Arroyo Grande, CA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Arroyo Grande is a coastal city in San Luis Obispo County and is best known as one of the "Five Cities" in the Central Coast region. Retirees seeking 55+ communities in Arroyo Grande will appreciate this beach town with year round warm weather and beautiful scenery.

Climate & Geography

Arroyo Grande enjoys a temperate-mediterranean climate, with average annual high temperatures reaching the high 60s and average annual low temperatures in the mid 40s. The area receives roughly 14 inches of rainfall annually.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

The year-round warm weather and proximity to the ocean allow residents to enjoy an assortment of outdoor activities. Many residents stroll and ride bikes through Lopez Lake Recreation Area, James Way Oak Habitat and Wildlife Preserve, and Biddle Regional Park. Vineyards and wineries are plentiful throughout the city, and shopping options range from antique shops to a fashion mall. Residents can easily take day trips to Los Angeles to explore a wider variety of activities.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The overall cost of living in Arroyo Grande exceeds both the national and state averages, primarily due to the extremely high cost of homes, which is nearly triple the national average. Although grocery costs are slightly higher than average, health care, utilities, and transportation costs are all below.

California is not typically considered very tax-friendly to retirees. Social Security benefits are fully exempt from state taxes, benefiting Arroyo Grande's 55+ community residents. However, all other forms of retirement income are fully taxed. The senior income tax exemption that doubles the standard exemption to between $258 to $516 depending on filing status. Property tax rates, though relatively low, can still be a substantial expense due to high home costs. Fortunately, there is a homeowners' exemption to help reduce property tax costs. Some residents may also be eligible for a program to defer property taxes. Sales taxes are the highest in the country, but medicine and groceries are exempt.

Health Care

Arroyo Grande Community Hospital serves the city directly. Other highly ranked medical centers in the region include Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital and Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital ranks highly for hip and knee replacement surgeries, while Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital ranks regionally as well as ranking as high performing in five adult procedures/conditions.