Watsonville 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Watsonville is a central California city that is part of the Monterey Bay area, it is popular with 55+ adults due to its mild climate and coastal location. The city is  ideal for nature lovers as it is of the few remaining coastal california wetlands and home to hundreds of resident and migrating birds. The coastal portio of the city is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Watsonville is known for agriculture and is home to many of the large food companies including Driscoll's, Martinellis, and Monterey Mushrooms. 

Cost of Living & Taxes

Cost of living in Watsonville is much higher than the nationwide average but about average for California. On a 100 point national cost of living scale Watsonville's overall cost of living score is 151.7 compared to California's 149.9. The main factor is housing where Watsonville  scores 258.5 and California 234.8 compared to the 100 point average. Watsonville does have lower utility costs than state or national averages. 

Watsonville sales tax is 9.25% which includes the 6% state sales tax, 0.75% city sales tax plus 2.50% Santa Cruz County taxes. The average property tax in Santa Cruz County is 0.56%. California does have a state income tax which ranges from 1% to 12.3%, Social Security is not taxed but other forms of retirement income are subject to normal income taxes. 

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

There are a variety of leisure options for active adults in the Watsonville area, including: 

Art & performances

• Pajaro Valley Arts

Historical sites and museums

• Agricultural History Project & Museum
• Aptos History Museum
• Pajaro Valley Historical Association

Outdoor activities

• Pajaro Valley Golf Club
• Spring Hills Golf Course
• Sunset State Beach

Other activities

• Left Bend Winery
• Storrs Winery & Vineyards

Climate

The Watsonville area sees about 11 inches of rain per year, much of it falling during the month of December. Average winter temperatures range from 44° to 58°. Summer in Watsonville is warm and somewhat humid with summer temperatures averaging between 55° and 78° with 67% humidity. 

Health Care

The closest hospitals to Watsonville are: 

Watsonville Community Hospital is a 106 bed hospital which has been accredited by The Joint Commission and has received the Daisy Award for extraordinary nurses.

Dominican Hospital is a Certified Primary stroke Center & Certified Chest Pain Center by The Joint Commission which has also received Grade A Safety awards from Leapfrog and stroke & cardiology care awards from American Heart/American Stroke Association.

St. Louise Regional Hospital has 93 beds and is accredited by the Joint Commission as a primary stroke center and they have won awards from the American Heart/Stroke Association for stroke treatment.