Retirees Should Avoid Renting in These 4 California Cities With the Most Competition
Written by
John Schmoll
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Retirees may fantasize about retiring to California, only to meet the reality of the state’s expensive real estate market. It’s no surprise that the Golden State is losing residents nearing or in retirement.
California lost almost 57,000 residents aged 60 and over in 2023, according to CNBC. Retirees who remain have the challenge of finding an affordable place to live. Purchasing a house in California is notoriously expensive. It’s no surprise that renters face similar difficulties in the Golden State. Challenges include high lease renewal rates, few new apartments and a below average number of vacant days, according to RentCafe.
Lots of people rent in California, matching only New York for high rentership share, according to Redfin. The website states that San Jose has a rentership rate of 52% as of 2024, Los Angeles 50.8%, San Diego 48% and Fresno 47.4%. Such high numbers make locating a place to rent challenging for retirees.
Rental competition for retirees is more challenging in certain locations in the state. These are the cities seniors should avoid when renting. Â
Orange County
Orange County is an enviable place to live, nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego. Unfortunately, RentCafe states it’s the 15th most competitive market in the nation for renters, with 12 prospective renters per apartment and a 95% occupation rate.
Anaheim, Huntington Beach and Santa Ana all present challenges for would-be renters. Renters renew their leases over 60% of the time, with few new apartments being built.
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Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley is not for the frugal, and retirees may need a healthy retirement plan from a tech giant to live there. Monthly rents easily eclipse $3,000 per month, on average, according to Redfin.
Silicon Valley is the 13th most competitive market in the nation, according to RentCafe. Renters renew their leases roughly 57% of the time, and there are 12 applicants per apartment.
Only 1% of rental inventory are new apartments and they have a 95% occupation rate. Residents in San Jose, San Mateo and Hayward may find it challenging to locate an apartment.
Eastern Los Angeles County
Eastern Los Angeles County presents particularly difficult challenges for senior renters. Consider this: The share of new apartments in the area was at 0% for 2024, according to RentCafe. The website lists it as the 4th most competitive market in the country.
There are 18 applicants per vacant listing, with a lease renewal rate of nearly 58%. Los Angeles, Pomona and Alhambra residents face problems identifying a place to live, with occupation hovering over 96% in 2025.
San Diego
There’s little to dislike about San Diego. Coastal locales often enjoy consistent 75-degree weather with sun-kissed beaches. Sadly, there’s a price to pay to rent in what’s called America’s Finest City.
RentCafe lists it as the 20th most competitive rental market in the U.S. There are 12 prospective renters per rental and a 56% renewal rate, with a 95% occupation rate.
Retirees renting in California are well advised to do their research before selecting a place to live. The competitive rental market in California makes it difficult, though not impossible to find a place to call home. Identifying the right city may decrease competition and possibly yield a more affordable home.
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