, a bingo hall, an exercise room, and a game room with card and billiards tables. Outdoors, there’s also a heated pool and courts for shuffleboard, tennis, and pickleball.
3. Highland Springs Country Club – Cherry Valley, CA
Low $200ks – Low $400ks
Nestled in the rolling foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, the Highland Springs Country Club is a gated, 55+ community with affordable homes. The community is centered around a 9-hole golf course with a driving range and putting greens. There’s also a 7,200-square-foot clubhouse with games and exercise rooms, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and more.
The homeowners’ association (HOA) handles the common area maintenance, landscaping, and some aesthetic services. This offers residents more time to enjoy the full calendar of organized events within the community. Homes in Highland Springs Country Club start in the low $200k range, and HOA fees are relatively affordable compared to high-end golf course communities.
4. Jess Ranch – Apple Valley, CA
Low $200ks – Mid $400ks
Jess Ranch is a gated 55+ community located in the High Desert region of Southern California. This region is named for its higher elevation, which means residents get the benefits of the panoramic desert landscape with a slightly cooler climate.
Part of the affordability of this community comes from its semi-rural surroundings. Also, Jess Ranch offers a wide variety of home options. With over 2,000 single-family, condominium, and attached homes, homebuyers have more options that fit within their budget.
This is a great opportunity to downsize into an affordable, low-maintenance condo or attached home. Residents can also take advantage of the community amenities, which include a clubhouse, an outdoor pool, shuffleboard courts, and walking trails.
5. Friendly Valley – Santa Clarita, CA
Low $200ks – High $700ks
Friendly Valley is a 55+ community of over 1,200 single-family and attached homes. Thanks to 24-hour guarded entrances, residents of this community enjoy a strong peace of mind. This allows them to fully enjoy their free time–and there’s plenty of leisure to be had. The community boasts over 50 social clubs, hobby groups, classes, and organized game nights. Residents of all interests will have opportunities to mingle with their neighbors and meet new friends.
In addition to the active social calendar, the community also has plenty of amenities including a clubhouse with an exercise room, a library, game rooms, and dedicated craft studios for woodworking, sewing, and ceramics. Residents who like to stay fit and active will also enjoy the resort-style pool, the 9-hole golf course, and the areas for shuffleboard, horseshoes, and lawn bowling.
6. Sun City – Menifee, CA
Low $200ks – Mid $800ks
Sun City is one of the biggest names in active adult communities. It was the first master-planned community in Arizona in the 1960s before expanding across the country and creating the blueprint for 55+ living as it exists today. The Sun City in Menifee is one of the first communities developed as a part of Del Webb’s expansion. This California community provides affordable homes with all of the top-quality amenities Del Webb is known for.
Sun City in Menifee includes three clubhouses with a fitness center and a variety of unique facilities for games and crafts. There are also two swimming pools, sports courts, barbecue areas, and an outdoor amphitheater. Also, residents enjoy a strong sense of community, thanks to a full-time lifestyle director who keeps the social calendar full.
7. The Peninsula Regent – San Mateo, CA
Low $200ks – Mid $800ks
The Peninsula Regent offers unique affordability in the San Francisco Bay Area with a great location just 10 minutes from the Bay itself. The community is a 10-story building with just over 200 condominium homes and features full-service amenities for 55+ living with the atmosphere of a luxury resort.
These condominium homes provide nearly maintenance-free living thanks to an HOA that covers building security, concierge, transport services, and upkeep for all of the common spaces and amenities. Where most condo communities stop there, the Peninsula Regent also offers home interior and appliance maintenance as well as 24-hour housekeeping services, including trash removal.
With all of their extra free time, residents take full advantage of the amenities in the building’s 50,000-square-foot club level. It contains an indoor pool, a fitness center, social rooms, a library, and a full-service dining room and bistro with carryout options. There’s also a variety of regularly scheduled clubs, events, and social excursions.
8. Panorama Village – Hemet, CA
Mid $200ks – Mid $300ks
Panorama Village is a 55+ community consisting of just over 500 single-family homes. These budget-friendly homes are situated in a small city in the San Jacinto Valley, which gives the community a tranquil neighborhood atmosphere. Homeowners can enjoy their retirement by relaxing or taking part in the variety of social activities and clubs hosted by the community HOA.
These activities are centered in the community’s large clubhouse, which contains an exercise room, a library, a game room, a community kitchen, and an auditorium. Also, residents can stay active with outdoor amenities including a swimming pool, walking and biking trails, shuffleboard courts, and a 9-hole executive golf course with a practice green.
Panorama Village is only one mile from Downtown Hemet, providing convenient access to daily necessities, entertainment, and health care services. The Hemet Valley Medical Center is just eight minutes away. Also, when the desire to get out of the Inland Empire and explore the big city strikes, both Los Angeles and San Diego are about two hours away.
9. Desert Highlands – Desert Hot Springs, CA
Mid $200ks – High $300ks
Desert Highlands is an intimate 55+ community consisting of just 26 attached homes. This community offers homebuyers affordable desert living with beautiful mountain views, thanks to its location nestled between the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountain ranges.
Thanks to modest HOA fees, residents enjoy low-maintenance living with trash removal, landscaping, and roof and home exterior upkeep. The main feature of the community is a mineral water well, supplied by the region’s natural hot springs. This well provides soothing, heated water to the community swimming pool and whirlpool spa as well as the private whirlpool spas found in each home. There are also tennis courts where residents can enjoy a friendly pickup game with their neighbors.
Desert Hot Springs is conveniently located for retirees interested in moving near Palm Springs. It’s just minutes from the city, putting shopping, dining, and entertainment within easy reach. Active adults who enjoy the great outdoors can also visit the famous Joshua Tree National Park for access to hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and more.
10. Kern City – Bakersfield, CA
Mid $200ks – High $300ks
Kern City is another 55+ community that belongs to the Sun City family of master-planned communities. Being their second endeavor into active adult living, Kern City was to build upon the success of the flagship Sun City by providing the same high-quality amenities and experiences in a more intimate setting.
To this end, Kern City is made up of 1,024 single-family and attached homes. The community amenities include the Town Hall clubhouse. It contains an exercise room, a library, a business center, and several craft and game rooms for activities such as sewing, woodworking, cards, billiards, and more. Outside, there’s a pool and two whirlpool spas, and Kern City is also home to the Sundale Country Club. With an optional membership, the country club provides residents with access to an additional clubhouse and an 18-hole golf course. And of course, the community also hosts a full social calendar of events and activities all year round.
The location of Kern City in California’s Central Valley region contributes to the community’s affordability. Bakersfield is a mid-size city with plenty of benefits and amenities. However, it also provides a lower cost of living compared to larger cities in Southern California.
Find Your Perfect Affordable Retirement Community in California
Finding your ideal home in affordable retirement communities in California is more achievable than you might think. With plenty of budget-friendly 55+ communities offering fantastic amenities and a vibrant lifestyle, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or location to enjoy California’s scenic beauty and mild climate.
Ready to explore your options? Browse more California communities on our website or contact 55places today to find the perfect affordable 55+ community for your retirement!
