California 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

California is one of the most popular retirement states among retirees looking to maintain an active lifestyle. The list of 55+ communities features a variety of options with almost every type of climate and lifestyle imaginable. We have an extensive list of the best places to retire in California. Take a look to find an active adult community that fits your lifestyle.

California is one of the most popular retirement states among retirees looking to maintain an active lifestyle. The list of 55+ communities features a variety of options with almost every type of climate and lifestyle imaginable. We have an extensive list of the best places to retire in California. Take a look to find an active adult community that fits your lifestyle.

Many active adult 55+ communities in California offer golf courses, pickleball courts, and other amenities for residents. Additionally, some smaller-scale 55+ communities in California offer low-maintenance living without the extra expense of amenities and lifestyle options. Despite what many people think about West Coast living, many retirement communities in California are affordable.

California Climate & Geography

The Golden State’s climate varies widely, from the Mediterranean-like San Diego Area to the more temperate Northern California. With such variety, retirees can choose from warm coastal beaches to the snowy, cool areas of the Sierra Nevadas.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment in California

California is a great fit for the creative and adventurous. Retirees can spend their days exploring many famous cultural institutions and national parks. Popular attractions include Hollywood, Disneyland, Yosemite National Park, Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge. California hosts many events including music festivals, the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the largest three-day rodeo.

California Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in California varies significantly by region. In general, the cost of housing, gas, and consumer goods is higher compared to other states. The Inland Empire Area of the state is slightly less expensive though.

Here’s a quick look at taxes in California:

  • 7.5% to 10.75% sales tax
  • 1% to 12.3% state income tax
  • 0.71% property tax

Health Care in California

California's 55+ residents love that they have access to 430+ hospitals, 17 of which are nationally ranked. Under the Affordable Care Act, Californians must either have qualifying health insurance or pay a penalty when filing their state tax return unless they qualify for an exemption. Covered California also offers good health plan options, even if you are not eligible for a subsidy.

Retiring in California FAQs

Where are the best places to retire in California?

California has many good places to retire for any lifestyle. From larger cities with lots of amenities to smaller towns with affordable real estate, there are many choices. For example, many retirees enjoy the Mediterranean-like climate and pace of 55+ communities in San Diego.

What are the best college towns to retire in California?

California is home to many well-known colleges, including the University of California campuses, Pepperdine University, Stanford University, and the University of Southern California. Many of these college towns are becoming popular retirement spots with plenty of social activities:

  • Berkeley
  • San Diego
  • Los Angeles
  • Malibu
  • Irvine
  • Calabasas
  • Stanford 

What are the best small towns in California to retire in?

Dixon, Palm Desert, Sonoma, and San Juan Capistrano are a few small towns in California that retirees enjoy living in.

What are the best cities to retire in California?

San Diego and Los Angeles are the largest cities in the state by population that retirees flock to. Other popular cities to retire in include San Francisco, Palm Springs, and Sacramento. 

How much does it cost to live in a 55+ community in California?

As of 2023, the average cost of residing in an age-restricted community is between $1,500 to $4,000 per month due to HOA fees, onsite amenities, security services, and other expenses.


Communities Near California
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208 communities near California

0 Homes for Sale

Esperanza - Ontario CA

Esperanza

For Sale

El Grande Estates

For Sale
Pacifica - Oceanside CA

Pacifica

For Sale
Diamond Grove - Vacaville, CA

Diamond Grove

For Sale
Maravilla Estates - San Jacinto, CA

Maravilla Estates

For Sale
Traditions at River Oaks - Paso Robles, CA

Traditions at River Oaks

For Sale

The Peninsula Regent

For Sale
Domani - Palm Desert CA

Domani

For Sale
Pilgrim Creek Estates - Oceanside, CA

Pilgrim Creek Estates

For Sale
Foster Square - Foster City, CA

Foster Square

For Sale
Highgate Regents - Bakersfield CA

Highgate Regents

For Sale
Banning Estates - Banning CA

Banning Estates

For Sale
Auberge at Del Sur - San Diego, CA

Auberge at Del Sur

For Sale
Breakwater Village - Redondo Beach, CA

Breakwater Village

For Sale
Monarch Summit - Laguna Niguel CA

Monarch Summit II

For Sale
Colony Cove - San Clemente, CA

Colony Cove

For Sale
San Juan Hills - San Juan Capistrano CA

San Juan Hills

For Sale
Destinations at Vineyard Point - Sacramento, CA

Destinations at Vineyard Point

For Sale
Rancho Hermosa - Oceanside, CA

Rancho Hermosa

For Sale
Heritage Vineyard Creek

Heritage Vineyard Creek

For Sale
Las Brisas Pacificas - San Marcos CA

Las Brisas Pacificas

For Sale
Wyndham Rose - Apple Valley, CA

Wyndham Rose

For Sale

Twin Oaks

For Sale
Villa Sao Miguel - San Diego, CA

Villa Sao Miguel

For Sale
Indian Hill - Avila Beach, CA

Indian Hill

For Sale
Avenida Palm Desert - Palm Desert, CA

Avenida Palm Desert

For Rent
Emerald Lake Village - Oceanside, CA

Emerald Lake Village

For Sale
Orchid at Pacific Mayfield - Menifee, CA

Orchid at Pacific Mayfield

For Sale
Park Encinitas - Encinitas CA

Park Encinitas

For Sale
The Grove - Camarillo, CA

The Grove

For Sale

$369,000

1056 Southern Hills Drive, Banning, CA

Meadow Ranch Community

  • 3 bed
  • |
  • 3 bath
  • |
  • 2320 SqFt
MLS CV23099287
Call Us: (888) 625-4885

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