Deciding to retire is a big step, and you’ll make a lot of decisions in a very short time. One of those decisions is whether you want to stay in your current location or move somewhere else. Perhaps you currently live in California and are deciding whether to stay, or you live somewhere else and are thinking about moving to California to enjoy the amazing weather and endless adventures. To help you decide if California is right for you, here are seven reasons to retire in California.
1. California Has Several Tax Exemptions That Benefit Retirees
It’s no big secret that California taxes are high. However, there are certain housing and sales tax exemptions aimed toward retirees. Groceries and prescription drugs, two of the biggest expenses for seniors, are not subject to sales tax, and there is a housing tax exemption of $7,000 for those living in their home. Those who meet income requirements may also be able to defer property tax payment, lowering taxes further.
You’ll still have to pay a steep price to live in California, especially in extremely populated cities. Just living on Social Security can get difficult when it comes to a California retirement, so if you don’t have a pension, 401(k), or another significant income source, it might not be the best idea to retire in California.
2. California Has Amazing National Parks
California might be the state with the highest population by far (the second-highest, Texas, has 10 million fewer residents), but much of the land isn’t even incorporated. If you’re a nature lover, there are places across the state that you can visit. Death Valley National Park covers more than three million acres. However, temperatures can top 120 degrees. To avoid the heat, visit the park during the winter months. Mid-February to early April is wildflower season, making it the prettiest time to visit the park.
3. Entertainment Is Everywhere
We’re not talking about Disneyland (although that can be quite fun). While you might enjoy the theme park occasionally, especially when family comes to visit, Disneyland might be a bit too pricey to visit regularly. Luckily, there are hundreds of other attractions to visit all over California, and many of them are affordable or even free. For example, in San Francisco, you can visit the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, or Pier 39. In Los Angeles, there’s Griffith Park, the Getty, and the Hollywood Sign. San Diego is home to the San Diego Zoo and the Birch Aquarium. Let’s not forget Yosemite National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Mount Shasta, and Lake Tahoe. You’ll never run out of things to do living in California!
4. California Has a Culture All Its Own
From the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles to the relaxed, sun-soaked feel of San Diego to the artistic and cool vibe of San Francisco, California blends all these elements for a distinctive culture. You’ll find everything here: music, art, theatre, and in some cases, a mix of all three. Rock legends and superstars hone their craft here, giving rise to musical powerhouses from the Doors to Guns n’ Roses.
California is one of the most diverse states in the US, creating a fantastic mix of food, architecture, and customs. From surf culture to theater, and from its hippies of the 1960s to the high-tech industry of the modern era, California celebrates its rugged individualism.
5. California Has Some of the Best Weather in the Country
One of California’s biggest draws is the weather. While much of the country’s weather tends to fluctuate wildly depending on the season, California, especially Southern California, maintains a comfortable steadiness all year long. San Diego sees an average of 146 clear, sunny days per year, making it one of the sun-shiniest cities in the country.
6. You Can Go Skiing, Then Surfing
In most states, you must decide between the beach and the mountains, because these two things are often far apart, and weather plays a factor. But because of California’s vertical alignment, you can find chilly, exciting ski slopes only an hour or two away from surfing beaches that are second to none. You don’t have to decide, since in Cali you can do it all.
7. The Food Is Spectacular
No matter what your culinary preference, you’ll find it in California. From fine dining to food trucks and from steakhouses to vegan joints, Cali has everything. A very diverse population means some terrific types of cuisine, as well. Whether you’re in the mood for Mediterranean, Asian, Mexican, or American, you’ll find everything you’re looking for. Oh, and make sure to pair your dish with some amazing local wine from the Napa Valley region.
Trying to decide where to retire is a big decision. If California is on your list of retirement locations, hopefully these seven reasons to retire in California made the choice a little easier.
