Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Walnut Creek, California
Outside of San Francisco, Lovely Walnut Creek Has an Attractive Downtown, Three Farmers' Markets, Lots of Open Space and More
Walnut Creek is a beautiful, well-kept city in the foothills of Mount Diablo, just 25 miles northeast of San Francisco in northern California. The first Europeans came here at the end of the Mexican-American War in the 1840s, and today the city has a mature, educated, well-to-do population that enjoys a high quality of life.
The attractive downtown features upscale retailers and more than 120 organic and non-organic restaurants. Broadway Plaza is a popular outdoor mall with more shops and eateries, while three farmers' markets sell fresh produce, cheese, jellies and more. The city's civic arts program supports the California Symphony as well as the Center Repertory Company. The Lesher Center for the Arts boasts several performance spaces and the Bedford Gallery. Neighborhoods, most well-established and lined with palm trees, meander through the hills. Homes include traditional mid-century ranch ramblers with flat roofs, Mediterraneans with red tile roofs and bungalows with pitched roofs. Many have San Francisco views.
Considered the gateway to Mount Diablo, Walnut Creek manages more open space per person than any other city in California. Residents enjoy a walking trail that winds throughout the city, and Heather Farm Park has a swim center, tennis courts and an off-leash dog park.
Howe Homestead Park boasts a community garden and access to the Lindsay Wildlife Museum. Regional parks adjacent to the city include the Diablo Regional Park, which has 1,060 acres of horseback riding, hiking, and biking.
Population: 70,000 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 55%
Cost of Living: 90% above the national average
Median Home Price: $910,000
Climate: This area has a warm Mediterranean climate. Summers are dry with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Winters are moist with temperatures in the 40s and 50s. On average, 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, a bus and trolley system, which is free downtown, and the city is well connected to Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose and Sacramento by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART).
Crime Rate: Below the national average
Public Library: Yes
Political Leanings: Liberal
College Educated: 71%
Is California Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? No
Cons: The earthquake risk is well above the the national average. The city is also at risk for landslides and wildfires.
Notes: Walnut Creek has grown 9% during the last decade. Home prices have decreased 2% since last year.
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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