8 Towns Perfect For Retirement In California's Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada Mountain range is one of those sights that will stay with you forever. Perhaps this is the reason why so many people decide not to leave altogether and hang their hats here for good. And retirees are no exception. Stretching 250 miles across California from the Mojave Desert to the Cascade Range of Northern California and Oregon, there are numerous communities that provide endless adventure for seniors. The Sierra is home to three national parks, including Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Park. Lake Tahoe, the country's second-deepest lake, is also located here. While the cost of living in California is undoubtedly higher than the national average, some mountain towns are still somewhat reasonably priced. Regarding medical facilities, the state is known for having one of the best healthcare systems in the country that seniors can rely on. Discover eight towns in Sierra Nevada that are perfect for retirement!
Nevada City
Nestled in the basin of the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, Nevada City is one of California’s best-preserved gold rush towns that will surely capture your heart. It sits 2500 feet above sea level and is surrounded by dense forests, serene rivers, and streams. Tahoe National Forest is located to the east, while the wild and scenic South Yuba River is 10 miles to the north. And Deer Creek, the pulse of the community, runs right through downtown.
With all that said, Nevada City is a perfect spot for seniors who love the outdoors, with easy access to kayaking, fishing, and hiking. As far as days in town, there are interesting boutiques, galleries, and museums to wander through. For entertainment, seniors can head to the Nevada Theatre, which has regular live shows. And in the summer, music fills the air here with live bluegrass and classical concerts outside. Summer Nights in July is one festival seniors will not want to miss. There are plenty of interesting booths filled with unique artwork and delicious food.
The cost of living here is below the state average. The median sale price of homes is about $450,000. The nearest hospital for seniors is Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, located 4 miles west in Grass Valley. The closest large city is Sacramento, 60 miles southwest of town.
South Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world. Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains, the lake's rich blue color is an incredible sight. While there are many adorable little villages all around the lake, South Lake Tahoe is one of the top places for retirees to set down roots. It is the perfect outdoor playground for seniors who are still young at heart. In the winter, Heavenly Ski Resort is quite popular for world-class downhill skiing, and there are plenty of cross-country skiing opportunities, too.
During the warmer months, seniors can get out and hike the Rubicon Trail, which meanders along a stunning section of Emerald Bay. On lazier days, retirees can head to one of many public beaches to soak in the sun and enjoy a good book. For seniors who want to practice their golf swing, there are courses with excellent views of the lake, such as Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. And whether seniors are in the mood for a low-key pizza parlor or a five-star restaurant, there's no shortage of places to eat.
The beauty of South Lake Tahoe does come with a cost. The median sale price of homes is about $757,000. For medical needs, Barton Memorial Hospital is in town. As far as nearby city life, Reno, Nevada, is about 62 miles away, while Sacramento is a little over 100 miles west of town.
Downieville
Located off Highway 49 in the Lost Sierras, Downieville is a perfect place for seniors who want to get away from it all yet still have a strong sense of community nearby. It’s a place where neighbors still wave, and everybody knows everybody. Resting along the banks of two pristine rivers, the North Downie and Yuba Rivers, Downieville is surrounded by mountains. Because of the access to outdoor adventure, It’s hard to stay idle here, and there’s no shortage of fun recreation for retirees to try.
Downieville is somewhat of a Mountain biking boom town. It holds the Downieville Classic Cross Country Race and Festival, which thousands attend from all over the United States, Canada, and Europe. In the winter, there’s also hiking, fly fishing, kayaking, and cross-country skiing. And seniors can count on excellent weather! The region gets very little rain from spring to winter.
Downievelle is considered very affordable compared to the rest of California. The median home sale price is $385,000. Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital is one of the closest medical facilities, located 45 miles from town. As mentioned, Downieville is quite remote. The closest metropolitan area is Reno, Nevada, about 90 miles east of Tahoe. Sacramento is about 103 miles away.
Bishop
Bishop is referred to as a small town with a big backyard. Located in the Eastern Sierra, the town rests in the middle of the state and is halfway between Yosemite and Death Valley. Retirees can enjoy access to the National Park system with a senior pass that costs only $20 a year. Closer to home, Bishop Creek Canyon is 16 miles east of town, providing excellent fishing and hiking. Seniors can take a mellow walk on South Lake Trailhead, which leads to Long Lake, where one might reel in a Rainbow or Golden trout.
For seniors who are history buffs, there’s no shortage of it here. On the last Saturday of every April, people flock to the Manzanar Historical Site, located just south of Bishop. It's one of ten concentration camps where Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II. The pilgrimage takes place to raise awareness while honoring those held here. As far as the smaller pleasures in life go, the downtown area is known for its delicious baked goods. Erick Schat’s Bakery is quite famous for its bread and is a great place for seniors to meet friends while catching up on life.
Bishop is somewhat affordable compared to the rest of California. The median sale price is $578,000, which is lower than the state average. The nearest hospital is Northern Inyo Hospital in town. As for big cities, Bakersfield is 247 miles away, and Los Angeles is 294 miles west.
Grass Valley
Located at the base of the Sierra Foothills, Grass Valley is a former gold rush town with a whole lot of history and a dazzling art scene. On any given day, seniors will have plenty of options for entertainment, from opera to live shows. The Del Oro Theatre is an old movie house that still plays films, and the Center for the Arts hosts live concerts. And the food scene here is phenomenal. Grass Valley has become a culinary destination with wineries tucked away in the foothills and popular restaurants in the historic downtown area. The downtown area of Grass Valley is one of California’s 14 cultural districts. The town is also home to the Empire Mine State Historic Park Preserve, where seniors can explore a 367-mile stretch of mine shafts and buildings that survived the mining era. This is a great place to take visitors who are in town.
Compared to the rest of California, Grass Valley is considered an affordable place to live. The median home sale price is $515,000, which is lower than the state average. Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital is the closest medical facility in town. The closest metropolitan area is Sacramento, about 55 miles away.
Mammoth Lakes
With breathtaking mountain views, Mammoth Lakes is surrounded by Inyo National Forest in the Eastern Sierra of California. The area is known for Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain ski areas, which makes the region idyllic for seniors who still love to carve turns on a bluebird day. And the summers here are just as phenomenal. Mammoth Lakes sits at the base of Devils Postpile National Monument, a magnificent formation of basalt columns. Seniors can trek to the iconic Rainbow Falls that tumbles off a 100-hundred-foot ledge. For a longer day, a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail goes straight through Mammoth. Hikers from around the globe trek through here, as some set out to complete the entire stretch that passes through California, Oregon, and Washington. Another great spot is Mammoth Lakes Basin, which is only 5 minutes from downtown. It is great for wildflower viewing in the spring, and there are worthy swimming holes to try in the summer. As for the town itself, Mammoth is incredibly cozy and a very walkable community. Seniors will have the comfort of familiar faces here.
The median home sale price is $800,000, which is higher than the state average. The closest hospital for medical needs is Mammoth Hospital, which is located in town. And if seniors want to go to the city for a day or weekend, they should be prepared for a bit of a drive. Fresno, California, is about 189 miles south of town, and Reno, Nevada, is about 160 miles away.
Truckee
Truckee has become a popular place for empty nesters to head to live out the best years of their lives. The scenic mountain town is about 17 miles away from Lake Tahoe’s North shore, and eight ski resorts are within a 30-minute drive. Besides the beauty and adventure, this gorgeous community in the High Sierra offers seniors a healthier lifestyle with limited traffic, fresh mountain air, and beautiful, clear water. In fact, Truckee’s public utility has been recognized for its clean water, which comes from a groundwater well system.
The downtown area is incredibly charming and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Seniors can find hints of the area’s history at the Truckee Railroad Museum, where they can learn how railroads shaped the town's development. Interactive displays go over the first transcontinental railroad, logging railroads, and tourism by rail over Donner Pass. Beyond historic sites, seniors can relish in the day-to-day living here. There are plenty of reliable restaurants and shops with a ski village feel that will make one feel right at home.
The median home sale price in Truckee is $1.1 million, which is higher than the state average. The nearest hospital for medical needs is Tahoe Forest Hospital in town. The closest city is Reno, Nevada, which is 31 miles away.
Placerville
Placerville gives seniors the benefit of outdoor mountain adventure at their doorstep while still having the convenience of larger cities nearby. Located in El Dorado County, Placerville is about 39 miles east of Sacramento and about 65 miles west of Lake Tahoe. The South Fork of the American River is close to town, so it’s pretty common to see boaters and kayakers getting ready for a day on the water. Seniors can join in on the fun and even take part in group rafting excursions. Besides the great outdoors, there’s quite a bit of history here that seniors can relish. Historic Main Street has preserved 19th-century buildings, housing restaurants, and shops. An interesting site is the old Bell Tower, which used to be how people would reach firefighters during emergencies. It is now a common gathering place in town. Seniors can also learn about the area’s history at the El Dorado County Historical Museum and how the town was named after placer gold deposits found in its hills and riverbeds.
The median house sale price is $450,000, which is below the state average. Marshall Medical Center is the nearest hospital for medical needs. Seniors also have the luxury of being close to multiple cities for a greater pool of specialized doctors. Besides Sacramento, San Francisco is an incredible place that’s not too far away. It’s about 130 miles west of Placerville.
The Sierra Nevada is great for seniors to enjoy their best lives. There's an incredible difference in topography and biodiversity along the mountain range. One can find the largest trees in the world here or be among the highest peaks in the Golden State. And each little historic town has its own story and charm, and you'll likely hear about the gold rush. With limited traffic, minimal pollution, and pristine rivers and streams, the quality of life is hard to beat. One can expect a bit of sticker shock when it comes to the cost of living. Seniors will pay more for housing in the Tahoe area, while remote places such as Downieville have more affordable prices. Although healthcare costs are higher here, seniors will be well cared for with specialized medical facilities and trusted doctors across the state. All these factors make the Sierra Nevada an excellent place for seniors to live during some of their best years.
