A California retirement conjures of visions of sunning by the beach during the day before heading to the mountains to cuddle up in front of the fire in the evening. Well, that sounds lovely — but some Golden State retirement spots might leave your golden years feeling a bit… tarnished. These towns are prettier than a sunset over the Pacific, sure, but they’re also pricier than avocado toast at a hipster café.
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Let’s dive into the California retirement towns that real estate and retirement experts think are overpriced and just not worth it .
Santa Barbara: Where Your Retirement Savings Go To Die
Ah, Santa Barbara. It’s got more charm than a Hallmark movie marathon, but according to Chad Breeden from Sentry Real Estate , it’s about as affordable as a private jet.
“Santa Barbara, California is a beautiful place to live, but the cost of living is extremely high,” Breeden said. “It’s hard for retirees on fixed incomes to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Santa Barbara without financial stress.”