Napa, California
What It Is Like to Retire in Napa
Napa, California makes an interesting retirement community for active adults who enjoy wine, a warm climate, and great restaurants. It is the county seat and commercial community in the Napa Valley. Napa’s economy has been riding a surge in tourism and development for years. Projects like the planned $50 million Riverfront at Third and Main, which combines stores, restaurants, offices and condos, will make Napa even more popular. About 79,000 people live in Napa (2020). The Napa Valley was a hotbed of silver mining in the 1850’s. Although premium wines have been grown here for more than 150 years, in the latter part of the 20th century the industry grew famous as its quality was recognized. Napa has many legendary wineries that produce some of the best wine in the world. The wineries and the beautiful hills here have combined to attract tourist and residents – some permanent, some week-enders. Some of the finest restaurants in the U.S, such as The French Laundry, operate here. Outdoor activities such as biking and golf are also outstanding. Many wealthy people have come to start their own wineries or vineyards. As a result land has become extremely valuable. Photo of Waterfront along the Napa River with a view of the terraced floodwall, courtesy of Wikipedia and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District, (public domain). Photo of the Napa Valley Wine Train courtesy of Wikipedia and Drew Jacksich, Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Find out more about what it is like to retire in California.
Where to Retire in Napa and Home Prices
There are developments and condos here that cater to active adults in retirement, and more will come. Napa is located in Napa County. Other (smaller) towns in the Napa Valley worth considering include Yountville, Mt. Helena, and Calistoga. Average home prices are on the high side, reflecting California prices. According to Zillow, the median home value was $899,630 in mid-2023.
What Is Special about Napa
World famous wineries to explore, Some of the best restaurants in the U.S., lively downtown District, great outdoor activities, Noyes Mansion
What Is Not Special about Napa
Living here can be expensive, floods and droughts, crowds on the weekends
Who Will Like Retirement in Napa
Napa attracts a community of who enjoy wine and good food as well as the outdoors. It is close enough to San Francisco that those who enjoy an infusion of culture can easily escape there.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism, wine, agriculture, and retail are the principal drivers of the economy.
Climate and Physical Environment
Napa is located northeast of San Francisco. Steep hills and valleys help to climate microclimates that are ideal for grape growing. Summers are hot and dry and winters tend to be wet. The Mayacamas Mountain Range is on the western and northern sides while the Vaca Mountain Range is to the east. The floor of the main valley rises from sea level (southern end) to 362 feet above sea level.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
A lot of the culture revolves around eating and wine. San Francisco is nearby. The public library has more than 150,000 volumes and appears to be well supported.
Crime
Crime is well below the national average.
Medical facilities
Napa State Hospital and Queen of the Valley Hospitals are here.
Transportation
Sonoma County Airport is 38 miles away.
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