The Best Small Towns To Retire In California
There’s something special about small-town life in California that big cities can’t quite capture. Quaint main streets, historic landmarks, and close-knit communities make these destinations perfect for travelers looking to slow down and enjoy authentic experiences. Whether nestled along a scenic river, tucked into rolling hills, or set by the coast, these towns offer a mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and local charm that showcase the very best of the region.
Solvang
In the heart of California's Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang was established by Danish Americans in 1911. This oasis of charm invites new residents to engage with its European roots. Many stop by the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, where exhibits trace Solvang's origins and the timelines of its founders and modern families. The cuisine is also a prized sphere of life in Solvang, and one popular eatery is The Solvang Restaurant, famous for serving Aebleskiver, a traditional Danish pancake ball. Moreover, freshly baked pastries are available at Olsen's Danish Village Bakery, a family-owned establishment since 1970. Artisan shops are also always on the rise; Jule Hus offers Christmas ornaments year-round, while The Book Loft carries Danish literature, including works of Hans Christian Andersen. There are additionally a few opportunities to ease those old bones, rest stops like Spa Elysia claim their space within beautifully timbered buildings, and the Hans Christian Andersen Park is always available for a picnic day with visiting loved ones.
Ojai
Ojai provides a peaceful retirement setting admired for its natural beauty and cultural richness. Libbey Park, the town's central spot, features a bandstand, tennis courts, and hosts the annual Ojai Music Festival. Adjacent to the park is Libbey Bowl, an outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts and community gatherings. The Ojai Valley Museum showcases local history and art, while the Krishnamurti Library offers philosophical materials and scenic gardens. Soule Park includes a public golf course with sweeping views of the Topa Topa Mountains. The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy maintains miles of trails for hiking and birdwatching—essential activities for staying active in later years. Downtown, you’ll find many boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants like Boccali's, a family-owned Italian eatery. Wine lovers can visit the Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room for a relaxing experience. Nearby in Ventura, beaches and harbor cruises attract coastal fans, with boat trips to the Channel Islands National Park for the adventurous.
Auburn
Approximately 14,000 residents consider Auburn their hometown, renowned as one of the safest communities in the state with 253 sunny days annually. The town's relaxed, charming atmosphere offers a perfect setting for nature enthusiasts, situated adjacent to the expansive Tahoe National Forest. Its stunning scenery creates an almost year-round sense of living in a secluded vacation spot, a rewarding milestone after years of hard work. In addition to its enchanting environment, Auburn provides all essential amenities and accommodations, including a touch of luxury. Recognized as one of California's top small towns for retirement, Auburn offers an excellent quality of life thanks to abundant leisure options. The wide range of outdoor and indoor activities ensures residents are never bored, even when grandchildren aren't visiting.
Eureka
Known for its excellent quality of living thanks to a thriving economy, the quintessential coastal town of Eureka is one of the most livable and best-suited places for retirees in California. Situated as a protected deep-water port near Puget Sound, it is the ultimate paradise for those who want to bring the outdoors into their retirement. You will find the perfect balance of stunning landscapes, from the sunny shores to the magnificent coastal redwoods, including the beautiful Fern Canyon trail to stay active. The town features Victorian architecture and streets full of art, while those wanting to feel part of the energy can take the scenic drive to the Golden City. One of the state's most affordable places to retire, Eureka is also home to the booming cannabis industry and attractions like the Clarke Historical Museum, the Carson Mansion, Opera Alley, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and Sequoia Forest And Garden.
Grass Valley
The charming little town nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Foothills is known for its annual lineup of activities and events suited for all ages. The business association organizes the beloved Harvest Festival and the Cornish Christmas community events. Visitors will also find various senior citizen communities, three hospitals with cancer and heart treatment facilities, and a convenient in-city shuttle service. With a name that hints at beautiful outdoors, the town offers access to a variety of activities in the surrounding landscapes, including the vastly diverse Diggins State Historic Park. For more adventures, there is the Stevens Trail, wine tastings at Lucchesi Vineyards, the North Star Mining Museum, and the 49er Fun Park to reminisce about youth. The walkable Main Street is full of shops and cafes, while nearby Lake Tahoe is known for dog-friendly restaurants and hiking trails.
Hemet
Set in the south-western Riverside County in Southern California, Hemet is nestled picturesquely in the foothills of the Tehachapi Mountains. One will have scenery and fresh air right in the heart of the quaint downtown area, while the active will rejoice in the easy access to the numerous streams and rivers for fishing. Set within the San Jacinto Valley, one gets the ultimate outdoors from the doorstep with mountain vistas to the east. Surrounded by endless natural scenery, there are the Santa Rosa Hills to the south, and the San Gorgonio Pass to the north, while the nearby town of San Jacinto offers diverse attractions and sights. The charming Riverside area is also known for the pleasant climate, exemplary of California, with mild winters and little humidity to make a move in a heartbeat and start absorbing those rays.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is the first town that "springs" to mind when seeking a place to retire in California. Although the area has been expanding rapidly over the past decade and sees an influx of visitors for the Rat Pack scene and Coachella, it retains an exclusive feel. The growing arts and culture mecca with many galleries and antique shops, as well as food and shopping scenes under constant refresh, is sought-after by many early retirees. The ideal place also comes with an optimal year-round climate to keep the high energy in the outdoors with tennis, swimming, hiking, and biking. Comprising nearly 125 golf courses in the area, it is the largest concentration in the United States and a no-brainer choice for seniors who want to spend endless days immersed in their favorite sport under the Cali's sun.
Paso Robles
The diverse community of Paso Robles set between San Francisco and Los Angeles is a popular retirement spot for a small-town feel with big-city amenities. The highly attractive downtown is full of restaurants and cafes ranging from cute coffee shops for those morning Cups o' Joe to upscale establishments for full-blown dining experiences. There are also various stores, galleries, and breweries, while the entertainment range ensures that there is never a dull moment in town. The weekly farmers' market is a gathering spot to mingle and meet friends while shopping for a vast range of local agricultural products. Set surrounded by wineries and picturesque hills, one gets easy access to the great outdoors with camping, golf, biking trails, and lakes. The coast is only 30 minutes away from a beach escape with many seaside towns around. Several active adult communities in town, along with a range of health care services, guarantee a good quality of life.
Pismo Beach
The classic beach community is famous nationwide for its breathtaking Pismo Beach sunsets, featuring long white sandy beaches and stunning wineries that attract many retirees. Located on California's central coast along Pacific Coast Highway and Highway 101, it offers a convenient commute to both San Francisco and Los Angeles. With pleasant weather year-round, residents often enjoy strolling along the beaches at sunset, and can diversify their days with golf and fishing from the scenic 1200-foot fishing pier, known for its spectacular views. The award-winning boardwalk near Pismo Beach pier is just moments from the vibrant downtown area, which offers a variety of restaurants and the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets. The California Welcome Center is an ideal starting point for retirees settling into this wonderful community.
Rio Vista
Set along the banks of the Sacramento River, Rio Vista is one of the more affordable small towns in the state, with below-average home prices, low-cost rentals, and cheap wineries. The annual Bass Derby and Festival in October attracts sports fishermen, locals, and tourists alike for the live music and arts. Comprising some 8,000 residents, the town is a known haven among senior citizens, with a median age of 58. There's a revamped senior center-social hub for retirees, along with local Lions, Moose, or Rotary clubs to join, while many organizations and two museums welcome volunteers. The year-round complacent weather is great for fishing, hunting, and hiking, as well as exploring the surrounding towns and vast countryside. There is also easy access to the big city amenities in Oakland, Sacramento, and San Francisco.
San Luis Obispo
"SLO" or "San Luis" is a cultural, commercial, and entertainment hub on the state's scenic Central Coast. Known as the "happiest city in the country," it is also right in the heart of the Wine Country, so one can alternate between strolling along the shores and through the vineyards. The cultured will be happy to find the town anchored to one of California's historic missions, established famously by the Spanish missionary in the 18th century. The San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is one of the best-preserved examples of old Spanish architecture. Open for tours of the church and the grounds, one can never stop admiring and being proud to live in the place that calls it home. The great quality of life stemming from the happiness factor and diversified activities makes the community one of the most demanded locales to scenically retire.
Sierra Madre
Set at the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley, just below the southern edge of the Angeles National Forest, Sierra Madre is an ideal place for active individuals to retire in California. Home to approximately 10,000 friendly residents, they describe the town's atmosphere as cozy, peaceful, and easily walkable. The great outdoor activities and quiet town life make the higher cost of living worthwhile in this close-knit community. Known for being safe and family-friendly, the population mainly consists of families and seniors. Sierra Madre is that perfect California town offering a quaint atmosphere for a well-deserved, leisure-filled retirement, full of scenic vistas and free of worries.
Offering easy access to California's stunning beaches, these 11 affordable places are the real retirement hubs for senior citizens. Known to exempt retired people and military retirees from personal income tax, one will spend their well-earned savings on things that really matter in the Golden years.
