Turlock, CA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Located in Northern California, Turlock is a city with great winter climate and organized events to engage residents and create a closer community. 

Climate & Geography

The climate in Turlock is classified as warm semi-arid. This is an intermediate designation, also known as a semi-desert or steppe climate, which is in between a full desert and a humid climate. Summers in Turlock are very hot and clear while winters are short, cold, and wet. While there is some rainfall throughout the winter, one of the many benefits of living in Northern California is the mild winter climate; there is no snowfall in the city. There are also more than 250 sunny days in Turlock throughout each year. 

As part of the Stockton-Modesto metropolitan area, Turlock is near the alignment of hard-rock gold deposits, the Mother Lode. Although there are no major waterways or other geographic landforms in Turlock, the city lies within the San Joaquin Valley, which is a part of the larger Central Valley. The surrounding area is mostly made up of low-lying desert and agricultural lands. 

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

Through various events, residents of Turlock come together to celebrate and engage. Every year Turlock hosts the Stanislaus County Fair. Visitors to the fair can enjoy the exhibits and livestock, programs, concerts, and more. Events like the Turkey Trot Run and Christmas Parade are also held annually. For six months throughout the year, the Turlock Farmers Market features fresh produce, baked goods, local artisans, and live performances. 

 Carnegie Arts Center hosts various events such as escape rooms, lectures, plays, and poetry readings. The arts center also organizes exhibits and workshops. 

Residents looking to visit larger metropolitan areas can reach San Jose, San Francisco, or Sacramento within two hours, providing perfect opportunities for day trips or weekend getaways to enjoy everything these cities have to offer.

Cost of Living & Taxes

Although the overall cost of living in Turlock is above the national average, it is well below the average for the state. The high cost of homes and housing contribute most to the high cost of living, although almost all indexes except for transportation are above the national average. 

There is no tax for Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits in the state of California, but all other forms of retirement income are taxable. Residents 65+ are able to claim an additional $118 exemption that is taken from their tax bill. There is a 7.88 percent sales tax in Turlock. 

Health Care

There are four hospitals within 15 miles of Turlock, three of which are rated high performing by U.S. News: Emanuel Medical Center-Turlock, Memorial Medical Center-Modesto, and Doctors Medical Center of Modesto.