California Retirement Communities
California retirement communities - This is a wonderful state for retirement. Talk about retirement places--if you decide California is for you, you probably will not be disappointed! Northern California retirement communities have a very different climate from Southern California so investigate carefully. Northern California Coastal areas are known for their refreshing but chilly fogs. San Francisco summers are cool in this unique climate. The summers that are the coolest are in San Francisco and also Monterey and Carmel area. Santa Cruz area only gets occasional summer fog. Inland areas are pleasant year-round and greener than Southern California. 
Southern California has a dry semi-tropical climate. It doesn't get the fog like Northern California. Unfortunately, some areas get smog. 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. In many cases, you may need to adjust to a more independent lifestyle and establish your own group of friends. 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. Now that prices may be starting to come down, this may be a good time to look for your retirement home in California. You can always purchase now a little ahead of the baby boomers just now starting to reach their golden years and finding the best retirement areas. Some senior communties may allow you to hold your reservation or retirement home purchase in their over-55 community until you are ready. Seniors who are not familiar with California take note: Northern California climate is very different from Southern California, however, both have mild and pleasant year-round climate that seniors will love. Both have access to year-round fresh produce and seafood. Having lived in California, I remember the numerous fresh produce stands overflowing with fresh farm-picked produce of huge variety. California retirement communities should have this produce in abundance.
To see retirement community listings for Northern California, please go to: Northern California Retirement Communities 
The 3 Best Areas for Retirement Communities in Northern California: Bay Area (Silicon Valley)Retirement Communities - At the center of the Bay Area is Silicon Valley. 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. Sacramento Area Retirement Communities - This area is close to Lake Tahoe and other outstanding lakes for camping, swimming, skiing, casinos, boating, etc. Beautiful scenery. Sonoma County/Napa Area - great for world-famous wineries or stop in Calistoga for a day of shopping, spa-ing and a great gourmet meal--a memorable daytrip.
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To see retirement community listings for Southern California, please go to: Southern California Retirement Communities 
The Best Southern California retirement community areas: San Luis Obispo - this is an area for beachlovers - 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 shopping and restaurants. San Bernardino Area - not as hot as the desert areas yet close to Palm Springs. Lots of new active adult communities here 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. Very hot summers. 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 communties 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.
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