A Guide to 55+ Active Living Communities in California

 

Retire in the Great Outdoors in Beautiful California

When you picture retirement, do you see yourself living close to sandy beaches, warm desert nights, gorgeous mountain vistas, and rolling farmland? Does the idea of having a variety of activities and venues within a few hour's drive to choose from everyday sound like a great way to spend your days? If so, California is the right choice for you!

California is the third largest state by land area. The state offers active older adults a variety of terrain and weather options. The state is geographically diverse, with flat coastlines, sunny deserts, rugged mountain ranges, and fertile valleys.

Golfing, paddleboarding, mountain bike trekking, and hiking are just a few activities residents can spend their days doing. You’re never too far from the Pacific Ocean when you retire in California. The coastline is perfect for a stroll on the beach or a swim in the surf. Mountain ranges dot the state's interior, featuring ski resorts and old-growth forests. 

California is ethnically diverse. The state welcomes all who want to call it home. The indigenous tribes were the first in the region. They were followed by the European rancheros, miners, 49ers, railroad workers, farmers, and dock workers. Hispanic and Asian cultures have strong ties to the Golden State. African-American culture is ingrained in the cultural identity of California. 

California is a car-centric state. The state’s size means many active adult communities are outside the major cities. Urban areas like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego have safe and reliable public transportation. Amtrak trains carry passengers from one end of the state to another. 

Many residents will use regional airports to fly domestically, both inside and outside the state. The international airports, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and San Diego International Airport (SAN) are perfect for travel to both domestic and international locales. Ocean cruises regularly depart from major ports for local and international destinations. 

 

Where to Retire in California

Active older adults have unlimited options when choosing a retirement community in California. Whether you’re seeking an endless summer or a mild four seasons, there’s something for everyone here! 

Shasta Cascade

The scenic vistas of Shasta Cascade include waterfalls, forests, mountains, and even a few dormant volcanoes!

It’s an ideal area for hiking, with Redding serving as an economic and industrial hub. If you want to retire in a valley surrounded by forests with convenient shopping and dining options, this may be the town for you. 

North Coast

Full of redwood forests and natural coastlines, North Coast towns like Eureka are ideal for nature-loving 55+ adults seeking a more secluded and peaceful environment.

The North Coast region encompasses north of San Francisco to the Oregon border. Mountains and rivers bound the picturesque coastline and offer residents plenty of hiking, fishing, hunting, and mountain biking opportunities.

High Sierra

Featuring some of California’s most prominent natural parks and wilderness areas, the High Sierra is the place for nature lovers! During the summer, active adults can mountain bike the trails that wind past waterfalls and rise above the alpine to the home of the long-living Bristlecone Pine. In the winter, the High Sierra features world-class skiing at multiple resorts.  

In addition to natural beauty, towns like South Lake Tahoe are known as the regional hub for your shopping and healthcare needs. The area also offers easy access to neighboring Nevada, with casinos in cities like Reno and Carson City.

Gold Country

The Gold Country gets its name from the historic California gold rush. The mountains of this region were rich in gold, and many an adventurer was called to the region with hopes of finding their fortune. The state capital, Sacramento, is on the banks of the state’s largest river delta. 

Today, the area is considered one of the more affordable options for empty nesters looking to retire. Towns like Loomis, Roseville, El Dorado Hills, Lincoln, Folsom, and Rio Vista are all built to accommodate the needs of active older adults who want to live the California lifestyle.

Bay Area

Retire in style in the Bay Area. This area encompasses everything from the cosmopolitan San Francisco to the multicultural neighborhoods of Oakland and the vineyards of Napa Valley. No matter what part of the Bay Area you call home, there’s a golf course or hiking trail right around the corner. 

This region is represented by professional teams in all the major sports. Residents cheer for championship teams like the San Francisco 49ers (NFL) and the Golden State Warriors in the NBA.  San Jose is home to the Sharks ( NHL) and the Earthquakes in the MLS. The MLB has both the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland Athletics.  

Towns like Dixon welcome residents looking for a rural lifestyle. People wanting a busier lifestyle can find the right home along the bayfront—Silicon Valley to the south and Vallejo to the east offer various housing options for active retirees.

Central Coast

California's Central Coast is your place if a rugged coastline dotted with golf courses is your retirement dream. Towns like Hollister are a peaceful paradise with easy access to the state’s most significant metro areas to the north and south.

Central Valley

Nature and agriculture abound in the Central Valley. This region is growing, with famous cities like Fresno and Modesto anchoring the surrounding farmland. 

Other excellent places to retire in the Central Valley include Lebec, Bakersfield, and Stockton. The towns in the region are affordable and offer everything from a sultry delta to an arid high desert lifestyle.  

Low Desert Regions

Known for their dryer climates and perpetual sun, you will find idyllic oases’ tucked away in California’s Low Desert Regions. Golf is the number one activity for residents of California’s deserts. 

Luxury gated communities like those in Rancho Mirage are especially appealing to many retirees. Meanwhile, the town of Indio caters to communities of all ages.

Inland Empire

California’s Inland Empire features metropolitan cities like Riverside and Ontario, plus smaller regions like Temescal Valley. While the area was once home to California’s citrus groves, the land now boasts affordable housing developments, planned communities with shopping and healthcare, and abundant golf courses.

The Inland Empire is home to mountains, valleys, deserts,  casinos, and Ontario International Airport (ONT). Some of the world’s best rock climbing and mountain bike trails are conveniently located in and around Joshua Tree National Park. Fishing, boating, and skiing are just “up the hill” in the San Bernardino mountains. Vineyards and avocado groves give residents the feeling of a rural lifestyle that’s only a quick drive to shopping, dining, and healthcare. 

Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County is one of the most populous regions in California, offering a lifestyle option for everyone. Los Angeles (LA) is ideal for retirees looking to stay close to the action. Whether you make your home a condo by the beach or a house in the Hollywood Hills, you will be living a metropolitan lifestyle with the perks of luxury shopping and fine dining alongside celebrities of all genres. Professional sports teams have huge stadiums to accommodate their local fans. You can watch MLB’s LA Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Or choose between two NFL teams, the LA Rams and the LA Chargers. Basketball also offers a choice of teams between the LA Lakers and the LA Clippers. The LA Kings represent Hockey. 

If you want to retire near the action without paying city prices, suburbs in the San Fernando Valley, like Porter Ranch, offer a more relaxed vibe that’s only a car ride away from downtown.

Orange County

Orange County is Southern California’s hidden gem. The region is home to one of the oldest age-restricted communities in the state. The development of Leisure World opened the county to retirees by offering age-specific services in the surrounding communities. Active older adults will find Orange County convenient to beautiful beaches, golf courses, fine dining, and high-end shopping centers.

Other suburbs around Orange County include Buena Park and Huntington Beach. Santa Ana is home to the county’s John Wayne International Airport. Amtrak has many stops from San Clemente in the south to Anaheim in the north. 

San Diego

San Diego is the southernmost county in California. Many active older veterans return to San Diego County to spend their retirement years. This area of California is a 55+ paradise, offering everything from the ocean to the desert, first-class healthcare, and luxury casinos. 

Due to San Diego’s mild climate, 55+ residents enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Sailing, fishing, paddle boarding, and surfing are at your doorstep. Hiking and mountain bike trails lace through the many reserves that separate housing developments. Use bike paths that follow the rives or freeways to easily commute to shopping, medical appointments, or a leisurely patio lunch.   

Try Fallbrook for seniors looking for a new San Diego area retirement home in a quiet location that still offers access to the city. Between avocado groves, strawberry fields, and horse trails, Fallbrook offers residents housing options from all age communities, manufactured homes, and luxury apartments. All are within easy reach of Oceanside and Escondido.  

 

Ways to Stay Active During Retirement in California

Whether you’re looking for things to do on your 55+ community property or want to explore off-property attractions, California has plenty of options, including casinos, golf courses, nature trails, community recreation centers, and more!

Staying Active In Your Community 

Whether you want to enjoy it alone or with other like-minded adults, you’ll find your favorite activity at your doorstep. California’s 55+ communities offer active older adults a variety of things to do to stay busy in retirement.  

Utilize the Fitness Center

Community fitness centers have all the bulky equipment you need to start your day. Use the treadmill or elliptical for a quick jog. The free weights are perfect for optimizing muscle strength and bone density as you age. Group exercise classes are a great way to see your neighbors while practicing yoga or Zumba routinely. 

Sunny days and low humidity are perfect for exercising outside any time of the day. Practice your putt on the private putting green. Compete with your neighbors in a friendly game of pickleball or tennis on courts set up for the exclusive use of residents. Swim laps or participate in water aerobics in the community pool. 

Relax with a Low-Maintenance Lifestyle

Master planned 55+ communities design homes for active adults that appeal to a low-maintenance lifestyle. Residents want to spend more time on the golf course or bike trail instead of mowing the lawn and fixing sprinklers. The management team covers pool service, street sweeping, and other services.  

Activities at the Clubhouse

Clubhouses are the heart of any active older adult community. Here, residents gather for neighborhood parties, stop in to pick up their mail or participate in a game night, book club, or crafts class. 

Some clubhouses have a communal kitchen or BBQ area to feed a crowd. Some offer special guest events for the exclusive enjoyment of residents. Regular poker nights or quilting clubs meet in the community clubhouse, too. 

Staying Active in The State

Golf Rounds Beckon

With over 900 golf courses scattered around California, golf is near every community. Whether it’s a regular meet-up with your buddies at the local course or a particular round on one of the finest courses in the world, California offers golfers the chance to play a round in a multitude of environments. 

Golf is a prevalent activity for older adults in Southern California. There are over 600 golf courses between Santa Barbara and Otay Mesa—from public courses with ocean views to members-only oases in the desert.  

Visit California’s Casinos

Opportunities to gamble in casinos can be found across California. The state offers over 80 casinos on Indigenous land from the Oregon border to Mexico! 

Many of the states’ casinos are also resorts and spas. You can enjoy unparalleled pampering, a round of golf, live entertainment, and your favorite slots and table games without leaving the property. 

Water Sports

California’s western border is the Pacific Ocean. Up and down the coast, active older adults will find their favorite aquatic activities. Sailing, sport fishing, SCUBA, and surfing are a few activities residents can do to stay fit on the coast. 

Inland areas have many rivers and lakes that encourage rafting and freshwater fishing. When the snow melts in spring, many of the state’s arroyos return to life, making hiking and mountain biking a little more challenging. 

Professional Sports Teams 

California residents are blessed with multiple sports teams. Retired residents can watch an afternoon Major League Baseball game in person. Stadiums that cater to the NFL, NBA, and NHL dot the state and make for friendly rivalries, no matter the sport or season.

  

55+ Housing Communities You’ll Find in California.

California’s lifestyle can be pricey, but many find that with a little compromise, active older adults can afford a community that fits their budget. The state's size and the variety of housing options make California’s active older adult communities available to all! 

Golf Course Communities

California’s abundant golf courses mean there’s always a course near you. You’ll find courses for all skill levels and budgets. Some Golf Course Communities are All Age Communities. Some are Age Restricted Communities. The more significant developments offer a variety of communities, from single-family homes to Condominium Communities and Luxury Apartment Rentals. 

Manufactured Homes Communities

If you’re looking for affordable housing in California that still lets you maintain a sense of privacy, look no further than manufactured home communities.

These free standing homes offer single-story living and an independence you can’t always get with other senior housing. A mobile home may be the perfect fit if you want to downsize in retirement.

Luxury Apartment Rentals

California’s luxury apartment rentals often have top-of-the-line amenities like large pools, fully modernized gyms, and gated access. Rentals are available in many layouts, including private outdoor spaces like a balcony or patio.

Many of California’s luxury apartment rentals are located along the beach, so you can sunbathe and swim with less responsibility in your new low-maintenance lifestyle.

Condominium Communities

In California’s more populated cities, space is at a premium, so condominium (condo) communities have become very popular!

The communities can be found in metropolitan areas offering on-property pools and gyms with many off-property activities and attractions nearby. Also, Homeowner Associations (HOA) handle lawn care and issues outside your unit, providing a more leisurely lifestyle for residents.

 

Healthcare Options and Services

High-quality healthcare services can be found all across California, with facilities like the UC Medical Centers providing top-quality care for every stage of life.

Additionally, healthcare plans, organizations, and services like Kaiser Permanente, MemorialCare, and Providence serve seniors throughout the state, looking to ensure affordable treatment is always available.