Walnut Creek vs San Ramon Retirement Community Comparison – Bay Area Guide for Seniors

Northern CA is a sensational place to retire, especially when you plan on living in a Walnut Creek or San Ramon retirement community. These two Bay Area senior hot spots have become very popular over the years, and may just be what you have been looking for. They both offer much to seniors of all ages, although each city has its own specific ways of contributing to the senior population. We created this San Ramon vs Walnut Creek retirement comparison to help you jump start your search for the perfect senior community in the Bay Area – so let’s get started.

Popular Retirement Communities in San Ramon & Walnut Creek

When looking for a place to spend your golden years, you really can’t go wrong if you choose a Bay Area city. This especially holds true with retirement communities in San Ramon and Walnut Creek, CA. In this guide, we will cover many aspects of these senior citizen communities. This includes information on transportation, entertainment, crime rate, and more. We also touch on San Francisco Bay Area senior housing, as well as specific senior home amenities. Our goal is to assist you in gaining a well-rounded view of both of these NorCal retirement communities. With that in mind, let’s dive into all the specifics so you can be that much closer to your big move to the Bay Area.

Location – Spend Your Retirement Years in Beautiful Northern CA

The Bay Area sports some of the most beautiful cities on the west coast. This is one reason that so many seniors retire there. How could they resist its breathtaking rolling hills, wide-open spaces, sensational beaches, and the like. Along with this, most cities located in the Bay Area allow for convenient travel opportunities around Northern CA, as well as a chance to visit popular attractions such as gorgeous vineyards, or the big city of San Francisco. San Ramon retirement communities, along with Walnut Creek, feature many of these aspects and more. See what these two 55 plus bay area community locations have to offer you:

Walnut Creek, CA:

This lovely Northern CA retirement community rests in the East Bay area of Contra Costa County. Walnut Creek has wonderful nature to explore and admire, along with a bustling city life. If you’re a nature lover at heart, Walnut Creek showcases beautiful nature trails, rolling hills, spectacular views of Mount Diablo, many parks to go on walks with your fellow seniors, and the like. As far as Walnut Creek’s city life is concerned, it has all you could need! This includes essential stores, boutiques, cafes and popular restaurants, and plenty of entertainment options. The Heritage Downtown sits in the heart of Walnut Creek where its residents can take advantage of all this fine city has to offer. If you love to get out of your city of residence to explore, you will be happy to know that Walnut Creek provides several freeways that interconnect. This makes it a snap to visit multiple areas within Northern CA. Overall, Walnut Creek’s location is perfect for seniors who are looking for a great place to retire in the San Fransisco Bay Area.

San Ramon, CA:

Just like Walnut Creek, San Ramon sits in the beautiful Contra Costa County. It’s only 35 miles east of the big city of San Francisco, and located within the San Ramon Valley. This Bay Area senior community occupies 18.56 square miles of land that’s filled with rolling hills, parks, and breathtaking wide-open spaces. If retiring in San Ramon, you will be able to enjoy sensational views of Mount Diablo, as well as have a chance to visit the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness area, which borders San Ramon. This Northern CA city is mostly urban and its borders are sprinkled with large areas of grasslands and oak trees. San Ramon is proud to offer 58 parks and many trails. As you can see, if you are a nature lover, San Ramon has much to offer. If you are a city lover, this Bay Area retirement community offers a busy city life with many shops, restaurants, specialty boutiques, entertainment, and more!

Climate – Enjoy Great Weather in the San Francisco Bay Area

Your retirement years are meant to be enjoyed to the fullest! To make this happen, it’s important to ensure you move to a location that sports fantastic weather. Move to an area that rains too much; you will be stuck indoors, and that’s not too fun. Living in a city with mostly sunny days and blue skies seem more enjoyable. With that in mind, let’s look closely into what these two NorCal retirement communities have to offer as far as the weather is concerned. 

Walnut Creek, CA:

This sunny bay area senior community features average temperatures that range from the 30s to 80s, which is typical San Francisco Bay Area temperatures. Although, there are some cities in this area that are a bit colder because they are closer to the bay waters. But for those who live in Walnut Creek, the weather is enjoyable, with almost unbroken sunshine throughout the year. The senior citizens of the Heritage Downtown love this aspect of Walnut Creek. It allows them to get out and about on most days to soak up the sun, go for a walk, or just enjoy the great outdoors. Additionally, Walnut Creek is known for not having too much rain. At the same time, it has just enough to keep the area lush and green. Overall, this Northern CA retirement community features wonderful retirement weather.

San Ramon, CA:

Living in a San Ramon retirement community will allow you to enjoy great weather for most of the year. This San Francisco Bay Area senior hot spot offers a Mediterranean climate, with warm and dry summers, and cold wet winters. Additionally, you will find average temperatures that run in the low 40s to mid 70s. Also, you will sometimes experience fog in San Ramon, but this can be typical for Bay Area cities that are not too far from the San Francisco Bay. If you are one to avoid the rain, San Ramon doesn’t have too much of it, although it does have slightly more than Walnut Creek. In sum, this older adult community in the Bay Area offers weather that’s ideal for retired seniors.

Cost of Living – Affordable Northern CA Retirement Cities

Considering the cost of living in an area before you move is essential. This is because how expensive an area can be will determine how much spending money you have left after your bills are paid. It will also determine if you will even have enough to get by on. So, although you may love a particular city in the Bay Area, research it well to make sure you can afford to retire there. Furthermore, if you are interested in retiring in San Ramon, it’s worth mentioning that this Bay Area city is 12.2% more expensive than Walnut Creek, CA. It’s not too much more expensive, but if you are on a strict budget, it may be something to consider. Take a look at these statistics to get a better idea of the cost of living in both cities:

Walnut Creek Retirement Community Cost of Living Data:

• Overall: 195.1
• Housing: 377.9
• Transportation: 127.5

San Ramon Retirement Community Cost of Living Data:

• Overall: 218.9
• Housing: 452.4
• Transportation: 132.7

100 = National Average. Under 100 means less expensive than the U.S. averages. Above 100 means more expensive – 2020 statistics.

Population – Walnut Creek has a Higher Number of Seniors

Overcrowded retirement communities are typically not a favorite among older adults. This is what makes these two San Francisco Bay Area retirement communities so desirable. They both sport a mid-sized population. A mid-sized population is perfect because you would not want to reside in a large overcrowded city, or a city that has a population that is too low. Cities with populations that are too low can also come with less programs for seniors. With that said, let’s take a look at some data pertaining to the population in a San Ramon retirement community vs Walnut Creek, CA:

• The median age is 10.2 percent younger in San Ramon vs Walnut Creek.
• Walnut Creek’s population numbers come in at 68,516, while San Ramon is 75,048.
• The percentage of older adults 65 to 74 residing in Walnut Creek is 13% compared to San Ramon’s 5.9%.

If you’re a senior 85 or older, you may want to take a look at these statistics:

Transportation – Walnut Creek & San Ramon Mobility Options

The retirement years should be when you can enjoy your free time, travel, and just relax. In addition to this, some seniors may choose not to continue owning a vehicle. With this comes the need for excellent transportation options. You will want to ensure that the Northern CA retirement community that you settle on will enable you to get where you would like to go. This can include options for just getting to the grocery store, your medical appointments, and the like. It can also include options for traveling to fun and entertaining destinations, or just traveling to different Bay Area cities. With that in mind, let’s look at what both of these NorCal retirement cities have to offer when it comes to transportation options:

Walnut Creek Senior Community Transportation:

This Bay Area city sports an active senior community that requires outstanding transportation options. Realizing this, the city of Walnut Creek has provided them with many mobility options for running general errands, as well as visiting popular destination sites for a day of fun. Let’s see all that this San Francisco Bay Area retirement city has to offer:

• Senior Citizen Transportation: Moving to a Walnut Creek retirement community will give seniors great mobility options. This includes the Senior Mini-Bus Program. This program only charges one dollar each way, so it’s very affordable. It allows older adults to go shopping, visit friends, travel to their medical appointments, and more.
• The Downtown Trolley: The Walnut Creek Downtown Trolley is popular among the residents of the Heritage Downtown. You will often see them riding the trolley when they need to do a little shopping, dining, or run errands. The Downtown Trolley is free to all who ride, and it operates 7 days a week!
• Walnut Creek Shuttle Service: If you want an additional option to get to your appointments, or pick up a few things from the store, the Creekside or Shadelands shuttles are a reliable means of transportation. The shuttles are free to ride and are also used by the active seniors who live at the Heritage Downtown Senior Apartment Homes.
• City Transportation: If you love to travel, and think you may want to visit the surrounding Bay Area cities, Walnut Creek allows for catching the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). Seniors of all ages can easily visit nearby attractions, and enjoy the San Francisco Bay area using this fast and convenient means of transportation. If you are one to always stay local, then you will love the County Connection city bus. It’s a reliable and affordable way to get around town!

Excellent Transportation Options in San Ramon, CA:

San Ramon CA has everything you would need to get to your destinations. Additionally, this San Francisco Bay Area city has set up some fantastic options for seniors that are independent and active, providing them a way to get to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, as well as their local senior center.

• Senior Express Van: Organized by the Alcosta Senior and Community Center, this express van service offers two vans to the San Ramon senior community. One van allows for 16 passengers to ride at once, while the other has a 7 passenger capacity. This ensures that every senior will be taken care of. These senior express vans come with wheelchair lifts and restraint equipment for those who may need them. The vans run Monday – Friday. All riders must reside in San Ramon to take advantage of this fabulous senior program.
• County Connection: The County Connection bus system runs through this San Ramon retirement community to provide seniors with an affordable way to take care of their daily needs. This includes traveling to their local grocery store, nearby restaurants, doctor’s appointments, and the like.

If you plan on visiting the surrounding areas once you settle into your new Northern CA retirement community, you may want to check out our Bay Area Senior Destination Guide. Additionally, you can also take a look at our other San Francisco Bay Area retirement guides for more information on what the area has to offer – Brentwood, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Santa Clara, Alameda, and Santa Rosa,

Crime Rate – Safe Retirement Communities in the Bay Area

Keeping safe during your retirement years is on most senior’s minds as they search for the best place to retire in the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s an important factor that should be top priority. No matter how much you may like a senior community, if it’s not safe then you will certainly not enjoy it to its full capacity. With that said, we looked into retirement communities in San Ramon, as well as Walnut Creek, and found them both to offer safe environments for seniors looking for a place to call home. Living in a low crime area will allow you to take walks in your neighborhood without worry. It will also ensure that if you venture to a nearby bus stop, or if you’re waiting at a BART station, the low crime statistics will be in your favor. In sum, retiring in either San Ramon or Walnut Creek is a good idea as far as crime is concerned.

Healthcare – Retired Seniors Need Reliable Medical Facilities

When searching for the perfect San Francisco Bay Area retirement community, it’s best to add good healthcare to your “must-have list”. Your health is what matters most, and having access to top-notch medical facilities is essential during our retirement years. With that in mind, we researched both of these Northern CA retirement communities and found that they offer reliable, award-winning hospitals. Let’s take a look:

Walnut Creek John Muir Medical Center:

Close to Downtown Walnut Creek you will find the John Muir Medical Center. It’s an exceptional hospital that the residents of the Heritage Downtown rely on, and are thankful for. They have won many awards and have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s premier healthcare providers. John Muir has also received the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for certification as a Primary Stroke Center. Plus, it has been accredited by the American Heart and Stroke Association. The hospital contains 554-licensed beds, and they specialize in orthopedics, rehabilitation, neurosciences, cardiac, trauma, cancer care, just to name a few. If you’re looking for a Bay Area city to retire in that offers sensational medical care, Walnut Creek is a wise choice.

San Ramon Regional Medical Center

This outstanding hospital specializes in the following areas – cardiovascular, orthopedics, oncology, emergency services, and more. They feature an exceptional team of physicians, nurses, and other staff members who dedicate their lives to helping those who have retired in San Ramon. This is a 123 bed, inpatient and outpatient, acute-care facility that has won many awards. Here are just a few: Awards were won in the area of heart care surgery and rehabilitation, as well as for their diabetic management program. They also received the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Certification as a Primary Stroke Center. In addition to this, they received the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines Heart Failure Gold Achievement Award for heart patient outcomes. The bottom line is that if you live in a San Ramon retirement community, you will be well taken care of.

Entertainment – Activities for Active Seniors in San Ramon & Walnut Creek

When you reach retirement age, one thing you can look forward to is getting out and having some fun. For those of you who are already retired, you are well aware of the importance of having plenty of options when it comes to entertainment. This is why it’s so important to seek out a San Francisco Bay Area retirement community that offers fun and interesting things to do, especially for seniors. We looked into entertainment options in San Ramon retirement communities, as well as in Walnut Creek, take a look at what we found:

Walnut Creek Retirement Community Entertainment:

This active Bay Area retirement community is known for being a great place to find activities to keep busy and entertained. In fact, seniors from other Northern CA retirement communities often travel over to Walnut Creek to take part in what they have to offer. 

PLACES TO GO IN WALNUT CREEK:

• Walnut Creek Shadowbrook Winery: For those who move to this Contra Costa County retirement community, you will have to stop by the Walnut Creek Shadowbrook Winery. It’s a charming place to converse with friends while sipping a glass of wine next to a welcoming fireplace. The seniors who live at the Heritage Downtown Apartment Homes love visiting this winery because it offers so much. They sport innovative equipment, award-winning wines, along with fun and personable staff members.
• Lesher Center for the Arts: This fabulous art center is considered a gem in the Bay Area. It has been entertaining Walnut Creek seniors, and those from all over Northern CA for many years. Additionally, it’s so fantastic that the Heritage Downtown has partnered with the Lesher Center for the Arts. They offer something for everyone – from ballets, musicals, and operas, to comedies, and plays. It’s all very entertaining. In addition to this, the Lesher Center for the Arts houses the Bedford Art Gallery. This is a place where you and your fellow seniors can take a stroll and discover fine works of art.
• Ruth Bancroft Garden: This unique garden located in Walnut Creek is a favorite among seniors who enjoy nature. Those who visit this East Bay garden have nothing but rave reviews! It was created by Ruth Bancroft, and maintained by her for many years after. The garden consists of 3.5 acres, and showcases beautiful succulents, and similar plants. This garden is especially interesting while taking self or docent-led tours. In addition to this, the Ruth Bancroft Garden offers classes, as well as puts on community events. If you retire in the city of Walnut Creek, this garden will become a favorite of yours!

Senior Housing in San Ramon & Walnut Creek

Now that you may have a better idea of which Northern CA city is best for retirement, you will want to start looking into Bay Area retirement housing. This aspect of your search is just as important as which city you decide upon. You will want to ensure you select a San Ramon senior housing facility, or one in Walnut Creek, that meets your budget, as well as your preferences. Let’s take a look at some information pertaining to the subject:

The Best Senior Housing in San Ramon, CA

If you have decided that you would like to retire in San Ramon, you can now start looking for senior housing that best fits your needs. When you begin your search, you will want to look at such things as San Ramon retirement housing costs, if the senior housing location is close to transportation options, and other things that may be important to you. For most seniors, they look for 55+ housing that offers plenty of great amenities. After all, if you plan on spending many years there, you will want to ensure it has much to offer you. We wish you great luck on your search for the best retirement housing in San Ramon!

Walnut Creek Senior Housing

For those who would like to retire in Walnut Creek, you have a lot to look forward to. This fabulous retirement community in the Bay Area is known for all it has to offer its senior population. There is one particular Walnut Creek senior housing facility that stands out from the crowd – the Heritage Downtown. Let’s take a closer look:

The Heritage Downtown Active Senior Living Apartment Homes

Known as the best older adult retirement community in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Heritage Downtown is loved by seniors of all ages. They sport many terrific amenities that make these senior homes a wonderful place to live. For example, the Heritage Downtown Apartments feature beautiful rooms, with spacious floor plans, fitness programs, secured covered parking and storage, and a plaza game room and library. They also boast a heated pool and spa, a garden room, as well as two technology centers and internet stations. If you retire at the Heritage Downtown Apartments, you can enjoy its home theater and 24-hour concierge service. In addition to this, you and your fellow seniors can sit and have a great meal at the Heritage Downtown’s 5-star restaurant, Newton’s own. Or, you can stroll downtown and have many restaurant choices. You will also have the opportunity to do a little shopping while in the downtown area. If these senior homes sound like they are what you have been looking for, contact the Heritage Downtown today. A friendly team member will assist you in any way needed.

Additional Bay Area Senior Community Comparisons

For those seniors who are still not positive if a retirement community in San Ramon or Walnut Creek is for you, we are providing a few more comparisons to help you along the way:

• Lafayette is a great senior hot spot in the Bay Area.
• Find out if Livermore CA is where your new retirement home will be!
• Pleasanton is becoming a well-known retirement community in NorCal. 
• Check out Novato CA to see all this Bay Area senior community has to offer.
• Oakland is a popular place to retire within Northern CA.
• Is San Mateo CA where you will be spending your golden years?
• Union City is quickly becoming a Bay Area senior hot spot, find out why.
• If you love the big city life, you will want to consider retiring in San Francisco.
• Dublin CA is the home of many happy Bay Area retirees, read more about it.
• Can you see yourself retiring in Berkeley CA?
• Everyone is moving to a Fairfield retirement community, should you?
• A San Leandro retirement community may just be your new home.
• Walnut Creek vs Newark – find out which is right for you.
• Menlo Park is a great place to retire within the Bay Area.
• Retirement communities in San Jose are worth considering.
• Cupertino has much to offer senior citizens, find out more.
• Can you see yourself spending your retirement years in Daly City?

Live the Good Life in a Walnut Creek or San Ramon Retirement Community!

Now that you have narrowed down your search to retiring in San Ramon or Walnut Creek, we hope you have selected a city that will meet all your needs – from entertainment options to Bay Area senior housing. We also hope that our Walnut Creek vs San Ramon retirement community comparison has helped you along the way, and prepared you to make your big move to the San Francisco Bay Area. Before you start packing your bags, we recommend that you watch this great video that features aspects of Walnut Creek that will have you loving this charming city even more! The Heritage Downtown Active Senior Living Apartments in Walnut Creek would like to invite you to take a tour, as well as meet a few residents. You can reach our friendly staff by calling 925 943-7427. We look forward to meeting you!