{"id":1973,"date":"2026-05-14T14:32:15","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T14:32:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/14\/where-are-the-best-cities-to-retire-in-california-new-study-lists-top-10-spots\/"},"modified":"2026-05-14T14:32:15","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T14:32:15","slug":"where-are-the-best-cities-to-retire-in-california-new-study-lists-top-10-spots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/14\/where-are-the-best-cities-to-retire-in-california-new-study-lists-top-10-spots\/","title":{"rendered":"Where are the best cities to retire in California? New study lists top 10 spots"},"content":{"rendered":"
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From laid-back beach towns to bustling big cities, California offers a retirement lifestyle for just about everyone.<\/p>\n

Read more Sacramento homeless count rises: Key takeaways from latest Point-in-Time report<\/a><\/p>\n

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However, settling down in California can be difficult due to the high cost of living, a new report from retirement planning site Retirement Living.<\/p>\n

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\u201cCalifornia is one of the most expensive states for retirees in the country,\u201d Retirement Living said in its May 4 report.<\/p>\n

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To help older adults find spots that offer both value and quality of life, Retirement Living ranked the best cities to retire in California based on factors including affordability, safety, healthcare access and overall livability.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe top five cities on our list all stand out for being relatively close to major metros like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Fresno and Sacramento, suggesting that retirees can still enjoy big city perks like the arts, dining and shopping without paying big city prices,\u201d Retirement Living said.<\/p>\n

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Here are the top 10 best cities to retire in California:<\/p>\n

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BEHIND THE STORY <\/h3>\n

MORE <\/p>\n

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Why we did this story<\/h3>\n
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Our community-driven series \u2014 How to California \u2014 is here to answer your questions about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel in the Golden State. <\/p>\n

McClatchy\u2019s service journalism team, focused on helping our readers navigate daily life, works in communities across the state, including San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Merced, Modesto and Sacramento. <\/p>\n

Ask us your questions \u2014 big and small \u2014 by emailing howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com or filling out a form here. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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What\u2019s the best city to retire in California?<\/h2>\n

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According to Retirement Living, Chico ranks as the best city in California for retirees due to its affordability.<\/p>\n

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\u201cRetirees hoping to save on housing should look to Chico,\u201d the retirement site said.<\/p>\n

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Chico earned the state\u2019s top affordability score, with a median monthly rent of $1,625 \u2014 which is below California\u2019s statewide median rent of $2,657.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThis, along with its relatively low percentage of cost-burdened households and low median home sale price, makes Chico the most affordable city for retirees on our list,\u201d Retirement Living said.<\/p>\n

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However, the site said, there are some downsides when it comes to living in Chico.<\/p>\n

Read more Steve Hilton\u2019s \u2018street taco\u2019 gaffe is the least of our worries | Opinion<\/a><\/p>\n

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Chico\u2019s violent crime rate is nearly double the national average, and the area remains vulnerable to wildfires and other natural disasters.<\/p>\n

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In 2018, the Camp Fire \u2014 considered the most destructive wildfire in California history \u2014 burned more than 153,00 acres in Butte County, where Chico is located.<\/p>\n

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\u201cPotential residents should be assured that officials take the risk seriously,\u201d Retirement Living said. \u201cFollowing the 2018 fires, the county began a multiorganization collaboration to update its hazard mitigation plan.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Where are the best cities to retire in California?<\/h2>\n

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According to Retirement Living, here are the 10 best cities to retire in California:<\/p>\n

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  1. Chico<\/li>\n
  2. Daly City<\/li>\n
  3. Clovis<\/li>\n
  4. Vacaville<\/li>\n
  5. Thousand Oaks<\/li>\n
  6. Huntington Beach<\/li>\n
  7. Roseville<\/li>\n
  8. Visalia<\/li>\n
  9. Santa Rosa<\/li>\n
  10. Ventura<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    Where are the worst cities to retire in California?<\/h2>\n

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    \u201cSome of the most populous cities in California, including Los Angeles, Oakland and San Jose, ranked near the bottom of our list, due to their low safety and affordability scores,\u201d Retirement Living said.<\/p>\n

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    According to the retirement site, these are the worst cities for retirement:<\/p>\n

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    1. Inglewood<\/li>\n
    2. Oakland<\/li>\n
    3. San Bernardino<\/li>\n
    4. Victorville<\/li>\n
    5. Los Angeles<\/li>\n
    6. Palmdale<\/li>\n
    7. Lancaster<\/li>\n
    8. Hesperia<\/li>\n
    9. Glendale<\/li>\n
    10. Moreno Valley<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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      Although some cities performed better than others, \u201cevery city in our rankings has a higher climate risk score than the statewide score,\u201d Retirement Living said.<\/p>\n

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      How did Retirement Living come up with its rankings?<\/h2>\n

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      Retirement Living ranked the best California cities for retirees by analyzing cities with populations of at least 100,000 people.<\/p>\n

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      Cities were scored based on affordability, safety, livability and healthcare access.<\/p>\n

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      Retirement Living used the most recent data available from government data and industry experts, including the U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow and Redfin.<\/p>\n

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      Have a question about life in California?<\/h3>\n

      How to California<\/b>\u2014 a guide to help you live, work and enjoy life in the Golden State, is here to help.<\/p>\n

      We\u2019ll answer your questions \u2014 big and small \u2014 about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel.<\/p>\n

      Ask your questions in the form below (can\u2019t see it? Click here) or email howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com.<\/p>\n

      Read more Amid revenue surge, Newsom says his budget is balanced through July 2028<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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