Overview
Moreno Valley is part of the Inland Empire area in Riverside County, California. Retirees enjoy this newer, quaint city for its warm weather, outdoor activities, and close proximity to major metro areas.
Climate & Geography
Moreno Valley’s climate is characterized as mild semi-arid. Summer temperatures reach the 90s while winter temperatures dip into the 40s. There is little precipitation, averaging only 10 inches of rainfall throughout the year.
Moreno Valley is located right in the middle of San Gorgonio Pass to the east, Lake Perris and the San Jacinto Mountains to the south, and the San Bernardino Mountains to the north. The Box Springs Mountain to the northwest is the most visible geographical feature of the city
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Moreno Valley’s consistently warm weather allows active adults to hike or bike along The M Hike in Box Springs Mountain Park throughout the year. Perris Reservoir in Lake Perris State Recreation Area is popular for fishing, boating, and camping.
Local shopping ranges from farmers markets and antique shops to high-end fashion boutiques. Retirees can find brand names and chain restaurants at Moreno Valley Meeeall, Towngate Shopping Center, and Rio Rancho Super Mall.
San Bernardino, for more entertainment options, is located a half-hour away. In addition, the amenities of Los Angeles are just under two hours away.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The cost of living in Moreno Valley is higher than the national average because of high housing and transportation costs. However, Moreno Valley’s cost of housing is much lower than the state average.
California does not tax Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. All other forms of retirement income are fully taxed, but retirees over 65 can claim a $118 exemption. Property taxes are below average, but sales taxes are very high.
Health Care
The San Bernardino metro area ranks in the top 70 communities on Gallup’s Well-Being Index.
Moreno Valley residents have easy access to quality health care facilities. Kaiser Permanente Moreno Valley Medical Center, located in the city, is rated high performing by U.S. News in its treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure. Nearby Redlands Community Hospital is also high performing, and Loma Linda University Medical Center, nine miles from Moreno Valley, is nationally ranked.