Best Cities for Older Adults: Why San Francisco Tops AARP’s Livability Index

Why San Francisco Is the Best Big City for Older Adults, According to AARP.

When you walk out the front door of The Sequoias San Francisco, you immediately know why this City ranked top on the AARP livability index. You can walk one block to the west for amazing Japanese food, a few blocks north is Pacific Heights for shopping on Fillmore, the Marina for lunch, and North Beach for fresh seafood. Crissy Field is a favorite outing spot, and the Pacific Beach and Golden Gate Park are only a 10-minute car ride.

At The Sequoias, we have an events calendar filled with outings to favorite spots in the City and around the Bay Area, including trips to Santa Cruz and Sonoma for seasonal activities.

San Francisco has been ranked the top city for older adults in AARP’s Livability Index, which evaluates neighborhoods based on key factors like health care, transportation, housing, and community engagement.

The City’s high scores in the following areas:

• Health
• Transportation
• Access to medical services, exercise opportunities, walkability, and reliable public transit—critical elements for older adults seeking an active, connected lifestyle.

While the City excelled in these areas, it faced challenges in opportunity and housing due to income inequality and high living costs. However, policies at both the city and state levels aim to address these issues. San Francisco has become a leader in senior-friendly initiatives.

The AARP also recognized other Bay Area communities, with San Mateo and Alameda counties ranking among the top 25 very large communities. Visit one of our other life plan communities in Walnut Creek, Portola Valley, and Marin County.

Whether considering a move or evaluating options for aging in place, the AARP Livability Index provides valuable insights into the best places for older adults to live well.

Click the link to read the full article the San Francisco Chronicle published: “AARP ranked the best places for older Americans — the top one is in the Bay Area.”