Ready to try the snowbird life? Active adults looking to “migrate” South to warm up in the winter will want to keep California on their shortlist. There are plenty of warm-weather communities to consider, specifically near the Inland Empire and Palm Springs. Nearby major airlines make flying down easy, and driving is also a convenient option.
Winter in California
Winter in California is pleasant and mild, making it an attractive option for snowbirds (people who travel to warmer locations in the winter). Snowbirds flock to the beautiful Southern California beaches, family attractions such as Disneyland and Universal Studios, and exciting urban cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and Palm Springs.
In addition to having access to California’s ideal year-round climate, purchasing a winter home in the “Golden State” provides some relief in property taxes. According to SmartAsset, California’s average property tax rate is 0.71%—lower than the national average rate of 0.99%. That lower property tax rate should come as a relief to snowbirds worried about California’s high cost of living.
With so many great reasons to snowbird in California, here are the most popular areas (and 55+ communities) in California to buy a winter home.
Inland Empire Area
California’s Inland Empire, also known as San Bernardino Valley, is a popular area among active adults looking for an affordable and beautiful location. The Inland Empire is situated southeast of Los Angeles between Orange County and Palm Springs. It’s surrounded by rolling, bucolic hills and breathtaking mountain ranges.
Cities in this picturesque area include Banning, Hemet, Apple Valley, Murrieta, Corona, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ontario. Also, there are a large number of affordable 55+ communities in this area offering low-maintenance single-family, attached, and condo-style homes. Here are some of the popular 55+ communities in the Inland Empire Area:
Sun City – Menifee, CA
Below $100k – Low $1Ms
Sun City is one of the most popular 55+ communities in the Inland Empire, offering small to medium single-story homes. This sprawling community offers 4,762 attached and single-family homes with one to three bedrooms, one to two bathrooms, as well as a garage or carport. Homes for sale in this community offer snowbirds a low-maintenance, carefree lifestyle.
To help residents enjoy the practically year-round sunshine, the resort-like amenities include two outdoor pools, an outdoor amphitheater, horseshoe pits, lawn bowling, bocce ball courts, as well as tennis courts. There’s also access to hiking and biking trails as well as nearby attractions such as Diamond Valley Lake, gaming casinos, restaurants, and shopping districts.
Maravilla Estates – San Jacinto, CA
Low $400ks – High $400ks
Maravilla Estates offers potential snowbirds modestly sized, new-construction homes in an intimate 55+ community. Set in the sun-drenched city of San Jacinto, Maravilla Estates offers residents 218 single-family ranch-style homes. These home range from 1,502 to 1,652 square feet with one to two bedrooms, two bathrooms, as well as attached two-car garages.
Also, residents have access to a sparkling pool, two whirlpool spas, and a shallow wading pool for visiting grandchildren. Additional outdoor amenities include tennis courts and a chipping green.
Jess Ranch – Apple Valley, CA
Low $200ks – High $300ks
Affordable with an ideal high-desert winter climate, Jess Ranch is a large 55+ community offering single-family homes, attached townhomes, and condos. Homes in this community are perfect for snowbirds looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle. Also, residents of this gated community have access to an outdoor pool, a clubhouse, shuffleboard courts, aerobics classes, tennis courts, bocce ball courts, arts and crafts, as well as walking and biking trails.
San Diego Area
Many snowbirds want to be near a beach, where sunny skies and crashing waves melt away the memory of the snowy season. The beautiful San Diego area fits the bill, with sunny year-round weather, some of the world’s most coveted beaches, as well as a multitude of dining and shopping destinations.
As in-demand as the area is, there are still some affordable homes in the San Diego area. Here, snowbirds can enjoy a sun-drenched winter with sand between their toes. Let’s take a look at some 55+ communities in the area.
Nob Hill – Vista, CA
High $400ks – High $500ks
Snowbirds looking for an intimate 55+ community offering affordability and low-maintenance living should consider Nob Hill in sunny Vista, California. This community consists of only 80 attached homes ranging from 1,013 to 1,102 square feet with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, as well as an attached two-car garage.
Additionally, Nob Hill residents enjoy an outdoor pool, a barbecue area and patio, and miles of walking and biking paths. Nearby parks and golf courses also keep residents active outdoors as do the nearby beaches, botanical gardens, and many other popular points of interest.
Peacock Hills – Oceanside, CA
High $400ks – Low $600ks
Peacock Hills is a 55+ community with an enviable location close to the Pacific Coast. This well-established community consists of 920 attached homes ranging from 830 to over 1,300 square feet. They offer two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, as well as an attached one-car garage.
Residents of Peacock Hills enjoy the sunny days on the many walking and biking trails weaving throughout the property. Homeowners can also access the nearby El Corazon Senior Center, exclusively for adults aged 55 and better. There, residents can enjoy many onsite amenities as well as socialize with friends.
Rancho Hermosa – Oceanside, CA
Low $500ks – Low $600ks
Just north of San Diego and right near the beach lies Rancho Hermosa. This community offers snowbirds a low-maintenance, affordable lifestyle with ocean breezes and warm sunshine. Homes at Rancho Hermosa range from 827 to 1,200 square feet with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage. Nearby, the sparkling beach, popular dining options, and vibrant shopping areas keep residents busy and entertained.
