Several cities in California attract retirees because of their climates and many cultural activities.
California offers several cities that suit the needs of retiring individuals. The state's climate, scenery and attractions in tourist cities draw many individuals 55 years and older. Retirees who don't mind the higher cost of living in California can find many great communities to call home.
San Jose
With a population of about 1 million people, San Jose in Northern California is fitting for retirees who want to stay healthy and active, according to CNNMoney.com. The city is known for being the birthplace of the first mechanically-pedaled bike in North America and also is considered a walkable city because of its safe streets and good air quality. San Jose retirees also can enjoy a sip of wine less than an hour away at Santa Cruz Mountains wineries. The Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay are close attractions, and more than 100 hospitals are available within 30 miles of the city. The city also features thousands of restaurants. In addition, San Jose has many museums and parks as well as performing arts centers, according to Sanjoseca.gov. San Jose has more than 6,000 technology companies and a handful of colleges and universities. San Jose residents enjoy average monthly high temperatures ranging from 59 degrees in December and January to 84 degrees in July and August, according to The Weather Channel. The median house price in San Jose in 2009 was $461,660, according to CNNMoney.com.
San Diego
With a population of more than 1.25 million people, San Diego is the second largest city in California, according to SanDiego.gov. The coastal city in Southern California features several regional and shoreline parks as well as 25 miles of ocean and bay beaches. Retirees can find entertainment through many library branches, shopping centers and districts, recreation centers, golf courses and swimming pools. Dozens of museums also focus on art, culture, technology and history, and many movie screens are available. San Diego is known for attractions such as Sea World, the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park. Residents enjoy mild, sunny weather year-round, with average monthly high temperatures ranging from 66 degrees in January to 78 degrees in August. The community features many colleges and universities as well as the high-tech and biotech industries. Apartments, condos and home are all available in the city. According to CNNMoney.com, the median house price in San Diego in 2009 was $325,600.
Palm Springs
Located in the south central part of California, Palm Springs has a population of close to 50,000 that increases to almost 75,000 during the winter. The city features many restaurants, antique shops, art galleries, theaters, museums, tennis courts, a municipal golf course and an Olympic-size public pool, according to the City of Palm Springs. Retirees can ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of Mount San Jacinto, hike on trails, or even tour celebrity homes. Palm Springs residents experience average monthly high temperatures ranging from 70 degrees in December and January to 108 degrees in July, according to The Weather Channel. The median home price in Palm Springs in 2009 was $275,000, according to CNNMoney.com.
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