7 Top-Ranked Towns in Northern California for Retirees

Known for its beautiful scenery, which includes lush vineyards, majestic mountainscapes, and beachfront views, Northern California offers retirees a myriad of outdoor attractions. However, it's worth noting that California is not among the most affordable states. Despite this, the pleasant weather — coupled with the warm and welcoming nature of its residents — is invaluable. From Aptos to St. Helena, discover the top 7 towns in Northern California for retirees.

Aptos

Located right on the water, Aptos is perfect for retirees who enjoy charming waterfront views. Expect a sparse suburban feel in an area where most residents own their homes. Situated in Santa Cruz County, Aptos is home to the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Seacliff State Beach, both of which are state parks that retirees will find appealing for hiking among the redwoods. While Aptos is small, it is just a 40-minute drive from San Jose, California's third-largest city. Additionally, its proximity to Santa Cruz, which is just 9 miles away, is a bonus. In the event of a medical emergency, the Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center of Santa Cruz, recognized for its Patient Safety Excellence Award, is readily available. With a median age of 53 years, an empty-nester will find themselves in familiar company.

El Dorado Hills

El Dorado Hills is known for its rural ambiance and is considered one of the best places to live in California. With Folsom Lake in its backyard, it offers excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking. And with Sacramento just 30 miles away, residents can enjoy the benefits of a big city without the hustle and bustle. The town’s median age is about 44 years, indicating a significant, yet manageable, population of empty nesters. The community is known for being friendly and helpful, with neighborhoods that are safe and virtually crime-free. Additionally, Mercy Hospital of Folsom, recognized for its Pulmonary Care Excellence Award, is just a short distance away. Prospective residents should be prepared to budget around $860,000, the town’s median home price.

Jackson

For those dreaming of a retirement nestled in the mountains, Jackson, situated in the foothills of Butte Mountain and at the heart of California’s Mother Lode region, fulfills every criterion. Retirees here enjoy close proximity to one of the deepest mines in the Mother Lode, as well as to the Lake Tabeaud Picnic Area, a beloved regional destination for fishing, biking, and horseback riding. For healthcare needs, Sutter Amador Hospital, recognized for the Patient Safety Excellence Award, is readily available. Moreover, Sacramento is only about an hour's drive away. A significant advantage of retiring in Jackson is the affordability of housing. According to Redfin, the median home price in Jackson is $325,000, making it a bargain by California standards.

Larkspur

Located in Marin County, Northern California, just 16 miles north of San Francisco, Larkspur offers retirees access to a plethora of big-city amenities, including a wide selection of top-rated hospitals. MarinHealth Medical Center, awarded America's 250 Best Hospitals Award, is just moments away. The town's environment beautifully mixes urban and suburban elements, featuring a charming downtown area that might remind one of a Norman Rockwell painting. Larkspur is inviting, though not exceedingly diverse, and offers access to redwoods, wetlands, and Mt. Tam. While the climate and community are likely to be highlights of living here, the financial commitment is considerable. As of December 2023, the median sale price for a home in Larkspur was $2.1 million.

Gold River

Gold River is celebrated as one of the best places to live in California, known for its stunning homes, well-kept parks, and lovely surroundings. This town provides a dense suburban feel, peppered with numerous coffee shops and parks, along with a bike trail leading to the river that could become part of a morning routine. With a median age of 52 years, seniors aged 55 and above represent 46% of Gold River’s population, according to niche.com. This means nearly every second person you meet could share your interests, perhaps even in classic music icons like Johnny Cash, The Beatles, or Elvis Presley. As a suburb of Sacramento, Gold River offers easy access to various amenities. The housing market here is competitive, with homes having a median price of $332,000, which is quite affordable by California standards.

Twin Lakes

Seniors in Twin Lakes can look forward to pristine fishing, boating, and a variety of water-based activities, along with numerous options for camping and cabin rentals. The presence of two large alpine lakes, along with the stunning views of the "Californian Alps," ensures an idyllic setting. This town offers a blend of urban and suburban lifestyles with a notable degree of ethnic diversity. According to Data USA, Hispanics constitute nearly 20% of the town's ethnic makeup. The median age in Twin Lakes is 42 years, an age often celebrated as the beginning of a new chapter in life. Additionally, Twin Lakes' proximity to Santa Cruz means that facilities like the award-winning Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center of Santa Cruz are readily accessible for healthcare needs.

St. Helena

Situated in Napa County, at the heart of California's renowned wine country, St. Helena offers unparalleled opportunities for wine-tasting adventures, with sites like Merryvale Vineyards promising delightful experiences. The town is characterized by its sparse suburban ambiance and is located just 24 miles from Santa Rosa, the largest city in California's Wine Country, allowing residents easy access to urban amenities and cultural attractions. For healthcare, Adventist Health St. Helena, recognized for several awards including the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award, serves the community's needs. St. Helena has a median age of 47 years, and according to niche.com, a significant 43% of the town's population is seniors aged 55 and above.

The Takeaway

The captivating beauty, enjoyable climate, and warm, laid-back residents of Northern California are attributes any retiree would seek to experience and benefit from. Given the vastness of the region and the variety of options available, retiree priorities such as access to healthcare, outdoor adventure opportunities, and a compatible social demographic play a crucial role in their decision-making. While individual priorities and interests may vary, among the top-ranked towns for retirement in Northern California are Aptos, Shingle Springs, El Dorado Hills, Jackson, Twin Lakes, and St. Helena.