Whether you’ve lived in the state your entire life or you’ve only recently begun to consider it, if you’re approaching retirement, you may be wondering, is California a good place to retire?
It depends on many factors, but in general the answer is a resounding yes!
Here’s a sample of the many reasons retiring in California is a great choice:
- Temperate climate in both Northern and Southern California
- Stunning natural beauty throughout the state
- Access to some of the best medical care in the world
- No income tax on Social Security
- Rich cultural environment due to a diverse population
- Fantastic cuisine from countries around the globe
- Largest variety of local fresh produce in the U.S.
- Free tuition in the California State University system for residents age 60 and better, along with free courses and tuition waivers for seniors at nearly 120 community colleges
An Abundance of Senior-Friendly Neighborhoods
When trying to decide the best place to retire in California, your first step may be to narrow your focus to the northern or southern part of the state.
Both regions of the Golden State offer ample and enticing choices. Unless you have a specific reason for choosing one over the other — such as having family members who live there or a personal preference — you’ll need to do some research to figure out which appeals most to you.
For now, let’s home in on senior living in the Bay Area, and specifically in the East Bay Area. Momentum Senior Living is excited to introduce our unique brand of inspired senior living to Dublin, California, with our new community, The Whitford.
Where Is the Best Place to Retire in Northern California?
In all of California, retirement in the Bay Area may be the ultimate choice if you seek intriguing, naturally lush landscapes located near an internationally acclaimed destination city.
Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages can take advantage of the Bay Area’s moderate, Mediterranean-like climate. Summers are warm and dry, with average highs in the 70s and 80s; inland communities tend to be slightly warmer than those in the coastal region. Winters are mild, with average daytime temperatures around 50 degrees. Like much of the West Coast, December through February is generally the rainiest season in the Bay Area. Communities in the Tri-Valley area, where Dublin is situated, have a relatively low amount of annual rainfall.
Wine connoisseurs living in the Bay are delighted to be only about an hour south of Napa Valley, home to more than 400 wineries, most of which are family owned. Closer by, Alameda County (where Dublin is) has more than 50 wineries — mostly in the Livermore Valley region, Santa Clara County has more than 30, and Contra Costa County has at least 14.
The Bay Area Rapid Transit system, or BART, makes traveling around San Francisco and nearby cities easy for those who would rather not drive. Dublin has two BART stations, providing a convenient option for trips into the City by the Bay and surrounding areas.
Senior Living in the Bay Area
Older adults find Bay Area retirement communities particularly appealing for numerous reasons, some of which have already been mentioned. Here are a few more.
World-Class Medical Facilities and Health Care
San Francisco and the surrounding region boast some of the finest medical establishments you’ll find anywhere. The UCSF Medical Center, part of UCSF Health, ranks No. 1 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of best hospitals in or near San Francisco.
Others on the list include hospitals and medical centers affiliated with John Muir Health, Kaiser Permanente, Stanford Health Care and campuses within California Pacific Medical Center’s network.
Ease of Travel, Near and Far
San Francisco’s public transit systems, including BART, Caltrain and specialty services such as paratransit, make getting around the city and surrounding suburbs a cinch, even for those with mobility issues. (If you’re not already familiar with the area, do a quick online search and you’ll get a feel for all there is to see and do!)
Plus, most senior communities in the Bay Area offer free scheduled transportation to nearby locations, including doctors’ offices and retail and dining venues. Some also plan a variety of day trips for residents, providing opportunities to explore and enjoy a change of scenery.
If you’re like many retirees and have plans to visit distant lands, you’ll appreciate having three international airports and the Port of San Francisco nearby. Scores of cruise lines run out of the Port of San Francisco, including:
- Carnival Cruises
- Celebrity Cruises
- Crystal Cruises
- Cunard Line (Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2)
- Disney Cruise Line
- Holland America Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Oceania Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Royal Caribbean Cruises
- Viking Cruises
Incidentally, with San Francisco International Airport, Oakland International Airport and San Jose Mineta International Airport servicing the Bay Area, it’s exceptionally easy for friends and family to come visit!
Great Golfing Nearly All Year Long
Older adults who love to golf will be thrilled to know there are around 40 golf courses in and around San Francisco, taking into account both municipal and private courses. The mild climate makes it possible to hit the links throughout the year
Cost of Living and Taxes
When contemplating retirement in California, you might have some concerns about the cost of living in certain coastal regions and the taxes California residents pay. As pointed out earlier, the state does not tax Social Security income.
Our best suggestion is to consult a tax adviser. Depending on whether you already own a home here or you plan to buy one, a professional can counsel you on how your expenses might change if you choose to retire in California. If you do own a home in California, be sure to ask about potential tax breaks that might be available to you through Proposition 19.
You could be pleasantly surprised to discover that senior living in the Bay Area is more affordable than you thought.
An Opportunity To Get in on the Ground Floor (or any Floor of Your Choice)
Momentum Senior Living is proud to expand our presence as we continue our work to create one of the most-desired new retirement communities in Northern California. Dublin, located in the Tri-Valley area, has been voted one of the best places to live in the U.S., and after conducting our due diligence, we understood why.
Over the years, many people have asked us, “Is California a good state to retire in?” We know how much older adults appreciate having a variety of senior living choices to meet their needs, including a monthly rental option, and we firmly believe that retiring in California can be an excellent choice for many seniors.
We’re making steady progress toward our planned opening in 2026, but you can take action now. Contact us to learn more about The Whitford and our VIP Program for founding members.
Featured Images: Monkey Business Images / ShutterstockÂ