If you have been looking for the best retirement communities in California this website has the answers you need. For each community - from Berkeley to Lake Tahoe - you will find objective reviews of California retirement communities written by active adults, not marketers.
Overall
California probably has more top retirement communities than any state in the union. Its climate is exceptional and so is its beauty. On the downside, other states generally offer better value for your retirement dollar - real estate and the cost of living here is significantly higher than almost any state. On the other hand, recreational activities are exceptional in this state with a Pacific Ocean coastline that stretches from Mexico to Canada. This site will acquaint you with some basic facts about retirement to the best places in California.
Active adults looking for retirement information on best retirement communities like Eureka, San Diego, Laguna Woods Village etc. will find it here. To find more helpful information check out the Wikipedia page for California
Vineyards in Napa Valley
Climate
The California climate is characterized as Mediterranean. Summers are warm and dry and winters are cool and wet. Marine air from the Pacific controls the climate.
Per Capita Income
In 2004 the California per capita income was over $35,000, near the top of all states.
Taxes
The California top marginal income tax rate is 9.3%, the highest of any state. Sales tax is 7.25%, also the highest of any state. The total tax burden is not as bad as these figures might suggest however. Los Angeles, for example has a total tax burden that is 15th of 51 large cities (Source: District of Columbia Tax Rates and Burdens Study 2004). Social security benefits are excluded from state income tax in California. For more information check out the California Tax Service Center.
Certified Retirement Communities
California does not have a certified retirement community program.
Best Retirement Communities
California is a mecca for active adults over 55 looking for retirement communities. Some of the best retirement communities are the college town of Berkeley, the beautiful city of Santa Barbara, the perennial golfing paradise of Palm Springs, the 7 Claremont Colleges in Claremont, or the wine country of Napa etc.
You will also get inside retirement information on living in bustling city of San Diego, fabulous La Jolla or nearby communities in Washington state. Many more communities are profiled (see links at right), including towns in other states and even Mexican retirement in Lake Chapala/Aiijic.
Each California retirement community profile at Topretirements.com features ratings on expenses, age restrictions, taxes, recreation, amenities, transportation, and security so you can compare how other active adults 55+ have rated that city or development. In the Forum for each California city or development there is a chance to pose queries and give your own opinions.
Get started with reviews of the best retirement communities.
Reviews of top retirement towns
Click on the California Retirement Community reviews on the right. Or to find information about what retirement is like in different states retire in Oregon, retire in Idaho, retire in Montana, Washington, retire in New Mexico or Mississippi |
