Los Angeles is an alluring and vibrant city, home to a whopping four million residents and host to thousands of sun-seeking vacationers every year. Unsurprisingly, the “City Of Angels” is a wonderful spot for retirees looking for excitement, outdoor recreation, and plenty of sun. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what to expect if you’re considering moving to LA.
Retiring in Los Angeles: Pros and Cons
PROS
- Lots to do: With hundreds of award-winning restaurants, dozens of shopping malls, boutiques, theaters, bars, outdoor farmer’s markets, professional sporting games, hiking trails, and nearby beaches, there’s always something to see or do in Los Angeles.
- Warm weather: Rarely getting colder than 48 degrees in the winter or warmer than 93 degrees in the summer, the weather in Los Angeles is some of the most enviable in the country.
- Outdoor recreation: With year-round sun comes plenty of outdoor recreation. Hiking, swimming, biking, pickleball, tennis, and golf are all year-round activities in Los Angeles.
- Diversity: Los Angeles is a melting pot of different ethnicities, religions, cultures, and lifestyles. Retirees can benefit from meeting new people and enjoying a diverse community made up of an exciting array of cuisine, music, and experiences.
CONS
- Expensive: It’s no secret that California housing prices are at an all-time high. According to the Los Angeles Almanac, the median home price in Los Angeles County in December 2024 reached $912,370. But for active adults, some relatively affordable 55+ communities in Los Angeles are priced well below that median home price.
- Traffic: The traffic in Los Angeles is infamous, but it’s just a way of life for “Angelinos.” Many locals leave early or travel during non-peak hours.
- Pollution: Los Angeles has some of the worst ozone air pollution in the United States. For people who suffer from respiratory disease or inflammation, they may be better off living in areas with cleaner air.
Los Angeles Climate
Los Angeles is famous for its year-round sunny days and warm, idyllic climate. The summers are warm, clear, and arid with highs of 85 degrees and lows of 62 degrees. Winters are cool, wet, and typically partly cloudy. Winter highs can get around 69 degrees and even into the low 70s, while lows fall around 49 degrees.
Spring and fall weather in Los Angeles is considered by many as nearly perfect, with average highs hovering in the low 70s. Regardless of the season, residents of Los Angeles take advantage of great weather by biking, hiking, and walking outdoors. It’s not unusual to see beachgoers walking around in bathing suits in the dead of winter.
In Los Angeles, rainy days are a rare occurrence with only about 14 inches of yearly rain on average. When it does rain, it happens mostly from December through March, while in the summer it rarely rains.
Los Angeles Culture and Entertainment
As the second-largest city in America, Los Angeles is a cultural melting pot of diversity with museums, art, theatres, and clubs. If entertainment, culture, and diverse cuisine are important to you, Los Angeles may be the perfect fit.
Dining Scene
From celebrity-filled Michelin-starred restaurants to unforgettable, authentic street tacos, Los Angeles’ food scene is just as diverse as its people. Los Angeles boasts distinct neighborhoods overflowing with authentic and affordable cuisine, like savory Galbi ribs from Koreatown, hand-made dim sum from Chinatown, incredible Southern food in South Los Angeles, and mouthwatering tacos on just about any corner of the city.
If celebrity spotting thrills you, hot spots like Nobu, Fig & Olive, and Dan Tana’s are known to be frequented by the rich and famous. Los Angeles also leans heavily on fresh, healthy fare, with trendy green juice and salad eateries catering to the large population of health-conscious people living in the city.
Local Attractions
Living in Los Angeles offers a wealth of entertainment opportunities. Visit iconic tourist destinations like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Mann’s Chinese Theater, take a tour of Warner Bros Studio, drive the famous Mulholland Drive and Sunset Strip, and shop till you drop at Rodeo Drive. When the grandkids visit, a trip to Disneyland, the Santa Monica Pier, or Universal Studios would be a thrill they won’t soon forget.
For more cerebral entertainment, an afternoon at the Peterson Automotive Museum, the California Science Center, the Natural History Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or the Getty Museum is a great way to spend a few hours. In the evening, gaze at stars from the incredible Griffith Observatory—the best lookout point in the city.
Los Angeles Cost of Living
Home Prices
Housing prices in Los Angeles are some of the highest in the country, thanks to high demand exceeding supply. The housing shortage and seller’s market conditions combined with Los Angeles’ idyllic living and career opportunities create a perfect storm of conditions that all help to keep the city’s housing market red hot.
As of January 2025, the median home sold price in Los Angeles was $1,035,435, rising steadily 6.3% year-over-year. Those who can afford the area can rest easy knowing their home value will most likely keep increasing for years to come.
Grocery and Utility Costs
Higher home prices typically go hand-in-hand with a higher cost of living, and Los Angeles is no exception. With many gourmet markets and high-end farmers’ markets in the area, food costs can get expensive. However, shopping at discount grocers and directly from local farmers can help to reduce grocery bills dramatically.
Utility bills like energy from running the air conditioner and water bills are also on the higher side in Los Angeles. Reducing water and installing solar panels or running fans instead of the AC can help to lower those utility bills.
Transportation Costs
Los Angeles is notorious for its traffic, but like the rest of the country, gas in Los Angeles isn’t cheap. Save money and headaches from gridlock and take advantage of the city’s multiple public transportation options.
The most cost-effective option is the city-wide subway and light-rail system, which is only a few dollars to ride. There are also buses and shuttles running through every corner of the city. Uber, taxis, or Lyft are convenient options as well.
Los Angeles Taxes
California’s high tax reputation shouldn’t deter active adults who have their sights set on retirement in Los Angeles. While it’s true that the sales tax in Los Angeles County is 9.5%, the city boasts lower-than-average property tax rates and income tax rates.
Los Angeles Property Taxes
At 0.71%, California has one of the lowest property tax rates in the country. However, property values are very high, thus homeowners still end up paying a substantial amount in property taxes. Also, property taxes in Los Angeles differ by district, but the countywide is tax rate 0.70%.
Los Angeles Retirement Income Taxes
Retirement income can be taxed in Los Angeles. Social Security isn’t taxable in California, but all other forms of retirement income are taxable, ranging from 1% to 13.3%.
Los Angeles Tax Exemptions for Seniors
Proposition 19, also known as “The Home Protection Act for Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families, and Victims of Wildfire or Natural Disasters Act” was passed in California on November 3rd, 2020. Prop 19 can benefit active adults ages 55 and up who are looking to purchase a home in Los Angeles but are afraid of a higher property tax rate.
Prop 19 allows homeowners aged 55+ to transfer their property tax assessments from their old home to a newly purchased home anywhere in California, regardless of value. This is great news for retirees looking to move to Los Angeles in-state.
Los Angeles Healthy and Active
Healthy Eating
As an early adopter of the farm-to-table and organic diets, finding fresh food in Los Angeles is not an issue. Vegetarians, vegans, and keto-diet fans won’t need to look hard to accommodate their diets.
There are numerous weekly farmers markets taking place on any given day in the city, showcasing the bountiful, fresh produce produced in the area. Restaurants such as True Food Kitchen, M Cafe, Crossroads Kitchen, Destroyer, Sumac, and many others offer healthy, seasonal cuisine that’s heavy on vegetables and sustainably raised proteins. For those who enjoy cooking at home, a health food grocer is never far, including Whole Foods, Jayde’s Market, and Rainbow Acres Natural Foods, among many others.
Health Care
Finding quality health care in Los Angeles is an easy task, thanks to the staggering number of hospitals and health care centers located in the city. With a population of four million, Los Angeles boasts 253 hospitals and is home to what is considered two of the nation’s best: UCLA Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Both UCLA Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai have been nationally recognized for their cancer treatment. Don’t be surprised if you run into a celebrity during your stay at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. It’s the celebrity hospital of choice, having treated famous patients such as Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, and Elizabeth Taylor.
For people who meet certain income guidelines, the Los Angeles Care Health Plan is a public program that provides health care regardless of age, disability, or immigrant status. This may be a great option for retirees who struggle to afford health care. Los Angeles Care is free for those who qualify, with no copays or monthly premiums.
Where to Live in Los Angeles
Downtown
If you want to be in the heart of all the action, there’s no better place than Downtown Los Angeles. Here, a quick trip to grab morning coffee could easily lead to a brush encounter with a celebrity. Also, a delicious restaurant is only a short walk away.
Downtown Los Angeles boasts many famous landmarks. Residents can explore the Grand Central Market, the Bradbury Building, and hundreds of shopping boutiques and highly rated eateries. Public transportation is plentiful, safe, and convenient in Downtown Los Angeles. There are light rails, buses, and shuttles on nearly every corner, making it easy to get around without a car.
There’s always something to see or do in Downtown Los Angeles, from hearing a concert by the LA Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall to joining a walking tour with the Los Angeles Conservatory Walking Tours. Grand Park is a 12-acre public space, and at the renowned “Last Bookstore,” one could get lost for hours in the hundreds of shelves. The Downtown Arts District and nearby Chinatown offer even more exciting attractions.
Torrance
Just 20 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles, the city of Torrance offers all the tranquility of the suburbs while being just a quick drive from the excitement. Torrance is a desirable beachside city with a long, sandy stretch of coastline and plenty of greenspace.
Old Town Torrance is known for its charming, historic buildings and numerous restaurants. Big-name stores such as Walmart, Lowes, and Costco make everyday conveniences easily accessible. This coastal suburb also offers wonderful attractions such as Hopkins Wilderness Park, Torrance Art Museum, and Del Amo Fashion Center.
Recommended 55+ Communities
Los Angeles, as well as its surrounding suburbs, offer several 55+ communities boasting low-maintenance homes and resort-like amenities. Whether you’re looking for an affordable condo-style home, a beachside bungalow, or a single-family home with a yard, there’s a community to fit your needs in Los Angeles.
In Los Angeles
Teramachi Homes – Los Angeles, CA
Low $400ks – High $500ks
Located in the vibrant and thriving Little Tokyo district of Los Angeles, Teramachi Homes is an affordable 55+ mid-rise condo community within walking distance of plenty of shops, restaurants, and grocery stores.
This popular community consists of 127 condos. Featuring 970 to 2,050 square feet with one to two bedrooms, these condos are spacious and contemporary. They offer screened-in balconies, granite countertops, cozy fireplaces, and a convenient parking garage. Standout amenities include an indoor/outdoor pool, a catering kitchen, and a fitness center.
Outside Los Angeles
New Horizons South Bay – Torrance, CA
Mid $500ks – Mid $600ks
Situated just a few miles from the beach and Downtown Los Angeles, New Horizons South Bay is a 600-home active adult community in the popular beach town of Torrance. With affordable condo homes, this friendly community is perfect for active adults seeking a coastal lifestyle on a budget.
The resort-like amenities here include a 10,000-square-foot clubhouse; two outdoor pools; a nine-hole golf course; croquet, tennis, and shuffleboard courts; and a ballroom and catering kitchen.
Breakwater Village – Redondo Beach, CA
Low $500ks – Mid $600ks
Situated just two miles from the beach, Breakwater Village is an intimate 55+ community located in Redondo Beach. Comprised of just 191 condo-style homes, Breakwater Village is a community where residents look out for one another.
This gated community offers homes ranging from 782 to 1,336 square feet. Conveniently located near shopping centers, restaurants, freeway access, and only ten miles from Los Angeles International Airport, this quiet community offers the best of both worlds—serene beach living with access to everything Los Angeles has to offer.
Ready to Make the Move? 55places Can Help
To discover more exciting 55+ communities in LA, we invite you to contact us! Our experienced team of real estate experts will guide you through the top options in your area and help you make a seamless transition from your current home to a 55+ community. We look forward to helping you make your next move the best one yet!
