6 cities perfect for retirement in Southern California

Southern California is a great residential area for people who enjoy high-quality living. Big cities like Los Angeles and San Diego are the best places to live. However, if you want to live in the suburbs or in the countryside after retirement, these six cities are the perfect places to visit. They promote community relationships, affordable living costs, excellent healthcare centers, and resources tailored to the needs of their seniors.

LaQuinta

La Quinta is a beach town with a rich history, complemented by the Cahuillas, ranches, desert clubs and the Bradshaw Trail. La Quinta is usually warm year-round, which is a typical climate in the Coachella Valley where the city is located. The warm climate makes it an excellent place for older people whose health may be averse to cold weather. On average, the price of a house there is $854.5,000.

The Palms At La Quinta Gracious Retirement Living & Assisted Living and Memory Care and Caleo Bay Assisted Living and Memory Care are great community options available. Get regular medical checkups or emergency care at La Quinta Medical Center or Eisenhower George and Julia Argyros Health Center. The park is a great place to meet locals, connect with family or relax in a serene environment. Visit parks such as Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park, Civic Center Campus and La Quinta Park. Check out the La Quinta Mall in Old Town, where you can shop and eat. Speaking of food, La Quinta Cliffhouse and Morgan’s in the Desert are exceptional restaurants to check out on a family outing. Spa La Quinta is a resort and club. Sign up as a member to access the benefits. Get to know the city at the La Quinta Museum, or spend your afternoon reading at the La Quinta Library.

Sierra Madre

Sierra Madre, the ‘village of the foothills’, is considered one of the best places to live in California. The name means Mother Mountains due to its location at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, like the Sierra Madre Occidental. Homes in the community have an average price of $1.6 million. However, with assisted living centers like The British Home, seniors can choose to live in retirement homes.

There are approximately 2,332 seniors living in this city, so retirees won’t feel alone or left out. You can also visit places like Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park, the west side of Sierra Vista Park, The Buccaneer Lounge or RT Rogers Brewing, Co., where locals are usually found for an opportunity to meet new people and make friends. Visit the Lizzie’s Trail Inn and the Richardson House Historical Museum for some history lessons about the city. Are you feeling down? Get a health check at Sierra Madre Community Medical Group or Wound Care Advantage.

Solvang

Solvang, California is a city founded by the Danish people in 1911. However, it is said that it was once settled by the Spanish in 1804 before being abandoned due to the Conquest of Alta California campaign during the Mexican-American War. Retirees who love sunny suburban communities will enjoy their days here. Get treated at Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital. The city also offers suitable housing such as the Atterdagdorp Solvang and the Solvang Senior Center. You can also buy a house for an average price of $1.6 million.

Getting around Solvang is relatively easy, as residents can walk or take public buses. Spend your days exploring Sunny Fields Park and Hans Christian Andersen Park. There is so much to see, such as the Solvang Windmill and the attractions of Ostrichland USA. If you’re looking for what to do in the evening, take a tour of the many museums, such as the California Nature Art Museum, Hans Christian Andersen Museum, Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, and Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum. Dine out at Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery or Paula’s Pancake House. Don’t miss the Solvang Danish Days Foundation community festival held in September. If you’d like to learn more about the city before making your choice, head to the Solvang Visitor Center for more information.

Dana Point

Dana Point is a city named after Richard Henry Dana Jr. It has 31,864 inhabitants and 7,603 seniors. The city offers facilities and housing for seniors, such as Sea Bluffs Ivy Signature Living and Aegis Living Dana Point. Retirees can also purchase homes at an average price of $2.3 million. In August and September the weather is usually warmer. Residents can get around with Uber, rented bicycles, mass transit or Dana Point Trolley.

Enjoy the tranquility of Dana Point when you live here by visiting the scenic parks and beaches. Some of them are Pines Park, Strand Vista Park, Baby Beach, Dana Strands Beach, Doris Walker Overlook, Salt Creek Beach and Doheny State Beach. Enjoy water sports like fishing and whale watching in Dana Point Harbor. See and learn about the ocean’s marine conservation areas at Dana Point Preserve, home to the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center. Get medical care at MemorialCare Medical Group – Dana Point.

Carpinteria

Carpinteria is an affluent beach town in Southeastern California. There are approximately 2,847 seniors living in this city. April to November are the best and coolest months of the year. If you plan to buy a home here, budget around $825,000 on average. Retirees can also stay in retirement homes such as GranVida Senior Living and Memory Care. You can also utilize local medical care services such as Beach Medical Clinic or Santa Barbara County Public Health: Carpinteria Health Care Center.

Relax or have a picnic with friends at Tar Pits Park or Carpinteria State Beach. Take your family on a nature adventure at Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park, Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve and Seaside Gardens. Carpinteria has a rich history. Learn all about it at the Carpinteria Valley Museum. Dine out at The Worker Bee Café or buy pastries at Santa Barbara Hives.

Wrightwood

Wrightwood is a small mountain town with great amenities and facilities for everyone, including seniors, where the median home price is $553.5K. Approximately 1,310 seniors live in Wrightwood. If you plan to retire here, prepare for the long, cold winter season. Summers are dry and warm, but short. Get regular checkups at Wrightwood Medical to stay healthy. Transportation in Wrightwood is seamless. You can get around by taking a shuttle, taking a walk or using a car.

Get to know the locals by visiting popular spots like Evergreen Cafe & Racoon Saloon and Village Grind Cafe. Check out Alice’s Vintage Cottage for antiques and gifts for family members. Eating out with friends at The Yodeler. Buy a gift for your grandchildren during the holidays at Applewood Court.

Why Choose Southern California for Retirement?

After many years of hard work, the best way to reward yourself is by settling in a city that suits your lifestyle. If you’re looking for a city that offers a slower pace, clean air, and a strong sense of community, these small towns are for you.