Fallbrook, CA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Climate & Geography

Fallbrook is located in the foothills of the Santa Margarita Mountains, the southern end of the Santa Ana Mountains. Fallbrook’s terrain, as a result, is mostly rolling hills. It is on the outer edge of the San Diego metro area, and just a few miles inland from the coast.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

The nearby Santa Margarita Nature Preserve and River Hiking Trails offer residents miles of outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Within the town, residents enjoy the Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens as well as the Myrtle Creek Botanical Gardens, both featuring crafted and maintained gardens, restaurants, and shops. In addition, the Fallbrook Land Conservancy is a forested nature preserve with a mountain and walking trails.

Fallbrook’s downtown area is centered around Mission Road and Main Avenue, and this area houses most of the local bars, restaurants, shops, and businesses. There are also community and seasonal events in this area, like holiday parades.

Additional amenities in Fallbrook include two golf clubs, 10 wineries, multiple museums, and an active arts center. Beach access and more shopping in Oceanside is only a half-hour away as well.

Cost of Living & Taxes

Fallbrook’s cost of living is higher than the national average because of very high housing costs. Other factors like transportation, utilities, and groceries are also above average.

While California does not tax Social Security benefits, it does fully tax all other forms of retirement income. Property taxes in the state are low, and there is a homeowner’s exemption available. Sales taxes, on the other hand, are very high.

Health Care

Fallbrook 55+ communities are part of the San Diego metro area which scores very well on Gallup’s Well-Being Index, ranking in the top 14 communities across the country.

There are no hospitals in Fallbrook. The nearest hospitals that are rated high performing by U.S. News include Loma Linda University Medical Center in Murrieta, Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, and Scripps Memorial Hospital in Encinitas.