Vacaville, CA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Located in Solano County, Vacaville boasts a mild Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. The city is surrounded by rolling hills, scenic farmlands, and vineyards, making it an ideal place for hiking, biking, or golfing. The city also has a thriving arts and cultural scene with numerous galleries, theaters, and museums to explore. Residents enjoy a wide variety of dining options, including farm-to-table restaurants, international cuisine, and trendy cafes. 55+ communities in Vacaville are a fantastic place to live for those who want to enjoy either a laid-back or active lifestyle.

Local resources for visitors or potential residents:

• The City of Vacaville official website provides information about city services, events, and news.
• Visit Vacaville is a tourism website that showcases the best of the city's attractions, dining, and shopping options. 
• The Solano County Library website offers access to online resources, events, and programs for residents of all ages. 

Affordability and Cost of Living 

The cost of living in Vacaville, CA is relatively affordable compared to other parts of the state, making it an attractive place to retire. Housing costs in Vacaville are higher than the national average, with the median home price around $580,100. However, the city has a range of housing options, from single-family homes to condos and townhomes, to fit different budgets. While the area's high cost of living is undoubtedly due to housing costs, other costs are also higher than the national average. Average prices for groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transportation are about ten percent higher than in the rest of the country.

California has a state income tax which ranges from 1% to 13.3%. Social Security is not taxed however other forms of retirement income are subject to normal income taxes. California has a fairly high sales tax with the average combined local and state tax at about 8.8 percent. However, depending on the exact location, property taxes are not as high as most would assume. Vacaville is in Solano County where the average property tax is 0.69 percent of the home value.

Climate and Geography 

Vacaville has a Mediterranean climate therefore residents moving to Vacaville 55+ communities can expect mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Average temperatures range from the mid-40s in winter to the mid-90s in summer, although it is not uncommon for temperatures to rise above 100 degrees. The city experiences an average of 19 inches of rainfall per year, with most of it falling between November and April. 

The city is located in the heart of the Sacramento Valley and surrounded by vineyards, rolling hills, and farmland. In addition the city's location provides easy access to both the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The area is known for its natural beauty, with numerous parks, lakes, and hiking trails to explore. In fact, one of the city's most notable natural features is the Nut Tree, a giant oak tree that is over 400 years old and a local landmark. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

Vacaville is a vibrant city with plenty of recreational activities, cultural events, and entertainment options to explore. Residents of Vacaville 55+ communities can enjoy:

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Green Tree Golf Club
• Wild Wings Golf Club
• Vacaville Tennis Club

Hiking, Biking and Boating

• Lagoon Valley Park
• Pena Adobe Park
• Putah Creek Trail
• Lake Berryessa

Museums and Historical Sites

• Vacaville Museum
• Nut Tree Plaza & Train
• Pena Adobe Historical Site
• Solano County Historical Society

Performing Arts

• Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre
• Brenden Theatre
• Vacaville Opera House
• CreekWalk Concert Series

Shopping

• Vacaville Premium Outlets
• Nut Tree Plaza
• Downtown Vacaville
• Alamo Plaza

Parks and Gardens

• Andrews Park
• Browns Valley Open Space
• City Hall Community Garden

Festivals and Fairs

• Fiesta Days
• Merriment on Main
• CreekWalk Summer Concert Series
• Solano County Fair

Health and Wellness 

Vacaville offers a range of health and wellness opportunities that are ideal for active adults in Vacaville 55+ communities. The city is home to several major medical centers, including NorthBay Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center, which provide top-notch medical services to the local community. 

For those looking to maintain their health and fitness, Vacaville offers several options. The city has numerous fitness centers and gyms which provide residents with a range of options for staying fit and healthy. For those who prefer a different type of workout there are also many yoga studios, martial arts centers, and dance studios in the area as well. For those seeking better health through nutrition Vacaville has several health food stores as well as a summer farmers market where residents can buy organic local produce.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Vacaville 55+ Communities

If you're considering buying a home in a Vacaville 55+ community, it's a great idea to take a trip to the area to get a feel for what it's like. Here's a suggested two-day itinerary to help you get a better idea of what this location has to offer.

Day One

Morning:

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Pure Grain Bakery and Café, where you can enjoy fresh-baked goods and coffee in a cozy atmosphere.
• After breakfast, explore the Vacaville Premium Outlets, where you can shop for great deals on designer brands and high-end merchandise.

Afternoon:

• For lunch, head to Merchant & Main Grill and Bar, where you can enjoy American cuisine in a casual, upscale environment.
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss available 55+ communities in Vacaville and what they offer.

Evening:

• End your day with dinner at Fuso Italian Restaurant, where you can enjoy classic Italian dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start the day with breakfast at the Original Mels Diner, a classic American diner that has been serving up breakfast since 1947.
• After breakfast, take a walk through Lagoon Valley Park, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and is a great place to hike or have a picnic.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at the Nut Tree, a local landmark that has been around for over 90 years. The Nut Tree offers a variety of dining options, as well as shopping and entertainment.
• Spend a bit of time exploring the Vacaville Museum, which offers a glimpse into the area's history and culture.
• Take a scenic drive through the hills and valleys to get a better idea of the area's natural beauty.

Evening:

• End your day with dinner at BackDoor Bistro & Wine Bar, which offers a wide selection of wines and delicious, upscale American cuisine.

Getting to Vacaville

Visitors can get to Vacaville by air via Sacramento International Airport, by car via Interstate 80 and Interstate 505, as well as Amtrak train or Greyhound bus.

Flying:

The nearest major airport to Vacaville is Sacramento International Airport (SMF), which is located approximately 36 miles to the east. SMF is served by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, with non-stop flights to many cities across the United States. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) are also within driving distance of Vacaville.

Driving:

Vacaville is accessible by several major highways, including Interstate 80, which runs east-west and connects the San Francisco Bay Area with Sacramento and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Interstate 505 intersects with I-80 in Vacaville, providing access to the Napa Valley and other parts of the North Bay.

Train:

Amtrak's Capitol Corridor train service connects Vacaville to major cities in Northern California, including San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento. The Fairfield-Vacaville Amtrak Station is located in downtown Fairfield, approximately 10 miles south of Vacaville. 

Bus:

Greyhound and other bus companies also serve the region, with stops in Vacaville and nearby cities.