Saratoga, California, isn’t just another Bay Area suburb. It’s the wealthiest retirement town in America. If you’re picturing peaceful streets lined with luxury homes and retirees sipping wine in million-dollar estates, you’ve got the right idea.
A recent analysis ranked America’s richest retirement towns, and California didn’t just show up—it dominated. Saratoga took the number one spot, while Walnut Creek landed at No. 11. The Golden State placed more cities on the list than any other, proving that while California may be expensive, plenty of retirees can afford it.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Saratoga’s median household income for retirees? A staggering $241,348. That’s not just comfortable—that’s elite. The city also scored high marks in commute, crime rates, and health/safety.
Of course, there’s a trade-off. Saratoga’s housing situation earned a C-, its amenities a D+, and the cost of living? A big, fat F. But when your bank account is loaded, does it really matter?
Walnut Creek, another Bay Area hotspot for retirees, isn’t exactly scraping by either. With a median household income of $135,665, it ranked 11th on the list. It scored well in commute and safety, though like Saratoga, it failed in cost of living and amenities.
California’s Retirement Elite
Saratoga wasn’t the only California city to make the cut. Rancho Palos Verdes, Laguna Beach, Cerritos, and Pacific Grove all landed in the top 50, proving that retiring in luxury isn’t just for those heading to Florida.
Pacific Grove, nestled in Monterey County, boasts a high livability rating and a median income of $105,568. Almost 30% of its population is over 65, enjoying coastal views and a laid-back lifestyle that still requires a serious bank account.
Further inland, Fair Oaks and Lincoln made their mark as some of Northern California’s most affluent retirement destinations. The state’s dominance on this list should surprise no one—California has always been a magnet for success, and that doesn’t change just because someone gets older.
Retirement dreams come in all shapes and sizes, but in these towns, they come with a hefty price tag.
Five Fast Facts
- Saratoga’s homes have a median value of over $3 million.
- Walnut Creek’s Broadway Plaza is a high-end shopping district that attracts retirees with deep pockets.
- Pacific Grove is famous for its annual migration of monarch butterflies.
- Rancho Palos Verdes offers some of the best ocean views in Los Angeles County.
- Laguna Beach has one of the highest concentrations of art galleries in California.
