Ranking California's 10 best cities to retire in
Endless sun and great scenery, but high taxes and the next Great Quake. Is it really worth it to retire in California?
Millions of people say yes, and for them, there is a helpful new report on "The Best Cities to Retire in California." Made by Retirement Living, an Oklahoma-based concern whose website has helpful resources like "Pros and Cons of a Walk-In Tub" and "How To Buy Gold," the report lists 75 cities from best to worst for retirees – including several good prospects near the Bay Area.
Cities with populations above 100,000 were given scores weighted by affordability, safety, livability and access to healthcare. Overall, Chico came out on top for its cheapness – the median monthly rent of $1,625 is a thousand bucks less than the statewide median – while Inglewood in SoCal was at the bottom.
Larger cities like San Jose, Oakland and L.A. tended to score low due to high prices and crime. But close to the Bay, Daly City got props for its walkability score and large number of elderly people – "perfect for retirees hoping to expand their social circle." Vacaville also made the cut for its low crime and low climate risk.
1 Chico
2 Daly City
3 Clovis
4 Vacaville
5 Thousand Oaks
6 Huntington Beach
7 Roseville
8 Visalia
9 Santa Rosa
10 Ventura
Source: retirementliving.com/best-cities-to-retire-california
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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 7:42 AM.