Vista, CA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Vista is a small town in Southern California near the Pacific Ocean. Its year-round moderate temperatures and nearby outdoor recreation have made it a popular retirement destination. Besides this, retirees enjoy easy access to the amenities of nearby San Diego.

Climate & Geography

Vista has a temperate Mediterranean climate. Extremes temperatures are uncommon because of coastal breezes. The western portion of the city tends to have more overcast days than the eastern portion. Temperatures range from the 50s to the 80s all year, and there is very little rainfall.

Many of the residences in Vista are located on the city's rolling hills leading away from the coast. The Pacific Ocean is seven miles to the west.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

Active adults looking to get outside have plenty of options in Vista. The Alta Vista Botanical Gardens is a large park with manicured gardens and art, and Brengle Terrace Park is an expansive outdoor area. The nearby Calavera Lake is popular for biking, hiking, and water recreation.

Local amenities include the Moonlight Amphitheatre for outdoor concerts and performances, the Avo Playhouse for shows, and multiple brewing companies throughout the city. 

For more entertainment and beachside activities, residents can head an hour to San Diego.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in Vista is higher than the national average because of high housing costs, which is typical of California.

California does not tax Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. However, all other forms of retirement income are fully taxed. Property taxes are lower than average, and there is a homestead exemption available for homeowners. Sales taxes are higher than average.

Health Care

The San Diego metro area ranks in the top 14 communities on Gallup's Well-Being Index and California ranks in the top 14 states.

Vista residents have easy access to multiple hospitals that are rated high performing by U.S. News, including Palomar Medical Center Escondido, Scripps Memorial Hospital-Encinitas, and Palomar Medical Center Poway. In addition, Scripps La Jolla Hospitals, located 20 miles away, is nationally ranked in eight specialties.