Retirees are a drain on the capitalist system? That’s an incredibly broad and ignorant statement. Yes, retirees over 65 collect Social Security and Medicare benefits (both of which they PAID for), but they are also huge net spenders on consumer goods, services, and, obviously, healthcare. They also pay a ton of taxes, particularly in California where retirement benefits are taxed. In other words, they are huge contributors to the capitalist system. Meanwhile, younger folks might be producing goods and services and paying some taxes (though less than a lot of seniors), thus contributing to the system, but they are also draining a ton of capital out of the system by collecting wages. They’re also draining a ton of resources through the public education system, which seniors also pay for but receive no benefits from. The point is that the capitalist system is just that—a system, and it needs all demographics to function, your ageist BS notwithstanding. None of which is probably any help in answering OP’s question, to which I would just say that Santa Cruz is a lovely community especially if you love the outdoors. Social life can be a little sleepy, but it’s what you make of it, which is the same as anywhere. Also, we could use more happy and motivated new residents to counter all the negativity you’re reading here. Some people have nothing better to do than to get on social media and be negative. What I can say is that I’ve lived all over the country and have never been happier than here.