In 1972, the mayor of San Diego dubbed his adopted home “America’s Finest City,” and that nickname stuck around. More than just beautiful weather, San Diego offers an elevated quality of life with access to some of California’s best beaches and natural spaces. It also provides a thriving cultural scene, well-regarded attractions, and an environment that encourages healthy, active lifestyles.
If you’re considering buying a home in this city, here’s why San Diego is an attractive retirement destination!
Cost of Living and Retirement Costs
Due to its pleasant weather, beautiful landscape, and diverse economic opportunities, California is a highly desirable place to live. However, this desirability comes with a price. California has the second highest cost of living in the U.S. (after Hawaii). Also, the cost of living in San Diego is on the higher end for California, but it ranks lower than other major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Housing and Transportation Costs
The overall cost of living in San Diego is nearly 50% higher than the national average. However, it’s only about 3% above the average for the state. The primary factor is the high cost of housing. The median cost of a home in San Diego is $800k-$900k, though in some neighborhoods the average cost can be as low as $600k. Transportation costs are the second largest contributor to the high cost of living. Most residents need to own a car, so the cost of fuel, parking, and vehicle maintenance adds up over time. Other costs like groceries and utilities are closer to the national average.
California Taxes
California is not the most tax-friendly state for retirees. Although Social Security benefits are fully exempt from income tax in California, there are no exceptions for any other forms of retirement income. This includes withdrawals from retirement savings accounts and all private and government pensions. The state does offer retirees over 65 double the standard exemption, which can provide some income tax relief. There’s also a homeowners exemption on property taxes that reduces the taxable value of an owner-occupied home. Additionally, California doesn’t have an estate or inheritance tax, which will protect any property or investments.
Climate and Weather
Southern California has a famously mild climate and predictable weather. Affectionately nicknamed “Sunny San Diego,” the city is no exception.
The Mediterranean climate in San Diego means the weather stays fairly consistent year-round, with warm, dry summers and mild winters. On average, the temperature stays around 70 degrees with peaks in the high 70s during the summer. The winner sees lows in the 60s, though it can dip into the 40s at night. Since the city rarely sees temperatures below freezing, there’s almost no snow or ice, except for some areas further inland.
Despite not experiencing traditional seasons, there are some common weather patterns throughout the year. Due to marine layer clouds, early mornings in the spring can be cloudy or foggy until the afternoon. Residents refer to this as “May gray” or “June gloom.” In the late summer and fall, the Santa Ana winds can blow hot air from the east causing occasional temperature spikes. The most precipitation occurs between December and March, bringing the yearly average of 12 inches of rain.
Outdoor Recreation
The favorable climate makes San Diego a haven for active adults who want to get outside and enjoy nature. There are over 30 beaches and thousands of acres of shoreline parks. These parks provide opportunities for everything from lounging in the sand to kayaking, surfing, and yachting.
For those who prefer to spend their time on land, there are plenty of other great parks to visit. Torrey Pines State Park is one of the most popular nature reserves in the area for activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and guided nature tours. Also, Balboa Park provides visitors with biking and walking trails, botanical gardens, and public facilities for sports like tennis, basketball, and more.
Culture and Entertainment
Although living in a city is more expensive, there’s easy access to entertainment options and cultural attractions. Active adults who like to go out on the town will find plenty to do in “America’s Finest City.”
Noteworthy Cusine
Because the city sits beside the Pacific Ocean, seafood lovers can always enjoy the catch of the day. San Diego is also just 17 miles from the border of Mexico, and its Mexican cuisine is considered some of the best in the country. For special occasions, there are five Michelin-star restaurants in San Diego as well as nine Bib Gourmand restaurants for fine eats at more casual prices.
San Diego Attractions
Perhaps the most iconic attraction in the city is the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. It’s the most visited zoo in the country with over 12,000 animals calling it home. The zoo is located in Balboa Park, which hosts 18 museums including the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Natural History Museum, as well as the Fleet Science Center. Also, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is one of the more unique attractions in the city. It features several blocks of restored historic buildings where visitors can check out shops, exhibits, and living history demonstrations that showcase the early days of life in San Diego.
For a fun night out, residents can visit the Gaslamp Quarter. Explorebars and lounges or soak in the arts at The Observatory North Park or The Old Globe Theater. San Diego also has sports fans covered with several minor league teams and two major league sports venues. Catch the Padres at Petco Park or the Wave women’s soccer team at Snapdragon Stadium.
Healthy and Active
“America’s Finest City” consistently ranks among the healthiest cities in the U.S. It’s no wonder San Diegans want to stay fit to take advantage of all the outdoor recreation opportunities.
Fresh Food
Thanks to the favorable climate, California produces a diverse range of crops. Therefore, residents always have easy access to fresh, locally-grown produce. Restaurants in San Diego often source food from local farms and feature organic food and sustainably raised livestock. Active adults living in San Diego can shop at year-round farmers markets like the Little Italy Mercato and La Jolla Open Aire Market.
Medical Facilities
Residents also benefit from access to high-quality medical facilities. According to U.S. News, the top three hospitals in the city are UC San Diego Health-La Jolla and Hillcrest Hospitals, Scripps La Jolla Hospitals, and Sharp Memorial Hospital. They are all rated high-performing and nationally ranked in numerous specialties. Other high-performing hospitals in the area include Kaiser Permanente San Diego Zion and San Diego Medical Center, Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, and Scripps Mercy Hospital.
55+ Community Recommendations
There are over two dozen 55+ communities in the San Diego area. Here are a few located in the city for active adults to consider:
Oaks North
High $400ks – Low $1Ms
This community consists of 1,963 condos, single-family, and attached homes. The 19 floor plans range from about 1,000 to 1,900 square feet with one to three bedrooms. Also, community amenities include a clubhouse with a fitness center, meeting rooms, and hobby studios as well as outdoor sports facilities and a pool.
Seven Oaks
Low $600ks – Low $1Ms
With 1,700 attached and single-family homes, this community offers 7 floor plans ranging from 900 to 1,400 square feet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Residents also have access to a clubhouse with a fitness room and hobby studios, a library, an outdoor pool, and a courtyard.
Auberge at Del Sur
High $1Ms
This gated community is slightly smaller, with 196 homes. The 12 floor plans range from 1,200 to 3,000 square feet and feature two to four bedrooms and bathrooms. The amenities include a clubhouse with a fitness center and barbecue area. There are also 12 parks within the community and many other outdoor facilities where residents can enjoy the beautiful California weather.
Regency Villas
Low $300ks – Mid $400ks
Active adults looking to downsize can consider this community of 132 one- to two-bedroom condos, with up to 816 square feet of living space. The community also features a clubhouse with a fitness center, a billiards room, and a barbecue area.
Avante at Del Sur
Low $1Ms
This community of attached homes features newer construction, with development completed in 2021. There are 119 units, with 8 floor plans from about 1,500 to 1,800 square feet with two to three bedrooms and bathrooms. Residents can enjoy a community clubhouse as well as outdoor space with a fire pit, a barbecue area, and a gazebo.
55places Can Help You Buy a Home in San Diego
Although the cost of living is high, San Diego more than makes up for it in the quality of living it provides. Active adults will find the city is a great place to retire, with perfect year-round weather and many things to do in the city itself and the scenic surroundings. Contact 55places.com today to learn more about 55+ homes for sale in San Diego!
