Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!

Temecula, California

Between San Diego and Los Angeles, Lovely Temecula is Known for its Fun Old Town, Many Wineries, Balloon and Wine Festival and Beautiful Homes

This beautiful city sits amid rolling vineyards in the heart of Southern California's wine country, roughly 80 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Its history reaches back to the Temecula Indians and Spanish missionaries (late-1700s).

Early Spanish influences are still seen in the city's architecture, particularly in trendy, historic and walkable Old Town Temecula. Here excellent restaurants, including Baily's and Soro's, mingle with fun shops and boutiques. The Old Town Temecula Community Theater presents Sunday afternoon chamber music recitals, jazz quartets, country music events and much more. The Temecula Valley Museum has both permanent and rotating exhibits, and the civic center is home to a farmers' market. Residents enjoy at least nine golf courses, 39 parks and 22 miles of trails (and city bicycle trails link to wine country trails). Lake Skinner is the setting for the annual balloon and wine festival, and the international film festival always draws a good crowd.

Forty or more family-owned wineries are in town and the surrounding valley. Most are open for tastings. The huge Pechanga Casino and Resort has 3,000 slot machines, dining and entertainment. Neighborhoods are well-tended and have elegant Mediterranean styles, contemporaries, ranch ramblers, Spanish Mission styles and more.

Population: 113,000 (city proper)

Percentage of Population Age 45 or Better: 32%

Cost of Living: 68% above national average

Median Home Price: $785,000

Climate: The city has a semi-arid climate. Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s, and winter temperatures are in the 40s, 50s and 60s. On average, the area receives 11 inches of rain each year.

At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No, but Southwest Healthcare System, four miles away in Murietta, accepts Medicare patients.

At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? No, but Southwest Healthcare System, four miles away in Murietta, is accredited.

Public Transit: Yes

Crime Rate: Below the national average

Public Library: Yes

Political Leanings: Liberal

College Educated: 35%

Cons: The earthquake risk is 2,708% higher than the national average. A wildfire came close to town in 2021, and local authorities expect more wildfires will encroach as time goes on, thanks to surrounding conifer and ponderosa pine forests, which are often dry.

Is California Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? No

Notes: Temecula has grown 3% during the last decade. Home prices have increased 6% since last year. Locals complain about traffic congestion and infrastructure not being as good as it could be.

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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