San Diego

San Diego, California has been a popular retirement community since the end of World War II. With a population of almost 1.3 million, San Diego has added 11,549 new residents in the past year alone, making it the 8th most populous city in the country, according to data provided by the Census Bureau.

Residents can enjoy the 17 miles of coastline and its ideal weather for surfing, tide pooling or relaxing on the beach. Some say it has the best climate in the United States, with only 10 inches of rain per year, we tend to agree.

The main drawback to retiring in San Diego is its expensive housing, starter homes can be hundreds of thousands, making it impossible for retirees on a tight income. Fortunately, there are apartments that can be acquired for less, either as condos or as rentals.