by Robert Borges on September 26, 2024
Southern California is an incredibly desirable destination for retirees–and for good reason. Many retirees want to enjoy warm weather and sunny days so they can enjoy their free time by the pool or on outdoor hikes and golfing. The best cities for retirees in Southern California include Palm Springs, Indio, Dana Point, La Quinta, Solvang, and San Diego.
The cities on this list offer a range of lifestyles–from city living to quiet suburbs to scenic countrysides. Each city promotes excellent healthcare centers, fosters community, and offers resources tailored specifically to active retirees. The best part? Many of these cities are affordable, so you don’t have to opt for a retirement community in Virginia if it’s your second choice.
If your goal is to retire in Southern California, say ‘goodbye’ to your list of pros and cons for retiring in Mexico. This state offers both luxury retirement living options and ones that can fit into any budget without sacrificing quality.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is one of the most popular retirement destinations, and it’s located in the Sonoran Desert. It’s perfect for retirees who want to bask in the sun and spend their days outside counting adorable lizards on their morning hikes, golfing in the afternoons, or enjoying an evening swim at the community pool.
Miralon is a gated community in Palm Springs designed specifically for active retirees. This master-planned community sits on 309 acres, and features an abundance of protected green space, four community gardens, an oasis and social club, and even smart home automation for residents to live in convenience and style.
Indio
Looking to avoid big crowds and noise pollution from the city? Indio may be the perfect spot to settle into. Known for its peaceful living, year-round sunshine, and plethora of active adult communities, Indio is an idyllic city for retirees.
This city is also home to Trilogy at The Polo Club (TTPC) and K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Terra Lago (FSTL), two stunning and scenic retirement communities. FSTL is only fifteen minutes from Palm Desert in the Coachella Valley with easy access to two acclaimed eighteen-hole golf courses. TTPC offers easy access to all of the Desert Cities in Southern California, with access to numerous boutiques, malls, golf courses, and outdoor recreation.
Dana Point
Dana Point is right on the beach and a short drive away from Laguna Beach. This beautiful beach town is filled with opportunities for watersports, such as whale watching and fishing, with an expansive harbor and many local restaurants.
This city is one of the pricier options on this list, with homes listed at a median price of $2.3 million. However, once you see the sunset over Dana Point Harbor, you’ll find the view priceless.
La Quinta
La Quinta is famous for being a resort town filled with rich history, surrounded by ranches, desert clubs, and the Bradshaw Trail. The weather stays warm all year round, with numerous retirement communities and assisted living opportunities for seniors.
Due to the wide range of medical providers, and other clinics, La Quinta is an appealing choice for retirees who value year-round warm weather, rich history, and a resort-like atmosphere, with easy access to quality healthcare services.
Solvang
This Southern California city was founded by Danish settlers back in 1911, and those roots are still prominent as evidenced by the large windmill and Danish-style buildings in Solvang’s mock-village. This city is filled with attractions, walkable destinations, museums, and rich with art and culture. Homes in this area range between $1 million to $2 million.
San Diego
Retirees looking for a larger, coastal city will love San Diego. San Diego has a much more mild climate than the cities situated in the heart of the Southern Californian desert on this list, with ocean air and gentle breezes making outdoor activities an all-day adventure. San Diego offers a variety of retirement communities designed to enhance the active lifestyles of retirees, along with essential services to support a vibrant and engaged community.
In Closing
Southern California is the dream destination for many retirees because it’s filled with stunning beaches, a mild year-round climate, and rich cultural experiences. It’s easy to live a healthy lifestyle in Southern California and find healthcare that can support you through this next chapter of your life.
Ready to find a retirement community that offers all-inclusive services while empowering your independence? Want to connect with other retirees? Check out our easy-to-use retirement community search tool on Private Communities today to get started!
