Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Davis, California
Davis is an Active Small City with a Strong Academic Vibe, an Educated Populace and a Lovely Downtown
About 15 miles west of Sacramento in north central California, Davis is a lush city and home to the University of California Davis (population 36,000 students). It is a college town through and through and has one of the most educated populations in the nation.
The lovely downtown district features a 32-block shopping, dining, and entertainment area. Weekly and seasonal events include a farmers' market, concerts, 2nd Friday ArtAbout, the Whole Earth Festival and Picnic in the Park. Davis also has a wide selection of wineries where residents sample some of the county's most award-winning vintages. The Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts hosts a wide range of music and theater performances, from Yo-Yo Ma and Elvis Costello to B.B. King and Macbeth. The beautiful UC Davis Arboretum sits along the banks of Putah Creek and has a 3.5 mile long walking path. The University also has a continuing education program and an OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) for older adults.
When not attending a festival, enjoying the theater, taking a class or drinking wine, locals are often riding a bike. Davis is, in fact, home to the Bicycling Hall of Fame. Tree-lined neighborhoods contain bungalows, Mediterraneans, Spanish Colonials, ranch ramblers and others.
Population: 68,000 (city proper - excludes the UC Davis student population)
Age 45 or Better: 28%
Cost of Living: 79% above the national average
Median Home Price: $850,000
Climate: Davis has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures are in the 80s, 90s and low-100s. Winter temperatures are in the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s. The area receives 20 inches of rain per year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? Yes
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? Yes
Public Transit: Yes, and some buses are red London double decker buses. There is also a para-transit system.
Crime Rate: Below the national average
Public Library: Yes, the Mary L. Stephens Library. It has a coffee and conversation group for older adults, a book discussion group, author talks and public access computers.
Political Leanings: Very liberal
College Educated: 70%
Cons: The earthquake risk is 750% above the national average. Some parts of town have a significant homeless population.
Notes: Davis is not in an area with a high wildfire risk, but smoke from fires in surrounding areas can drift into town. The city has a reputation as a friendly place. Home prices have decreased 3% since last year, and the population has remained steady during the last decade.
Is California Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? No
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes
California:
Thanks to the treaty that ended the Mexican-American War, the Golden State became a U.S. territory in 1847. Soon after, gold was found at Sutter's Mill. The land crowded with fortune seekers, and, shortly thereafter, California entered the Union as its 31st state in 1850.
California has 900 miles of coastline and claims the highest and lowest point in the continental U.S. Its terrain varies dramatically - from sandy beaches to rugged mountains, deserts to fertile farmland. Landmarks like Hollywood, Disneyland, and the Golden Gate Bridge play a large part in the nation's history and imagination.
Although Texas and New York have tried to close the gap, California's economy continues to be nation's largest. Agriculture, manufacturing, biotechnology, and tourism are some of its leading industries.
Cities of the Golden State have put some odd laws on the books. It's illegal to molest a monarch in Pacific Grove. Want to throw a frisbee on an L.A. County beach? Better ask a lifeguard first. What about bowling on the sidewalks of Chico? Strictly forbidden!
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