Hemet, CA, United States

With a population of just under 90,000, Hemet is a working-class retirement haven in Southern California's inland valleys - but don't expect big-city amenities. The tax burden is heavy, and the long commute to Los Angeles by Metrolink rail has impeded the city's growth as a bedroom community. Still, Hemet's climate is mild, and its parks and museums provide ample recreation. For budget-conscious retirees and families priced out of pricier coastal areas, Hemet may be an affordable option, but the persistent bureaucratic headaches are a downside.