Walnut Creek vs American Canyon Retirement
Community Comparison – Bay Area Guide for Seniors

 

If you’re a senior looking for an outstanding place to retire in the San Francisco Bay Area, we recommend reading through this Walnut Creek vs American Canyon Retirement Community Comparison. It will give you a good idea of what these two Northern CA cities have to offer the 55+ community, as well as give you a broad overview of things such as entertainment, transportation, and more. We realize that finding a great place to retire may be difficult for those who may not be able to travel the area to see it firsthand, and our retirement comparison is the next best thing. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and prepare to learn all about these two Bay Area senior hot spots!

Popular 55+ Communities in American Canyon & Walnut Creek

We know that there are many cities within the San Francisco Bay Area that you can call home. Because of this, narrowing down your final choice may be a bit confusing. With that said, we hope that our Bay Area Guide for Seniors provides you with the needed information for making that final decision. It will detail essential topics such as weather, crime rate, senior housing, and the like. Walnut Creek and American Canyon are both sensational Bay Area cities to retire in. So let’s get started so you can see if one of these two retirement communities meets your needs.

Location – Retire in the Beautiful San Francisco Bay Area

It goes without saying that this area of California is absolutely beautiful. Along with that, it also features other great aspects such as convenient freeways, great places to visit, along with sensational landscapes. These things and more make Northern CA a popular location to retire. Continue on to read more about what each city has to offer when it comes to their location:

Walnut Creek, CA:

This charming city rests within Contra Costa County and features plenty of breathtaking natural landscapes, with rolling hills, trails, parks, and the like. In fact, if you retire in Walnut Creek, you will be able to enjoy beautiful views of Mount Diablo. It’s a great place to visit when you want to get out to enjoy a sunny day in a natural setting.

For those who retire in Walnut Creek, you will love its active city life that’s filled with essential businesses, entertainment, excellent shopping opportunities, as well as 5-star dining experiences. A lot of these elements are found in downtown Walnut Creek, where The Heritage Downtown sits. If you just happen to be one who loves to visit nearby cities, the San Francisco Bay Area will provide you with plenty of opportunities. Plus, Walnut Creek is considered a hub because it has several major freeways that interconnect within the city. This makes it easy to travel to various Bay Area destinations. If you think you might want to explore, take a look at our Bay Area Senior Destination Guide for some inspiration.

American Canyon, CA:

The city of American Canyon rests within the southern end of Napa County, about 35 miles from the San Francisco. American Canyon is comprised of 4.8 square miles, with 99.83% of it being land. It sports a large amount of nature to admire and explore. This includes Shenandoah and Silver Oak Park. These are great places to go on walks with your fellow seniors. Additionally, the foothills of Sulfur Spring Mountains are to the east, and vineyards can be seen while exploring the surrounding area. This Northern CA retirement community sits close to the Napa River, as well as the San Pablo Bay. It has one major freeway, the 29, that runs through the middle of the city. You will also find that the Napa County Airport is nearby. For those who love to shop and dine, this Bay Area senior community has plenty of great restaurants and boutiques!

Climate – Retire Within the Bay Area with Great Weather All-Year-Round

When searching for the best place to retire in the San Francisco Bay Area, you will want to ensure that the city you choose has great weather. Living in an area that rains too often, or is taken over by fog several days out of the week, can put a damper on your retirement plans. In regards to fog, the Bay Area is famous for it, so if this is an issue, you can simply choose a city that’s not too close to the bay waters. In addition to this, it’s better to seek out a Northern CA location that sports mostly sunny days throughout the year to maximize your ability to get out and about. Below you will find a summary of Walnut Creek and American Canyon weather:

Walnut Creek, CA:

This popular Bay Area city is known for having virtually unbroken sunshine during a good portion of the year. This is perfect for those who retire here because it allows them to get out of the house to enjoy a sunny afternoon. Additionally, this East Bay retirement community has a Mediterranean climate which makes for comfortable weather. In regards to rain, Walnut Creek doesn’t have too much of it, which is a big plus for those seniors who have issues with joint pain on damp days. Even with not too much rain, the area still manages to stay lush and green. There are also no big issues with fog overtaking this NorCal senior hot spot. The average temperatures range from the 30s to 80s, depending upon the season. Overall, Walnut Creek features pleasant weather for its retired 55+ community.

American Canyon, CA:

Seniors who move to an American Canyon retirement community won’t have to worry too much about the weather spoiling their day. Although it does rain a little more in American Canyon, compared to Walnut Creek, it’s not enough to be a problem. But, if you have arthritis, and it tends to flare up in damp weather, you might want to consider Walnut Creek since its rain averages are slightly better. This Bay Area retirement community boasts mostly sunny days also, along with average temperatures in the 30s to high 80s. The climate is considered mild, and you can expect winds from the San Francisco Bay, which can keep things cool.

Cost of Living – Affordable Northern CA Retirement Communities

Most seniors are on a strict budget since they are no longer working. With this in mind, it’s imperative to retire in a city that has an average or low cost of living. Although you may love a city for one reason or another, if it’s not affordable, you can get yourself into trouble financially. Certain San Francisco Bay Area retirement communities sport reasonable rents, transportation costs, and the like. These are things that you should research when making your big decision. We went ahead and did some upfront research for you, and found that if you retire in American Canyon or Walnut Creek, you won’t have to worry about your wallet being emptied!

Population – Walnut Creek Sports More Seniors than American Canyon

When researching the Northern CA retirement cities you’re interested in, it’s important to remember to check the population numbers. Most seniors are not thrilled about living in an overpopulated city. Also, some prefer not to retire in a Bay Area city that has a population that is too low. When the population is too low, that can lead to less senior programs. This isn’t always the case, but it can happen. You may also want to research a city’s senior population number if you prefer to retire in a location that has more people your age. We went ahead and researched the population in Walnut Creek and American Canyon retirement communities, here’s what we found:

• Walnut Creek features a population of 68,516, and American Canyon’s is 20,341.
• The median age is 12.2 years younger in American Canyon than in Walnut Creek.
• The number of seniors 65 to 74 that have retired in Walnut Creek is 13%, while American Canyon is 6.1%.

If you’re a senior who is 85 or older, you will be interested in the following statistics:

Transportation – Walnut Creek & American Canyon Retirement Communities

Retired seniors know the importance of good transportation options. What it comes down to is that it’s essential that you’re able to get out and about, have the ability to travel to your doctor’s appointments, and go to the grocery store. In addition to this, retiring in American Canyon or Walnut Creek will provide you with the chance to get out and explore the Bay Area. This part of Northern CA has so much to see and do. So, it would be a shame to miss out just because the city you live in has less than desirable transportation options. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what retiring in American Canyon or Walnut Creek would look like when it comes to mobility options:

Walnut Creek Transportation:

This East Bay retirement community boasts terrific transportation options. It offers many ways to travel around the city, as well as ways to get outside the city for some afternoon fun. Here is a sampling of what Walnut Creek has to offer their senior population:

• Senior Bus Program: Walnut Creek provides their community with a Senior Mini-Bus Program. It’s a great option for those wanting to avoid taking the bus, and the cost is only $1 each way. This program has helped many seniors travel to their medical appointments, go shopping, and more.
• The Downtown Trolley: This popular means of transportation is utilized by the residents of The Heritage Downtown, as well as many seniors in Walnut Creek. It operates seven days a week, and it’s completely free. It travels up and down the streets of downtown Walnut Creek, allowing you to reach popular dining and shopping destinations.
• Walnut Creek Shuttle Service: You can also choose to ride the Creekside or Shadelands shuttles. It’s a free transportation option that will allow you and your fellow seniors to get out of the house, make your doctor’s appointments on time, pick up some groceries, and the like.
• City Transportation: If you are one to want to get out and explore, you might be interested in the Bay Area Rapid Transit System. It will allow you to utilize the BART to travel to surrounding cities for a day of fun. Or, if you would just like to travel around town, you can catch the city bus, County Connection. It’s an affordable means of transportation that runs seven days a week.

Transportation in American Canyon, CA:

Although American Canyon doesn’t have as many mobility options as Walnut Creek, you will still have enough options to travel around town, get to your medical appointments, and so on. Let’s see what this Bay Area retirement community has to offer:

• VINE Transit: The Valley Intercity Neighborhood Express is a Napa County public transportation service operated by Transdev. It allows seniors to either travel to their destinations within the city, or make connections with other public transportation options to reach surrounding cities. To ride the VINE, you would simply provide a pass, transfer slip, or pay by cash.
• Taxi Script: This is a service designed to supplement riding the VINE transit for seniors age 65 plus.  Also called the Lifeline Taxi program, you must enroll and buy taxi tickets for up to half the cost of a regular taxi trip. It’s a convenient way to safely get where you need to go.

If you’re a senior who loves to travel, and you think you might want to explore the San Francisco Bay Area, have a look at these comparisons for more info on each city – San Francisco, Burlingame, Lafayette, Concord, Santa Clara, Alameda, and Menlo Park.

Crime Rate – Feel Safe in Your Bay Area Retirement Community

Doing some upfront research into the crime rate of the San Francisco Bay Area retirement community you are interested in can save you a lot of future trouble. Imagine getting set up in your new retirement home, only to realize a few weeks later that it’s not even safe to walk around your community alone. This especially rings true when you are no longer driving and need to rely on public transportation. You should live in a safe area that won’t put you in harm’s way. We looked into retirement communities in American Canyon, as well as Walnut Creek, and found them to both have low crime rates.

Healthcare – Outstanding Medical Care for Seniors is Crucial

It’s always best to ensure that the city you retire in has excellent medical facilities in the area. This is especially true if you have certain medical conditions that you are concerned about. There are plenty of outstanding medical centers in the Bay Area, so let’s take a look and see what hospitals are located in the retirement communities of Walnut Creek and American Canyon, CA.

Walnut Creek John Muir Medical Center

Located nearby downtown Walnut Creek, as well as The Heritage Downtown, John Muir Medical Center provides excellent care for the residents of Walnut Creek, and the surrounding areas. This hospital features 554-licensed beds, top physicians, and advanced medical equipment. Plus, U.S. News & World Report has rated this medical facility as one of the nation’s premier health care providers. In addition to this, The Joint Commission has certified John Muir Medical Center as a primary stroke center. This outstanding hospital specializes in orthopedics, rehabilitation, neurosciences, cardiac, trauma, cancer care, and much more. For those who decide to retire in Walnut Creek, know that you will have access to this top-rated medical facility.

Queen of the Valley Medical Center

Located just outside of American Canyon, Queen of the Valley Medical Center is available for those seniors who want exceptional care. They have top-performing physicians and nurses, a state-of-the-art facility, and house Napa County’s only level III trauma center. Queen of the Valley is known for their cardiovascular services, and essential medical programs. This professional Bay Area hospital has been recognized as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures by The Joint Commission. In addition to this, they have also been selected by Blue Shield as a Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery and Knee and Hip Replacement. This medical facility proudly specializes in cancer care, neurosurgical services, and more.

Entertainment – Places to Visit in American Canyon & Walnut Creek

Wherever you retire in the Bay Area, be sure there is plenty of entertainment, interesting places to visit, activities, and more. It’s so important to ensure that there is a lot going on in the city you retire in. If there isn’t, you may end up sitting home, just watching tv, not fully able to take advantage of the free time you now have. There are many retirement communities in the San Francisco Bay Area that offer interesting places to visit, and fun things to take part in. It’s just a matter of doing some research to make sure the retirement city you are interested in offers the level of entertainment you are seeking. We have gathered some information on what retired seniors who live in American Canyon and Walnut Creek will have to look forward to, let’s take a look:

Walnut Creek Entertainment for 55+ Seniors:

Some Bay Area retirement communities have more going on than others, and Walnut Creek is one of those cities! There are many things to do in this East Bay senior hot spot – from strolling through unique gardens to attending a street festival; Walnut Creek is the place to be. Here are a few places to visit that are popular among the adult community:  

PLACES TO VISIT IN WALNUT CREEK:

• Lesher Center for the Arts: 55+ adults who reside in Walnut Creek, as well as seniors from all over the Bay Area visit the Lesher Center for the Arts. It’s a fantastic place to for entertainment! The senior residents that live at The Heritage Downtown have partnered with the Lesher Center for the Arts. This shows you just how popular this art center is with the senior community. They proudly put on performances such as plays, hilarious comedies, sensational musicals, beautiful operas, ballets, and a lot more. Plus, the Bedford Art Gallery sits within the Lesher Center for the Arts. It’s a great place to go if you want to see outstanding works of art.
• Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival: For the past 38 years, this street festival has been entertaining the senior residents of Walnut Creek, and the surrounding area. It’s great for those who love arts & crafts, award-winning wines, craft beers, live music, and the like. There are many vendor booths to explore, great food to eat, and interesting people to meet.
• Ruth Bancroft Garden: If you’re a lover of gardens, then you will really enjoy this one located in Walnut Creek. It’s called the Ruth Bancroft Garden and is adored by seniors of all ages. It’s filled with amazing succulents, and other plants that are absolutely beautiful. Once you’re there, you can take a self or docent-led tour, attend classes, as well as community events. It’s a great place to spend the afternoon with your fellow seniors.

Senior Housing in American Canyon & Walnut Creek

If this Walnut Creek vs American Canyon Retirement Community Comparison has helped you make your final decision as to which city is best for you, then it’s time to find your senior housing facility! No matter which Northern CA senior community you have declared your home, it’s imperative to do thorough research on the specific senior homes you are drawn towards. Below, we cover a few details on retirement homes in American Canyon, as well as Walnut Creek.

The Best Senior Housing in American Canyon, CA

For those seniors out there that want to retire in American Canyon, congratulations on your decision! This Bay Area retirement community is a wonderful place to spend your golden years. When searching for your senior housing, be sure to take a few things into account like rent, nearby transportation, neighborhood crime statistics, and whatever else may be important to you. Once you locate a few American Canyon senior apartment homes, or apartments, narrow down your search by paying them a visit, if possible. This will help you make your final decision. It’s a good idea to speak to a few of the residents to ask them if they are happy with the facilities. We wish you the very best with your new adventure retiring in American Canyon, CA!

Walnut Creek Senior Housing

If you have decided that Walnut Creek is more your speed, you have made an excellent decision. This Bay Area senior hot spot is a fantastic place to retire! It contains a high number of seniors which reveal just how wonderful it is to retire in Walnut Creek. Let’s learn more about what this city has to offer when it comes to senior housing:

The Heritage Downtown Active Senior Living Apartment Homes

These East Bay senior homes have so much to offer, including outstanding floor plans and the best amenities in the area. In fact, The Heritage Downtown is known as the #1 senior apartment homes in the San Francisco Bay Area. For starters, they are in a prime location, right in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek. This enables its senior residents the ability to just walk over to popular restaurants and shops. The Heritage Downtown Senior Apartment Homes offer resort-style living. They also provide a chance to live an active and enjoyable life.

The senior residents of The Heritage Downtown enjoy such things as a beautiful swimming pool and spa, professional on-site home theater, BBQ, music pavilion, state of the art technology center, 24-hour concierge service, and more. They also enjoy award-winning dining at Newton’s, their on-site farm to table restaurant. The Heritage Downtown is truly a wonderful place to retire in Northern CA!

The Heritage Downtown has had zero cases of COVID-19 during the entire pandemic. You can read more about this in our latest article – The Heritage Downtown is keeping its senior residents safe from the coronavirus.

Read About Other Northern CA Retirement Communities

If you’re not sure if a Walnut Creek or American Canyon retirement community is for you, we have other Bay Area city comparisons you can read. We have listed a few below for your reference:

• Pleasanton is a great place to retire in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Make an Oakland retirement community your new home!
• Brentwood is quickly becoming a Northern CA senior hot spot.
• Learn more about Pleasant Hill and all this city has to offer.
• Santa Rosa is said to be a lovely place to spend your golden years.
• Read up on Livermore and how seniors seem to enjoy retiring there.
• A Union City retirement community may be in your future!
• Berkeley CA has a lot to offer 55+ seniors.
• Retire in Newark, just like many other seniors do.
• Seniors citizens love retiring in Cupertino; you may also.
• Daly City is one Bay Area location worth checking out.
• Retirement communities in San Ramon are becoming popular with older adults.
• San Jose is a beautiful place to call home within Northern CA.

Make a Walnut Creek or American Canyon Retirement Community Your New Home!

We sincerely hope that this senior retirement community comparison has helped you with your big decision as to which San Francisco Bay Area city is best for you. No matter where you retire in Northern CA, we wish you nothing but the best, but if you are leaning towards retiring in Walnut Creek, feel free to give us a call at 925 943-7427. We would love to meet with you for a grand tour of The Heritage Downtown. You can also contact us online. This is an exciting time for you, and we are here to help you every step of the way when you retire in our charming city of Walnut Creek. Before you go, be sure to watch this amazing video that details just how fabulous Walnut Creek really is!