8 Best Towns In Northern California For Retirees
California is a vast state that has long attracted retirees. The state offers something for nearly everyone, and there are no state taxes on social security. Retirees get plenty of warm weather, open space, and access to protected and public coastlines and national parks. Although median home prices tend to be higher, property taxes are lower, and retirees willing to live an hour or so inland or within small coastal towns can find homes to fit nearly any budget.
Rio Vista
Rio Vista is a small Northern California river town within the San Francisco Bay Area. Despite the Bay Area location, the median home price is lower than the state average at $468,000 as of August 2025. Rio Vista also offers seniors low-income housing units within and HUD rental assistance for those who qualify. Rio Vista gives retirees homes in historic neighborhoods, tons of scenic beauty, and a variety of outdoor recreational options. Retirees looking for more options can reach Napa Wine Country, coastal beach cities, and San Francisco in just over an hour's drive, or Lake Tahoe for a nearby vacation in two and a half hours.
Rio Vista is located in the California Delta on the Sacramento River. The town is surrounded by a thousand miles of waterways for fishing, boating, windsurfing, or swimming. The options for enjoying the water are nearly endless. Look around town, and there’s captivating scenery with rolling hills and mountain peaks. For golfers, the Rio Vista Golf Club offers a challenging 18-hole course. Rio Vista seniors enjoy local access to senior services, exercise, and social events at the Rio Vista Senior Center. The town includes local access to healthcare facilities and quality hospitals within 22 miles.
Quincy
Retirees looking for an affordable California town to call home love Quincy. Quincy is a small mountain town in the American Valley area. Quincy is a walkable city with a historic downtown area that includes art galleries, theatre performances, and live music year-round. Downtown is also the destination for ongoing festivals that start in February with the Groundhog Fever Festival and run through to December’s Sparkle Festival.
The median home price in Quincy is $419,000 as of August 2025, which is far below of California’s average home price. Retirees in Quincy find plenty of outdoor activities at Bucks Lake, and on several nearby hiking and biking trails, including the Leonhardt Trail. Seniors gather at the Plumas County Senior Center in town for group events, sports and recreation, and other social opportunities. Healthcare is also local at the Plumas District Hospital or the Plumas Rural Health Center.
Arcata
Arcata is the perfect retirement destination for nature lovers. The town sits at the edge of Arcata Bay and is surrounded by redwood forests. Arcata retirees enjoy a culture that promotes mindfulness and the arts. The distinctive bohemian spirit of the town makes it a fun and affordable retirement option. The median home listing price as of August 2025 is $525,000, which is well below the California average.
Retirees in Arcata appreciate having the Arcata Community Forest for hiking, biking, or simply getting out in the fresh air. Explore the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. The refuge is perfect for bird and wildlife watching. Get to the beach at Clam County Beach. Listen to the waves of the Pacific Ocean, swim, or walk the sandy beach. Seniors also like the local Arcata Community Center. Healthcare is available locally at Mad River Community Hospital.
Clearlake
Clearlake is a mecca for retirees searching for quality, affordable retirement living in California. Clearlake has a median home listing price of $290,000 as of August 2025, which is less than half of California’s typical median home price. For lake lovers, Clearlake offers affordability right next to the largest natural freshwater lake in the state - Clear Lake. The town of Clearlake is surrounded by open space and public parks like Anderson Marsh State Historic Park and Clear Lake State Park.
The town offers a warm and welcoming community that favors a small-town pace with less chaos and more serenity. Retirees living in Clearlake enjoy a variety of water activity options, including fishing, boating, swimming, and kayaking. Fishing at the lake features largemouth bass, crappies, bluegill, and channel catfish. Hikers can explore the Indian Nature Trail and learn about the native Pomo tribe. Seniors can find other recreational opportunities, events, and services at the local Highlands Senior Service Center. Healthcare is available locally at Adventist Health Care or Lake County Tribal Health South Shore.
Crescent City
Crescent City is a northern California city located in Del Norte County. This coastal California city gives retirees a peaceful seaside town surrounded by nature. Crescent City is home to the Redwood National and State Parks and nearby Pebble Beach. Retirees find a variety of activities, like hiking, bird watching, relaxing at the beach, or beachcombing. The town includes the Native American cultural heritage of the Tolowa Dee-ni' people. The median home listing price in Crescent City is $429,000, well below the typical California coastal home price.
Retirees enjoy the Crescent City Harbor for fishing, whale watching, and other marina-style activities. River lovers find the Smith River for tubing, rafting, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Smith River is popular with fishermen when looking for salmon and steelhead. Cultural events and other community festivals celebrating the Tolowa Dee-ni' run year-round at several local museums. Retirees can use the local Del Norte Senior Center to find social events, exercise classes, and services. Healthcare is available in town at Stallant Health & Wellness or the Del Norte Community Health Center.
Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg sits on California’s Mendocino Coast. The town includes Glass Beach within the extensive MacKerricher State Park. Find wildlife like coastal birds and even harbor seals hanging about. Fort Bragg is home to the Skunk Train that takes visitors on a historic steam train to view the redwood forests within the Noyo River Canyon. For retirees looking for hiking and biking trails, Fort Bragg has the Fort Bragg Coastal Trail and the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. The median home listing price as of August 2025 is $654,000, which is quite reasonable by California standards.
Retirees looking to stay active and even run a business will find Fort Bragg a possibility for both. Noyo Harbor is an active commercial harbor for fishing and crabbing. The small community of Fort Bragg provides business support and local networking opportunities. Retirees looking to keep active can surf, fish, scuba dive, kayak, watch for wildlife, or ride horseback down the beach. The town features an established arts and cultural scene with community-based theater, live music, and fine arts and crafts. Seniors can find community and services at the Redwood Coast Seniors Center. Local healthcare options are available at the Mendocino Coast Clinic and Adventist Health at Mendocino Coast.
Grass Valley
Retirees looking to retire in a historic gold rush town like Grass Valley. Grass Valley is a living testament to California’s gold rush history. Grass Valley is also home to several quality vineyards. Spend the day walking through the rolling hills of this agricultural town. Enjoy wine tasting at Lucchesi Vineyards or at the Montolivo Vineyard. Hike or bike in gold rush country at the Empire Mine State Historic Site or explore a variety of trails at the North Star Historic Conservancy. Retirees looking for water activities must visit South Yuba State Park.
The median home listing price as of August 2025 is $599,00, which is under the average for the Golden State. Seniors find information and support at the local Sierra Gold Community Senior Center. There’s also free lunches, social events, and exercise classes. Healthcare options in town include the Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital or the Western Sierra Medical Clinic.
Moraga
Moraga is a small town in northern California, located in the East Bay region of San Francisco. Retirees who like the outdoors will find adventure at the Moraga Commons Park and the Lafayette Reservoir. Hike, bike, or kayak, or enjoy a quiet stroll. Moraga is near the Redwood region with a large number of trails and tours. Moraga’s median home price for August 2025 is high at $1.5 million, but affordable homes are available for $500,000 when under 1000 square feet. Take advantage of saving money with a small home or rental.
Get out in nature when needed at the Rancho Laguna Park. Learn about local history at the Moraga History Center. Close out the day with a wine tasting at Captain Vineyards or the Crossbrook Winery. Seniors find support services, events, and recreation at SPARK in the Moraga Parks and Recreation Department. Healthcare is available nearby in Lafayette at East Bay Health or STAT MED Urgent Care.
Northern California has a lot to offer retirees, even those looking for affordable options. California doesn’t tax social security, has a mild climate, and quality national and state parks. The Golden State also offers high-quality healthcare and diverse cultural experiences. California also provides retirees wanting to attend college several options to waive tuition fees on non-credit and credit courses. Add these to the natural beauty and proximity to the Pacific Ocean, and California is a solid contender for attracting active retirees.
