A sunny desert city near Los Angeles stands out as one of California’s top retirement spots

Warm weather and plenty of outdoor recreation have made this desert community an increasingly attractive destination for retirees.

With palm trees, mountain views, golf courses, and mild winters, Palm Desert offers many of the features that appeal to people looking to settle in later life. The Riverside County city also has an unusually large older population: nearly 38% of residents are 65 or older, more than double California’s overall share.

The appeal goes beyond its demographics. WorldAtlas lists Palm Desert among 12 California destinations drawing retirees, noting that 6.7% of its residents age 65 and older moved there from outside Riverside County within a year. That is close to four times the statewide rate of 1.8%, indicating that the city is attracting older newcomers at a notably strong pace.

Why Palm Desert appeals to retirees

The city has several built-in advantages for retirement living. It averages 350 days of sunshine a year and a mean temperature of 73.1°F. Winters are especially favorable for spending time outdoors, though summer temperatures can climb to 106°F in July.

Another major attraction is the Joslyn Center, which has more than 2,500 active members and offers over 80 weekly programs. Activities include tai chi, art workshops, social dancing, and card tournaments. Access to medical care is also nearby, with Eisenhower Medical Center located in Rancho Mirage.

El Paseo adds to the city’s appeal with more than 200 shops, restaurants, and galleries, and The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens offers another option for a day out.

Palm Desert is not the only California place attracting retirees. WorldAtlas also points to 11 other towns and cities: Rio Vista, Vacaville, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Hollister, Atascadero, Camarillo, Yucaipa, Beaumont, Hemet, and San Clemente. Each offers its own mix of senior-friendly amenities, expanding retirement communities, and lifestyle benefits.