8 Best Towns In Southern California For Retirees
While Southern California is often associated with high costs, there are still small towns across the region where retirees can enjoy a more affordable lifestyle without giving up on scenic beauty, healthcare access, or recreation. With sunshine nearly year-round, ocean breezes, and mountain views, the area offers a wide range of natural and cultural experiences. Whether you are enjoying the company of grandkids at Cabazon Dinosaurs in Banning, admiring the history at Fillmore Historical Museum in Fillmore, or getting a morning walk at Joshua Tree National Park in Yucca Valley, here are eight of the best towns for retirement in Southern California.
Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake, a gated community in Riverside County, has quietly earned its place as one of the best towns in Southern California for retirement. With 22.4% of the population aged 65 and older and a median home price of $704,000 as of June 2025[Zillow], it strikes a balance between comfort and value in a desirable location. Built around a private reservoir and surrounded by rolling hills, this lakefront town blends leisure and community involvement into daily life. The Canyon Lake Senior Center is a true hub for residents aged 55 and up. From chair yoga to tai chi, and bridge to pinochle, the schedule is packed with ways to stay active, meet new friends, and keep the mind sharp. The town library, part of the Riverside County Library System, keeps book-loving seniors well-stocked and mentally engaged year-round.
Living here means always having something on the calendar. The Fit Community 5k/10k Run in spring draws enthusiastic participants, while the Women’s Club Fashion Show adds a fun social occasion. During summer, Holiday Harbor hosts Friday night movies under the stars, perfect for relaxing with family or neighbors. Come winter, the Senior Center Holiday Boutique fills the season with handmade gifts and festive cheer.
Outdoor life is equally fulfilling. Holiday Harbor Park includes a swimming beach, amphitheater, volleyball court, horseshoe pit, and picnic spots. East Port Park draws dog-loving seniors with its leash-free zones, and the Canyon Lake Golf & Country Club has an 18-hole course with scenic views that elevate a round of golf into a day well spent.
Banning
If you are looking for a place where history meets convenience, Banning delivers a rewarding retirement experience with sunny skies and a welcoming small-town feel. Once known as “Stagecoach Town, U.S.A.,” Banning still celebrates its past with the annual Stagecoach Days Celebration, a multi-day event featuring a rodeo, carnival, and hometown parade that brings everyone together. About 28.5% of the town’s population is 65 or older, and a home here averages around $417,000 as of June 2025, making it one of the more budget-friendly choices in Southern California. Seniors here enjoy easy access to local healthcare through San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital. For long-term living, The Lakes at Banning provides assisted care, and the Banning Senior Citizens Center serves as a daily hub. Its Senior Nutrition Program dishes out hot weekday meals, and delivery is available to those unable to attend in person, keeping wellness and nutrition top of mind.
When it is time to be out and about or host visiting family, Banning has a few unforgettable spots. The Cabazon Dinosaurs, larger-than-life prehistoric sculptures, are a guaranteed hit with grandkids. Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, with its slot machines, restaurants, and pool deck, is a favorite day-trip destination for retirees with friends. Outdoors, the dramatic landscape of the San Gorgonio Pass invites exploration.
Tehachapi
Tehachapi sits at about 4,000 feet above sea level and welcomes retirees with a refreshing four-season climate. This mountain town, with a median home price of around $428,000, creates a calm yet energizing backdrop for retirement. It is a place where the seasons bring variety, and a community-focused pace supports both relaxation and active living. Outdoor-loving retirees appreciate Tehachapi’s reputation as a cycling destination. Whether it is road or mountain biking, the local trails and events like the Tehachapi Gran Fondo, a celebrated September race named “Best Century” by Cycle CA magazine, keep riders challenged and connected. History buffs enjoy time at the Tehachapi Heritage League Museum, housed in an art deco gem from 1931, or watching trains curl through the legendary Tehachapi Loop, a civil engineering marvel that fascinates rail fans from across the country. At the same time, downtown Tehachapi adds to the town’s appeal with its walkable streets, boutiques, cafés, and clear mountain air. The area invites leisurely evening strolls or weekends browsing shops and chatting with neighbors.
For wellness and everyday needs, the Guild of Tehachapi Hospital has reliable medical care, while the Tehachapi Senior Center promotes both mental and physical well-being through its programs, fitness sessions, hot lunches, and social activities. Housing options for seniors include Mulberry Place Assisted Living and Tehachapi Senior I & II, which offer peaceful, accessible homes tailored for aging adults.
Fillmore
Tucked between rolling hills and citrus orchards, Fillmore is a peaceful retirement destination known for its long-standing orange groves and relaxed small-town energy. With a median home price of about $688,000 as of June 2025, it is still possible to settle down in a charming cottage or bungalow, many of which date back to the mid-20th century. Downtown, centered along Central Avenue, preserves Fillmore’s older character through restored storefronts and quiet streets ideal for walking or window shopping.
Retirees with visiting family enjoy the Fillmore Fish Hatchery, a longtime local favorite with free entry and plenty of fish food for little ones to enjoy. For a dose of local lore, the Fillmore Historical Museum captures the town’s railroad and agricultural roots through its carefully preserved Depot, Hinckley House, and Rancho Sespe Bunkhouse. Wine enthusiasts can sample bold blends at Giessinger Winery, where small-batch production focuses on rich flavor over aging time. And for casual dining with visiting friends, El Pescador #12 serves vibrant plates in a bright and relaxed setting.
Seniors who prefer maintenance-free living can choose from Fillmore Country Club, a welcoming assisted living facility, or Greenfield Care Center, a dedicated nursing home. The Fillmore Active Adult Center is also a cornerstone of community life, with nutritious daily meals and a rotating calendar of activities that keep residents connected and engaged.
Lake Arrowhead
One of the most appealing aspects of retiring in Lake Arrowhead is the chance to live in a picturesque mountain town without overspending. The average home price in Lake Arrowhead is around $699,000, which falls below California’s statewide median and makes settling here a practical choice. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, the town is surrounded by alpine beauty and crisp pine-scented air. Nearly a quarter of the population is aged 65 and older, creating a welcoming environment for seniors looking to enjoy their retirement years at a slower pace. Healthcare is easily accessible through the Mountains Community Hospital Rural Health Clinic, located right in town. While still developing, Lake Arrowhead Gathering Place is growing into a senior-focused center where older adults can meet, enjoy activities, and build lasting friendships.
Furthermore, Lake Arrowhead thrives year-round with activities that keep retirees’ lives lively. SkyPark at Santa’s Village is a favorite stop for visiting grandkids, with mountain biking trails, fly fishing, and open-air events all set within a forested wonderland. For something more relaxed, the Arrowhead Queen Tour Boat invites retirees and guests aboard for scenic cruises around the lake while learning fun facts about the area’s rich celebrity history. Additionally, Heaps Peak Arboretum features a peaceful loop trail just under a mile long, with printed guides that add a thoughtful layer to each stroll among native trees and flora.
Yucca Valley
Yucca Valley stands out in Southern California as a distinctive place to enjoy retirement, especially for those drawn to nature, art, and a quiet pace of life. This high desert town borders Joshua Tree National Park, where seniors can spend mornings on scenic trails or birdwatching, over 250 species pass through the area, including the greater roadrunner and cactus wren. Nearby, Desert Christ Park displays more than forty serene, snow-white sculptures depicting scenes from Christ's life and teachings, all set against panoramic desert views. Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum is another must-see, stretching across five acres with over 100 large-scale assemblage sculptures, a cultural and contemplative experience, especially when sharing it with visiting family or grandchildren.
Healthcare is never out of reach, thanks to Desert Oasis Healthcare Immediate Care and Morongo Basin Community Health Center, both located in town. Seniors looking for daily engagement will find it at the Yucca Valley Senior Center, where the schedule includes everything from lunches and events to shopping and enriching programs designed to stimulate the mind and create lasting friendships. For those who want to live among peers in a supportive setting, Angelic Mansions Assisted Living and Ingleside Lodge Assisted Living provide warm and welcoming options.
Still, homeownership remains an attractive path here. With a median home price of about $364,000, living independently is attainable without the financial strain often seen elsewhere in the state. And with 20.6% of the population aged 65 and over, retirees are likely to find a built-in network of neighbors who understand and appreciate this stage of life, making every sunrise hike or afternoon stroll just a little more enjoyable when shared.
Ridgecrest
With a population of under 30,000, Ridgecrest stands in the Mojave Desert as a surprisingly complete destination for retirees seeking connection, comfort, and something to do each day. After years of reporting to work, having engaging attractions nearby becomes more than a luxury; it becomes part of a fulfilling routine. In Ridgecrest, there is always somewhere to go. The Maturango Museum, founded in 1962, serves as a cultural anchor with rotating exhibits, art installations, and educational programs exploring the region’s natural and human history. And Petroglyph Park, though small, gives a self-guided look at ancient desert art that adds meaning to a simple day out. Just across from Petroglyph Park, the China Lake Museum Foundation preserves the legacy of nearby Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, perfect for military history buffs. Rademacher Hills, with its scenic ridgeline trails, is ideal for morning walks with neighbors or afternoon outings with grandkids.
Senior-focused support in Ridgecrest goes beyond checkboxes; it is built into the community. Sails Ridgecrest Adult Day Program provides supervised care in a social setting for older adults needing daily structure. At the Ridgecrest Senior Center, retirees can meet new friends, join activities, and tap into a warm support network. Senior Services of Ridgecrest Regional Hospital promotes independence and dignity for those aged 60 and up, whether through home care or community programming. The Salvation Army extends a compassionate hand with community meals, outreach to the homebound, and affordable senior housing, all with a personal, neighborly touch. Should health needs arise, Ridgecrest Regional Hospital is in town, ensuring essential care is never far. All of this comes with a median housing price of around $270,000, which remains one of the most reasonable in Southern California.
Borrego Springs
Borrego Springs, surrounded by the stark beauty of Southern California’s desert region, is a hidden gem for retirees seeking peace, scenery, and a lifestyle that is easy on the wallet. With a median home price around $351,000, the town allows retirees on a fixed income to enjoy a relaxed pace of life without compromising on essentials. That breathing room in the budget leaves space to enjoy the things that make each day worth getting up for with good company, warm sun, and meaningful experiences. To get a breath of fresh air, retirees can head to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California’s largest state park, known for spring wildflowers, wildlife, and miles of hiking trails. Not too far away, the larger-than-life sculptures at Galleta Meadows, as well as metal works by Ricardo Breceda, create a surreal open-air art gallery across the desert floor. For the seniors drawn to creative pursuits, the Borrego Art Institute hosts classes, exhibits, and community gatherings that welcome both beginners and seasoned artists. Besides that, the Roadrunner Golf & Country Club, a 55+ community, adds to the appeal with an executive 18-hole golf course, pickleball courts, and a 24-hour heated saltwater pool and mineral bath, an excellent place to unwind or meet friends.
Medical needs are handled by Borrego Medical Clinic, while the Borrego Springs Seniors Community Center, in partnership with Meals on Wheels of San Diego County, ensures that qualifying seniors receive nourishing meals at no cost. These services help make day-to-day living smoother and more supported.
Wrapping Up
Retirement in Southern California does not have to mean breaking the bank. These eight towns blend affordability with essential amenities, scenic surroundings, and active lifestyles that keep each day engaging. Whether you prefer desert sunrises in Borrego Springs, bird watching in Yucca Valley, or a good game of golf in Canyon Lake, there is a setting here to match your pace. Access to healthcare, senior centers, and welcoming neighborhoods further enrich the experience. If you are searching for a meaningful, well-rounded retirement, these small towns prove that comfort and connection still thrive in the Golden State.
