California cities dominate list of worst places to retire
Share and Follow

In a fresh blow to Governor Gavin Newsom, new data has revealed that six of the worst US cities to retire in are located in California. 

WalletHub ranked the best and worst cities to retire based on a combination of affordability, activities, quality of life and health. 

The findings showed that although the top destinations for retirees are spread across different states, most of the least favorable cities are primarily in California.

Out of a total of 182 cities analyzed, San Bernardino in California received the lowest overall score of 35.23, placing it at the bottom of the list. For comparison, Orlando, Florida, which is considered the best city, achieved a score of 62.63.

San Bernardino is situated in Southern California’s Inland Empire region. With a population of 222,101, it ranks as the 18th largest city in the state.

The city’s University District serves as a bustling college town for students at California State University, San Bernardino. However, there are few redeeming qualities for retirees in the area, the report claimed.

San Bernardino ranked near the bottom of the 182 cities in the study in all categories: Health Care (174), Quality of Life (171), Activities (157) and Affordability (128).

The poor results come as Newsom has faced an onslaught of criticism in recent months over his handling of immigration protests and his ‘anti-business’ policies.

In a fresh blow to Governor Gavin Newsom (pictured), new data has revealed that six of the worst places to retire are located in California

In a fresh blow to Governor Gavin Newsom (pictured), new data has revealed that six of the worst places to retire are located in California

Out of 182 cities, California's San Bernardino ranked the lowest of all as a place for retirees to settle

Out of 182 cities, California’s San Bernardino ranked the lowest of all as a place for retirees to settle 

The second worst city to retire in was Stockton – also in California, which scored 35.35.

Stockton, a city on the San Joaquin River in California’s Central Valley, has a population of 324,975 and, while it hosts an array of museums, zoos and higher educational institutions, there is not much to offer older generations.

The city saw low rankings across the board: Health Care (157), Quality of Life (123), Activities (181) and Affordability (133).

Next in line was another California city, Rancho Cucamonga – which scored 36.53.

Located just south of the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest in San Bernardino County, Rancho Cucamonga has a population of 176,675. 

While Rancho Cucamonga is known to boast beautiful parks and outdoor recreation, creating a fairly good quality of life for retirees, data shows that the city failed to offer other important qualities.

Rancho Cucamonga saw low rankings in all but one category: Health Care (128), Quality of Life (90), Activities (176) and Affordability (163).

Yet another California city was ranked the fourth worst spot for retirees to settle down: Bakersfield, with a score of 37.11. 

The second worst city to retire in was Stockton (pictured) - also in California

The second worst city to retire in was Stockton (pictured) – also in California

California's Rancho Cucamonga was ranked among the worst cities to retire in

California’s Rancho Cucamonga was ranked among the worst cities to retire in 

Bakersfield (pictured) - another California city ranked poorly as a place to retire - is in Kern County and has a population of 403,455

Bakersfield (pictured) – another California city ranked poorly as a place to retire – is in Kern County and has a population of 403,455

Bakersfield is known as the 'oil capital' of California (pictured: a refinery in Bakersfield)

Bakersfield is known as the ‘oil capital’ of California (pictured: a refinery in Bakersfield) 

Bakersfield is in Kern County and has a population of 403,455. It is a significant hub for both agriculture and energy production, and is known as the ‘oil capital’ of California.

But the city is also known for its intense sweltering summer heat – with daily averages of 91°F lasting for around three months.   

Bakersfield ranked relatively poorly in all categories: Health Care (169), Quality of Life (125), Activities (173) and Affordability (113).

The fifth worst city is not in California, it is Newark, New Jersey – which scored 37.29.

Perhaps best known to house Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark is New Jersey’s most populous city – with 317,303 residents. 

Newark ranked at the bottom end of three out of the four categories: Health Care (134), Quality of Life (169), Activities (81) and Affordability (156).

Next in the rankings was Fresno, California, with a cumulative score of 38.33.

Located in California’s San Joaquin Valley, Fresno has a population of 550,105 and is known for being the ‘Raisin Capital of the World’, and a major agricultural hub for crops like almonds and cotton. However, the city does not have much to offer retirees.  

The fifth worst city is not in California, it is Newark, New Jersey - which is perhaps best known for its airport (pictured)

The fifth worst city is not in California, it is Newark, New Jersey – which is perhaps best known for its airport (pictured) 

The seventh worst city to retire in was Fontana, California (pictured)

California’s Fresno (pictured) is another of the worst US cities to retire in

Fresno has a population of 550,105 and is known for being the 'Raisin Capital of the World'

Fresno has a population of 550,105 and is known for being the ‘Raisin Capital of the World’ 

Fresno saw low rankings across the board: Health Care (144), Quality of Life (144), Activities (175) and Affordability (125). 

The seventh worst city to retire in was Fontana, California – which scored 38.42 overall.

Fontana, which is located in San Bernardino County, is a regional hub of the trucking industry, with several major interstate highways passing through the city.

With a population of over 213,000 and a median age of 33.3, Fontana is apparently not best suited for retirees. 

Fontana was low in the rankings for each category: Health Care (147), Quality of Life (99), Activities (172) and Affordability (139).

Amongst the cities ranked to be the best for retirement were Orlando, Florida; Scottsdale, Arizona; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Miami, Florida; Tampa, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia.

The California city that ranked the highest for retirees was San Francisco – which was rated fairly well for its health care, activities and quality of life. 

However, the notoriously expensive city fell near the bottom in affordability rankings. 

California’s abysmal performance in recent data is just the latest embarrassment for Governor Newsom. 

Newsom faced backlash for his behavior during California’s devastating wildfires earlier this year, with many people suggesting he was using the natural disaster as a PR stunt to further his political career. 

California’s governor has also spent the last few months relentlessly trolling President Donald Trump online.  

The Daily Mail has reached out to Newsom’s office for comment. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Heartbroken Families Urge Immediate Return of Deceased US Citizens and Hostages from Gaza

Two Americans remain among the deceased hostages still held by Hamas as…

Trump Appeals to Supreme Court for National Guard Presence in Chicago

In a significant judicial move, the Trump administration has sought the intervention…

Authorities Seek Assistance as 78-Year-Old Man Goes Missing in Oregon, Possible Fall into Hole Suspected

In a heartfelt plea, Oregon authorities are turning to the community for…

Shocking Revelation: Jeffrey Epstein Financially Supported Sarah Ferguson for 15 Years

Newly uncovered emails suggest that Jeffrey Epstein covertly financed Sarah Ferguson for…

Illinois State University TA Sparks Controversy by Dismantling Turning Point USA Display: ‘Channeling Jesus’ Actions

An Illinois State University faculty member found himself in legal trouble following…

Simone Biles Inspires Chicago’s Foster Youth at West Loop Event with Friends of the Children

Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles has become a familiar face in Chicago,…

The Deadly Consequences of University Indoctrination: Scholar Warns of Escalating Risks

The recent murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, along with a tragic…

Key Dates to Watch: Predicting the End of the Government Shutdown

As of Friday, the government shutdown has become one of the three…