California's Best Small Town For Retirement
Paso Robles has received extensive coverage over the last few years. In 2023, it earned a spot on Country Living's list of The 10 Best Small Towns in the US. Five years earlier, it was recognized as one of the 30 Best Places to Travel in 2020 by Travel Lemming. But awards aren't the only thing this quaint town has to offer you—far from it. Paso Robles is located amid calendar-worthy picturesque hills, offers year-round warm weather, and its residents have a strong sense of community that one day you may have the privilege of joining. Additionally, Paso Robles will enable you to enjoy the finer things in life thanks to its affordable housing market, safe communities, and access to numerous top-notch amenities as we will see.
Affordability
Life has become increasingly expensive in America, and the great state of California is no exception. The Golden State is currently experiencing an outrageously high-priced housing market. For instance, the cost of single-family homes exceeded $900,000 in 2024 (for the first time ever), reaching $904,210 in April. Luckily, according to Realtor's data, the average listing price of homes in Paso Robles stands at $758,000—a 16.17% discount compared to the state average. For those seeking to rent, median prices for all bedrooms and property types cost $2,800 monthly, according to Zillow. Keep in mind that prices vary significantly depending on the type and size of the property, as a one-bedroom apartment would be considerably cheaper than renting a house.
Safety
CrimeGrade graded this town a decent "B" rating by analyzing several key metrics. More positively, officials and law enforcement have worked hard to make Paso Robles safer in recent years, as exemplified by proactive measures like holding DUI checkpoints and hiring new officers this year to ensure residents can depend on a sizeable police force to deter and combat crime levels while keeping everyone safe.
Healthcare Facilities
Paso Robles is within proximity to several hospitals and medical clinics for the well-being of the town's community when they need access to healthcare. A few notable clinics include Las Tablas Medical Group Inc. and Community Health Centers - Paso Robles, while Carbon Health Urgent Care Paso Robles is the primary location for urgent medical attention. Additionally, Adventist Health Twin Cities, one of the largest hospitals in the region sits a short 8.3 miles away.
Cultural Vibrancy
One of the biggest perks of settling down in Paso Robles is its many seasonal events. Regardless of the season, there's always something to do. The next few months, in winter, residents here enjoy Art After Dark Paso in a prominent art gallery called Studios on the Park. The event happens every first and third Saturday of the month, and you can enjoy art and live music completely free of charge. And come springtime, in honor of Women's History Month & International Women's Day in early March, a wide range of women-owned businesses from diverse sectors come together for the annual At Her Table Street Festival, where you can select and explore deals from over 50 vendors. Almost two months later, 150+ vendors come together to provide history lovers a chance to dig out old treasures at The Three Speckled Hens Antiques & Old Stuff Show. Similar to many antique stores, you'll find a variety of rare antiques, vintage furniture, and retro finds in the fresh outdoors. Remember, no month goes by in Paso Robles without a lively event or something fun to do.
Notable Landmarks
As previously mentioned, Paso Robles is home to some of California's most scenic rolling hills. One place to experience these aesthetic hills is the DAOU Vineyards. This stunning winery offers breathtaking panoramic views of nearby mountains and the rural landscape draped in greenery, with the bonus of a Mediterranean menu for when you're hungry.
Another key landmark in town includes the esteemed River Oaks Hot Springs, a hot springs spa where you can indulge and relax in a bubbly spring bath while being able to gaze outside as far as the eye can see. Thanks to the nearby natural scenery, the spa's focus on healing and wellness, and stunningly luxurious interior, this establishment proudly holds an impressive 4.6-star rating on Google across 800+ reviews..
A brief nine-minute drive away in the countryside, Hunter Ranch Golf Course and Restaurant awaits your visit to test your skills and enjoy a delicious meal. Like other landmarks listed so far, this challenging and fun course is also surrounded by vineyards. The fairways are wide and well-maintained, and the course's layout is designed for players of all skill levels to enjoy a round of golf with friends and family.
Final thoughts
To summarize, Paso Robles checks off virtually every box one can hope for to enjoy an enriching retirement. The town's rare combination of natural beauty, year-round mild weather, and seasonal events make it an excellent retirement town. Whether you were captivated by the prospect of relaxing at the River Oaks Hot Springs while smelling the floral scent of vineyards or exploring the endless annual festivities to celebrate the season while forging new friendships, Paso Robles is bound to leave you with everlasting memories to delight you in your golden years. All in all, the relatively affordable prices of homes, safe communities, and top-notch healthcare clinics make Paso Robles a rare gem and a worthy choice for retirement.
