Best U.S. Senior Living: La Jolla Village

I have reviewed all the popular web sites for information on best places for seniors to live. The criteria are generally availability of public transportation, weather, proximity to medical assistance and overall services of the locale. This year according to one survey Portland, Oregon is number one for senior's lifestyle. San Francisco and Seattle are next in line. While all of these are fine cities as far as the criteria set for the survey, it is my opinion the surveys miss the point.

Seniors may be age 55 to 105. That is a vast range for considering lifestyles in a category. I have spent extended time in all three places and find major deficits in the assessment that these top cities are good for all seniors. For many seniors their selection is based on family and familiarity with a locale. That factor is individual and cannot be assessed individually. If that is not a factor then other factors should be considered.

The primary concern of most people is safety and maneuverability in their locale. For those considering a move to Florida several concerns should be considered. A ten-year study was conducted in 2003 that found pedestrian deaths in Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville and Miami were the highest in the nation. These cities are known as retirement cities in part. Other cities making the list included Memphis, Phoenix and Atlanta.

The problem with San Francisco is the massive amount of traffic and steep hills that distinguish the city and give it charm, but can be hard on people as the aging process progresses. As with all of the top three cities mentioned as most desirable for senior living there is the rain factor. It is not just a little rain in the Fall, Winter and Spring. The rains and cloudy days can go on for weeks at a time. The roads, sidewalks and retail establishments floor and entrance ways are slick and treacherous for pedestrians.

In addition, drivers may have difficulty in stopping or paying attention to pedestrians crossing the road. While these cities are not in the top range of pedestrian deaths, incidences are higher than most would consider safe and hospitable. Granted these cities do have excellent medical facilities, public transportation and access to shopping and cultural events, day to day life is not as easy during a significant portion of the year.

La Jolla, California the Best:

The top city in the nation to spend your senior years in my opinion is La Jolla, California. The streets are mostly flat. The village of La Jolla is safe and friendly. While no town is without an occasional incident. This is the most courteous and safest town in the United States. The streets are interesting and decorated nicely. The beach and coves are a delight to walk and enjoy a stroll anytime of the day or night.

The medical facilities for major or minor health issues at University of California San Diego, Scripps and medical specialists are the finest in the country. Think about it, if you are a physician and you could live anywhere, where would you choose to live? That answer is why La Jolla has attracted leading medical researchers and specialists and where you will be treated for any medical condition you have or may develop with the utmost care.

The other aspect of life in La Jolla is that age is just a number. People are not segregated into communities unless that is their choice. One could conceivably live in La Jolla on their own until reaching a 100th birthday. The availability and proximity to shopping, cultural events and ease in getting there are aging friendly. The shuttle or bus service is available. The streets are easy to walk on and the weather conditions are almost ideal. The sunny days far out number the over cast, rainy days in La Jolla.

If you want to visit the aquarium, the playhouse or volunteer time at the various public attractions your time is valued and you will be appreciated for doing so. La Jolla is a place where people are not made to feel old due to the hardship of the aging process. In part it is the sea air that always puts a spring in your walk. Perhaps it is the beauty of the surroundings that attracts nice people to live here. There is just something about La Jolla that has all the elements of health living including a general feeling of joy and happiness to just wake up each morning.

For whatever it is worth I think La Jolla is the best place to live in the United States for seniors and anyone who loves life.