These days, when I meet friends, we talk more about retirement than college stories like we used to.

"Where should I live after retirement?"

"Should I sell my house and move to a cheaper place?"

"Isn't California too expensive?"

These conversations come up frequently.

Now that I'm already in my sixties, I naturally find myself pondering the same questions.

I've lived in Riverside for 30 years. I raised my kids, worked, and bought a house, and before I knew it, I was at the age where I'm looking at retirement.

So today, I want to share my honest thoughts on what Riverside is like for seniors based on my own experiences.

The first thing is the weather.

As I get older, I really realize how important the weather is.

When I was younger, I didn't care much whether it was snowing or raining, but now, even a slight drop in morning temperatures makes my knees feel it first.

Riverside has relatively mild winters. There are hardly any days that drop below freezing, and even in the middle of winter, there are many sunny days. It's less burdensome for morning walks, and for those with joint discomfort, it's definitely easier to live here than in colder regions.

Of course, there are downsides.

Summers are really hot.

There are days when temperatures exceed 100 degrees for several days in a row. When I was younger, I thought, "Just turn on the air conditioning," but as I age, I realize that extreme heat should not be ignored.

During the day, it's best to limit outings, drink water frequently, and use cooling centers operated by the city if necessary.

Still, personally, I think hot summers are much better than shoveling snow in winter.

The second point is the healthcare environment.

After retirement, hospitals become more important than housing prices.

This may sound like a joke, but I truly feel it's a valid statement now.

Riverside has several well-established hospitals, including Riverside Community Hospital, Kaiser Foundation Hospital, and Parkview Community Hospital.

Especially for those who use Kaiser, I often hear that regular check-ups and chronic disease management are systematic.

UC Riverside Health also has a well-equipped medical system for specialized care.

As we age, we inevitably find ourselves needing to visit the hospital more often.

Having a reliable hospital not far from home brings a lot of peace of mind.

The third point is the cost of living and convenience.

Riverside has a relatively lower cost of living compared to LA.

Of course, it's no longer a city with cheap housing like it used to be.

However, compared to LA or Orange County, it's still less burdensome.

Most retirees live on fixed pensions or retirement funds, and the difference in monthly housing costs can be significant.

In that regard, Riverside is a city with a decent balance.

Senior centers are also well-operated.

There are exercise programs, hobby activities, and various gatherings to socialize with others.

Staying at home can quickly lead to physical and mental decline, but these programs provide more help than you might think.

However, there are some downsides.

Public transportation is not as convenient as in LA.

Buses do run, but life can be a bit inconvenient without a car.

Fortunately, transportation services like Dial-A-Ride are available, but if you completely stop driving, your mobility will be limited.

So, for those preparing for retirement, I think it's important to choose a neighborhood close to hospitals, grocery stores, and essential facilities in advance.

After living here for 30 years, I can say that Riverside is not a glamorous city.

There's no beach, and it's not a tourist hotspot.

But it's a very comfortable city to live in for a long time.

The weather is relatively stable, the healthcare infrastructure is solid, and the cost of living is less than in LA.

There's no perfect city anywhere.

Riverside has its downsides, like the summer heat and the necessity of having a car.

Still, if someone were to ask me, "Will you continue to live in Riverside after retirement?" I would smile and say, "I probably will."

As I age, I've learned that a city where I can live comfortably every day is better than a glamorous city, and I've learned that from living in Riverside for 30 years.