8 Budget-Friendly Towns in California for Retirees
The state of California, located on America's west coast, is known for its massive entertainment and tech industries, beautiful beaches, and diverse landscapes. Bordered by Mexico, as well as the US states of Oregon, Arizona, and Nevada, California is a warm, inviting destination perfect for enjoying your retirement. And even with a strict budget, you can still find towns throughout that have no shortage of fantastic amenities, charming local businesses, premium health care options, and fun activities sure to keep your days busy.
Clearlake
The picturesque community of Clearlake is right on the lake and hosts a ton of events, outdoor activities, and indoor activities throughout the year. It is also surrounded by several neighboring communities, making the opportunities for adventure endless.
Check out the three different parks in town. Highlands Park is great for fishing. Redbug Park has a boat launch. Austin Park has picnic areas and shelters, as well as prime beach access. Other outdoor activities include golfing at Buckingham Golf and Country Club, and visiting nearby wilderness areas. There is Clear Lake State Park, Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, Clearlake Park, and the Clear Lake Volcanic Field with amazing views.
Look forward to events like carnivals, seasonal parades, concerts in the park, movies in the park, and classes such as Zumba. There is also a seniors center and the Redbug Public Library, where you can join workshops and clubs.
On more laidback days, catch the latest releases at the cinema, or visit the nursery and find the perfect additions to your garden. There are also plenty of restaurants and cute, locally-owned shops. Catfish Coffeehouse is a popular stop and is right by the lake.
Amenities include major retailers like Dollar Tree and Safeway, as well as medical necessities like dental clinics, pharmacies, and a 24/7 hospital.
Homes in Clearlake average around $275,000.
Eureka
Arts and culture come alive in the town of Eureka. Experience decades of history, art from around the world, and plenty of community events. There are also plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and stay active.
Visit the Sequoia Park Duck Pond, the Sequoia Park Zoo, and the Redwood Skywalk. major trails include Eureka Waterfront Trail and Bay to Zoo Trail. Take part in outdoor activities like softball, kayaking, and fishing. Indoor activities include fitness classes like yoga, zumba, line dancing, and tai chi at the Adorni Recreation Center. You can also get involved with the Empower Eureka Volunteer Program.
Embrace the arts with Friday Night Markets, art walks, a summer concert series, and popular festivals such as kite festivals, Forest Moon Festival, and sculpture races. Check out the Morris Graves Museum of Art, and the Arkley Center for the Performing Arts. The Eureka Theater plays indie films, or you can catch the latest at the cinema. Get to know your fellow artists at the galleries, cultural centers, library, and studios catering to hobbies such as glassblowing. Laugh the night away at the Savage Henry Comedy Club. Learn about the history of the area at Clark Historical Museum or the Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum.
Amenities include popular retailers like Target and Dollar Tree, as well as local supermarkets, delis, and shops. There are three hospitals in the vicinity as well.
Homes in Eureka average around $475,000.
Alturas
The small town of Altruras is free from a heavy tourist population, leaving you able to enjoy your community to the fullest without big crowds and hefty price tags. Enjoy an excellent transit service as well, that operates both locally and to nearby communities.
Fun events to look forward to are Fandango Days, which hosts activities like car shows, and Balloon Fest which sees magnificent hot air balloons hit the skies.
The Modoc County Library hosts book sales, and book clubs, and offers a digital catalog so you can read from your device from anywhere. Other ways to spend the day include the Desert Rose Casino. Alturas Gun Range, and hanging out at parks such as Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, Dorris Reservoir, and Alturas Park. There is also a pumpkin patch minutes from town to enjoy during the fall season.
Amenities include a Grocery Outlet, Rite Aid, Dollar General, Holiday Market, and stores such as liquor stores, hardware stores, thrift stores, and farm supply shops. Medical facilities include a hospital, pharmacy, physical therapy clinic, primary care center, mental health clinic, and a vet clinic.
Homes in Alturas average around $265,000.
Susanville
The town of Susanville has all the big city amenities without the busy streets, big price tags, and fast-paced lifestyle.
Enjoy outdoor activities like the Diamond Mountain Golf Course, and the community swimming pool. There is also a dog park, Fruit Growers Park which is right along the river, Skyline Park which offers disc golf, and Memorial Park. Susanville Ranch Park is another great option, and if you enjoy ATVs and other offroad vehicles, head to the Rice Canyon OHV Area. Nearby Eagle Lake is also a prime spot for kayaking and fishing. If you enjoy learning about history, check out the Lassen Historical Museum.
Big-name amenities in town include Walmart, Marshalls, Safeway, Walgreens, Dollar Tree, and IGA, as well as fast food joints like McDonalds and Starbucks. There is also a butcher shop, thrift store, and plenty of other delicious local restaurants and shops. Medical amenities include a hospital, cardiology center, holistic health clinic, dental clinic, pharmacy, and optometry clinic.
Homes in Susanville average around $302,500.
Brawley
If you love the heat, Brawley might just be for you. Close to the Mexican border and not far from the California city of San Diego, Brawley is a quaint town with lots to see and do.
One of their most popular events is the Cattle Call Rodeo, which brings together heart-thumping action with fantastic community events. There is also a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a brisket cook-off in January.
Get out into nature with nearby attractions such as the Glamis Sand Dunes, Baja California, and sports centers like the Del Rio Country Club and Beechey Field. There is also the Salton Sea, and if you're feeling adventurous, Palm Springs isn't too bad of a drive.
Back in town, check out the two library branches; the main branch and the Del Rio branch. There is also the Lion's Center Pool, and the seniors center, which offers activities like crocheting, bingo, fitness classes, painting, drawing, and jewelry making. They also serve up daily lunch and offer transit assistance.
Amenities in town include Walmart, Grocery Outlet, and Vons as well as a meat market, local supermarkets, and convenience stores. There is also a hospital, urgent care center, and basic medical clinics.
Homes in Brawley average around $399,000.
Barstow
Experience centuries of history right in the community of Barstow.
Natural wonders and recreational opportunities include Calico Ghost Town, a historical hub during the silver rush. The town is also a part of Route 66, with a museum you can visit. Rainbow Basin is a sight to behold, with beautifully colored walls. The Mojave National Preserve is another place riddled with trails, and two nearby canyons include Afton Canyon and Black Canyon. If you want to learn all there is to know about the town's history, check out places like the Calico Early Man Archeological Site. Museums to visit include the Mojave Valley River Museum, Western America Railroad Museum, Desert Discover Center, and Daggett Museum.
Activities in town include local parks, such as Barstow Heights Park which offers horseshoe pits. Donald A. Stringham Park has sports fields, and the Cora M. Harper Fitness Center is great for staying in shape. There is also an outdoor pool, bowling alley, two golf courses, tennis courts, and batting cages.
Look forward to events like Civil War reenactments, chili cook-offs, community clean-ups, car shows, parades, and rodeos.
Amenities include a fully functioning hospital, basic medical facilities, supermarkets, restaurants, and an outlet shopping mall.
Homes in Barstow average around $280,000.
Lakeport
Lakeport is located on the western shore of Clear Lake and boasts tons of beautiful beach access points, hiking opportunities, and community events.
Head to the South Cow Mountain Recreation Area, or the Highlands Springs Recreational Area for premium walking trails and bike paths. In town, stop in at the various parks like Xabatin Community Park, which is right on the shore, and offers an amphitheater and lawn area. Library Park has boat ramps and a swimming beach. Westside Community Park has walking trails, horseshoe pits, and a dog park. Look forward to concerts and movies in the parks throughout the year. Events to mark on your calendars include rodeos, Shakespeare on the Lake, county fairs, farmers markets, corn mazes, and the Pear Festival. You can also catch performances at the Soper-Reese Theater.
Amenities in town include transit services, a library, a hospital, and retailers such as Safeway, Grocery Outlet, and Dollar General. There are also plenty of adorable cafes, boutiques, and places for a night out such as O'Meara Bros Brewing Company.
Homes in Lakeport average around $499,000.
Crescent City
Feel like you're on a never-ending vacation in Crescent City. Right on the Pacific Ocean, this beach town is surrounded by forests, parks, rivers, and so much more.
Parks to check out include Beachfront Park, which has coastal trails, beach access, and the Marine Mammal Center. Fraser Park is great for walking the dog. Peterson Park has a community garden. Other main outdoor attractions include the Battery Point Lighthouse and Museum, B Street Pier, and the aquarium. Indoor activities include a pool, bowling alley, and the popular Rumianos Cheese Factory.
Look forward to a new activity every day. The town has opportunities for fishing, golfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, beach yoga, canoeing, surfing, tide pool hunting, beachcombing, and more. Spot wildlife such as seabirds, sea lions, whales, and elk. Go crabbing or clamming. Visit nearby farms for the freshest produce and locally made goods. Popular beaches include South Beach, Pebble Beach, Kellogg Beach, Crescent Beach, Enderts Beach, and Hidden Beach. Popular walking trails include Tolowa Dunes, Yurok Loop, and the California Coastal Trail.
Enjoy amenities like a transit system, retailers like Dollar Tree and Safeway, plenty of restaurants and shops, and hangout spots like Port O' Pints Brewing Company and Seaquake Brewing.
Homes in Crescent City average around $485,000.
So whether you're looking to relax by the beach and enjoy everything the coast has to offer or find an adorable cabin nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, you'll find the town that's right for you. Although the state's average home price is close to the millions, these prime areas take out the stress of a hefty mortgage, higher cost of living, and bustling city life. All that's left to do is find the perfect place to call home, hire the moving truck, and find your new, thriving community.
