Palm trees, mountain views, golf courses, and warm winters make Palm Desert an appealing place to settle down. Located in Riverside County, this desert city has a particularly large senior population: nearly 38% of its residents are 65 or older, more than twice California’s statewide share.
But it’s not just the number of older residents that makes Palm Desert stand out. According to WorldAtlas, the city is among 12 California destinations attracting retirees, with 6.7% of its residents aged 65 and older having moved there from outside Riverside County within a year. That’s nearly four times the statewide rate of 1.8%, suggesting Palm Desert is drawing older newcomers at a particularly high rate.
What makes Palm Desert ideal for retirees
The city offers plenty of reasons to settle down: it averages 350 days of sunshine annually and an average temperature of 73.1°F. Winters are particularly appealing for outdoor activities, although summer highs can reach 106°F in July.
The Joslyn Center provides another major draw, with more than 2,500 active members and over 80 weekly programs, including tai chi, art workshops, social dancing, and card tournaments. Healthcare is also close by, with Eisenhower Medical Center in the neighboring city of Rancho Mirage.
Meanwhile, El Paseo offers more than 200 shops, restaurants, and galleries, while The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens provides another way to spend an afternoon.
Palm Desert isn’t the only California destination attracting retirees. WorldAtlas also highlights 11 other towns and cities, including Rio Vista, Vacaville, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Hollister, Atascadero, Camarillo, Yucaipa, Beaumont, Hemet, and San Clemente, each offering its own mix of senior-friendly amenities, growing retirement communities, and lifestyle perks.
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