Watsonville, CA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

55+ adults favor Watsonville, a central California city nestled within the Monterey Bay area, for its mild climate and coastal setting. Nature lovers find the city ideal, as it boasts one of the few remaining coastal California wetlands. The wetlands provide habitat for hundreds of resident and migrating birds. The coastal portion of the city is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Watsonville is known for agriculture and is home to many large food companies including Driscoll's, Martinellis, and Monterey Mushrooms. It's no surprise that active adults love the 55+ communities in Watsonville, given all these benefits.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in Watsonville exceeds the nationwide average but aligns with the California average. On a 100 point national cost of living scale Watsonville's overall cost of living score is 151.7 compared to California's 149.9. Housing is the main factor, with Watsonville scoring 258.5 compared to California's 234.8 on the 100-point average scale. Residents of Watsonville 55+ communities, however, enjoy lower utility costs than state or national averages. 

Watsonville sales tax is 9.25% which includes the 6% state sales tax, 0.75% city sales tax plus 2.50% Santa Cruz County taxes. The average property tax in Santa Cruz County is 0.56%. California does have a state income tax which ranges from 1% to 12.3%. Social Security is not taxed but other forms of retirement income are subject to normal income taxes. 

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

There are a variety of leisure options for active adults in the Watsonville area, including: 

Art & performances

• Pajaro Valley Arts

Historical sites and museums

• Agricultural History Project & Museum
• Aptos History Museum
• Pajaro Valley Historical Association

Outdoor activities

• Pajaro Valley Golf Club
• Spring Hills Golf Course
• Sunset State Beach

Other activities

• Left Bend Winery
• Storrs Winery & Vineyards

Climate

The Watsonville area receives about 11 inches of rain per year,  much of it falls during the month of December. Average winter temperatures range from 44° to 58°. Summer in Watsonville is warm and somewhat humid with summer temperatures averaging between 55° and 78° with 67% humidity. 

Health Care

Residents of Watsonville 55+ communities have several options for health care. The closest hospitals to Watsonville are: 

Watsonville Community Hospital is a 106 bed hospital which is accredited by The Joint Commission and received the Daisy Award for extraordinary nurses.

Dominican Hospital is a Certified Primary stroke Center & Certified Chest Pain Center by The Joint Commission.  Additionally they've received Grade A Safety awards from Leapfrog and stroke & cardiology care awards from American Heart/American Stroke Association.

St. Louise Regional Hospital has 93 beds and is accredited by the Joint Commission as a primary stroke center and they have won awards from the American Heart/Stroke Association for stroke treatment.