SLO County city named ‘best small town for retirement.’ See which got the honor
Though its residents might already know it to be true, one small town in San Luis Obispo County has earned a top rating for retirement spots by one online travel publication.
WorldAtlas named Paso Robles the “best small town for retirement,” citing the cities’ year-round mild weather, natural beauty and seasonal events as draws for retirees.
“Paso Robles checks off virtually every box one can hope for to enjoy an enriching retirement,” the travel site said. “Whether you were captivated by the prospect of relaxing at the River Oaks Hot Springs while smelling the floral scent of vineyards or exploring the endless annual festivities to celebrate the season while forging new friendships, Paso Robles is bound to leave you with everlasting memories to delight you in your golden years.”
This is not the first award Paso Robles has received in recent years, but it is among the highest.
In 2021, it was listed as one of Travel + Leisure Magazine’s 10 best small towns for retirees in the United States. It was previously featured in WorldAtlas in 2022 on its list of the 11 best small towns to retire in California, and again on the publication’s list of 10 best Californian retirement towns in 2024. Paso also earned a spot on Country Living’s 2021 list of the 10 best small towns in the U.S. and was recognized as one of the 30 Best Places to Travel in 2020 by Travel Lemming.
SLO County as a whole was rated as a top retirement location on two separate SmartAsset lists in recent years, including making second place on the website in October.
But this year’s WorldAtlas rating named Paso Robles the top spot for retirement, separate from any list.
“Paso Robles is located amid calendar-worthy picturesque hills, offers year-round warm weather, and its residents have a strong sense of community that one day you may have the privilege of joining,” WorldAtlas said.
Why was Paso Robles named top place to retire?
WorldAtlas highlighted Paso Robles’ many seasonal events, including the opportunity to pursue art and enjoy live music at Art After Dark every first and third Saturday of the winter months, the annual At Her Table women-owned business festival in March and the city’s Three Speckled Hens Antiques & Old Stuff Show held in April and October.
“Regardless of the season, there’s always something to do,” WorldAtlas said.
The travel site also called out a few of Paso’s natural beauty and unique attractions, including DAOU Vineyards’ “breathtaking panoramic views of nearby mountains and the rural landscape draped in greenery,” the River Oaks Hot Springs and the Hunter Ranch Golf Course and Restaurant.
The travel site noted that the city’s relatively affordable housing market, safe communities and access to amenities enable its residents to “enjoy the finer things in life.”
WorldAtlas said the average housing price in Paso Robles stood at 16.2% lower than the state average in April, according to Realtor’s data. November readings from Redfin similarly measured Paso housing prices as 17.1% lower than the state’s on average.
WorldAtlas said “officials and law enforcement have worked hard to make Paso Robles safer in recent years, as exemplified by proactive measures like holding DUI checkpoints and hiring new officers this year to ensure residents can depend on a sizeable police force to deter and combat crime levels while keeping everyone safe.”
The travel site also noted Paso Robles’ proximity to several hospitals and medical clinics for easy access to healthcare.
“Paso Robles checks off virtually every box one can hope for to enjoy an enriching retirement,” WorldAtlas said. “The town’s rare combination of natural beauty, year-round mild weather, and seasonal events make it an excellent retirement town.”
