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California may not be the most tax-friendly state to retire — and hence not the cheapest; however, when it comes to other relevant factors, including pleasurable weather, deliciously surreal landscapes, access to º£½ÇÉçÇø-famous beaches, especially for areas along the coast, and the range of outdoor adventure options, the Golden State has few peers. Yet California is huge. If you are seeking to plant your roots in Northern California, an area of the state anchored in the Fransisco Bay Area and the regions north of it, the following nine towns in Northern California are among the most ideal for seniors.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an upscale Bohemian haven for artists and an incredibly photogenic town located on the Monterey Peninsula about 320 miles north of Los Angeles. One of the town's best-known landmarks is the Carmel Mission, often reputed to be among the most authentically restored Catholic mission churches in the state. Not only is this property a historical goldmine, but it also boasts beautiful grounds and gardens filled with flowers, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Home to about 3,100 residents, Carmel-by-the-Sea is incredibly safe and boasts a population of which a whopping 63% are seniors aged 55 years and above. For those concerned about access to hospitals, this California eye candy is just about 4 miles from Monterey, a town that plays host to numerous medical facilities.

Larkspur

Larkspur is a town of about 7,200 that every retiree will immediately be smitten by. Boasting striking views of Mount Tamalpais (locals simply refer to it as "Tam"), groves of lofty redwood trees, storybook neighborhoods, and a downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Larkspur often makes for an excellent retirement choice. If you include its Mediterranean climate, something seniors find pleasurable, and its proximity to San Francisco ( only about 16 miles separate the two towns), there seems to be no downside to retiring in this nature-wrapped Marin County bastion. Moreover, seniors comprise about 41% of the town's population, while about 1 in 3 residents hold a master's degree or higher.

Alamo

The Tassajara Hills Open Space, perfect for cycling and hiking adventures; the well-maintained Livorna Park, an awesome park with a large play area and open grass; and best of all, proximity to Napa Valley, the Wine Capital of California and one of the º£½ÇÉçÇø's most esteemed wine growing regions — prove that retirement in Napa Valley is a life-changing experience. Expect a rural feel here, a package that comes with quietness, a slow pace, and close-knit neighborhoods. 93% of the town's residents are homeowners, a factor that speaks to the town's retirement allure — while 48% of residents, which means every second person — is a peer with whom one can reminisce about the good old days.

Pacific Grove 

Boasting what could be the highest per capita of Victorian-style homes in the entire state, Pacific Grove exudes a romantic aura that makes it an appealing retirement destination. Nicknamed "America's Last Hometown," this town is slow-paced and authentic — and moves to the rhythm of an empty-nester. Regarding access to desirable amenities, one of which is medical facilities, Pacific Grove is just about a 5-minute drive from downtown Monterey and to a wider array of adventure opportunities. 40% of Pacific Grove's residents are seniors — while 28% hold a master's degree and higher. The ocean-facing Lovers Park, among other green-space gems, serves as one of the area's most effective anti-aging protocols.

Gold River 

Gold River is another California treasure that has the ability to transport a senior to a fairytale experience. For starters, about 31% of Gold River's residents hold a master's degree or higher. This means random conversations are likely to be witty, well-informed, and punctuated with good-natured humor. Secondly, seniors comprise about 48% of Gold River's population. In essence, every second person you meet could be concerned about what you are concerned with— and hopeful about what you are hopeful about. The bike trails to the river can make for an early-morning exercise routine and can be something worth looking forward to. Lastly, this town is close to Highway 50. As a result, the commute to downtown Sacramento will be fairly convenient and quick.

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If you are seeking to retire in the Bay Area, the picture-perfect town of Piedmont can make for an awesome choice. Piedmont is just 13 miles from San Francisco. In less than 20 minutes, you will be consulting some of the best physicians in California or traipsing through a º£½ÇÉçÇø of malls and other big-city adventures. Boasting a population of about 11,300, this San Francisco outpost is known for its sparse suburban environment and incredibly educated population. For perspective, about 48% of the town's population ( it cannot get better than this) — holds a master's degree or higher. As a matter of fact, every second person here has probably read Romeo and Juliet and other literary masterpieces. Equally comforting is the fact that seniors comprise about 32% of Piedmont's population, which means one can plot memorable adventures with similarly-aged peers.

Corte Madera

Sandwiched between the breathtaking peaks of Mount Tamalpais — and the scenic San Francisco Bay — Corte Madera is quaint, small, and a nice place for empty nesters to relocate. While the town is slow-paced and boasts a population of just about 10,100 residents, its proximity to San Fransisco more than makes up for its size. San Fransisco — and all its cultural attractions — is just 15 miles away. As a senior, you will fall in love with the town's pleasurable Mediterranean climate, chic boutiques, and outdoor natural attractions. Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve, for instance, is a beautiful place to wander and get lost in thought. Moreover, seniors make up about 32% of the town's population, implying the town can provide a strong support network to those in their sunset years.

Del Monte Forest

Gorgeous Pacific Ocean views, large Monterey pines, warm, sunny weather, and a host of other factors qualify this town to be among the state's best retirement venues. Del Monte Forest is a town of about 3,600 residents that often exceeds the expectations of retirees. The town provides access to the visually mouthwatering 17-mile Drive — of which Bird Rock Vista Point is a famous stop that features lots of wildlife, birds, seals, sea lions, and heart-melting sceneries. Boasting a median age of 63.8, seniors will feel like they are in familiar territory. One of the prettiest places to live in America, Del Monte Forest boasts arguably the best golf in the º£½ÇÉçÇø and is minutes away from Monterey, as only about 5 miles separate the two towns. 

Camino

Finally, if you think the best retirement destinations in California must be on the Pacific Ocean and its curvacious coastline, the charming town of Camino will effortlessly dispel that myth. Secreted on U.S. Highway 50 approximately midway between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe, Camino is sleepy but beautiful and boasts a wine scene that brims with affordable but delicious tasting rooms. While Camino is small and, for instance, does not boast Boston-level amenities, it is close to places such as Placerville and Sacramento and hence, minutes from big-city amenities. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the outdoor adventure options here, including hiking and biking, are unmatched. Among the most exciting parts is that seniors make up about 39% of Camino's population, a factor that proves the town's retirement charm.

The Takehome

Give it to the Golden State to teach you a thing or two about natural beauty and whimsical landscapes. Besides, the third-largest U.S. state by area is star-studded with a refreshing array of towns, some of which can make for the best retirement spots in the nation. The postcard-perfect beauty of Carmel-by-the-Sea, for instance, will leave any senior hopelessly smitten. Other California retirement destinations worth considering include Larkspur, Alamo, and Pacific Grove, a town that boasts arguably the highest per capita of Victorian-style homes in the entire state.