California is one of the most popular places in the world to live and retire, with plenty to do, see, eat, and enjoy. From the redwood forests in San Francisco’s Bay Area to the Hollywood streets “paved with gold,” there is somewhere to live for all tastes and ages in The Golden State. If you’re considering spending your retirement years in California, the best way to start is to understand a few things before packing your bags.

California city and its bridge

Choose the Right Location

California spans most of the West Coast of the United States. There are beautiful beaches, gorgeous redwood forests, towering mountain ranges, immense cliffsides, sweltering deserts, and huge cities. There is a bit of scenery for everyone, but you’ll want to choose wisely. If you hate beach views, Malibu isn’t going to be a great retirement location. Similarly, if you prefer a rural lifestyle, you’re not going to want to move anywhere near Los Angeles, the second most populated city in the country. Determine what you want out of your new home, such as family-friendly neighborhoods, outdoor amenities, beachfront views, private forest retreats, and more. You can work with a real estate agent to decide the best location for your budget and needs.

Research Senior Healthcare and Living Options

After you retire, there may come a time when you need more healthcare or daily care than you do now. Choose a city that has highly rated healthcare and at least one highly rated retirement community, including nursing homes or assisted living. You may not need them, but it’s a good idea to have the option in case you need extra help during a surgery recovery or find your mobility declining in your later years. California is a large and highly populated state that has plenty of physicians and retirement communities to choose from, but not all are highly rated. Oakland, Fresno, San Diego, and Los Angeles have seen quality drops and increased nursing home abuse cases due to understaffing, overcrowding, and funding issues. Tour each community thoroughly, read reviews, and assess official Medicare ratings. Your safety, health, and happiness are so important, especially when you need daily care and assistance. If you’re concerned about your rights and legal options in a retirement community, consider consulting with a specialized legal team like the Nursing Home Law Center.

Understand the Cost of Living

If you want to live in California, you’ll need to have the funding to do so. On average, you’re going to pay a lot; the cost of living is around 38% higher than the national average, with housing, utilities, gas, and groceries costing far more than other states on average. While the average salary is higher here, it may not be helpful if you’re retired and don’t plan on working in your senior years. Research the cost of living and evaluate your retirement funds or other savings to determine if you can live here. It’s important to keep in mind that California also taxes retirement funds, so you won’t catch a break there unless it has already been taxed.

Prepare for the Climate

California’s large size means the climate can vary from location to location. In general, California is known for its heat, particularly in cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. If you’re intolerant to heat, you may want to be careful about where you move. California’s proximity to Death Valley can boost temperatures in the triple digits during the summertime. However, there are parts of Northern California that see more seasonal changes, especially in mountainous regions. The Sierra Nevada regions even get yearly snowfall. The most important aspect to consider is the prevalence of earthquakes and wildfires. California is directly on a fault line, so you’ll see frequent earthquakes that can damage homes and put you in danger if you’re not careful. Wildfires are frequent due to the dry heat a lot of the state experiences, and you’ll need to evacuate when necessary.

Try New Restaurants and Hot Spots

California is one of the most diverse states in the country, home to many incredible restaurants and eateries. It’s worth trying the food the state has to offer while keeping dietary restrictions in mind. Napa Valley is known for its hundreds of wineries. The entire state has a wide variety of Michelin-star restaurants. Its proximity to Mexico provides a great variety of authentic cuisine, including infamous tacos and taco trucks. There are plenty of non-food amenities as well. Anaheim’s Disneyland, The San Diego Zoo, Hollywood, The Golden Gate Bridge, and Yosemite National Park are just some of the sights you can experience in your golden years.

Find Senior-Friendly Events and Activities

For older adults, socialization and routine are important to keep your mind and body healthy and active. Consider looking up some senior-friendly events once you arrive to make some new friends and neighbors. It’s important to have friends and acquaintances of all age ranges, but some friends your age can give you plenty of enrichment. From golfing to art classes, there are plenty of senior-friendly groups and events to choose from in California.

Conclusion

There may be an excellent reason why so many retirees flock to California. With plenty of things to do and see, travel enthusiasts and family lovers alike will enjoy this beautiful state. Always make an informed decision before moving anywhere. Assess your retirement funds and finances to make the most of your move. What better place is there to spend your golden years than The Golden State itself?

We hope you found this blog post Moving to California as a Senior, useful. Be sure to check out our post Things You Need to Do When Moving to California for more great tips!


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