RetirementLiving.com just dropped its rankings of the best cities to retire in California, and if you’ve been thinking the Bay Area is priced out of the retirement conversation, you’re only mostly right.
The analysis ranked California’s largest cities across five factors: percentage of seniors, median home price, median rent, senior poverty rate, and local sales tax. And the results are telling. Bay Area cities Vacaville, Richmond, Santa Rosa, and Vallejo all landed in the top ten.
Here’s the part most people miss, though. Look at the rest of that top 20 list. Roseville came in at number one, praised for reasonable housing costs and a low poverty rate. Modesto landed at number six with a median home price of $457,500, described as the most budget-friendly option on the entire list.
That’s not a list of places to escape California. That’s a roadmap for staying in California, but in a more sustainable and comfortable way than maintaining a home that doesn’t suit your lifestyle anymore.
I’ve been doing this work for over 20 years, and one of the biggest myths I hear from longtime Bay Area homeowners is that their only options are: gut out the big house, or move to Arizona. There’s a third path that isn’t often talked about, and it’s actually the most financially elegant of the three.
Sell your Bay Area home, downsize to somewhere like Roseville, up on the north coast, or in the Sierra foothills, and use Prop 19 to transfer your low property tax base to your new home anywhere in the state. Your monthly costs drop dramatically. California doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, which adds even more breathing room. And here’s what I want you to really sit with: you’ve now unlocked significant equity, reduced your overhead, and kept your investment inside one of the strongest real estate markets in the country.
That’s not just retirement planning. That’s legacy planning.
The equity you free up stays in California real estate, in your estate, and ultimately in your family’s hands. You didn’t leave. You just played it smarter.
Curious what your specific numbers could look like?
Sell As-Is. Sell Easy. Sell Smart!
From the Bay Area Wayback Machine
Santa Clara County Authorizes Expansion of San Jose Municipal Airport (March 11, 1955)
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors authorized a key action that advanced the development of San Jose Municipal Airport, now known as San José Mineta International Airport. The decision came after years of land disputes and negotiations surrounding the airport’s future. By approving the necessary steps to move forward, county officials helped secure the airport’s long-term growth, laying the groundwork for expanded air service and the region’s increasing role in transportation and commerce.
Civil Rights Protest Targets Sheraton-Palace Hiring (March 12, 1964)
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Sheraton-Palace Hotel in San Francisco to protest discriminatory hiring practices. Organized by the Ad Hoc Committee to End Discrimination, the picket line called on major hotels and businesses to provide fair employment opportunities for African Americans. The protest was part of a broader Bay Area civil rights movement seeking equal access to jobs, highlighting growing pressure on employers to address racial inequality in the workplace.
Intel Introduces the 8008 Microprocessor (March 13, 1972)
Intel’s 8008 microprocessor was formally announced in Electronics magazine, introducing the industry to what was described as the world’s first 8-bit programmable microprocessor. The chip represented a major step forward in computing technology, allowing more complex instructions and greater processing capability than earlier designs. Its introduction helped accelerate the development of smaller, more versatile computers and marked an important milestone in the early history of microprocessors.
This Week in Silicon Valley
Santa Clara County Pushes Back on Newsom’s CARE Court Criticism
Santa Clara County officials are pushing back against criticism from Governor Gavin Newsom regarding the county’s progress in implementing California’s CARE Court program. The initiative is designed to help people with severe mental illness access treatment through court-ordered care plans. Newsom recently warned that counties failing to move more individuals through the system could risk losing state funding, highlighting Santa Clara County as one of the areas needing improvement.
County leaders say the criticism overlooks the broader mental health work already underway locally. Officials point to significant investments in expanding treatment beds, crisis response teams that operate without law enforcement, and other community-based services aimed at addressing mental illness and homelessness.
While dozens of CARE Court petitions have been filed since the program began locally, county officials emphasize that the court system is only one part of a much larger effort to support vulnerable residents and improve access to mental health care.
Demo & Dine: Focaccia Classica
Date: Wednesday, March 11
Time: 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Location: Eataly Silicon Valley, 2855 Stevens Creek Boulevard, San Jose
A hands-on culinary experience explores the art of making focaccia from scratch. Guided by a Scuola Chef, participants observe traditional techniques before shaping and topping their own focaccia to enjoy later. The class also highlights the culture and flavors behind this beloved Italian bread.
The Unteachables Comedy Tour
Date: Thursday, March 12; Friday, March 13; Saturday, March 14
Time: Thursday & Friday 8:00 pm; Saturday, 6:00 pm
Location: Rooster T Feathers Comedy Club, 157 West El Camino Real, Sunnyvale
Get ready for a night of big laughs and great company with a lineup of standout comedians seen on Netflix, Comedy Central, and more. Known for bringing top-tier stand-up to Silicon Valley, the show delivers high-energy performances and plenty of unforgettable moments. It’s the perfect chance to relax, laugh, and enjoy an evening of live comedy.
2026 Downtown Los Altos St. Paddy’s Beer Stroll
Date: Friday, March 13
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Beautiful Downtown Los Altos, 75 Main Street, Los Altos
Celebrate St. Patrick’s spirit with a festive beer stroll through downtown filled with craft brews and lively atmosphere. Guests can sample local beers, enjoy live music, and explore special offers from participating shops along the way. It’s a fun way to sip, stroll, and experience the charm of the community.
Should I Start a Business? Presented by SCORE Silicon Valley
Date: Friday, March 13
Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Location: Mission Branch Library, 1098 Lexington Street, Santa Clara
Thinking about starting a business but unsure where to begin? This informative session explores the key considerations, challenges, and opportunities involved in becoming an entrepreneur. Participants will also learn about valuable local resources and support available to help turn business ideas into reality.
Time to talk to a REALTOR?
Senior Friendly Homes in Silicon Valley South
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