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 Monterey Bay Wayback Machine
Fort Ord Removes Temporary Barracks During Postwar Transition (March 10, 1952)
The Monterey Peninsula Herald reported the official decommissioning of several remaining temporary barracks at Fort Ord near Monterey. These structures, originally built during World War II to house large numbers of troops, were being phased out as the base transitioned to more permanent facilities. The change reflected the military’s postwar modernization efforts, replacing wartime temporary housing with long-term infrastructure to support Fort Ord’s continued role as a major training installation.
Carmel Holds Hearing to Limit Large-Scale Development (March 12, 1961)
Carmel-by-the-Sea held a public hearing to consider stricter regulations aimed at protecting the town’s distinctive “village in a forest” character. City officials discussed codifying limits that would restrict large-scale commercial development from overwhelming the community’s small-scale architecture and natural landscape. The hearing represented an important step in Carmel’s long-standing planning approach, reinforcing policies designed to preserve its scenic environment, pedestrian-friendly layout, and carefully maintained village aesthetic.
Pacific Grove Dedicates Plaque Honoring Methodist Retreat History (date: March 9, 1958)
Residents of Pacific Grove gathered at Lovers Point for a dedication ceremony unveiling a commemorative plaque recognizing the town’s origins as a Methodist retreat. Pacific Grove was founded in the late 19th century as a summer religious gathering place, and the plaque honored that heritage and the community’s early development. The event brought together local residents to reflect on the town’s historical roots and preserve its cultural and spiritual legacy.
This Week in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz Considers Rezoning Coral Street for Housing and Homeless Services
The Santa Cruz City Council is considering a proposal to rezone the Coral Street area through the creation of a new overlay district aimed at expanding housing and services for people experiencing homelessness. The proposal would amend the city’s zoning rules to allow temporary housing, emergency shelters, and 100% affordable housing projects within the designated area.
City planners say the rezoning supports a long-term vision to transform Coral Street into a hub for supportive housing and social services. The plan could also help the city meet state requirements to identify locations that can accommodate shelters and housing for vulnerable residents.
While planning commissioners recommended the proposal move forward, some concerns were raised about building height limits and the potential concentration of shelter beds in a single area. The council’s decision could play a significant role in shaping future development and homelessness services in the Coral Street neighborhood.
BluZio Band
Date: Friday, March 13
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Discretion Brewing, 2703 41st Ave, Ste A, Soquel
Enjoy an evening of soulful blues with BluZio, a Santa Cruz-based band bringing the sounds of the Delta, electrified Chicago blues, and classic jazz standards to life. Settle in, relax, and let the rich rhythms and timeless grooves create the perfect atmosphere.
Cooking Class with Bridgette Andersen ~ Emerald Coast Supper!
Date: Friday, March 13
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: The Painted Cork, 2100 Delaware Ave #B, Santa Cruz
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a fresh, coastal-inspired take on Irish flavors. This intimate, hands-on cooking experience explores elegant techniques and seasonal ingredients while preparing a beautifully balanced spring supper. Guests will cook, plate, and share the meal together in a warm and welcoming setting.
West Cliff: Saint Patrick’s Outdoor Market
Date: Saturday, March 14
Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Location: Steamer Lane at Lighthouse Point, 700 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
Browse a vibrant outdoor market filled with unique artisan goods while enjoying sweeping ocean views. With handcrafted gifts, a lively atmosphere, and the scenic backdrop of Steamer Lane, it’s a perfect outing for both locals and visitors.
UCSC Jazz Big Band, with Guest Artist Marcus Shelby, Bassist
Date: Sunday, March 15
Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: UC Santa Cruz Music Center Recital Hall, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz
Enjoy an evening of powerful big band jazz as the UC Santa Cruz Jazz Big Band performs music inspired by the legendary Charles Mingus. Featuring guest artist Marcus Shelby on bass and arrangements, the concert showcases bold compositions and dynamic performances under the direction of Charles Hamilton.
Time to talk to a REALTOR?
Senior Friendly Homes in Silicon Valley South
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