In the game of retirement, not every Californian town is playing fair.
Looking for a quiet spot to enjoy your later years? Some California towns play by their own rules.
Where retirement plans meet town plans that make you plan your escape.
Discover which towns might have you rethinking your zip code.
Table of Contents
1. Modesto, CA
Located in the Central Valley, Modesto offers a unique mix of urban and agricultural elements. It’s known for its large arts scene and historic sites.
However, despite its charm, Modesto struggles with high crime rates and unemployment, which can be concerning for retirees.
It also suffers from poor air quality, making it less ideal for those with respiratory issues.
Why It’s on the List: High crime and unemployment rates make Modesto a challenging place for retirees seeking peace and stability.
2. Stockton, CA
Stockton is centrally located near San Francisco and Yosemite National Park. It has a vibrant cultural life with events, festivals, and live music.
However, it’s also known for its financial difficulties, including a bankruptcy filing in 2012.
Public services are still recovering, impacting the quality of life for residents, especially retirees.
Why It’s on the List: Economic struggles and limited public services make Stockton less appealing for those in their retirement years.
3. San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino offers affordable living compared to other parts of California and is close to various recreational areas.
However, the city has one of the highest poverty rates in the nation, affecting community services and overall safety.
Its financial instability has led to cuts in essential services, including public safety measures.
Why It’s on the List: Poverty and reduced public services pose significant challenges for retirees.
4. Merced, CA
Merced is known for its proximity to Yosemite National Park and its agricultural economy.
It offers a lower cost of living, which is attractive. However, it has limited healthcare facilities, which may be a concern for retirees.
The area also has lower educational outcomes, which can impact community services and opportunities.
Why It’s on the List: Limited healthcare options and lower educational outcomes are major drawbacks for retirees.
5. Compton, CA
Compton is close to Los Angeles and boasts a rich musical heritage, especially in rap and hip-hop culture.
However, it struggles with a reputation for high crime rates and public safety concerns.
Though improvements have been made, the lingering issues can deter retirees from settling here.
Why It’s on the List: High crime rates and safety concerns remain significant issues.
6. Richmond, CA
Richmond is located in the Bay Area and offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.
It has a rich history and diverse culture, but it also faces challenges with crime and industrial pollution.
The city has efforts underway to improve, but retirees may find the environmental and safety issues a concern.
Why It’s on the List: Environmental pollution and safety issues are major concerns for retirees looking for a healthy, safe environment.
7. Fresno, CA
Fresno is the fifth largest city in California and serves as the agricultural hub of the Central Valley.
It offers cultural attractions and parks, but faces challenges with air quality and extreme heat in summer.
These environmental factors can impact health, particularly for older residents.
Why It’s on the List: Poor air quality and extreme temperatures make Fresno less suitable for retirees.
8. Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield is known for its country music legacy, including the famous Bakersfield Sound.
While it offers affordable housing and a growing economy, the city struggles with some of the worst air quality in the nation.
Environmental concerns are a significant issue for retirees looking for a healthy place to live.
Why It’s on the List: Severe air pollution is a major deterrent for retirees in Bakersfield.
9. Hemet, CA
Hemet is known for its retirement communities and lower cost of living.
However, it has one of the highest crime rates for its size, which raises concerns for safety and quality of life.
The city also faces economic challenges, with a high rate of unemployment and poverty.
Why It’s on the List: High crime and economic instability are significant concerns for retirees in Hemet.
10. Lancaster, CA
Lancaster is part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area and offers unique attractions like the poppy reserve.
However, it is one of the more isolated cities, with significant travel required for specialized healthcare, which can be a hurdle for retirees.
The city also experiences extreme temperature swings, which can be uncomfortable and hazardous for the elderly.
Why It’s on the List: Isolation and extreme climate conditions make Lancaster less ideal for retirees.
11. El Centro, CA
El Centro serves as a commercial and agricultural center in the Imperial Valley. Its proximity to the Mexican border offers unique cultural experiences.
Despite its benefits, El Centro suffers from high unemployment rates and extreme summer temperatures that can be tough on retirees.
The cost of living is lower, but the economic challenges may outweigh the benefits for some.
Why It’s on the List: Economic difficulties and harsh climate conditions make El Centro challenging for retirees.
12. Vallejo, CA
Located in the Bay Area, Vallejo is home to the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and has rich maritime history.
However, it has experienced fiscal troubles, including bankruptcy, impacting public services and infrastructure.
Crime rates are also higher than average, making it a less desirable location for retirees.
Why It’s on the List: Financial instability and safety concerns are key issues for retirees in Vallejo.
13. Visalia, CA
Visalia is the gateway to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, offering stunning natural scenery.
However, it deals with poor air quality due to agricultural activities and its location in the Central Valley.
The healthcare system is also under-resourced, which could be a concern for retirees needing regular care.
Why It’s on the List: Poor air quality and inadequate healthcare facilities make Visalia less optimal for retirees.
14. Chico, CA
Chico is known for its vibrant college town atmosphere and beautiful parks.
While it offers a lively community and recreational opportunities, it has struggled with homelessness and public safety issues in recent years.
The city also faces the threat of wildfires, which have become more frequent and severe in the area.
Why It’s on the List: Safety concerns and wildfire risks are significant drawbacks for retirees in Chico.
15. Antioch, CA
Antioch is located along the San Joaquin River, offering water activities and scenic views.
It has seen growth in recent years but struggles with crime and a lack of essential amenities for retirees, such as accessible healthcare and recreational facilities.
The city also has high property taxes, which can be a financial burden for retirees on a fixed income.
Why It’s on the List: High crime rates and property taxes make Antioch less attractive for retirees.
16. Riverside, CA
Riverside is known for its historic Mission Inn, museums, and cultural festivals.
While it has a rich cultural heritage, Riverside suffers from air pollution and high living costs, which can detract from its appeal to retirees looking for a healthy, affordable lifestyle.
The city also experiences significant traffic congestion, adding to daily stress.
Why It’s on the List: Poor air quality and high living costs pose challenges for retirees in Riverside.
17. Palmdale, CA
Located in northern Los Angeles County, Palmdale is part of the Mojave Desert, offering unique landscapes and a quieter lifestyle compared to LA.
However, it’s isolated from major healthcare facilities and amenities, which can be a disadvantage for retirees needing frequent medical care.
The area also has extreme temperature variations, which can be difficult to manage in older age.
Why It’s on the List: Isolation and extreme temperatures make Palmdale a challenging place for retirement.
18. Santa Ana, CA
Santa Ana is rich in cultural diversity and offers plenty of urban amenities, including museums and theaters.
Despite its attractions, the city has high living costs and struggles with urban sprawl, leading to long commutes and a high cost of living.
Additionally, the crime rate in certain areas remains a concern for residents, especially retirees.
Why It’s on the List: High living costs and urban sprawl are major concerns for retirees in Santa Ana.
19. Moreno Valley, CA
Moreno Valley offers affordable housing relative to other parts of California and is known for its scenic views and outdoor activities.
However, the city lacks robust healthcare facilities and has seen rising crime rates, which can be concerning for retirees.
Public transportation options are also limited, making it difficult for those who do not drive.
Why It’s on the List: Limited healthcare and transportation options are drawbacks for retirees in Moreno Valley.
20. Santa Maria, CA
Santa Maria is known for its wineries, barbecue, and mild climate, making it appealing at first glance.
However, it faces challenges with employment opportunities and healthcare access, which are crucial for retirees.
The cost of living, while lower than in major urban centers, is still high compared to national averages.
Why It’s on the List: Limited job opportunities and healthcare services make Santa Maria less ideal for retirees.