8 Towns On The Pacific Coast That Are Ideal For Seniors
There is a good reason why retirement life is referred to as the “golden years;” if planned accordingly, it can be a time to relax, have fun, and make intimate memories. A good retirement plan starts with an idyllic location to spend the remainder of your years. Fortunately, small towns in America present the perfect setting to spend life after calling it a career. You will find unique natural beauty, tiny, down-to-earth communities, and captivating historical and cultural heritage, giving them a distinct personality.
The Pacific Coast, in particular, delights with cozy weather and lovely open spaces, offering all the ingredients pensioners look for in a retirement home. The small towns here provide access to crucial social and health amenities. Also, locals maintain a strong sense of community, ensuring seniors a peaceful, comfortable, and healthy lifestyle during their sunset years. While there are numerous options, these adorable towns on the Pacific Coast are an excellent fit for seniors.
Port Townsend, Washington
Port Townsend is an easy choice for retirees looking for a permanent residence. This quiet beachside getaway on the Quimper Peninsula boasts a captivating history and stunning natural scenery. Outdoor opportunities abound in the town, and seniors can head to Fort Townsend Historical State Park to explore multiple hiking and biking trails while discovering 19th-century history. More adventures await in the 433-acre Fort Worden Historical State Park, which features almost 2 miles of exquisite shoreline with majestic vistas of the Pacific.
The probability of being a victim of violent crime is less than 2 in 1,000 residents, and the median home listing is approximately $640,000, making it on the expensive side but secure destination for pensioners looking to settle in the Pacific Northwest. Several venues and events enable constant mingling among locals, allowing seniors to meet peers and make lasting friendships. This is especially true during the Port Townsend Farmers Market or Centrum events hall.
Carpinteria, California
Sitting pretty between Santa Barbara and Ventura is the charming beach town of Carpinteria, adding yet another stunning coastal gem to California's shores. Retirees will find the idyllic atmosphere and relaxed pace of life most appealing. On any given day, they can enjoy lounging on Carpinteria State Beach's ultra-fine, silky sand, taking in the superb ocean vistas that seem to stretch forever. The beach's gentle waves make for safe swimming and strolls along miles of shoreline, considered among the safest in the world.
When not at the beach, Carpinteria's charming downtown awaits discovery. History buffs will find the Carpinteria Valley Museum a fascinating exploration of the area's past. Residents and visitors alike look forward to the annual California Avocado Festival, a vibrant three-day celebration showcasing the town's agriculture and welcoming community spirit. With its picturesque beach setting and quaint downtown filled with welcoming locals, Carpinteria offers retirees the perfect blend of scenic natural beauty and small-town charm along with a very low crime rate. However, housing will require opening the wallets as the rates go near a million. The relaxed pace and countless opportunities to immerse in outdoor recreation and community events make it an idyllic place to call home.
Seal Beach, California
Along the southern California coast just 30 miles from Los Angeles, the charming beach enclave of Seal Beach draws retirees looking to unwind in its picture-perfect setting. Wide, sweeping beaches with fine, soft sand dominate the shoreline, beckoning seniors each day with endless opportunities to stroll lazily while taking in the area's stunning natural beauty. Nature lovers will find the 965-acre Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge a special place to observe migratory birds in their natural habitat or cool off with a dip in the welcoming waters.
The tight-knit community offers social activities that allow retirees to feel engaged. Every Tuesday, the lively Farmers Market provides a chance to shop fresh local produce among friendly locals, fostering a sense of belonging. Nearby healthcare services such as Seal Beach Health and Rehabilitation also offer peace of mind. With stunning coastlines, a thriving social scene, and amenities close by, Seal Beach creates the ideal environment for seniors to relax into a scenic small-town lifestyle after careers in the big city in houses going anywhere up to $800,000.
Ocean Shores, Washington
From the ocean to lakes and rivers, Ocean Shores is tailor-made for water lovers. This scenic coastal city is known for its lengthy Pacific shoreline, presenting gorgeous beach scenery with a tranquil environment, perfect for senior relaxation and meditation. It is no surprise pensioners make up about 41% of the local population. North Jetty is among the best public beaches in the area, where you can enjoy a dip in the waters, lounge on the sand to soak in the scenery, or lazily stroll along the shoreline. Retirees who envision a more active lifestyle can take on the cozy Weatherwax Trail, which stretches 1.2 miles through the town’s woodlands.
Ocean Shores also hosts one of the region's biggest Irish music festivals, an exciting time when the close-knit community strengthens its bonds by celebrating unique Irish music. Furthermore, seniors can also access medical facilities like Sea Mar Ocean Shores Medical Clinic or seek better medical attention in Tacoma or Olympia, just a two-hour drive away. The median home listing is about $400,000 in Ocean Shores, which is on par with the state and national averages.
Montecito, California
Montecito’s charisma towards senior citizens lies in its easy going coastal environment and good air quality, putting it among the best towns on the Pacific Coast for peace of mind after retirement. It boasts a mosaic of pleasant nature spaces that allow pensioners to make the most of the outdoors. Coastal options include the majestic Miramar Beach and pristine Butterfly Beach, with a quiet, uncrowded setting for meditation and unwinding. Further inland, pensioners can keep active with a laidback hike along the Host Springs Canyon Trail, culminating in an endearing natural wonder. Alternatively, they can hang out in Manning Park's shaded picnic spots or play a game of tennis. Sitting just about 10 minutes from Santa Barbara, Montecito enjoys easy access to the big city's premier social and health facilities, including luxurious restaurants. Retirees should save up to afford a home here, with the median home listing at approximately $5 million. The tradeoff is a high quality of life in a secure environment where the crime rate is 5 points below America’s average.
Lincoln Beach, Oregon
Lincoln Beach, a beach lover’s paradise, offers infinite outdoor opportunities, featuring stretches of pristine beaches, quaint parklands, and scenic waterfalls. Retirees have every reason to explore the open spaces in this tiny Lincoln County village, with an excellent option being the Gleneden Beach State Recreation Site. The setting presents unprecedented views of the Pacific, and seniors can find a quiet spot to picnic or fish. The same applies to Fishing Rock State Recreation Site, which is perfect for those seeking solitude and room for meditation.
These lovely opportunities have attracted a sizable senior community to Lincoln Beach, making up over 50% of the population. But they also enjoy a decent and safer lifestyle, with the median home listing under $650,000 and a crime rate 10 points lower than the country’s average. Several assisted living communities in and around the town offer needed care to the aging population, such as Lakeview Senior Living in neighboring Lincoln City.
Tiburon, California
This small Marin County village sits on the scenic Tiburon Peninsula, a short distance from San Francisco Bay. It offers a quiet suburban feel with picturesque ocean views and a vibrant bayside dining scene. There are less than 10,000 residents in Tiburon, and they enjoy various outdoor adventures. Some of the top points of interest include Paradise Beach Park, surrounded by rolling hillsides and sweeping Bay vistas in a serene setting ideal for kayaking, fishing, and picnicking. Seniors can also enjoy a relaxed ferry ride on Angel Island to take in the scenery from the water and access all the urban comforts in nearby San Francisco. To enjoy some delightful bayside dining, you can stop by Luna Blu and sample a Seafood-oriented Italian menu with healthy vegetarian options.
The senior community in Tiburon, which makes up over 25% of the population, appreciates a safe atmosphere, with the crime rate lower than the state and national averages. However, they have to dig deep into their pockets to afford a home at about $3 million, which is way more than the national average median home price.
Avalon, California
The charming seaside enclave of Avalon on Catalina Island impresses visitors with its idyllic atmosphere and breathtaking ocean views. Home to pristine beaches and exciting water activities, it draws nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. A highlight is Hermit Gulch Campground, a pleasant campsite nestled in nature on the town's outskirts. With stunning scenery and amenities like its vibrant seafood scene exemplified at Bluewater Avalon restaurant, it is no wonder Avalon sees the most visitors on the island.
While living in Avalon does come at a premium with houses going up to a million, retirees willing to afford it find the tradeoff very worthwhile. They benefit from thin crowds year-round, unpolluted air and water, and an active outdoor lifestyle. Additionally, the crime rate in Avalon is lower than the national average, offering peace of mind. For seniors seeking a scenic island escape with plentiful recreational activities and a slower pace of life, Avalon delivers a truly idyllic post-career setting.
The Takeaway
The Pacific Coast is one of the most diverse regions in the United States, housing locations with distinct climates and landscapes. From the southern coast of California to the northern tip of Washington State, numerous hidden gems with a modest profile provide the perfect environment for retirement life. All of the towns on the Pacific Coast mentioned above will be a wise choice for seniors planning for a permanent home after hanging their work boots.
