California has plenty of appealing places to call home, from major urban jungles like Los Angeles and San Francisco to charming small towns that look straight out of a storybook. But when it comes to retirement, choosing where to settle can make a meaningful difference. A new study has identified the best cities in California for retirees, with Chico taking the top spot.
What makes Chico California’s best city to retire
To determine the rankings, Retirement Living analyzed California cities with populations of at least 100,000, evaluating factors such as affordability, safety, livability, and access to healthcare. The study also highlights the financial challenges of retiring in California, one of the country’s most expensive states for retirees.
Chico stood out primarily for its housing affordability. The city has a median monthly rent of $1,625, more than $1,000 below California’s state median of $2,657. It also ranked among the cities with the lowest percentages of cost-burdened households and the lowest median home sale prices.
Here’s the complete top-five ranking:
- Chico
- Daly City
- Clovis
- Vacaville
- Thousand Oaks
Best things to do in and around Chico
Retirement in Chico doesn’t have to mean slowing down completely. The city offers outdoor recreation, historic attractions, and a lively cultural scene.
One of its biggest attractions is Bidwell Park, a sprawling 3,670-acre green space with hiking and biking trails, swimming holes, picnic areas, and a golf course. Its Lower Park provides flatter terrain, while Upper Park offers more rugged landscapes.
For a dose of local history, visitors can explore Chico’s historic downtown, browse City Plaza, and discover attractions like the National Yo-Yo Museum and the Senator Theatre.
The city is also home to Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., a craft beer pioneer, along with museums, farmers’ markets, and cultural events. For those who enjoy exploring beyond the city limits, the surrounding Butte County region offers rivers, vineyards, and scenic outdoor destinations.
