Where Are the Best Places to Retire in Northern California?

By Michael Ferguson

Northern California offers some truly stunning retirement destinations, whether you’re looking for a beach town, mountain destination or something in between. With its diverse terrain, beautiful coastline and vibrant cities, the Golden State is the perfect place to enjoy your retirement years.

The Coast – Northern California’s stunning coastline provides a variety of options for retirees that enjoy the sound of waves and the smell of salt air. The cities of Carmel and Monterey are popular spots for retirees due to their mild climate, incredible views and historic charm. Both cities offer plenty of cultural attractions such as art galleries and museums, as well as a variety of outdoor activities, from cycling to whale-watching.

The Mountains – If you’re looking for an escape to the mountains in Northern California, consider the towns of South Lake Tahoe and Truckee. Both towns offer plenty of outdoor activities such as skiing or snowboarding on nearby slopes in the winter months and hiking or fishing in the summer months. Many retirees choose these towns because they provide easy access to several national parks including Yosemite National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park.

The Cities – If you’re looking for more urban-style retirement living, consider San Francisco or Sacramento. San Francisco offers plenty of culture with its diverse music scene and abundance of art galleries, not to mention world-famous attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Meanwhile Sacramento is a bustling city that offers a variety of attractions such as museums, theaters and old-fashioned riverboat rides along the Sacramento River.

Where Are The Best Places To Retire In Northern California?

Northern California has something for everyone when it comes to retirement living – from beach towns to mountain getaways to vibrant cities – so it can be hard to decide on one particular spot. Ultimately it depends on your personal preferences but whatever you choose, you will be sure to find plenty of activities in Northern California that will help make your retirement years enjoyable and fulfilling!