California 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

California is one of the most popular retirement states in the country. With a climate that is diverse as the people, California has long been a favorite among retirees. The list of 55+ communities is a smorgasbord of options with almost every type of climate and lifestyle options imaginable. For retirees seeking 55+ communities in California, the list of best places to retire in California is quite extensive.

There are more than 80 active adult 55+ communities in California that offer amenity-filled clubhouses, golf courses and organized social activities. Additionally, there are smaller scale 55+ communities in California that offer low-maintenance adult living without the amenities and lifestyle options. Many of the best places to retire in California are very affordable despite what many people believe.

California Climate & Geography

California’s climate varies widely, from the Mediterranean-like retirement communities in San Diego to the temperate climate communities in Northern California. California’s climate is typically warm with dry summers and mild, wet winters. Farther inland, summers are hot and dry, and at higher altitude the weather is more typical of a four-season cycle with cold, snowy winters. Retirees in California can choose from Pacific coastal warm beaches to the snowy, cool areas of the Sierra Nevadas.

California is bigger than 85 of the smallest nations in the world. San Diego and Los Angeles are the largest cities in the state by population. Los Angeles is rated as the fourth biggest economy in the country.
California is also home to the largest county in the entire United States: San Bernardino County.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment in California

California has a reputation as a haven for people with imaginative minds, and this shows in its multifaceted cultural offerings. The state is home to many famous cultural institutions and national parks. California is home to many well known colleges, including University of California campuses, Pepperdine University, Stanford University, and the University of Southern California.

California is referred to as the “Golden State”.  Popular attractions  include Hollywood, Disneyland, Yosemite National Park, Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge. California is home to many huge events such as music festivals, the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the largest three-day rodeo.

California has the largest economy in the United States and leads it in agricultural production. The state is also known for film production, food processing, petroleum, computers and computer software, tourism, and aerospace. 

California Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in California varies significantly by region but in general, it is relatively high compared to other states. The cost of living tends to be higher in areas that are closer to the Pacific Ocean. The Inland Empire Area of the state is a little less expensive though. However, housing, gas, and consumer goods typically tend to be priced higher than most other states in the country. California also has a higher minimum wage than most states.

California is a high tax state with some of the highest sales, personal income, and corporate taxes in the nation. There is a 7.5 percent sales tax, 13.3 percent individual income tax, 8.84 percent corporate income tax, and $1,426 property tax per capita.

Healthcare in California

California was the first state in the nation to enact legislation creating a healthy benefit exchange under federal health care reform. In 2014, most Californians will be required to have health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. The health plan choices offered by Covered California are as good as you can get in any marketplace, even if you are not eligible for a subsidy. California's 55+ residents love that the state is home to nearly 430 hospitals, 17 of which are nationally ranked.