Overview
Seal Beach is a popular coastal city in California. Its prime location and sunny weather have made it a desirable location for retirees. Besides that, the city is home to a quaint downtown district with historical landmarks, and plenty of greenspaces.
Climate and Geography
Seal Beach is a part of Orange County, California, located just southeast of Los Angeles. Summers are sunny and humid, while winters are mild and short. Residents can expect temperatures in the mid 60s to 70s all year long, and over 200 sunny days a year.
Due to its location, Seal Beach has become famous for its landscapes, scenery, and many bodies of water.
Recreation, Culture & Entertainment
Residents looking to get outside in Seal Beach have plenty of options to enjoy the tropical weather. These include the many beaches, seaside parks, forest preserves, and more. A few of the more popular ones include Seal Beach, San Gabriel Bike Trails, and Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge.
Locals love to explore the many antique and boutique shops, as well the city's many shops and stores rich in history and culture. The city is also home to plenty of restaurants, cafes, beachside grills, and beach bars.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The cost of living in Seal Beach is significantly higher than both state and national averages. This is due to the median home cost, which is higher compared nationally and statewide. Other costs, such as groceries and utilities, are less than the national average, but the cost of transportation is higher.
California does not tax Social Security income or retirement benefits. Also, there are some tax exemptions for residents 65 and older. There is a statewide sales tax of 6 percent and Seal Beach adds a 2.75 percent tax onto that rate.
Health Care
There are four medical centers and hospitals near Seal Beach. They are VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Los Alamitos Medical Center, Community Hospital Long Beach, and Kindred Hospital-Westminster. Lastly, there is MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, which is rated high performing in 8 adult specialties and 6 procedures by U.S News.