As the desire for a peaceful and affordable retirement destination grows, many retirees are seeking alternatives to high-cost, traffic-congested areas like San Carlos, California. While San Carlos offers a charming setting, proximity to Silicon Valley, and a vibrant community, the escalating cost of living and traffic congestion on 101 may prompt retirees to explore other retirement options beyond San Carlos that provide a more serene and budget-friendly retirement experience.
Affordable & Tranquil
One compelling reason to consider retiring outside of San Carlos is the issue of affordability. The steep housing prices, rising property taxes, and overall cost of living in San Carlos can pose financial challenges for retirees on fixed incomes. Exploring neighboring areas that offer more affordable housing options, lower living expenses, and attractive tax rates can significantly enhance retirees’ financial stability and retirement savings plus unlock the huge equity in their homes.
Beyond financial considerations, retirees may also be drawn to areas that offer a tranquil and laid-back lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of urban centers. Choosing a retirement destination that is not plagued by traffic congestion and overcrowding can result in a more relaxed and enjoyable retirement experience.
When looking beyond San Carlos for retirement options, retirees may discover hidden gems that combine affordability, tranquility, and quality of life. Whether it’s a charming coastal town with a slower pace of life, a picturesque mountain community with outdoor adventure opportunities, or a friendly small town with a robust cultural scene, there are plenty of attractive alternatives that offer a fulfilling retirement experience without the high costs and stress of urban living.
The Villages Retirement Community in Florida, photo by Getty Images
Top10 Retirement Options Beyond San Carlos, CA
Below is a list of the top 10 states to retire in according to Kiplinger when accounting for affordability, quality of life, and healthcare.
| Rank | State | Total Score* | Affordability | Quality of Life | Healthcare |
| 1 | Florida | 62 | 4 | 1 | 29 |
| 2 | Colorado | 61 | 14 | 27 | 3 |
| 3 | Virginia | 61 | 11 | 13 | 11 |
| 4 | Delaware | 60 | 3 | 34 | 22 |
| 5 | Wyoming | 59 | 7 | 7 | 37 |
| 6 | Idaho | 58 | 9 | 24 | 24 |
| 7 | New Hampshire | 58 | 28 | 8 | 5 |
| 8 | Minnesota | 58 | 39 | 4 | 1 |
| 9 | Montana | 57 | 21 | 12 | 16 |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 56 | 35 | 2 | 8 |
A rank of 1 represents the best conditions for that metric category.
Source: https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/happy-retirement/best-places-to-retire-in-the-us#
So, if you’ve had the privilege of calling San Carlos home for several decades but feel it’s time to explore life elsewhere for whatever reasons, we encourage you to get in touch with us. We can help collect information on housing costs and connect you with a real estate agent in your prospective new location plus guide you through the process of selling your San Carlos property.
For More News
For more of what’s happening in and around San Carlos, please visit San Carlos Life Blog
About San Carlos Life
Mark Martinho and Vivienne Kelvin are the hosts of San Carlos Life and have been residents of San Carlos for years. While running San Carlos Life together with an awesome team, Mark and Viv are also in the business of real estate. They are co-owners of Vabrato Real Estate, a luxury real estate brokerage serving the City of Good Living, and the whole of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
With over 30 years of combined experience in the business and 95% of their clients coming in from referrals, Mark and Viv take great pride and joy in exceeding your expectations.
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