How to Evaluate Retirement Communities in California and Find One That Complements Your Active Lifestyle
November 7, 2024California, especially the southern part of the state, is well-known for its moderate climate, which makes it ideal for those who enjoy being outdoors throughout the year. It’s also famous for its majestic coastlines, variety of beaches and world-class wineries.
The state also offers a rich and diverse cultural environment, as well as top-notch medical care. In its 2024 Senior Healthcare State Report Cards, seniorliving.org ranked California fifth, with an overall grade of 92.3.
In light of these appealing attributes, it’s no surprise that California is a popular destination for those who seek a comfortable, yet vibrant, place to retire.
If you’ve been researching where to retire in California, then you probably already know there’s an ample selection of senior living communities in the Golden State. How do you whittle down the possibilities so you can focus on those that most closely match your preferences?
If Possible, Narrow Down Your Desired Location
With nearly 6 million residents ages 65 and older (as of 2020, per the Population Reference Bureau), California has the highest population of seniors of any state in the U.S. (by number, but not by percentage — Maine holds that spot).
With such a large population of older adults, there’s a multitude of choices for senior living in California. You may already have a specific city in mind, but if not, research the state’s distinctive geographic regions to discover which area(s) you think you might like best. You’ll find that California offers an exceptionally broad range of possibilities, from its large coastal cities to more suburban settings amid mountains, forests, rolling hills and high desert.
Once you’ve targeted at least a general region, then you can home in on specific cities. Remember, you can revise your list as often as you like.
Next, Consider the Different Types of Senior Living Communities
If you’re starting your search with a focus on independent living in California, think about whether you want to live in a community that also offers multiple levels of care, as we do at The Variel.
One of the main benefits of moving to a community like ours is that you can easily transition into assisted living or memory care later on, should the need arise. You’ll still be in familiar surroundings, and the friends you’ve made will remain close by.
Some communities offer only assisted living or only memory support. Others are strictly independent living communities.
Rental vs. Entrance Fee
Another feature to keep in mind as you explore your options is whether you prefer what a rental agreement offers with no large up-front fee, or if you’re prepared to pay an entrance fee to cover long-term care you may or may not use.
The Variel is one of only a few luxury senior living communities in Los Angeles County that offers the option of a month-to-month lease. You can learn more about the differences between rental communities and those that require an entrance fee in a previous blog post on this topic.
Once you’ve zeroed in on a geographic area and then pared down the possibilities based on the type of senior living community you prefer, you will likely have a manageable list to work with.
Check Out the Floor Plans
Most communities offer at least several examples of their floor plans on their website, complete with square footage information.
The Variel has an interactive community map so you can easily see all our floor plans and where they’re located within our community. You can even take a virtual tour of the floor plans that catch your attention.
Finally, Take a Closer Look
When you’ve found several communities that seem like good candidates, it’s time to visit them. It’s the best way to get a good feel for whether you’d enjoy living there.
Take a list of questions with you to ask the member of the sales or marketing team you meet with. Notice your first impressions when you arrive. Are the common areas clean and well-maintained? Do the residents seem happy? Are they friendly?
During your visit, talk to several staff members and at least a few residents if you have the opportunity. Ask them what they like most about living in the community.
If you have the option, stay for a meal so you can size up the quality of the food. For some people, this is a make-or-break part of the overall evaluation.
California grows about half of the country’s fruits and vegetables, and our chef at The Variel takes full advantage of having access to fresh produce.
The Variel Captures the Spirit of California Retirement Living to a Tee
Our location in Warner Center is ideal for so many reasons. We’re surrounded by an abundance of entertainment, dining, shopping and cultural venues, so there’s always plenty to do whether you want to stay at home or venture beyond The Variel.
With its water features and firepits, our Catalina Courtyard is the perfect spot for making the most of the mild Southern California climate, whether you’re socializing with friends and neighbors at one of our many get-togethers or relaxing with a good book.
Want to take care of your body? Take an aquatic exercise class in our sparkling indoor pool and then soak up a few rays on the sunning deck outside. Or indulge in some pampering at our salon and spa.
In the mood to try a new recipe? Visit any of the local farmers markets and pick up some of that nutritious fresh produce mentioned earlier. Don’t feel like cooking? Call a neighbor for an impromptu meal at any of our dining venues.
If you’re a movie buff, you’ll appreciate having a theater just an elevator ride away. And there are a number of cinemas in Woodland Hills and neighboring vicinities, too.
Have you been caught up in the pickleball craze or want to see what it’s all about? You’ll find pickleball courts here in Warner Center and at the Woodland Hills Recreation Center.
Do you play golf? There are dozens of public and private golf courses within 20 miles, but with The 1502 golf simulator here at The Variel, you won’t even have to leave the building to practice your swing.
Plus, there are museums and galleries, parks and gardens, wineries and breweries, hiking trails, sporting events and myriad attractions of the City of Angels just minutes from your front door.
All of this and more makes The Variel one of the best senior living communities in California — especially if you’re looking for an upscale rental community with an elegant, yet laid-back vibe and some of the friendliest residents you’ll ever meet.
If this sounds like a place you’d like to call home, contact us and we’ll arrange a time for you to visit.
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