Bakersfield

If we are looking for another affordable city in California that is also going to have quite a significant retiree population, then we can also turn our attention toward Bakersfield. They are known as a musical town, and it is also considered one of the most affordable cities that the state has to offer (the average rent here is around $990). Owning a home here is also not going to amount to much when you compare it with other parts of the state, with the average mortgage being a bit over $1,500.

Out of the 890,000 residents, you can expect to see about 16% of them be over the age of 69, and one of the reasons could be the weather, as the winters are mild and the summers are hot and dry, but not unbearable. It is also part of the reason why agriculture in the area is flourishing, with fresh local produce being available all year round, which is another thing that makes Bakersfield very appealing to most retirees.

If you love music, this town has multiple venues for live music, and they have also developed their very own country music subgenre, the Bakersfield Sound, which includes a number of instruments, including several guitars, the fiddle, drums, and a steel guitar! If you want to live your golden years relaxed and surrounded by your favorite type of music, this one may just be the perfect fit for you!

And if you have your eyes set on a small town or are just considering them at this point, read more about our best small town recommendations that are just perfect for retirees!