Southern California has emerged as a favourite retirement destination for many seniors. With ocean views, plentiful communities, and a slow pace of life, the elderly are flocking to the region for some peace and quiet.
World Atlas recently released an article ranking the top 11 towns to retire in Southern California. Each town in the list has under 50,000 residents, health centers or senior living facilities, and, most importantly, is relatively affordable.
The average home value in each town either sits at or below California’s median price. World Atlas’ list includes areas like Laguna Woods and Idyllwild.
Laguna Woods Outshines its Peers
Laguna Woods stands out among its counterparts. The Laguna Woods Village, a gated 55-and-over retirement community, covers nearly 90% of the whole city. Over 18,600 Californians live in the 55-and-plus community.
The bustling complex has over 200 social clubs, which frequently host events. Additionally, Laguna Woods Village offers its own healthcare facilities, five pools, seven clubhouses, two professional golf courses, and plenty more. Californians can expect to spend around $503,000 on a home, which is much below the statewide average.
Idyllwild, meanwhile, attracts Californians seeking a small town surrounded by nature. Tucked away in the San Jacinto Mountains, the 4,000-resident town provides a slower-paced life.
Spanning just around 13.7 square miles and sitting at an elevation of about 5,300 feet, the hidden gem has a variety of community centers, restaurants, shops, and dogs — two of whom have been elected as mayor in recent years.
Other Best Towns for Retirees
Besides these, the World Atlas’ list also featured:
- Julian
- Borrego Springs
- Twentynine Palms
- Yucca Valley
- Wrightwood
- Banning
- Big Bear Lake
- Desert Hot Springs
- Port Hueneme
It is not surprising that Port Hueneme was the first to appear on the list.
According to World Atlas, the beach town is home to only around 22,000 people. With the average home priced around $625,000, comfortably $200,000 under the statewide price, it is no surprise that many seniors come here to retire.
While a hospital is not directly located in Port Hueneme, Oxnard’s St. John’s Regional Medical Center is a short distance away. Additionally, the Orvene S. Carpenter Community Center delivers food directly to seniors’ doors so they never have to cook again if they so desire.
The town also has an entire community for older Californians. Hueneme Bay is a 55-plus community — so seniors can make many friends the day they move in!
Port Hueneme, as the name suggests, is also home to a lighthouse and a fishing dock, making them the perfect places to visit on your early-morning or late-night stroll. The town takes up merely 4.5 square miles of land.
You do not have to be a swimmer or angler to feel at home, though. The small town has malls and stores like Mandalay Village Marketplace, Beachport Center, and the NMCRS Thrift Shop. It is also home to Ventura County’s only city-owned beach park, restaurants, a historical museum, and community centers.
“The quality of life in Port Hueneme is one-of-a-kind. Those who live or work here benefit from the city’s small-town atmosphere, affordable housing, diverse economy, temperate climate, clean air, low crime, quality education, and plentiful recreation. The city takes great pride in its consumer service practices and personifies the concept of customer as client,” a statement on the town’s website reads.
If you are a retiree seeking a more relaxed lifestyle, these towns are well worth considering.
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