California Dreaming: 8 Great Places for ExxonMobil Retirees to Kick Back and Soak Up the Good Life

You’ve clocked out of ExxonMobil for the last time and now it’s time to trade conference calls for coastal walks. California might be calling your name — and for good reason. It’s a place where mornings can start with ocean views, afternoons can roll through wine country, and evenings can end under desert stars. Let’s talk about eight spots that make retiring here feel like a well-deserved adventure.

Why California still feels worth it

Sure, California has a reputation for being expensive, but here’s the truth — few places offer this kind of variety. Whether you want the peace of desert mornings, the charm of vineyard towns, or the rhythm of coastal life, there’s a corner of California that fits your version of “relax.” The key is finding that sweet spot where comfort, healthcare, and budget all play nicely together.

The top 8 California retirement gems

1. Greater Palm Springs
   If endless sunshine, golf courses, and relaxed resort living sound good, this is your place. You’ll find welcoming communities, excellent medical care, and that signature desert calm that makes every day feel like vacation.
2. Oxnard
   A little coastal city with a lot of personality. Beaches, local farms, and an easy drive to Los Angeles if you ever miss the city buzz. The housing market has variety, so with some hunting, you can find a comfortable spot by the ocean.
3. Paso Robles
   Halfway between LA and San Francisco, this town blends vineyards, hot springs, and small-town charm. It’s great if you want to sip wine one day and explore nearby hills the next.
4. Torrance
   Close to LA but without the chaos. You get ocean breezes, great healthcare, hiking trails, and a strong community vibe. It’s also been recognized as one of California’s healthier cities for retirees.
5. Lakeport
   Peace, affordability, and lake views. It’s quieter here, perfect if you’re looking to slow down and breathe fresh air. Just know it’s a bit more remote, which can be part of the charm or not — depending on you.
6. Carmel-by-the-Sea
   An art-filled, storybook coastal town that’s as beautiful as it sounds. It’s pricey, yes, but it feels like living in a painting. If your savings allow it, you won’t regret it.
7. Bakersfield
   A warm, affordable inland city with a laid-back lifestyle. You won’t get beach views, but you’ll get space, sun, and a manageable cost of living.
8. Carlsbad
   A perfect mix of beach life, great restaurants, and outdoor energy. It’s not cheap, but you’ll wake up to ocean air and always find something to do.

What to keep in mind

Falling for California’s scenery is easy, but your best pick depends on a few things:

• Home prices and property taxes
• Access to healthcare and specialists
• Proximity to airports and family
• The kind of weather you actually enjoy
• The pace of community life you want

My personal picks

If you want balance — beautiful surroundings without the coastal price tag — Paso Robles and Lakeport are solid choices. For those who can stretch their budget and crave ocean breezes, Carlsbad and Carmel-by-the-Sea are absolute gems.

Retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down. It can mean waking up somewhere that makes you smile before you even make coffee. Let’s find that place together.