California's Sierra Nevada's 7 Best Retirement Towns Ranked
Retiring in California can bring about many tough questions. As one of the most expensive and most populous states in the country, finding the right place to retire here is a big factor. California is also quite large, geographically speaking, and contains several beautiful, yet very different regions, from its southern deserts to the lush northern coastline. Today, however, we will set our eyes somewhere in between; the Sierra Nevada Mountains, to be exact.
This rugged range runs right down the center of the Golden State and is one of its most sparsely populated too, featuring numerous natural parks and wildlands instead. Let's take a look at the small towns that you can find here that are ideal for retirees of all kinds, from those who value an active lifestyle to residents who require assisted care.
Grass Valley
Grass Valley, a historic town in the Sierra Nevada foothills just north of Sacramento, provides a balanced environment for retirees who love outdoor recreation. The town’s moderate climate includes warm summers and mild winters with occasional snowfall, and its scenic surroundings, make outdoor activities enjoyable year-round for all.
Once a prominent gold mining community, the town now features a very well-preserved downtown full of locally owned shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks. Retirees can also explore the hiking trails in the Empire Mine State Historic Park or visit nearby Rollins Lake for fishing and boating.
Grass Valley also maintains a strong arts scene and tight-knit community, with frequent festivals, live performances at institutions like The Center For the Arts, and farmers' markets selling fresh produce for the surrounding countryside.
Many other useful amenities are available in this town of 14,000 residents too, like easy access to quality medical care at locales like Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, and Sacramento’s larger healthcare network is within a 90-minute drive.
If you're in the market for a retirement community, options are plentiful here, ranging from assisted living spaces, like Atria Grass Valley, to more independent accommodations at Eskaton Village or Hilltop Commons.
Auburn
Also located close to Sacramento, the city of Auburn combines small-town charm with convenient access to major services. As a designated California Historical Landmark, it is a cool spot for history lovers in particular. Its Old Town district is home to numerous 19th-century buildings, many of which house its most prominent businesses and services.
In terms of services, public transportation is available through Placer County Transit, connecting residents to nearby towns and Sacramento. Placer County’s government offices and a full-service hospital nearby, Sutter Auburn Faith, provide essential services, while again, Sacramento’s more advanced medical facilities are just about 35 miles away.
The town is also well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts, with the American River Canyon offering hiking, fishing, and rafting opportunities within reach. Moreover, Auburn State Recreation Area provides miles of trails and scenic viewpoints, while several golf courses are also nearby to cater to those seeking a more relaxed outdoor experience.
Truckee
Truckee, located at over 6,150 feet, finds itself in an incredible mountainous setting, with a seemingly endless amount of greenspaces and natural landmarks located nearby. Downtown Truckee is also remarkable for its interesting history, while cultural attractions like the Truckee Railroad Museum further highlight the town’s longstanding heritage.
Truckee experiences all four seasons, with snowy winters and mild summers. Winter sports fans can access world-class skiing at Palisades Tahoe and Northstar California Resort. On the other hand, the warmer months bring several ways for hikers, paddlers, and anglers to have some fun at Donner Lake and along the Truckee River.
While Truckee has a distinctly remote, small-town atmosphere, it remains well-connected via Interstate 80 and the Truckee Amtrak station to other major towns and cities. Conveniently, Tahoe Forest Hospital offers local healthcare services, and Reno, Nevada's more robust medical centers are about 35 minutes away as another quality healthcare option. Public transit, including TART (Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit), also links the town to the famous Lake Tahoe and other green spaces nearby.
Nevada City
On the western side of the Sierra Nevadas rests Nevada City, known for its connection to the Gold Rush era and relatively slow pace of life. The town’s walkable downtown district is home to most of the amenities you need, including a nice selection of stores and eateries, while cultural events that take place here, like the Nevada City Film Festival and Victorian Christmas Market, provide year-round community engagement for local residents and visitors alike.
Surrounded by dense forests and rivers flowing out of the mountains just to the east, Nevada City is a simply gorgeous town with lots in the way of natural scenery and outdoor activities too. The South Yuba River State Park is a popular locale for hiking and swimming, while Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park provides more of a window into the region's past, with its trail leading to former mining sites.
Housing options include historic cottages, modern homes, and rural properties on larger lots, and public transit through Gold Country Stage connects residents living here to neighboring towns, making it an all-around reasonable place to retire to long-term on top of its fun tourist draws.
Sonora
Sonora is a top choice for those who want to live in a small town that is still within reach of San Francisco, which sits only about 2-hour drive west. Housing for seniors here ranges from historic homes near downtown to quiet residential neighborhoods and a big selection of age-restricted communities for retirees, like Skyline Place Senior Living. This community is also very close to a variety of medical care services at Adventist Health Sonora, a full-service hospital.
It is a great place to stay active too, with tons of nearby recreation areas like Dragoon Gulch Trail and Phoenix Lake providing walking paths and scenic spots without requiring strenuous hiking. The town is also in close proximity to the picturesque Teleli Golf Club, and for something a little different, the Cougar Point Disc Golf Course, which sits on the shores of New Melstone Lake, an incredible local natural feature.
Placerville
Placerville is yet another old town that is now full of modern conveniences. Its Main Street is home to many locally owned shops, restaurants, and other things like museums, including the El Dorado County Historical Museum. You will also find the Marshall Medical Center downtown, which provides comprehensive healthcare for Placerville's residents.
Most importantly, get out and see the beauty of this area before deciding to move here! Retirees can explore trails at Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park, tour the Gold Bug Mine, or visit nearby Apple Hill, known for its world-class orchards and wineries. Jenkinson Lake in Sly Park Recreation Area also offers a way for you to go boating, fishing, and hiking on its scenic network of trails in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Placerville is also notable for being easy to get to via U.S. Highway 50, and public transit options include El Dorado Transit services for those who don't drive.
Mariposa
Mariposa rests near Yosemite National Park and offers retirees a quieter, rural lifestyle with easy access to some of the country's best natural beauty along with the essential services offered by the county for seniors.
For healthcare, Mariposa has a small, local medical clinic provided by Community Health Centers Of America, and residents can access larger medical facilities if needed in nearby Merced or Fresno, the latter sitting less than an hour and a half's drive directly south.
Outdoor recreation is certainly a highlight for anybody living in Mariposa, let alone retirees. Yosemite is just a short drive away, while the more local Mariposa Creek provides you with an easier range of trail trails and viewpoints.
The Sierra Foothill Wine Trail offers another reason to get outdoors, with wine tastings and tours available at many of the nearby wineries, including Papillon Cellars located at an extremely scenic spot deep in the nearby foothills.
Settle Down in These Beautiful Californian Towns
The Sierra Nevadas are home to a perfect balance of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and small-town living for retirees who value all of those things. With some of the best parks in the country, tons of quiet communities, and many of the modern amenities you may need in your later years, the towns we have recommended here are definitely worthy of consideration when you decide to make the big move.
