The 55+ Communities of California’s Central Coast

A sunset over the golf course at Trilogy at Monarch Dunes in Nipomo, California.
In these communities, you can retire along California's Central Coast.

California’s Central Coast provides an exceptional quality of life for active adults. Located between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this area of the state offers mild weather, coastal outdoor recreation, and plenty of golf courses. The area is also home to great age-restricted communities that appeal to today’s active adults.

Here are five of the best age-restricted communities that California’s Central Coast has to offer.

Mid $700s - Mid $2Ms

Exterior view of a model home at Trilogy at Monarch Dunes in Nipomo, California.

Upon completion, Trilogy at Monarch Dunes will be home to 1,350 residences. Trilogy at Monarch Dunes is a premier community in Nipomo. While it has no age restrictions, it’s a popular option for active adults seeking a high-end community with a modern lifestyle. Development began in 2005 and is ongoing, so it offers a great selection of new and resale homes.

The 31,000-square-foot Monarch Club is the social and activity center of the community. This well-appointed facility has a state-of-the-art fitness center, a full-service spa, and a center for higher learning. There’s also an on-site restaurant for dining and socializing with neighbors. Outdoors, residents stay active with tennis courts, a swimming pool, bocce ball, and a Tai Chi garden. With a rich assortment of activities, residents can keep their minds and bodies healthy.

Low $300s - High $500s

People enjoying Avila Beach located in San Luis Obispo County in California.

For those seeking a more affordable option, Sunrise Terrace is sure to be a great fit. This intimate 55+ community has 300 single-family homes designed for low-maintenance living.

Residents stay social and active at the Hyatt Hall Clubhouse. This recreation facility has a fitness center, an indoor spa, a library, a billiards room, and more. The amenities continue outdoors with a swimming pool, a three-hole golf course and putting green, two tennis courts, bocce ball, and a horseshoe pit. Numerous walking and biking trails give residents a way to explore their community while enjoying the outdoors. There’s also an on-site dog park for socializing with fellow pet lovers.

Mid $300s - Mid $800s

People enjoying Carmel Sunset Beach at Carmel by the Sea, California.

Hacienda Carmel is favored by those seeking a smaller community in a great location. This 55+ community is ideally situated in the picturesque coastal town of Carmel by the Sea. It’s minutes from the coast and close to local shops and boutiques. With just 300 condos, Hacienda Carmel maintains a strong sense of community and a private atmosphere.

The community’s clubhouse, Casa Central, allows residents to socialize and make lasting connections. Casa Central offers game rooms, an art studio, a hair salon, a library, and a fitness center. Residents even have access to on-site medical care at the community’s doctor’s office. Outdoor amenities include a pool, gardening plots, a spacious patio, a dog park, and more.

Low $500s - Low $1Ms

A bridge on the community grounds of Rice Ranch in Orcutt, California.

Rice Ranch is a fantastic community offering resale homes. The community has no age restrictions, but it appeals to active adults seeking a quiet lifestyle. Rice Ranch is nestled among more than 350 acres of meadows, hills, and natural spaces. The community has 755 single-family and attached homes.

Due to the community’s location, residents can embrace an outdoor lifestyle. A beautiful 26-acre park is adjacent to the community, and it features a sports complex, soccer field, baseball fields, dog parks, trails, and more. The community’s location also makes it easy to take weekend trips to Santa Barbara or Pismo Beach.

High $500s - Low $900s

Rows of vineyards on a sunny day in Paso Robles, California.

This gated 55+ community consists of 208 single-family homes. Traditions at River Oaks is another great option for active adults interested in a smaller community. This gated 55+ community consists of 208 single-family homes. The community is ideally located within minutes of Paso Robles’ charming downtown area.

Residents are served by a central clubhouse that offers 5,000 square feet of amenities. It features an exercise room, an aerobics and dance studio, a multipurpose room, and a library. Outdoors, residents can go for a dip in the pool and whirlpool spa, enjoy California’s weather on the patio, or explore the walking and biking trails.

Can you spot the $207,744 difference between these identical homes?

Financing is the difference!

Get the details in The 62+ Loan Homebuyers Guide.

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About 55places

We’re changing the way people 55 and older are searching for their perfect next place. With a national network of hand-selected real estate experts, plus comprehensive information, unbiased content, and on-the-go insight about thousands of communities across the country, we’re a trusted resource paving the way from here to home. Whether you’re interested in a low-maintenance single-level residence, an active lifestyle or age-qualified community, an intimate enclave, or anything in between, we can help you make your next move the best one yet.

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