Northern California
Retirement Communities

Northern California retirement communities on the coast are characterized by the cool and fresh air. In the photo of a Northern California coast, above, that isn't smog, that is fog which frequents the coast and is like a built-in air conditioner cooling everything off when it gets hot inland. You can see a faint trace of the hills in the background.

I can't imagine anyone not wanting to live here. Of course, it is far from the East Coast where family may reside. So enjoy the photo and dream you are standing on the cliff in the cool mists with the roar of the ocean in your ears, if you cannot go there.

Agricultural areas of Watsonville and Salinas provide a wonderful array of produce year-round and there is fresh seafood from the pristine waters of Monterey Bay all readily available to Northern California Retirement Communities residents in the Santa Cruz and Monterey County areas along the Northern California coast.

California Retirement Communities for a further description of the best places to retire in California.

Current temperature in Santa Cruz:

Santa Cruz County and the City of Santa Cruz are located about midway between San Francisco and Monterey on the Northern California Coast. This area is characterized by many retirement mobile home parks and apartment communities.

The main cities in Santa Cruz County are Santa Cruz (the University of California at Santa Cruz is here), Scotts Valley, Capitola, Soquel, Aptos, and Watsonville.

Go to Retirement Mobile Home Parks

Map of Santa Cruz, CA US

Dominican Oaks - Apartment retirement living in Santa Cruz in quiet setting behind Dominican Hospital. Affordable month/month rent. Independent living while providing a service package. Nearby Pacific Ocean. Santa Cruz provides healthy living and is one of the best towns for Northern California Retirement Communities. Half hour drive to Monterey and Carmel. Dominican Oaks

Brookdale at Oak Tree Villa - Scotts Valley near Santa Cruz. Now owned by Brookdale Living Communities. Also offers assisted living as well as independent living. This is one of those communities where the surrounding environment is almost more important than the community because it offers so much. Brookdale Living

Pajaro Village 800 small and mid-sized homes for over 55. Quiet, small-town feeling. Resales. Check with local Realtors. Watsonville area is a more affordable area 15 miles to Santa Cruz. Always check California homes for any geologic hazards. 739 Bronte Ave. 1-831-761-3855

Valley Heights for over 65. Independent living apartment complex offers amenities including 2 meals/day, housekeeping, 24-hour security, market rate rents. 925 Freedom Blvd. Watsonville Valley Heights Retirement apartments

Seapines In Aptos 7 miles to Santa Cruz. This is a unique affordable not luxury apartment community even though it is across the street from the ocean with trails down to the shore. Luxury condominium resort is across the street. 1806 Sumner Rd. for over 62. 831-662-3055.

Piedmont Court Historic Co-op building for over 55 - Prices vary. Contact local Realtors or contact me for recommendations of Realtors. 260 High St, Santa Cruz

There are a few unique manufactured home retirement communities in this area. Go to Manufactured Homes Communities

Current temperature in San Jose:

Map of San Jose, CA US

The Santa Cruz mountains separate the Bay Area from Santa Cruz County. The climate is very different from the coastal areas and can get very hot in the summer occasionally, but most of the time it is very delightful to live in.

The major cities in Silicon Valley area are Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Mateo, Redwood City, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Santa Clara, Campbell, Milpitas, Saratoga, Los Gatos, San Jose, and Fremont. There are numerous smaller retirement communities here to serve the aging population.

Remember this area began its huge development over 30 years ago now and that population that came in the sixties, and is in their 60's now, is creating a demand for retirement communities locally to be near family or are moving to the coast or mountains. The larger communities with lots of amenities are few due to how expensive land is in this area. Los Altos, Palo Altos and Los Gatos are the most expensive areas.

The Park Lane - Palo Alto. Luxury retirement living. Classic Residence by Hyatt. $370 million property opened in Palo Alto in 2005 near Stanford University. Some programs from Stanford.

All the luxury amenities. "Classicly Caring Cuisine" features low fat and low salt entrees and desserts lower in sugar. This is one of the best locations for Northern California retirement communities with access to San Francisco, San Jose and the Pacific Coast. Some of the most expensive and elegant retirement homes in the country are at the Park Lane. Also has assisted living and continuing care available. The Park Lane by Hyatt Classic Residence

Versailles - in San Mateo - great Peninsula location - 7 miles to San Francisco International Airport. Another most luxurious Northern California retirement community. All the luxury amenities. One and two-bedrooms. French architectural style. Gourmet dining program tailored to meet your needs. Concierge and spa services and much more. Call 1-888-655-5433. Versailles

Saratoga Retirement Community - Nestled in foothills of Santa Cruz mountains near Silicon Valley. Apartments and cottages for independent living. Also assisted living available. Saratoga Retirement Community

Go here for more Bay Area Retirement Communities

Rossmoor Retirement Community - Walnut Creek just outside San Francisco. Beautiful area for a Northern California retirement community. Easy drive to the wine country, San Francisco or major Bay Area attractions. Rossmoor Realty

Trilogy at the Vineyards - Brentwood - 481 acres. Single story homes, adjacent winery and golf. Unique features. East Bay foothills one hour from San Francisco. Trilogy at the Vineyards

More Northern California Retirement Communities:

Now considered a senior spot for "Boomers" to get away from urban areas like the Bay Area. Lake Tahoe is a mere 2 hours drive away. This area is what makes Northern California communities so great.

Current temperature at Sacramento:

Current temperature at South Lake Tahoe:

Del Webb's Sun City at Lincoln Hills - By Del Webb - now selling The Villas - single-story living condominium homes and single family homes. Four mild seasons. Fishable lake and pier. Massage rooms. Halfway between Lake Tahoe and San Francisco. Sun City at Lincoln Hills by Del Webb

Glenbrookeby Del Webb at Elk Grove near Sacramento. Glenbrooke by Del Webb

The Club Roseville by Del Webb - A little cozier than the large, amenity-filled communities Del Webb is known for. 2 and 3 bedroom homes priced in the $300's. (Please verify prices.) The Club in Roseville by Del Webb

Sun City Roseville Roseville -

Sun City is an older over 55 community developed by Del Webb now with resales only. 1200 acres of single family homes from 900 to 2600SF. 27 holes of championship golf, Timber Creek Lodge (clubhouse) is center of activity. Restaurant and sports bar, library, indoor and outdoor pools. Sun City Roseville Over 55 Community

The Oaks of Auburn - Holiday Retirement Corp. - Auburn is in the Sierra foothills and easy drive to Lake Tahoe.

Between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe-Sierra foothills area is very popular with seniors. It is warmer than living in the higher elevation mountains in the winter yet close to mountains for lakes, fishing trips and other outdoor activities. The Oaks of Auburn by Holiday Touch

Trilogy at Rio Vista - by Shea Homes - East of San Francisco - Gated resort community near Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Explore their Center for Higher Learning. Some of the possible subjects are: computers/internet, digital photography, foreign languages, pottery.

Golf Vista Club features facilities for pool, indoor running track, aerobics, cardio equipment, weight training machines, personal instructions and Fitness Studios for classes. Trilogy at Rio Vista by Shea Homes

Four Seasons at El Dorado Hills - by K. Hovnanian - gated community in Sierra foothills - within 90 minutes to Lake Tahoe.

K Hovnanian website

Woodbridge By Del Webb in Manteca, country area between Sacramento and Bay Area. 2 bedroom homes from $260's. Community has all the great Del Webb amenities. Woodbridge by Del Webb

Willow Shores North Stockton. Central California area. Proposed for 2009/2010 - please see Del Webb Website for updated information. Single homes by Del Webb. Access to Bay Area, Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. Lakeside setting. Willow Shores in Stockton

Another personal favorite area. I highly recommend this area for Northern California retirement communities. Climate, clean air and water, country ambience, wineries and gourmet dining. Luther Burbank, who resided in Santa Rosa, said of Sonoma County "the chosen spot of all earth."

The Meadows of Napa Valley - In the midst of the wine country. Apartments, amenities and services. The Meadows of Napa Valley

Oakmont Village Santa Rosa - 30 minutes to Pacific Ocean - one hour to San Francisco in the wine country of Sonoma County. North of Napa. Approximately 3000 homes - 35 years community for over 55. Newest part of the community is now under construction and will be the last neighborhood built on Oakmont's 1255 acres--called The Orchard at Oakmont.

Oakmont consists of 80% free-standing homes and others are multi units. There is also a separate assisted living building. Two golf courses (Oakmont Golf Club memberships). Oakmont Village Over 55 Community in Santa Rosa
The Orchard at Oakmont Over 55 Community in Santa Rosa

Northern California retirement communities provide a healthy lifestyle, many area attractions, generally cleaner air quality, and a generally slower pace, all good for seniors.

Any prices quoted or information given for Northern California retirement communities are subject to your personal verification. In the current real estate market, there have been price adjustments at some communities.

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