Senior Living
Retiring Comfortably in Sunny Southern California
When discussing the best states to retire in, California is usually associated with a high cost of living. While it’s true that the Golden State does have one of the highest costs of living and retirement spending, what you may not know is that it also has one of the highest life expectancies – nearly a year and a half longer than the national average.
If you’re currently residing in California and watching some of your friends and family leave for Arizona or Nevada, you might be considering the same. While only you can choose the best place to retire, it’s important to know what you have to gain by staying local.
Below are all the reasons why choosing senior living in Westlake Village might make sense for you! But first, let’s talk about the so-called “California exodus” and if people really are leaving the state for better.
The California Exodus is Just a Myth – Millions Plan to Retire Here
People are supposedly leaving California in record numbers, citing reasons like high taxes, strict business regulations, a high cost of living and even politics. However, as with other topics in the media, don’t be fooled. A massive UC research project found that the California exodus is just a myth.
For one, residents aren’t moving out of state at unusual rates. According to the UC survey, California continues to attract as much venture capital as all other states combined. Plus, the number of California voters who said they were seriously considering moving out of state was only 23%, lower than what it was in 2019.
Furthermore, the survey found that Californians still believe in the “California Dream.” Affluent Californians are actually more satisfied with the direction the state is going in and believe it will be better when their children become adults.
Bottom line: People are not fleeing California at unexpected rates. There will always be turnover, but many people are choosing to retire comfortably in a Westlake Village retirement community in CA. Should you?
Cost of Living: It’s Not the Only Thing to Look At
Retiring in a different state can look appealing, and for some people, it really is the best fit. But before you get lured in with promises of low taxes and a lower cost of living, make sure you do your research. If you do decide to move, you want it to be for the right reasons.
All too often, people will pick a retirement destination based on a single factor, such as it being their favorite vacation spot or having low taxes. But there should be many factors for why you should move.
For example, people looking to retire often consider cost of living and taxes, but they forget about having access to quality medical care or traveling to see family. Both of these can be costly and end up outweighing the savings you get from taxes.
Why California is a Great Place to Retire Comfortably
If you’re currently residing in California, there are many wonderful reasons to choose a Westlake Village retirement community.
Plethora of activities
Staying active can increase life expectancy by several years. However, it’s hard to stay active when you’re living in a state with cold winters and humid summers. But this isn’t the case in sunny, breezy California. There is always something to do!
With 900-miles of coastline, stunning beaches, hundreds of attractions, large cities and so much more, it’s easy to stay active when you retire in California. Plus, research shows that living by the beach can improve happiness and reduce stress, allowing older adults to live their best lives.
Beautiful weather
California has a Mediterranean climate. Most of the state stays in the 70s and 80s year round with no chance of snow. Rain is also sparse throughout much of California, and there are roughly 284 sunny days a year, compared to the national average of 205 sunny days.
Living in this type of climate makes it easy for older adults to stay active without having to worry about slipping on ice or getting heat stroke. Plus, residents are far more motivated to get outdoors and lead an active lifestyle because the weather is so enjoyable.
High quality medical care
California is one of the top five states for good health care. Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program, a public health insurance program that provides free or low-cost medical care to those with limited income and resources. Once you turn 65, however, you can join a Medicare plan.
California also has many high-ranked hospitals, including UCLA Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Keck Medical Center of USC. Finding treatment specialists is much easier when you have countless hospitals and medical centers around – most within easy driving distance.
Top state for public health
You’ll also be happy to hear that California is the No. 1 state for public health. The state has low smoking rates, low obesity rates, low suicide rates, low mortality rates and good mental health. When you’re surrounded by healthy people who are living well into their 80s and keeping active, you’ll be more likely to do the same. We are a product of our environment, after all!
Wide selection of Assisted Living in Westlake Village
Another benefit of retiring in California is a wide selection of senior living options. Whether it’s a quaint memory care center or bustling Westlake Village retirement community, there’s no shortage of senior living centers. Find a place that accommodates your lifestyle and is close to your children, grandchildren and friends.
Varenita of Westlake offers luxury senior living in the prestigious Westlake Village area. As a resident, you’ll have your own apartment, anytime dining from 7am-7pm, housekeeping services, a long list of activities to participate in and so much more. We invite you to take a tour of our community and see what we have to offer!
Retire Comfortably at Varenita of Westlake
Only you can determine what the best option for retirement is, but if you’re living in California, don’t discount it as an option. While it may be more expensive than other states, California has a lot to offer to keep you healthy, happy and connected. To schedule a tour of Varenita of Westlake, contact us today.