Focus on California
 

Superlatives are perhaps the best way to describe California when compared to the rest of the U.S.  It has the highest peak in the continental U.S. (Mt. Whitney), boasts the world’s tallest trees (Redwoods),  is the most linguistically diverse (over 200 languages spoken), has the deepest desert (Death Valley) and is the most populated state.

Oakmont Village (click for details), an active adult community in Northern California, is located in the legendary “Valley of the Moon”, in the heart of Sonoma's Wine Country. The community has 4,500 residents living in over 3,000 single-story homes designed for those 55 and better.  Known for scenic beauty, welcoming atmosphere, and wonderful climate, Sonoma County's oak-studded hills and vineyards generate images of rural Provence.  In Oakmont, you can have it all, surrounded by nature, yet close to city, community and cultural services.

The name “California” is believed to have derived from a legend that claimed that there was once a civilization consisting of only very strong women who were ruled by Queen Califia.  Contrary to that, it has historically been one of the most diverse areas in pre-Columbian times.  It was originally inhabited by more than 70 distinct groups of Indians.

Friendly Valley (click for details)in Santa Clarita is a gate-guarded community of approximately 1250 single level homes located in the heart of the Santa Clarita Valley - about 10 miles from Magic Mountain located just north of Los Angeles, California.  Included within the Friendly Valley community are two golf courses - an 18 hole pitch and putt and a nine hole executive course. Both of the courses are well maintained, landscaped and included in the HOA monthly fees.

In today’s society, this diversity still exists from its population, to the religions they practice and the languages they speak.  Close to 60% are Caucasian, 36% are Hispanic and the remainder are Asian, African-American and American Indian.  Languages spoken are 60% English, 26% Spanish, followed by Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean and numerous others for a total of over 200 languages.  The state has the most Roman Catholics of any state, a large Protestant population, the second largest Jewish community in North America and the largest Muslim population in the U.S.

The Sun City “Core” (click for details) community in Menifee Valley is close to the Temecula wine country and offers seniors a peaceful and small-town setting.  This Sun City is located in the Menifee Valley, which is equidistant to San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles and Palm Springs. It is a 55+ development of 4,762 single family homes and condominiums priced from the $100’s to the low $300’s.

Some would say that Southern California is a magnifying glass of all that diversity.  With inhabitants from all over the world, it has always been at the forefront of new ways of thinking, dressing and even living.  While there is no official definition for the northern boundary of Southern California, it is generally considered to be the land south of the Tehachapi Mountains.  Within those boundaries is Los Angeles, considered to be a major world city, and five counties that are in the top 15 most populous in the U.S.  The region is home to over 23 million people.

In Northern California, Carrick Village at Stonebrae (click for details) in Hayward offers an upscale community of luxury single family homes perched atop the highest point of the Hayward Hills with sweeping views of San Francisco’s East Bay.

The economy of Southern California is also diverse.  The “Tech Coast” is an area known for its technology innovations and world-renowned research institutions. The University of California employs more Nobel Prize laureates than any other institution in the world. It is the entertainment capital of the world and is home to Hollywood, the center of the motion picture industry.  Companies such as Walt Disney, Sony, Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox and Warner Brothers are headquartered there.  The region is also home to many successful sports franchises which add to the economy.  The five largest economic sectors are trade, transportation, government, leisure and hospitality.

Jess Ranch in Apple Valley has an incomparable active lifestyle. The community is sprawled out across 1,400 acres of the Mojave high desert with mild temperatures year-round. Prices start from the mid $100’s and amenities include par 3 golf, lakes, fishing, fitness center and swimming.

Politically, the state is governed as a republic. It has three branches consisting of the executive branch, which is the Governor and other independently elected officers; the legislative branch, consisting of the Assembly and Senate; and the judicial branch. The judiciary in California is the largest in the U.S. The state also allows direct participation of the electorate by initiative, referendum, recall and ratification. Since 1990, California has generally elected Democratic candidates, although they had no hesitation in electing Gov. Schwarzenegger who is a Republican.

The income tax in California is the third highest in the nation. It has six official brackets with the top rate at 9.3%. Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits are exempt. Corporate income tax is 8.84%, making it the 10th highest in the nation. The state levies a 7.25% general sales tax which is above the national median of 5.4. Local governments are allowed another 1.5%. Property is assessed at 100% of full cash value. The maximum tax is limited to 1% of that value.

With all the sports teams, Disneyland, Universal Studios, Sea World, the ocean and numerous state parks, California has plenty to offer in the way of recreation and entertainment. So, pack up the grandkids and make a week of it while you tour any of the numerous active adult communities located in Southern California.

For a truly concise search of 248 California 55+ and active lifestyle communities, click here!