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

Trying to find the right Bay Area retirement community to call home? There are a lot of options as far as senior living communities in Northern California. This article will focus on comparing two Bay Area cities; Walnut Creek, CA and Sunnyvale, CA. Read on to discover the differences between a Walnut Creek retirement community and a Sunnyvale retirement community. Both are great options for senior citizens looking to retire in the San Francisco Bay Area, and each city has its strengths. We’ll talk about the most essential things to consider when choosing a senior living community. We’ll also break down key differences between Walnut Creek and Sunnyvale to help you find the perfect place to begin a wonderful new chapter of your life as an independent senior.

The Best Retirement Communities in Sunnyvale & Walnut Creek

In the Northern California Bay Area, seniors have a lot of great options to choose from when deciding where to retire. There are so many different things to consider when making this difficult choice. When retiring in the San Francisco Bay Area, so many cities have gorgeous locales and active senior communities. Here, we’ll look at essential factors to consider when choosing between different retirement communities, and specifically, between Walnut Creek Retirement communities and Sunnyvale retirement communities.

Location – Settle into the Perfect Bay Area Retirement Community

Both Walnut Creek and Sunnyvale have qualities that make them excellent places to find a retirement community. They’re both in the San Francisco Bay Area, which has a lot of beautiful cities and locations. When choosing a retirement community, location is one of the biggest factors to consider. The location determines the weather, the view, and a lot of other details that affect your environment. Here are a few things to consider when choosing between Walnut Creek and Sunnyvale for active senior living. 

Let’s take a close look at what Walnut Creek and Cupertino have to offer location-wise:

Senior Communities in the San Francisco Bay Area Walnut Creek: Walnut Creek is centrally located in Contra Costa County, surrounded by a few major highways. This is a nice feature for older adults that like to venture out to surrounding areas. Different retirement communities like Heritage Downtown Senior Living Apartments have a variety of options to choose from for exciting afternoon trips. If you prefer to stay local, Walnut Creek has great natural landscapes to offer. There are plenty of parks and gardens to visit, from Mount Diablo State Park to the Ruth Bancroft Garden. Walnut Creek is a great retirement city for seniors who love to have nature at their fingertips. In addition to nature in Walnut Creek, there are also bustling hubs of activity in the city. Walnut Creek is home to wonderful restaurants, shops, and theaters. There are always new dining experiences to try with every cuisine imaginable, and multiple shopping locales in Walnut Creek with a variety of stores to peruse. Sunnyvale, CA: This Bay Area city is located in Santa Clara County, and is perhaps best known for being one of the major cities in Silicon Valley, the technological capital of California. When choosing a Sunnyvale retirement community, you’ll be located just around the corner from multiple technological headquarters. There are a couple of main highways that pass through Sunnyvale, usually used as commuter routes into the bigger surrounding cities like San Francisco and San Jose. If you like to be surrounded by nature, Sunnyvale is home to a couple of beautiful gardens, one of the biggest being the Bryan Osbourne Nature Center. This garden has lush greenery and plenty of nature to take in. Being that Sunnyvale is home to so many tech companies, there’s a lot of city buildings and corporate life. This makes for an active city community, with bustling streets and plenty of people around. Overall, Sunnyvale retirement communities can offer views of nature and the excitement of living in the tech capital of the country.

Climate – Experience Comfortable Bay Area Weather During Your Retirement

When thinking of Bay Area weather; one thing usually comes to mind: fog. There are a lot of communities nestled in San Francisco that are covered in dense fog every day, year-round. This may not be the best weather for senior living, as dampness can cause health issues like joint pain to flare up. Additionally, some areas in the Bay Area are quite hot in the summer, making the warm months hard to bear outside of an air-conditioned room. This is why climate is a very important factor when considering which Bay Area senior retirement community you want to settle down in. Let’s take a look at the climate in both Walnut Creek and Sunnyvale. Walnut Creek, CA: This particular Bay Area retirement community is fortunate to have very temperate weather. Walnut Creek retirement communities have the benefits of the cool bay breeze without the dense, foggy mornings of San Francisco. The average temperatures usually range from the 30s to the high 80s. This makes for a Mediterranean climate, meaning that winters aren’t too bitterly cold and summers aren’t desperately hot. If you’re an older adult that’s worried about fog and rain, Walnut Creek weather does not supply an excess of moisture. Precipitation peaks in February at an average of about 4 inches, which makes for a pretty light rainy season. Walnut Creek benefits from sunny weather most of the year, making it a great city for independent active seniors who like to go on walks and be outside year-round. The senior citizens of Heritage Downtown are able to make the most of the sunny weather by going on plenty of nature walks and strolling around the prettiest locales of the area. If you’re looking for beautiful weather in any season for your retirement location, Walnut Creek may be the perfect fit for you. Sunnyvale, CA: This Bay Area retirement location also offers a Mediterranean climate, with similar precipitation and sun. With average lows in the 40s and highs around the mid-80s, the climate in Sunnyvale is fairly mild in the coldest and warmest months. When it comes to rain, Sunnyvale isn’t too wet with about 3.2 inches of rain on average in its rainiest month of the year. Any Sunnyvale retirement community will have the benefit of living in the mild

Cost of Living – A Retirement Community in Walnut Creek Is More Affordable than Cupertino

Affordable Retirement Communities in Cupertino and Walnut CreekThe cost of living for the Northern CA retirement community that you are considering should be within your budget. As a retired senior, you may have limited funds, and with that comes spending money wisely. With that said, we did some research and found that Walnut Creek is much more affordable than Cupertino, CA. In fact, Walnut Creek is 45.0% less expensive than the city of Cupertino is. The cost of living numbers below give you a good indication of the affordability factor:
Cost of Living Info for Walnut Creek Retirement Communities:
  • Overall: 195.1
  • Housing: 377.9
Cost of Living Info for Cupertino CA Retirement Communities:
  • Overall: 354.6
  • Housing: 893.2
Under 100 means less expensive than the U.S. averages. Above 100 means more expensive.

Population – Walnut Creek Features More Retired Seniors

Those who retire in Walnut Creek certainly won’t have to deal with an overpopulated city. It happens to sport a great population number of 68,516. Cupertino also boasts a comfortable number of 60,687. Both cities come out on top when it comes to not being too crowded. However, Walnut Creek does win when it comes to the number of seniors it has. This may have something to do with the fact that Cupertino attracts a younger crowd because of its history in the tech industry. Take a look at these facts to see why Walnut Creek would be a wonderful retirement location:
  • The percentage of seniors ages 65-74 that reside in Walnut Creek is 13, compared to Cupertino’s 6.5%.
  • The median age is 7.5 years older in Walnut Creek than in the city of Cupertino.
If you are 85 and up, check out these percentages of seniors who are your age: Walnut Creek and Cupertino Retirement Community Population

Transportation – Retire in Cupertino or Walnut Creek with Great Mobility Options

Retiring in Northern CA provides the opportunity to travel and explore a beautiful area. Because of this, it’s important to ensure that the area you move to has optimal transportation options. Imagine moving to a new area and not able to take afternoon getaways because of less than desirable mobility choices. We researched both areas so you can compare what each city has to offer:

Walnut Creek Transportation:

Northern CA Retirement Communities for Active Living SeniorsThe city of Walnut Creek offers a variety of transportation that its local seniors can take advantage of. From the BART system to specific senior transportation, this East Bay retirement community has got you covered.
  • 55+ Transportation: This Contra Costa County retirement community provides seniors with a great option called the Senior Mini-Bus Program. It’s very affordable at only $1 each way. It allows retired seniors to avoid using public transportation when they need to go grocery shopping or run other essential errands.
  • The Downtown Trolley: This means of transportation is a popular option for those who retire in Walnut Creek. It’s a great way to travel throughout the downtown area to explore the many shops and restaurants. It runs seven days a week and is free to ride.
  • Shuttle Service: Retired Walnut Creek residents often catch the Creekside or Shadelands shuttles. They travel to multiple destinations at no charge. It’s a convenient and reliable way to run errands or get to your medical appointments.
  • Public Transportation: If you think you may want to travel around Northern CA to explore a bit, then you can utilize the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) System. It’s a fast means of transportation that’s perfect for day trips or afternoon getaways! Or, for those who just want to travel around town, Walnut Creek offers the County Connection city bus. It makes stops at many popular destinations throughout the week.

Transportation Options in Cupertino CA:

Moving to a Cupertino senior community will also provide you with sufficient transportation options. You will be able to travel around the city, or catch a bus transfer to a neighboring city for a day of fun.
  • Valley Transportation Authority: The VTA city bus system makes many stops within Cupertino, allowing you to run errands, go to your medical appointments, or meet a friend for lunch across town. It’s a reliable and affordable way to keep independent and active.
  • Via Cupertino Shuttle: This fantastic shuttle service is an on-demand transit option that travels anywhere within Cupertino. For seniors, they offer one-way fares of only $1.75. This service provides door-to-door service for disabled riders, as well as wheelchair access.
For those active seniors who want to get out and explore, see our Bay Area Senior Destination Guide. Looking for a place to visit, check out a few of our other Bay Area retirement guides for more information on each city – Daly City, Santa Clara, Novato, Alameda, and Pleasanton.

Crime Rate – Making sure your Bay Area Retirement Community is Safe

Before retiring anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area, It would be wise to check the city’s crime rate. It goes without saying that you will want to feel safe walking around your neighborhood, riding the public bus, and so on. Your safety should be a priority, and checking a city’s crime rate is fairly simple. In fact, we did the research for you and found that moving to a walnut creek or Cupertino retirement community would provide you with a low-crime area to call home. Compared to most Bay Area cities, Walnut Creek and Cupertino rank low on the crime scale. Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low crime) to 100 (high crime)

Healthcare – Professional Hospitals for Seniors in the Bay Area

East Bay Area Retirement Community for Seniors 55 PlusThose of you who retire in Walnut Creek will be pleased to know that this city houses the John Muir Medical Center. It’s an outstanding hospital that is known for its exceptional care. 

Walnut Creek John Muir Medical Center:

The residents of the Heritage Downtown feel confident knowing this medical facility is only an 8-minute drive away. This holds true because when an emergency arises, every second counts. John Muir specializes in orthopedics, rehabilitation, neurosciences, cardiac care, emergency services, trauma, as well as cancer care.  This hospital has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report, for the past eight years, as one of the nation’s premier health care providers. John Muir Medical Center boasts 554-licensed beds and is the sole trauma center for all of Contra Costa County. This hospital has bee accredited by The Joint Commission for its compliance with their state-of-the-art high standards for quality and safety. Walnut Creek seniors can sleep well at night knowing they will be well taken care of it the need arises.

O’Connor Hospital

Although not in Cupertino, it sits nearby in the neighboring city of San Jose. It’s an excellent hospital that features 600 plus physicians, 358-licensed beds, and modern medical equipment. Its key services include emergency and urgent care, cancer care, cardiac and vascular procedures, rehabilitation, and more. O’Connor Hospital has received many awards and recognitions such as the Joint Commission Hospital National Quality Approval and Accreditation. In addition to this, they have received the Blue Distinction Center for Knee and hip replacement program. If you move to a retirement community in Cupertino, your medical needs will certainly be taken care of.

Entertainment – Northern CA Provides Seniors with Many Activities

If you choose a retirement community in Cupertino, or one in Walnut Creek, you will be sure to keep active. These two San Francisco Bay Area senior communities offer much when it comes to indoor or outdoor entertainment. Let’s see what you will have to look forward to:

Activities for Seniors Who Retire in Walnut Creek:

Retire in the Northern CA Bay Area with Great Entertainment Options If you are leaning towards retiring in this East Bay senior community, you are in store for a good time! Walnut Creek is a fun and active city with many activities that seniors can enjoy.
ENTERTAINMENT IN WALNUT CREEK:
  • Ruth Bancroft Garden: This well-known garden is the talk of the town. It’s a 3.5-acre garden that was originally built by its founder, Ruth Bancroft, during the 1950s. The Ruth Bancroft Garden features various succulents and other similar plants. They offer self-guided as well as docent-led tours. In addition to this, they provide DIY workshops, and community events. If you retire in this San Francisco senior community, you and your fellow seniors will love this place!
  • Boundary Oak Golf Course: This golf course hosts over 65,000 rounds per year, so they must be doing something right! Boundary Oak is a wonderful course for seniors of all levels – from beginner to pro. It sports an 18-hole championship course, driving range, and chipping greens. Additionally, while playing a round, you can enjoy sensational views of Mt. Diablo. You can visit its professional pro shop if you are in need of equipment, gifts, or more. After a great round of golf, grab a bite to eat at the Tap House, Boundary Oak’s onsite restaurant. While there, you can enjoy delicious food, drinks, and some good conversation.
  • Lesher Center for the Arts: The Heritage Downtown Luxury Apartments has recently partnered with the Lesher Center for the Arts. This is exciting for their residents because they attend many performances at this fabulous art center. The Lesher Center for the Arts puts on outstanding plays, musicals, comedies, operas, and the like. Plus, when the shows over, you can visit the Bedford Art Gallery, located within the art center. There you will enjoy various works of art, from modern to classical.

Enjoy These Cupertino Retirement Community Activities:

Retirement Hot Spots in the San Francisco Bay AreaSeniors who retire in Cupertino will find a variety of entertainment options throughout the city. From popular golf courses, museums, art galleries, and more, it’s certainly a great place to retire in Northern CA.
ENTERTAINMENT IN CUPERTINO:
  • Creekside Farmers’ Market: If you love to eat healthy with fresh fruits and veggies, then you are going to enjoy strolling through the Creekside Farmer’s Market. The food is brought in by local farmers and ranchers, and the quality is top-notch. This particular Farmers’ Market is operated by the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association. They operate several markets throughout the Bay Area. Along with vegetables and fruits, you will also find honey, eggs, and specialty cheeses. If you retire in Cupertino, be sure to visit this Farmers’ Market!
  • Deep Cliff Golf Course: This sensational course has been named one of the Top Short Courses in America by Golf Range Magazine. Additionally, they offer a Senior’s Player’s Club, perfect for those 55+ active seniors who love to play golf. Deep Cliff Golf Course was created in 1961 and designed by Clark Glasson. It’s an 18-hole, par 60 course that rests in the Cupertino foothills. This makes for breathtaking views while you enjoy a round of golf. You and your fellow seniors will enjoy walking the course with its flat terrain and lightly tiered greens. The course sports a beautiful atmosphere, along with challenging layouts. They also cater to beginners who are not up for a big challenge. The course is open daily, so stop by if you happen to move to a retirement community in Cupertino. 

Great Senior Housing in Cupertino & Walnut Creek CA 

Now that you have thoroughly researched both of these Northern CA retirement communities, it’s time to start the search for senior housing in the Bay Area. When looking for senior housing in Cupertino, or Walnut Creek, make sure to cover all your bases. No matter which NorCal city you will retire in, it’s best to make a list of your wants, needs, and requirements pertaining to senior housing. This will help ensure that you end up in a Bay Area retirement facility that you love. Let’s take a look at a few details regarding senior housing in Cupertino and Walnut Creek:

The Best Senior Housing in Cupertino CA

If you’re going to be looking for the best senior housing in Cupertino, be sure to take your time, and don’t rush on any decisions. Landing on the perfect senior housing facility is your goal, so it would be wise to make a list of what’s important to you, visit multiple Cupertino senior housing apartments, and ensure each place fits your budget. Once you have done your research, you may even want to ask a few of the residents in the facility you are looking at, if they are enjoying their stay. This will give you real feedback, as opposed to just reading reviews online. If you will be moving forward with retiring in Cupertino, we wish you the best with finding a place you can call home.

Affordable Retirement Housing in Walnut Creek CA

The Best Senior Housing in Cupertino and Walnut Creek CAIf you have decided to retire in Walnut Creek, congratulations! This Contra Costa County retirement community is the home of many 55+ seniors who love living there, especially the seniors who reside at the Heritage Downtown. Let’s find out why:

The Heritage Downtown Active Senior Living Apartment Homes

Considered the best retirement community in the Bay Area, the Heritage Downtown is popular among seniors of all ages. This is due, in part, by the incredible amenities that are offered to their senior residents. For instance, they provide beautiful, comfortable rooms, with spacious floor plans, an innovative fitness center that includes group classes, fitness programs, and the like. You will also find a wonderful swimming pool and spa, gardens that the residents tend to,  and helpful housekeeping services. In addition to this, the Heritage Downtown provides a much-talked-about, on-site eatery, so you and your neighbors can meet for gourmet meals and great conversation. Also, if you would like to dine out, the Heritage Downtown is located within walking distance to some of the best restaurants in the East Bay, all located in downtown Walnut Creek. You can also spend the day shopping, and meet with friends, all within a short distance from your front door. As you can see, these Walnut Creek senior apartments would be a lovely place to call home. If you would like to stop by for a tour, contact a Heritage Downtown team member today.

Take a Look at More Retirement Community Comparisons

Not sure if retiring in Cupertino, or Walnut Creek is for you? Then you will want to read through a few more San Francisco Bay Area retirement community comparisons.

Live in a Walnut Creek or Cupertino Retirement Community and Enjoy Your Golden Years!

The San Francisco Bay Area is a beautiful place to live. It’s all a matter of finding that perfect location so you can fully enjoy your retirement years. If you move to a Walnut Creek or Cupertino retirement community, we are sure you will love the area! Both cities offer much in relation to what most senior citizens are seeking in a retirement community. Before you leave us today, take a look at this entertaining video that details downtown Walnut Creek. This will give you a good understanding of what it would be like to retire in this outstanding Bay Area city.