1-25 of 57 results
County in California
Current Resident: There are good public schools and a lot of protected habitat. There's a lot of local businesses and the county is fairly close to both San Francisco and the East Bay while maintaining a mostly small town atmosphere. There are cons to the small town atmosphere though, like very few establishments being open 24/7. The county lacks diversity; it's a predominately and historically white county. It is very safe though. There are many police and fire stations and hospitals, all very responsive. Cost of living is incredibly high and nightlife is mostly non existent because most establishments close before 9. It's a good location for families with lots of parks, good schools, and low crime rates.... Read 34 reviews
Population 262,387
#1 Best Counties for Retirees in California.
County in California,
34 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says There are good public schools and a lot of protected habitat. There's a lot of local businesses and the county is fairly close to both San Francisco and the East Bay while maintaining a mostly small....
There are good public schools and a lot of protected habitat. There's a lot of local businesses and the county is fairly close to both San Francisco and the East Bay while maintaining a mostly small....
Read 34 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Population: 262,387,
Current Resident: Moved to Amador County 7 years ago. At first it felt a bit isolated, now it feels like home. The air is clean, houses are not on top of each other and the people are friendly. You can have pets and meander through the woods. You can sit on your deck and see deer, squirrels and birds. There are a few bears but honestly never been bothered by one. If you are looking for a peaceful, quiet enjoyable life, Amador County is amazing. Doubt I will ever leave as I love living in the Pines.... Read 6 reviews
Population 40,095
#2 Best Counties for Retirees in California.
6 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Moved to Amador County 7 years ago. At first it felt a bit isolated, now it feels like home. The air is clean, houses are not on top of each other and the people are friendly. You can have pets....
Moved to Amador County 7 years ago. At first it felt a bit isolated, now it feels like home. The air is clean, houses are not on top of each other and the people are friendly. You can have pets....
Read 6 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C,
Population: 40,095,
Current Resident: Nevada County is one of the most beautiful areas I've ever visited, the trees, lakes, people community feeling. You can walk down the street and strike up a conversation with anyone at anytime š. People out here are so friendly and welcoming we all feel like one big family, which in our world today i feel isn't as easy to come by anymore. If i was to say if I wanted anything to change here... it would be more activities for younger kids and adults to participate in together park events, communiry parties or gatherings.... Read 4 reviews
Population 102,090
#3 Best Counties for Retirees in California.
4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Nevada County is one of the most beautiful areas I've ever visited, the trees, lakes, people community feeling. You can walk down the street and strike up a conversation with anyone at anytime š.....
Nevada County is one of the most beautiful areas I've ever visited, the trees, lakes, people community feeling. You can walk down the street and strike up a conversation with anyone at anytime š.....
Read 4 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B minus,
Population: 102,090,
Reston, VAā¢
Private Schoolā¢
PK, K-9
Parent: The curriculum is strong, with students working above grade level in many subjects. Teachers set high expectations and then help each child achieve those goals in a warm and nurturing environment. Each day studentsā folders are filled with the work that they have completed so that parents can be informed of their childās progress. Any obstacles are handled at early stages and the child is treated with the utmost respect every step of the way. The emphasis on STEAM is helping to prepare students for a successful future. Every member of the staff knows each kid--not only their names, but their individual personalities. Additional benefits of ACE include smaller class sizes, character development, a uniform that minimizes drama in the mornings, responsive staff, and an exceptional facility. I am confident that my children have a strong educational foundation and love of learning that will serve them well going forward.... Read 7 reviews
Students 297
Student-teacher ratio 9:1
Blue checkmark.
Private School,
RESTON, VA,
PK, K-9,
7 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says The curriculum is strong, with students working above grade level in many subjects. Teachers set high expectations and then help each child achieve those goals in a warm and nurturing environment. ....
The curriculum is strong, with students working above grade level in many subjects. Teachers set high expectations and then help each child achieve those goals in a warm and nurturing environment. ....
Read 7 reviews.
Students: 297,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 9 to 1,
Former Resident: Shasta County is home to beautiful scenery with Mount Lassen and Shasta in the background. The people are all about community and have warm welcoming hearts. It is creative place where people can start up new businesses. Whiskey Town Lake is a big tourist attraction. Overall Redding is a great place to get away and experience nature just as it is. During the four years I lived there I enjoyed walking along the Sundial Bridge and swimming in Whiskey Town Lake.... Read 3 reviews
Population 181,935
#4 Best Counties for Retirees in California.
3 Niche users give it an average review of 3.3 stars.
Featured Review: Former Resident says Shasta County is home to beautiful scenery with Mount Lassen and Shasta in the background. The people are all about community and have warm welcoming hearts. It is creative place where people can....
Shasta County is home to beautiful scenery with Mount Lassen and Shasta in the background. The people are all about community and have warm welcoming hearts. It is creative place where people can....
Read 3 reviews.
Population: 181,935,
Current Resident: I grew up here, then, after living in many other places, I found that there really is no place like home. Rural and gorgeous, yet with Highway 50, it's easy to get to Sacramento or Tahoe. If you love the country life, this is the best. Our schools are top notch, especially Ponderosa, Union Mine and Oakridge. We love our sheriff and police and support them. If you are looking for an exciting place with lots of night life, stay in the city. If you love things natural and not picky about the condition of the roads, this is the place to be.... Read 11 reviews
Population 190,568
#5 Best Counties for Retirees in California.
11 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I grew up here, then, after living in many other places, I found that there really is no place like home. Rural and gorgeous, yet with Highway 50, it's easy to get to Sacramento or Tahoe. If you love....
I grew up here, then, after living in many other places, I found that there really is no place like home. Rural and gorgeous, yet with Highway 50, it's easy to get to Sacramento or Tahoe. If you love....
Read 11 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Population: 190,568,
Current Resident: When walking around downtown Angels Camp or Murphys it is as if you have been transported to a movie set for the midwest. This rural town at the foothills of the Sierra Mountains is an easy place to call home, its welcoming atmosphere and sense of community can be seen everywhere you go.... Read 4 reviews
Population 45,349
#6 Best Counties for Retirees in California.
4 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says When walking around downtown Angels Camp or Murphys it is as if you have been transported to a movie set for the midwest. This rural town at the foothills of the Sierra Mountains is an easy place to....
When walking around downtown Angels Camp or Murphys it is as if you have been transported to a movie set for the midwest. This rural town at the foothills of the Sierra Mountains is an easy place to....
Overall Niche Grade: C minus,
Population: 45,349,
Current Resident: Pleasant rural living. Safe. Scenic. Ideal weather. Clean mountain air and water. Best retirement place in California for outdoor lovers. Mid-county foothills offer both rural privacy and easy accessibility via Interstate 80. Senior friendly supports, services, and activities abound. Better public transportation would be nice.... Read 9 reviews
Population 400,330
#7 Best Counties for Retirees in California.
9 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Pleasant rural living. Safe. Scenic. Ideal weather. Clean mountain air and water. Best retirement place in California for outdoor lovers. Mid-county foothills offer both rural privacy and easy....
Pleasant rural living. Safe. Scenic. Ideal weather. Clean mountain air and water. Best retirement place in California for outdoor lovers. Mid-county foothills offer both rural privacy and easy....
Read 9 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Population: 400,330,
Population 55,243
#8 Best Counties for Retirees in California.
5 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.
Read 5 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C+,
Population: 55,243,
Visitor: I visited San Mateo multiple times and loved the environment, weather, and everything about it! There are a lot of fun places to visit and great restaurants as well.... Read 85 reviews
Population 762,488
#9 Best Counties for Retirees in California.
85 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.
Featured Review: Visitor says I visited San Mateo multiple times and loved the environment, weather, and everything about it! There are a lot of fun places to visit and great restaurants as well..
I visited San Mateo multiple times and loved the environment, weather, and everything about it! There are a lot of fun places to visit and great restaurants as well..
Read 85 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 762,488,
Current Resident: From modern to historical, Orange County has got is all! Orange county is home to one of the well known missions, San Juan Capistrano, bringing all sorts of people down to the region to become acquainted with the history of our lovely state. Moreover, Orange County spans along a cost with beautiful scenic beaches, such as Corona Del Mar and Thousand Steps. The food is outstoudning, with a variety of options from all over the world.... Read 212 reviews
Population 3,182,923
#10 Best Counties for Retirees in California.
212 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says From modern to historical, Orange County has got is all! Orange county is home to one of the well known missions, San Juan Capistrano, bringing all sorts of people down to the region to become....
From modern to historical, Orange County has got is all! Orange county is home to one of the well known missions, San Juan Capistrano, bringing all sorts of people down to the region to become....
Read 212 reviews.
Population: 3,182,923,
Population 18,804
1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Read 1 reviews.
Population: 18,804,
Current Resident: Siskiyou county is a beautiful place to live year round for those who enjoy full seasons. There is plenty of fun, free outdoor activities to do in the summer like hiking, fishing and sunbathing by several natural lakes. During the winter snowmobiling, hunting and staying by a cozy fire are the locals favorites. There are plenty of educational landmarks in the areas as well from lava bed to the caves. However, if shopping is one of your hobbies expect to drive for at least forty-five minutes.... Read 5 reviews
Population 44,151
5 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Siskiyou county is a beautiful place to live year round for those who enjoy full seasons. There is plenty of fun, free outdoor activities to do in the summer like hiking, fishing and sunbathing by....
Siskiyou county is a beautiful place to live year round for those who enjoy full seasons. There is plenty of fun, free outdoor activities to do in the summer like hiking, fishing and sunbathing by....
Population: 44,151,
Population 65,345
1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.
Population: 65,345,
Former Resident: I loved growing up small-town. I developed an appreciation for the agriculture industry that I wouldnāt otherwise have, and I enjoy the kind of work that it involves. Especially through 4-H, I learned many skills that I still use today, from teamwork in local sports teams and animal showmanship to hiking and camping in the hills. I did notice growing up that there isnāt much ethnic diversity there, which I wish would change, because as much as I love farming/ranching and rednecks, I also love learning about and appreciating other cultures. Iām pursuing music, and there aren't many opportunities to seek music education in Modoc, so Iāve moved to Canada to save up some money in the oil patch, and am planning to start on my Bachelors in Music Education at Whitworth University this fall. The lifestyle in Modoc has helped me develop both work and social aspects of my life, and I feel like the high desert there will always be my home... Read 2 reviews
Population 8,723
2 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.
Featured Review: Former Resident says I loved growing up small-town. I developed an appreciation for the agriculture industry that I wouldnāt otherwise have, and I enjoy the kind of work that it involves. Especially through 4-H, I....
I loved growing up small-town. I developed an appreciation for the agriculture industry that I wouldnāt otherwise have, and I enjoy the kind of work that it involves. Especially through 4-H, I....
Read 2 reviews.
Population: 8,723,
Current Resident: I learned and loved so much in my county. I love everything about it and if I could I would stay. I love the fact that it is remote and has such an incredible view of what the world should look like. The mountains and trees fill up the air with a scent that is almost describable. The air filled with pine scents and birds chirping all around make a home that most people do dot have. I remember staring for hours on end at either a river near my home or a lake that is across the street from my house. When I wasn't doing that I was exploring the woods around me or staring at the clouds above me... Read 1 review
Population 19,631
1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I learned and loved so much in my county. I love everything about it and if I could I would stay. I love the fact that it is remote and has such an incredible view of what the world should look like.....
I learned and loved so much in my county. I love everything about it and if I could I would stay. I love the fact that it is remote and has such an incredible view of what the world should look like.....
Population: 19,631,
Current Resident: Alameda County is a nice county nestled in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. The area is diverse both economically and racially, and the culture from various background melt together with local residents to people from other parts of the world studying in our local colleges and universities.... Read 59 reviews
Population 1,673,133
59 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Alameda County is a nice county nestled in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. The area is diverse both economically and racially, and the culture from various background melt together with....
Alameda County is a nice county nestled in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. The area is diverse both economically and racially, and the culture from various background melt together with....
Read 59 reviews.
Population: 1,673,133,
Nearby Resident: Living here in Napa County is so beautiful to see the countryside and surrounded by many counties. The Sonoma, Angwin, Fairfield, Vallejo, and all certain areas here in Northern California have the exclusive experience to visit.... Read 43 reviews
Population 138,795
43 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Nearby Resident says Living here in Napa County is so beautiful to see the countryside and surrounded by many counties. The Sonoma, Angwin, Fairfield, Vallejo, and all certain areas here in Northern California have the....
Living here in Napa County is so beautiful to see the countryside and surrounded by many counties. The Sonoma, Angwin, Fairfield, Vallejo, and all certain areas here in Northern California have the....
Read 43 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B+,
Population: 138,795,
Current Resident: I've lived in Contra Costa County my entire life, and it has always been a community that feels like home. School districts, recreational clubs, and cities are all very interconnected, creating a strong sense of familiarity for residents. There's a wide array of activities available for families, individuals, and visitors.... Read 55 reviews
Population 1,161,643
55 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I've lived in Contra Costa County my entire life, and it has always been a community that feels like home. School districts, recreational clubs, and cities are all very interconnected, creating a....
I've lived in Contra Costa County my entire life, and it has always been a community that feels like home. School districts, recreational clubs, and cities are all very interconnected, creating a....
Read 55 reviews.
Population: 1,161,643,
Population 67,749
4 Niche users give it an average review of 2.5 stars.
Population: 67,749,
Population 99,080
Population: 99,080,
Current Resident: Sonoma County education is well respected for its dedication to excellence and innovation. The county offers various educational options, from preschool to higher education. The school system in Sonoma County is distinguished for its emphasis on holistic development, which fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration among students. The region has outstanding public and private schools emphasizing individualized learning and student participation. Furthermore, Sonoma County is home to a thriving community of educators committed to offering high-quality education by utilizing current teaching approaches and incorporating technology into the learning process. In addition, the county's rich natural surroundings and cultural traditions are frequently included in the curriculum, giving pupils a well-rounded education that fosters respect for the environment and local history.... Read 53 reviews
Population 492,498
53 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Sonoma County education is well respected for its dedication to excellence and innovation. The county offers various educational options, from preschool to higher education. The school system in....
Sonoma County education is well respected for its dedication to excellence and innovation. The county offers various educational options, from preschool to higher education. The school system in....
Read 53 reviews.
Population: 492,498,
Former Resident: From my experience, santa clara county is beautiful and I would always consider it as my ārealā home. I always felt safe walking around my area or at least in my neighborhood (i used to live in Santa clara and Milpitas). A lot of job opportunities available and I never really had a hard time looking- Iām talking about basic jobs that are fit for those who are studying. But the affordability tho! I feel like I was already lucky enough to find a private room for just 750$ utilities included and shared bathroom. Groceries are expensive too. But one of the things I like the most is that people here are diverse. Maybe thatās why I feel more comfortable here than where Iām currently living at.... Read 153 reviews
Population 1,932,022
153 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Former Resident says From my experience, santa clara county is beautiful and I would always consider it as my ārealā home. I always felt safe walking around my area or at least in my neighborhood (i used to live in Santa....
From my experience, santa clara county is beautiful and I would always consider it as my ārealā home. I always felt safe walking around my area or at least in my neighborhood (i used to live in Santa....
Read 153 reviews.
Population: 1,932,022,
Current Resident: Born in raised in Mariposa County. What was once mainly a retirement and cowboys area has now seen an increase in population. The young adult population is staying in the area. In regards to politics, we might still be in the red but I would say that is changing. That's just my personal opinion. We are currently experiencing a housing shortage that has no easy solutions at this time.... Read 7 reviews
Population 17,225
7 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Born in raised in Mariposa County. What was once mainly a retirement and cowboys area has now seen an increase in population. The young adult population is staying in the area. In regards to...We are currently experiencing a housing shortage that has no easy solutions at this time..
Born in raised in Mariposa County. What was once mainly a retirement and cowboys area has now seen an increase in population. The young adult population is staying in the area. In regards to...We are currently experiencing a housing shortage that has no easy solutions at this time..
Population: 17,225,
Current Resident: Good place for family. Not many parks with fences, but lots and lots of great parks with nice grassy areas and play structures, and splash parks for the hot days. Elk Grove elementary is an excellent school district. Nice libraries in the area. Good housing options. Canāt speak to downtown much, but I have been to a nice restaurant there! Seemed like people were getting ready for a fun night. Love the composting program- just use compostable bags in the kitchen, and throw it out with the green waste. Makes us feel much less bad about occasional food waste, and also we generate much less trash. People are sociable enough, without being intrusive. Fairly diverse population here, especially among our kids classes, and teachers, which we love!... Read 610 reviews
Population 1,571,767
610 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Good place for family. Not many parks with fences, but lots and lots of great parks with nice grassy areas and play structures, and splash parks for the hot days. Elk Grove elementary is an excellent....
Good place for family. Not many parks with fences, but lots and lots of great parks with nice grassy areas and play structures, and splash parks for the hot days. Elk Grove elementary is an excellent....
Read 610 reviews.
Population: 1,571,767,
Current Resident: From Watsonville all the way to Davenport. The area is so diverse ecologically speaking. Rolling hills along the coast to gigantic Redwood trees. Lovely mountain towns of Felton, Ben Lomond, and Boulder Creek to oceanic sweet coastal towns of Capitola, Rio del Mar, Seacliff, Seascape and up to the city of Santa Cruz. The most beautiful of coastlines I have ever seen. The weather is unbeatable. Never too hot, never to cold. daytime to long sleeve shirts with a light sweater during the day. Summers are lovely as much of the coast gets fog to keep it cool. The water is cold, but swimmable 60-65 degrees in the summer, and the marine life is out of this world. Monterey Bay boasts some of the most diverse marine life in the country!... Read 123 reviews
Population 272,138
123 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says From Watsonville all the way to Davenport. The area is so diverse ecologically speaking. Rolling hills along the coast to gigantic Redwood trees. Lovely mountain towns of Felton, Ben Lomond, and....
From Watsonville all the way to Davenport. The area is so diverse ecologically speaking. Rolling hills along the coast to gigantic Redwood trees. Lovely mountain towns of Felton, Ben Lomond, and....
Read 123 reviews.
Population: 272,138,
Menlo Park, CAā¢
PK, K-8
Parent: Synapse is much more than a school. My husband and I feel that coming to Synapse was the best parenting decision we ever made. This is our seventh year, so it feels like home . Our younger daughter (who started at Synapse in Kindergarten) is thriving in 6th grade. Our older daughter started 9th grade this year, and hit the ground running. She felt extremely prepared in all areas, and so far has straight As in challenging classes, and has met every challenge with emotional equanimity. Synapse's teachers are unparalleled in their skill and delight at teaching, and the community is warm and welcoming. There are lots of activities to help one's family grow closer to each other, and make lifelong friends. We've attended the school camping trips, participated in the teacher-parent band (called the Constructivists), attended morning coffees with our wonderful Head of School, Jim, attended valuable emotional intelligence meetings with teachers and other parents, and much more.... Read 13 reviews
Students 294
Student-teacher ratio 5:1
MENLO PARK, CA,
PK, K-8,
13 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says Synapse is much more than a school. My husband and I feel that coming to Synapse was the best parenting decision we ever made. This is our seventh year, so it feels like home . Our younger daughter....
Synapse is much more than a school. My husband and I feel that coming to Synapse was the best parenting decision we ever made. This is our seventh year, so it feels like home . Our younger daughter....
Read 13 reviews.
Students: 294,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 5 to 1,
Gaithersburg, MDā¢
PK, K-12
Senior: What made my school positively stand out from others were the teachers and environment. Everyone in general was very kind, especially since respecting and uplifting others was part of the honor policy. The teachers at my school genuinely cared about the students. Not only did they care about the student's academic performance, but for their physical/mental health as well. Every teacher I interacted with would gladly take time out of their day to help me with school work outside of class, or simply ask me how my day was. That's why students and teachers at my school have great relationships and even can be considered friends. AP art is the best!... Read 57 reviews
Students 436
Student-teacher ratio 13:1
GAITHERSBURG, MD,
PK, K-12,
57 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says What made my school positively stand out from others were the teachers and environment. Everyone in general was very kind, especially since respecting and uplifting others was part of the honor....
What made my school positively stand out from others were the teachers and environment. Everyone in general was very kind, especially since respecting and uplifting others was part of the honor....
Read 57 reviews.
Students: 436,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13 to 1,
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