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Best retirement communities in California
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 has as many top retirement communities as 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 the Oregon border. The state had 36.3 million people in 2007. 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.It is such a big state that there are significantly different climates within it.
Per Capita Income and Home Prices
In 2007 the inflation-adjusted California per capita income was $28.049, near the top of all states. California cost of living tends to be high. Zillow reported that the late 2011 California Value Index of homes was $312,900. The 2nd quarter 2011 median selling price of a home in Los Angeles/Long Beach was $292,000; in Sacramento the median selling price was $168,000 (source: NAR).
Taxes
The California tax burden is the 6th highest of any state according to the Tax Foundation. Top marginal income tax rate is 9.55%. The income tax is very progressive and the 2nd highest of any state. Sales tax is 8.25%, also the highest of any state (localities can add another 1.5%). California's fiscal woes are quite well known. Proposition 13 limits property tax valuations to resales, which tends to favor long-term owners. Property tax is limited to a maximum of 1% of value. Qualified homeowners can get a $7000 exemption from value. Taxpayers over 55 may transfer their low base value to a new or replacement home under Propositions 60 and 90. Social security benefits are excluded from state income tax in California. There is an estate tax. 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).
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.
Click on the reviews of the best California retirement towns on the right to get started.
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