What to Know About Living in California as You Age
Living in California can be a good choice if you have a solid retirement plan. The Pasea Senior Living supports older adults by having resort-like amenities (such as outdoor gardens, solariums, and a spa), and three care options: independent living, assisted living, and memory care.
According to the California Department of Aging, there are currently over 9 million Californians who are over the age of 60. Also, this population is projected to reach 11.4 million by 2040, which is 28% of the state's total population.
As you can see, living in California is a choice that many older adults make, and you may want to as well. But before you commit to such a huge decision, you need to learn more about the California retirement lifestyle.
If you're considering retiring in California, then aging in Chula Vista should be of interest to you. Is it a wise choice, though, and if so, how can The Pasea Senior Living help?
Is It Smart to Retire in California?
West Coast senior living may seem like a dream, but is it really? Well, it depends.
The state is fantastic for healthy, active seniors who have a solid retirement plan. According to LAHomes.com, the state's overall cost of living index is around 45% higher than the national average. So if you aren't financially prepared, you'll probably have a difficult time.
However, the state has many large metro areas with excellent hospitals and geriatric care. And California has differing climates and geography, ranging from a Mediterranean coast feel to snowy mountains, so you can choose a location that suits your health.
What Are the Benefits of Senior Citizens in California?
While the state has a high cost of living, some of that is offset by state and local benefits. Not only are there several local discounts, but there are also:
- Healthcare coverage programs
- Property tax relief options
- Income tax rules
What to Consider for Lifestyle and Support in CA
Are you now more certain about retiring in CA? Then you'll need to prep before that can happen.
Assess Your Finances
The most important thing is making sure you have enough finances to support senior living. The projection should include:
- Social Security
- Pensions
- Investment returns
- Property sale proceeds
- Expected withdrawals from savings
Then, compare these amounts with potential costs at a senior living community. Don't forget to include things like one-time fees and monthly rent, and plan for healthcare as well.
Research Cities
California's a large state, and as we mentioned before, there are varying climates and geography; it's almost like a country in itself! Research the different cities to see which ones suit your preferences.
Visit Multiple Senior Living Communities
Once you've decided on the city, visit multiple communities. Compare their:
- Living spaces and amenities
- Care levels offered
- Staff-to-resident ratio
- Activity programming
You should also understand the contracts. It's in your best interest to know what's included (and what's not) in the monthly fees.
Don't be afraid to involve your family as well. They can help you evaluate the contracts and compare the communities. Most importantly, they can provide emotional support during the transition.
How The Pasea Senior Living Supports You
If you're searching for senior care in California, then look no further than The Pasea Senior Living in Chula Vista. We provide our residents with resort-style senior living, so your golden years are excellent!
Here are the following living options:
- Independent living
- Assisted living
- Memory care
In the first two, you can choose from four floor plans, while memory care has just one. Whichever you choose, you'll enjoy a fantastic apartment design for safe and comfortable living.
We also have several outstanding amenities to support this resort-like lifestyle. For example, we have the following:
- Outdoor courtyards
- Gardens
- Dog park
- Solariums
- Sundecks
- Gourmet restaurant and private dining
- 150-person event room
- Licensed sports pub with happy hour
- Non-denominational chapel
- Spa, beauty salon, and barbershop
- Massage services
- Indoor saltwater pool
- Gymnasium
- Dance studio
You can enjoy these amenities on your own, or you can take advantage of our robust activity schedule. Not only will you get to take fun classes and go on exciting outings, but you'll get plenty of opportunities to socialize and make friends.
If you want to have your family visit, there are the following to accommodate them:
- Family kitchens
- Living rooms
- Barbecue spaces
- Outdoor activity center
- Children's playground
- Private dining room
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Good Age to Retire in California?
The best age to retire in California will depend on your:
- Financial situation
- Health
- Lifestyle goals
However, most Californians aim to retire between 62 and 67. Some choose to retire at 62 since that's the earliest age you can claim Social Security retirement benefits, while others choose to retire at 67 since that's considered the full retirement age (FRFA) by the Social Security Administration for those born in 1960 or later.
At What Age Do You Stop Paying Property Tax in California?
In California, there's no automatic age at which you stop paying property taxes. But there are special programs for seniors that can reduce or defer property tax obligations. They include the Property Tax Postponement (PTP) Program and Proposition 19 (property tax base transfer).
Do Seniors Get a Tax Break in California?
Yes, California offers several tax breaks and exemptions for seniors. They are:
- Standard federal guidelines for tax deductions and exemptions
- Senior exemption for property tax
- No tax on retirement income
- Property tax relief programs
Do Seniors Get Free Healthcare in California?
Many seniors qualify for low-cost or free healthcare coverage in California. For example, there's Medicare Parts A, B, and D, which cover hospital insurance and prescription drugs.
To find out what you qualify for, speak with your doctor to get guidance.
Living in California Can Be Like a Dream
Living in California is a dream for many seniors, especially those who have never been before but dream of the beautiful beaches or breathtaking mountains. However, after reading this post, your dream can be a reality.
Our senior living community is located in sunny Southern California, and we offer a wide range of services to help you live the retirement you want and deserve.
Get in touch with us if you'd like more information about senior living in Chula Vista, CA. The Pasea Senior Living has a full-service pub and a saltwater pool to offer our residents resort-like living.