I raised my kids in California and always thought I’d have to leave once I retired. Hearing about towns like Fresno and Chico gives me hope that I can still stay close to my family.
My husband and I live on Social Security, and we’ve been worried about rent. Seeing that places like Yuba City or Modesto are still affordable makes us think about moving.
I remember when Stockton made the news for bankruptcy years ago. To hear it’s now a place where retirees can live on Social Security feels like life has come full circle.
My daughter works in Los Angeles, but I know I could never afford to live there on my retirement income. A smaller town like Bakersfield or Visalia sounds more realistic.
The video reminded me of my grandparents’ home in the Central Valley. Simple living, fresh produce, and neighbors who actually know each other—that’s the kind of retirement I want.
As someone who enjoys gardening, the thought of living in Modesto with access to fresh farmers markets really spoke to me. That lifestyle is worth more than just saving money.
I’ve spent most of my career in San Francisco, and housing costs here are beyond reach. Hearing that places like Victorville and Lancaster are options makes me feel less trapped.
My grandchildren are in Sacramento, so Chico or Yuba City would keep me close while still being affordable. That balance of family and finances is all I could ask for.
The way this video explained healthcare access in smaller towns was reassuring. Knowing Medicare is widely accepted helps me feel confident about exploring these options.
Thank you for putting together this information. It helps those of us on fixed incomes realize that California isn’t completely out of reach if you know where to look.