California Retirement CommunitiesBy Carol Fena
Climate When considering California retirement communities, one of the best things is the climate. If you like weather that feels perfect outside year-round, Southern California's dry semi-tropical climate may be for you. However, the inland desert areas around Palm Springs are an exception getting very hot in the summer. The Southern California coastal areas are most pleasant with ocean breezes. It doesn't get fog along the Coast like Northern California often does. Unfortunately, some areas get smog immediately around Los Angeles. Northern California climate is dry also but cooler and damper along the coast. Therefore, the foliage is more lush and green in the north. It also has variations such as some chilly days along the coast when the fog rolls in. This can be undesirable in the summer if you like your summers hot. San francisco can require coats mid-summer. The inland areas do not get this chilly fog and are pleasant year-round though the weather varies more than Southern California. You will have many cold days in Northern California in winter but only require a sweater in Southern California on cool days. And, of course, the mountain areas get very heavy snow in winter--great for skiing. Relocating California may be harder to make friends unless you are in a retirement community. Although very friendly, Californians are so busy with the tremendous variety of activities available that they aren't around much. You can get outdoors year-round, and they do. In many cases, you may need to adjust to a more independent lifestyle and establish your own group of friends. This may take time. Healthfulness Areas of Northern California near the Coast have excellent air quality due to breezes coming directly off the ocean most of the time. All of California offers great climate, the freshest produce available all year, a casual lifestyle and a variety of terrain. Active seniors can find whatever they are seeking in California and participate in recreational activities year-round. Density of population can affect your stress level in retirement. Most people want something different from their high-stress suburban lifestyles during their working years. For instance here is a sampling of populations for some California cities: 1-4 million (approx.) Los Angeles 500,000 - 1 million: San Franciso
Smaller towns surrounding big cities may be a better choice for retirement if you are looking for a slower pace. Here is just a sampling of some towns around cities: 100,000-200,000 pop. Huntington Beach and even smaller and further away from large cities: San Luis Obispo You can easily check populations and densities of areas you are interested in. The area density is important for judging how crowded you will feel. For instance, Los Angeles has a density of over 8000 people per square mile according to 2010 Census. Although you may have other reasons for wanting to live in large cities like Los Angeles. Home Prices-Affordable Areas: Now that prices may be starting to come down, this may be a good time to look for your retirement home in California. Here is a sampling of affordable areas in California: Northern California: Areas further away from the Bay Area such as the far Northern region or Central Valley. Southern California: Central Coast, Riverside and San Bernardino County. Home Prices-More Expensive Areas: Northern California: San Jose, San Francisco, Napa Valley Southern California: Los Angeles, San Diego
To see retirement community listings for Northern California, please go to: Northern California Retirement Communities 
Bay Area-Silicon Valley At the center of the Bay Area is Silicon Valley comprising several cities. It is an easy drive from there to the San Jose foothills and up to San Francisco and then down the Coast to Santa Cruz. You can then go on to Monterey/Carmel a half hour away from Santa Cruz or you can go from San Francisco a half hour up to Napa Valley. You can go from mountains, to ocean, to vineyards in one to two hours. Coastal Areas: Santa Cruz County, San Francisco or Monterey Coastal Areas This area is good for those who want to be near the ocean, like a cooler climate (never goes much above 80 degrees), and urban sophistication in cities. Sonoma County and Napa Valley This area is good for "foodies" and wine lovers, mineral springs and spas, hiking. Sacramento Area This area is close to Lake Tahoe and other outstanding lakes for camping, hiking, swimming, skiing, casinos, boating, fishing etc. Beautiful scenery. Lake Tahoe Smaller laid-back towns include Placerville and Davis, a top college town, and is a more affordable area. Near lakes, fishing, hiking and skiing. Northern Coast Great for the rugged outdoors life. Includes towns of Redding, Eureka, Chico, Paradise. Activities include fishing, hiking, scenic, lakes, redwood forests and outdoors lifestyle. Central Valley Includes towns of Lodi and Stockton and is a more affordable area. Small town feeling.
"I hope that my work will encourage self expression in others and stimulate the search for beauty and creative excitement in the great world around us." Ansel Adams To see retirement community listings for Southern California, please go to: Southern California Retirement Communities 
San Luis Obispo This laid back area is for those who love the beach - right on the Coast with great seafood especially oysters and clams. Los Angeles/Orange County Area The traffic in Los Angeles was too much for me but maybe you would like the fast-paced excitement. The climate is wonderful. The film companies are always in the area shooting for upcoming movies and premiers are frequent on the red carpet. Great climate, urban sophistication, beaches, college town. Great shopping and restaurants. San Bernardino Area Close to Palm Springs desert areas but not as hot. Hemet is a very affordable area with lots of new active adult communities and not as pricey as Palm Springs. Palm Springs Area I like this area for the shopping, serenity, massage, hot springs, and you are definitely "away from it all." It's fun to take the tour bus to celebrities' homes. It's surprising that you can find those little places with good food that aren't too expensive. I prefer to stay in Desert Hot Springs which is adjacent to Palm Springs because all the rooms and pools are fed the wonderful mineral water (verify). If you go in summer, the main part of the day is very hot so be prepared to stay inside with air conditioning or take a swim to cool off. San Diego Area The climate is perfect - lots of Mexican influence especially in the cuisine since you are so close to the Mexican border and Tijuana. The above are the best areas for active adult communities since they offer so much that seniors can enjoy in their retirement. Some of these things are outdoor activities, nearby attractions, healthful environments, and beautiful terrain and scenery. I love California and think you will too if you decide to retire there.
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