Walnut Creek vs Redwood City Retirement Community Comparison – A Detailed Bay Area Guide for Seniors
Do you have your eye on a senior community in Redwood City? Are you also thinking about retiring in Walnut Creek, CA, but you’re just not sure? If this sounds like you, and you’re having trouble making the final decision as to which city would be right for your retirement plans, we may have the answer – our Walnut Creek vs Redwood City Retirement Community Comparison. It will breakdown all the details on both cities to help you figure out which Northern CA Bay Area city would work best for you.
[toc]
Walnut Creek and Redwood City Senior Retirement Communities
Depending on what your preferences are, you may love retiring in Redwood City, CA, or, there may be aspects of Walnut Creek that you would enjoy more. Both of these San Francisco Bay Area retirement communities will offer you a fabulous place to call home, but it’s all about fine-tuning what matters most to you when it comes to choosing between the two. We have done extensive research to place all the essential information on one helpful page for you. So, let’s get started reading all about these outstanding 55+ retirement communities!
Location – Choose a Beautiful Northern CA Area to Retire in
Retiring in the San Francisco Bay Area is a dream come true for some seniors. This location boasts a beautiful landscape, great freeway access for traveling, perfect weather, and more.Take a look at what these two active senior Bay Area locations have to offer:
Walnut Creek: This Northern California senior community is a favorite among many. It’s located within the East Bay Area of Contra Costa County, in Northern CA. Several highways intersect within Walnut Creek, making it a location that allows you to easily travel to other Bay Area destinations. The residents of the Heritage Downtown Senior Apartments take full advantage of this aspect of the city by planning afternoon trips to the surrounding locations. The area provides its residents with picturesque landscapes for nature lovers, as well as a charming cityscape. You certainly can’t go wrong with this Bay Area location! Redwood City: This Northern CA retirement community is located in San Mateo County in the San Francisco Peninsula area. Redwood City is only about a 30-minute drive from the big city of San Francisco, as well as San Jose, and is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, making it perfect for those seniors who love the tech industry. Several freeways run through Redwood City, so it’s easy to jump on the road for a fun day trip within the Bay Area. This location offers some areas that nature lovers can take advantage of, as well as a vibrant city life for dining, shopping, and socializing!Climate – Bay Area Retirement Communities with Desirable Weather
Retiring in Redwood City or Walnut will allow you to enjoy great weather all year round. Even so, you may want to take a closer look at both cities to see if one meets your climate preferences more so than the other. For instance, you may prefer less rain and more sunny days. Or, perhaps you love cooler weather. Let’s see what both of these San Francisco Bay Area senior retirement communities will be like weather wise if you were to move there: Walnut Creek: This delightful East Bay Area city sports a desirable warm summer climate. Along with this, the sun shines throughout the whole summer, giving outdoor enthusiasts a chance to soak up the sun! During the winter months, you can expect some frost in the mornings that go along with the cooler temperatures. The average temperatures run in the 50s – 80s, and this is pretty standard for Bay Area weather. As far as the rain is concerned, you won’t have a problem if you love clear skies. As you can see, getting set up in a retirement community in Walnut Creek will allow you to enjoy pleasant California weather!Redwood City: Northern CA retirement cities such as this are known for their typical Bay Area weather. This specific city features a mild Mediterranean climate. You can expect dry summers and cool wet winters, along with low rain percentages. The average annual precipitation is 20.56, which is not enough to be a concern. If you would like to retire in Redwood City, you can be sure that it will offer you a wonderful range of weather throughout the year.
Cost of Living – Walnut Creek is a More Affordable Retirement City
Retiring in a city that you can afford is essential. Most seniors have a tight budget and are therefore worried about living in a location that will break the bank. If this is a concern for you, it’s worth mentioning that Redwood City is 56.4% more expensive than the city of Walnut Creek. Take a look at these cost of living numbers:Move to a Retirement Community in Walnut Creek with these Cost of Living Numbers:
- Overall: 225.5
- Housing: 478.2
- Transportation: 137.5
Move to a Retirement Community in Redwood City with these Cost of Living Numbers:
- Overall: 352.7
- Housing: 882.7
- Transportation: 157.0
Population – Redwood City is Slightly More Populated Than Walnut Creek
If you decide to retire in Walnut Creek, you won’t have to worry about large population numbers. This city has a population of 68,516, which is not too high or too low. Redwood City’s numbers are slightly higher and come in at 84,368. Furthermore, Walnut Creek tends to attract a higher percentage of retiring seniors, which can be a desirable factor when looking for a place to call home. Take a closer look at these population and age-related statistics:- The percentage of seniors ages 65 to 74 is 13% in Walnut Creek and 7.2% in Redwood City.
- The Median Age is 11.6 years older in Walnut Creek as compared to Redwood City.
Transportation – Retired Seniors Need Reliable City Transit Options
If you are a 55 plus senior, then you know how essential it is to have reliable and affordable city transportation options. Senior citizens who have no means of transportation may become homebound, and that can easily lead to isolation. So, if you know you would like to retire in either Redwood City or Walnut Creek, you will be relieved to hear that they both offer great transportation options.Transportation Options for Seniors Who Move to a Retirement Community in Walnut Creek:
Walnut Creek offers exceptional transportation for its senior residents. From a simple and affordable bus ride, to special no-cost shuttles, Walnut Creek has you covered.
Options for Seniors: Active Seniors who live in Walnut Creek can take advantage of the city’s Rides for Seniors program. Volunteers assist homebound seniors by getting them out of their house so they can run errands, shop, and so on.- Reliable City Transportation: Older adults who reside in Walnut Creek, CA frequently ride the Advanced Rapid Transit System – BART, to travel to surrounding cities. If this sounds like you, check out our Northern CA Bay Area Day Trips information guide. Also, active seniors in Walnut Creek utilize the City Bus – County Connection. This reliable bus allows seniors to run just about any errand on their list.
- Take the Trolley: Ride the trolley so you can do a little shopping or dining downtown. It’s free and conveniently operates seven days a week.
- Free Shuttle Rides Within Walnut Creek: Walnut Creek offers rides at no cost for those who travel within the borders of the city. So, catch a ride on the Creekside Shuttle, along with the Shadelands Shuttle, to meet some friends for a bite to eat, or, a little shopping!
Transportation Options for Seniors Who Move to a Retirement Community in Redwood City:
Seniors citizens who retire in Redwood City will be able to utilize its popular transportation options on a daily basis. This will allow for shopping, medical care visits, or, social visits, for a very affordable price.- SamTrams City Bus: This city bus system is an affordable option for seniors who move to a retirement community in Redwood City, CA. It’s a safe and easy way for older adults to travel to their medical appointments, or, head over to the grocery store.
- CalTrain: If you want to travel a little further, active independent seniors can utilize CalTrain, a fantastic commuter rail service that covers various areas within the San Francisco Peninsula area.
Crime Rate – Northern CA Bay Areas with Low Crime Rates
Although no area is entirely crime-free, it should at least have a crime rate that’s on the lower end of the scale. If you end up moving to a retirement community in Redwood City, CA, you won’t see too much crime. This is the case with Walnut Creek also. Redwood City does have a slightly higher crime rate than Walnut Creek, but it’s still in an acceptable range. If you retire in either of these San Francisco Bay Area cities, you will be just fine.- Crime Rate in Walnut Creek, CA: 11.7
- Crime Rate in Redwood City, CA: 13.7
Healthcare – Outstanding Bay Area Medical Facilities
It’s important that older adults find a NorCal retirement community that provides outstanding healthcare options. Let’s take a look at the leading hospitals in Redwood City and Walnut Creek to give you a general idea of what to expect regarding healthcare.
Walnut Creek John Muir Medical Center: This impressive hospital sports 554-licensed beds and has been named the only trauma center for all of Contra Costa County. Walnut Creek John Muir Medical Center is recognized for specializing in orthopedics, rehabilitation, neurosciences, cardiac, trauma, and cancer care. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report has noted this hospital as one of the nation’s premier healthcare providers. As you can see, this hospital is top-notch and will certainly exceed your expectations if you decide to retire in Walnut Creek, CA.
Sequoia Hospital: This Bay Area medical facility boasts many exceptional physicians, nurses, and staff members. It’s an accredited, not-for-profit community hospital that provides innovative care for its residents. Additionally, Sequoia Hospital features a Heart and Vascular Institute that is nationally known, and they have received national recognition from Healthgrades for superior patient safety. Sequoia Hospital features a Total Joint Replacement Program that is a designated Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement. If you settle in a retirement community in Redwood City, this hospital will take care of all your health needs!
Entertainment – Retired Seniors Are Keeping Busy in Northern CA
The San Francisco Bay Area provides a variety of great activities for seniors 55+. With this in mind, we have pulled together details on exciting activities that senior citizens might be interested in if they retire in the Bay Area’s Redwood City or Walnut Creek. Let’s check out what these two sunny California retirement cities have to offer:Retired Seniors in Walnut Creek Will be Able to Enjoy These Activities:
Walnut Creek is recognized for providing their local seniors with lots of entertainment that they will be sure to enjoy. It doesn’t matter what the season or month is, you will always find something to do in this Ease Bay Area senior community. Additionally, it’s common for older adults from nearby areas to head over to Walnut Creek for a day of fun. That’s how awesome this city is! Let’s check out what Walnut Creek has going on:PLACES TO VISIT
Ruth Bancroft Garden: If you move to a retirement community in Walnut Creek, you will most likely visit this popular garden. It’s said to be the perfect example of “the art of the garden design”. The Ruth Bancroft Garden showcases must-see stunning drought-tolerant plants. You can take a tour of the garden, purchase a few of their many beautiful plants, as well as participate in a few classes. They feature aloes, agaves, and other succulents. You will always have a terrific time in this delightful Bay Area garden.- Lesher Center for the Arts: This outstanding art center is a gem within the Bay Area. The residents of the Heritage Downtown Senior Apartments visit this art center quite frequently. Because of this, the Heritage Downtown thought it would be a good idea to partner with the Lesher Center for the Arts. The art center showcases unforgettable ballet performances, comedies, plays, musicals, operas, and so much more. It also features the ever-popular Bedford Art Gallery! If you retire in Walnut Creek, you will be sure to visit the Lesher Center for the Arts more than once!
WALNUT CREEK EVENTS
- Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival: This Bay Area festival has been happening every year for decades! Active independent seniors never forget to place a reminder on their calendars for this street fair because it really is a must-attend event! Seniors of all ages will enjoy arts and crafts, great performances, lots of fun things to purchase, wines, beer, and a variety of food.
- Music & Movies Under the Stars: This super fun event is very popular among the Walnut Creek community. They showcase music and movies under the stars. The locals gather on specific evenings to watch dramas, funny movies, family favorites, and thrillers. Music is always played before the movie, and you’re welcome to bring your dinner, or a few snacks!
A WONDERFUL SENIOR CLUB
- Walnut Creek Senior Club: Joining a popular senior club is a great way to make new friends when you move to a new retirement community. This Bay Area senior club provides Walnut Creek seniors with a variety of activities and programs. If you join, you and your fellow seniors will have a blast doing such things as playing tennis or bridge, participating in group sing-a-longs, walking, and so much more. So, if you are an active senior retiring in Walnut Creek, then you are going to love this senior club.
Retired Seniors in Redwood City Will be Able to Enjoy These Activities:
Retirement communities in Redwood City, CA, provide many entertaining activities for their local senior citizens. From history museums to live performances, it’s always a great time. Take a look at these popular places to visit in this fun retirement city:REDWOOD CITY ENTERTAINMENT:
The Fox Theatre: Built in 1929, this architecturally beautiful theatre was originally a movie house and is now used as a classy venue for live performances. It commonly hosts sit down dinner events, concerts, film screenings, and more. It’s a happening place that will certainly have you entertained if you move to a retirement community in Redwood City, CA.- San Mateo County History Museum: Said to be the top attraction in Redwood City, it has certainly received a considerable amount of attention from seniors of all ages. The San Mateo County History Museum houses a number of fabulous exhibits. Each one showcases how life used to be in San Mateo County. Additionally, they hold an extensive book collection and must-see archived materials. The building is actually a historic courthouse, that, in itself, is worth a trip to see. Furthermore, they offer tours and programs that you won’t want to miss.
- Edgewood Park Nature Preserve: If you’re a nature lover, and you retire in Redwood City, CA, then you will really enjoy spending time at this nature preserve. It contains 467 protected acres of land within San Mateo County. Additionally, it’s known throughout the Bay Area for its beautiful wildflower display. This park is so popular that it has around 50,000 visitors every year. Edgewood Park Nature Preserve features wonderful native, rare, and endangered species. It’s a peaceful place to walk and enjoy the great outdoors.
55+ Senior Housing in Redwood City and Walnut Creek
Now that you know all about what it would be like to retire in Redwood City and Walnut Creek, CA, it’s time to start seeking out your new retirement housing! We’ll supply you with some information regarding this topic, but, you should continue to do research until you find the perfect senior housing center in the area.Find Retirement Housing in Redwood, CA:
Have you decided that you want to settle in a retirement community in Redwood City, CA? If so, you will find a good number of retirement homes located in this San Francisco Bay Area city. From high-end luxury retirement centers to quality lower budget facilities, we hope there is something you will fall in love with. Be sure to take your time in making your final decision. This way, you will be sure to find your dream retirement housing in Redwood City!Retirement Community Housing in Walnut, CA:
The delightful city of Walnut Creek provides outstanding 55 plus retirement housing. We love the Heritage Downtown Active Senior Living Apartments and will be going over this senior housing option in detail. Take a look at what this the Heritage Downtown has to offer: The Heritage Downtown Active Senior Living Apartments
This Bay Area favorite is a popular choice among seniors in Northern CA. It has actually been rated the Bay Area’s #1 retirement community, and for good reason. These Walnut Creek independent senior apartments are situated in a convenient and popular location, and have many amenities that place them on the high-end scale of retirement housing communities. Additionally, the Heritage Downtown Luxury Apartments were designed to give older adults a place to experience an enriched and meaningful life.
These all-inclusive San Francisco Bay Area senior apartments provide a friendly and relaxed atmosphere that makes living there a delightful experience. They offer a 24-hour concierge service, frequent group outings, along with an exceptional pool and spa. In addition to this, there is a 5-star restaurant on the premises, resident gardens, and a popular technology center.
With just a short walk, the Heritage Downtown seniors will be in the heart of Downtown Walnut Creek. Once there, they are able to shop and dine! These East Bay Area senior apartments stand out from the rest and make a lovely place to retire within Northern CA.
If a Retirement Community in Redwood City or Walnut Creek is Not for You…
Take a look at these additional San Francisco Bay Area retirement community comparisons:- Check out Vallejo’s retirement community details!
- Will you decide to retire in an Oakland, CA, senior community?
- San Mateo may be your new retirement city!
- Read if San Jose stands up to Walnut Creek, CA.
- Half Moon Bay – A charming senior retirement community.
- Have fun in a San Francisco retirement community!
- Hayward vs Walnut Creek – A detailed comparison.
- Would you be happy in Napa, CA?
- See if you would fit into a Richmond senior housing community.
- Will a Petaluma retirement community meet your requirements?