$850,000...That's roughly the difference between the average price of a home in Orange County and the average price of a home in the Inland Empire. If you live in Orange County and you're getting ready to retire, you may be wondering whether you can really afford to stay.
I'm Casey Bogle, a Southern California realtor who specializes in 55+ communities in Corona. Lately, I've been getting more and more calls from Orange County homeowners, and nearly all of them share the same concern: they're worried they won't be able to afford Orange County once they retire. Here's a look at what an Orange County budget can get you in the Inland Empire, and how to decide whether a move makes sense for you.
The Numbers Behind the Worry
According to recent figures from the California Association of Realtors, the average single-family home in Orange County sells for about $1,500,000. In the Inland Empire, it's about $650,000.
For many seniors, that $850,000 difference is more than a number. It's money that can go toward the things that matter most in retirement: healthcare costs, travel, spoiling the grandkids, or simply sleeping well at night without worrying about running out of money.
Why It Hits Harder After You Retire
While you're still working, a large mortgage payment may feel uncomfortable, but you usually have options. Raises, promotions, overtime, or a side job can help you keep up.
Once you retire, that changes. Your income is usually fixed, whether it comes from Social Security, a pension, or investments, and it has to last. I talk with people all the time who love their Orange County home but are quietly worried they'll outlive their savings.
It's Not Just Cheaper. It's What You Get for the Money.
Here's what many people miss. In Orange County, $1.5 million often buys an older home, and in many cases one that needs updating. In many parts of the Inland Empire, $650,000 can buy a very nice single-story home.
The purchase price is only part of the story, too. When you buy a less expensive home, costs like property taxes, HOA fees, and homeowners insurance are often lower as well. That extra monthly breathing room can make a big difference in your budget.
Moving Inland Isn't Right for Everyone
I'll be honest: moving to the Inland Empire isn't the right answer for everyone.
If your grandkids, doctors, and friends are all in Orange County, a drive of an hour to an hour and a half each way can weigh heavily on your decision. Some people move for the savings and then find themselves missing the community and people they left behind. And if you're not sure where you want to be long term, moving just to save money can backfire.
Orange County has a lot to offer. The weather is cooler, the beach is closer, and the lifestyle is as nice as anywhere in Southern California. Those things matter. But the real question isn't whether Orange County is nicer. It's whether it's worth $850,000 more once you reach retirement.
55+ Communities: Orange County vs. the Inland Empire
Orange County has some wonderful retirement communities, but prices often start well over $1 million and HOA fees can be high.
In the Inland Empire, communities like Trilogy at Glen Ivy and Terramor in Corona are excellent alternatives:
- Trilogy at Glen Ivy is a golf course community with a 13,000-square-foot clubhouse and a 15,000-square-foot fitness center.
- Terramor is an award-winning master-planned community with its own 20,000-square-foot clubhouse, the Terrace Club.
Both offer resort-style amenities, a wide variety of clubs and activities, and attractive single-story homes that are well suited to retirement.
The Inland Empire Has Changed
In my experience, misconceptions hold people back even more than price does. Many Orange County residents still picture the Inland Empire as it looked 20 or 30 years ago, and it simply isn't the same place anymore.
Newer communities like Terramor genuinely surprise people when they visit for the first time, especially the clubhouse, which is a true resort-style facility. Orange County residents I've toured through it are consistently surprised by how nice it is.
If you're not ready for a visit yet, take a few minutes to browse homes currently for sale in Terramor. You'll find homes ranging from the high $500,000s to just over $1 million. Click through a few listings and look at the photos. I think you'll be surprised by what you see.
What the Math Could Look Like
Let's say you sell your Orange County home for $1,500,000 and buy in the Inland Empire for around $650,000. That frees up roughly $850,000.
Now let's say nothing in that range feels right, so you stretch your budget to $850,000. That still buys a really nice home in the Inland Empire, and it still leaves you with about $650,000 in savings. For many seniors, that's enough to eliminate a mortgage payment entirely, which is exactly what a lot of the people I talk with are hoping for.
3 Questions to Ask Yourself
If you're considering this kind of move, here are the three questions I usually ask:
- How important is it to stay close to family and friends in Orange County? Is the drive from the Inland Empire realistic for you?
- What would your monthly budget look like if you stayed? Will the money you've set aside let you live the way you want to?
- What kind of home fits this stage of your life? Do you really still need a large family-style home?
Thinking these through carefully may show you that the Inland Empire is a great way to stay in California after you retire.
Leaving California vs. Moving Inland
Many seniors leave California altogether when they retire, usually looking for a more affordable place so their retirement money goes further. California has some of the highest income and gas taxes in the country, and its overall tax climate ranks near the bottom nationally, at 48th out of 50.
But I've also met many people who, after a few years away, really miss what they left behind, especially their kids and grandkids. A lot of them want to move back. Moving inland can offer a middle ground: meaningful savings without moving far from the people who matter most.
So, Can You Get Priced Out of Orange County?
Some people do. But the better question is whether the money you've set aside for retirement will let you live the way you want.
Orange County is one of the most desirable places to live in Southern California, and it comes with a steep price tag. For many people, taking the equity they've built there and moving it to a more affordable area in the Inland Empire makes a lot of financial sense.
My honest advice: if you're starting to feel priced out of Orange County, come see the Inland Empire for yourself before you rule it out. The numbers are one thing, but seeing the communities, clubhouses, and homes in person is what changes people's minds.
Come See It for Yourself
I'd love to show you around Terramor and Trilogy at Glen Ivy and help you figure out whether a move makes sense for your situation.
🏡 See homes for sale in Terramor
🏡 See homes for sale in Trilogy at Glen Ivy
📓 Get the free Terramor & Trilogy monthly cost comparison guide
📅 Schedule a time to visit
📞 Call or text: 909-762-0405
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