If you are looking at retiring in California but find the Bay Area prices impossible and Sacramento a bit too busy, Lincoln is often the sweet spot. It sits right in the foothills of Placer County, offering a distinct "country" vibe that feels miles away from the hustle, even though you are just a short drive from the Roseville Galleria.

Lincoln has transformed over the last two decades. What used to be a quiet ranching town is now home to some of the most impressive active adult communities in the Sacramento area. Whether you are looking for a massive, amenity-rich environment or a quiet, boutique neighborhood, the 55+ landscape here is diverse.

Accessibility is a huge draw, too. You have easy access to Highway 65 for trips into the city, but you are far enough out to enjoy starry nights and rolling hills. Let’s break down the neighborhoods, the costs, and the lifestyle to see if Lincoln is the right landing spot for you.

Sun City Lincoln Hills: The Established Giant

When people talk about retirement communities in Lincoln, CA, they are almost always starting with Sun City Lincoln Hills. This isn't just a neighborhood; it is practically a city within a city. Built by Del Webb, it covers a massive footprint with over 6,700 homes, making it one of the largest active adult communities in the entire country.

Because of its scale, the amenities here are unmatched. You have access to two massive lodges—Orchard Creek and Kilaga Springs. Between them, you will find full-service spas, sports bars, state-of-the-art fitness centers, and indoor/outdoor pools. If you are a golfer, the two 18-hole courses weaving through the community are a major perk.

The social life is just as big as the physical footprint. There are over 70 clubs ranging from hiking groups to card players. Since this is a completed community, you are looking strictly at resale homes. The variety is huge, ranging from cozy condos and villas in the mid $400,000s to sweeping estate homes with views that can top $1,000,000.

Here is a quick look at the financials for early 2026:

1. Home Prices: Mid $400,000s to over $1,000,000 (Median is roughly $690,000).
2. HOA Fees: Approximately $176 per month, usually billed quarterly.
3. Mello Roos: This is important. You need to check the specific bonds (like CFD 2003-1) for the specific house you are buying. Some of these bonds are set to expire around 2034, and many sellers have already paid them off, which can save you money compared to buying new construction.

Trilogy Bickford: New Luxury in the Foothills

If you prefer brand-new construction and modern aesthetics over the established feel of Sun City, you need to look at Trilogy Bickford. This is the newest major player in town, developed by Shea Homes. It sits on a ridge at Bickford Ranch, which gives many lots spectacular panoramic views of the valley and the Sierra foothills.

The vibe here is very "modern resort." The homes come standard with solar and smart home technology, and the floor plans are designed with that seamless indoor/outdoor living style that is so popular right now.

The social hub is "The Ridge," a club that features dining, fitness centers, and pickleball courts. A key distinction here is that Trilogy is not a golf course community. For many buyers, that is a plus—it means you get the private club feel without the noise of mowers or the risk of stray golf balls hitting your window.

1. Price Range: High $400,000s to well over $1,000,000 depending on the view and upgrades.
2. Taxes: Since this is new construction, expect higher Mello Roos fees compared to older neighborhoods.

Esplanade at Turkey Creek: Resort-Style & Intimate

Sitting somewhere between the massive scale of Sun City and the ridge-top luxury of Trilogy is Esplanade at Turkey Creek by Taylor Morrison. With around 850 homes, it offers a much tighter-knit community feel. You are more likely to know all your neighbors here than in a development of 6,000 homes.

The centerpiece is The Lodge, which features indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and a very active lifestyle program. While the community itself isn't a golf course development (meaning homes don't front a fairway), it is located right next to the Turkey Creek Golf Club, which is a public course. You get the proximity to golf without the direct HOA maintenance costs of the course itself.

1. Price Range: Low $500,000s to $800,000s.
2. HOA Fees: Around $349 per month, but keep in mind this usually includes front yard maintenance, which takes a big chore off your list.
3. Mello Roos: You can expect to pay approximately $250 per month in special taxes here.

Smaller & Niche Communities: Sorrento, Twelve Bridges, & More

Not everyone wants a mega-resort. If you are looking for something quieter or perhaps a bit more affordable, there are smaller options worth checking out.

Sorrento (Ravello) is a completed community that offers a lovely clubhouse but skips the golf course. It is generally quieter and often more affordable than its larger neighbors, with prices typically landing in the $400,000 to $600,000 range. It is perfect if you want a 55+ environment without the bustle of a large recreational complex.

Then there is the Twelve Bridges area. You will see neighborhoods here like Velare (by LGI Homes) and Millau. It is important to be careful with the details here. While some of these pockets are marketed to active adults, you should always verify if they are age-restricted (55+ deed restricted) or simply "age-targeted" (designed for seniors but legal for anyone to buy).

The benefit of these smaller pockets is usually lower HOA dues and significantly less traffic entering and exiting the neighborhood.

Cost of Living: Taxes, HOAs, and Utilities

Let’s talk numbers, because this is often where the decision is made. When you compare Roseville vs Lincoln CA cost of living, there are a few distinct differences you need to budget for.

First, property taxes. The base rate in California is 1%, but in Lincoln, you almost always have Mello Roos (special taxes for infrastructure) on top of that. This brings the effective tax rate to around 1.1% to 1.2% in many areas. If you buy a brand new home in Trilogy or Esplanade, those bonds are new and will be with you for a long time. If you buy a resale in Sun City, check if the bond has been paid off—it could save you thousands a year.

Second, utilities. This is a big talking point for locals. Lincoln is in PG&E territory for electricity and gas. If you move just a few miles south to Roseville, you get Roseville Electric, which offers significantly lower rates. It’s not a dealbreaker for most, but if you run your AC heavy in the summer, your bill in Lincoln will be higher than it would be in Roseville.

Finally, look at the HOA value. A $176 or $350 monthly fee might sound high, but you have to calculate what it replaces. If it covers your gym membership, pool access, and front yard landscaping, it might actually be cheaper than owning a standard home with no HOA where you pay for all those services separately.

Lifestyle & Practicalities: Healthcare and Recreation

Living in Lincoln means you are covered for the basics, but you might travel a bit for specialists. For everyday healthcare, Sutter Medical Plaza is right here in town. For major surgeries or specialized care, the large hospitals—Sutter Roseville, Kaiser Roseville, and UC Davis—are about a 15 to 20-minute drive down Highway 65.

For dining, Downtown Lincoln has a great local flavor. Places like Old Town Pizza and various boutique steakhouses give the town a personal, non-corporate feel. However, for big-box shopping like Costco or the high-end stores at the Galleria, you will be heading into Roseville or Rocklin.

Outdoor lovers will fit right in. You are close to the Placer Wine Trail for weekends, and Folsom Lake is nearby for boating and fishing. The hiking trails around the foothills are fantastic, especially in the spring when everything is green.

Lincoln vs. Roseville: Which is Right for Your Retirement?

If you are torn between retirement communities in Roseville CA and Lincoln, it usually comes down to "vibe."

Lincoln is rural, relaxed, and golf-cart friendly. It’s quieter, darker at night, and feels a bit slower-paced. The trade-off is that you are a little further from the major highways and the airport.

Roseville is bustling and suburban. You have every shop imaginable within five minutes, and your utilities are cheaper. But you also have more traffic, more noise, and a denser population.

Housing-wise, Lincoln often gives you a slightly newer or larger home for your money compared to the prime spots in Sun City Roseville. If you want a view of the hills and a little more breathing room, Lincoln is likely your winner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main 55+ communities in Lincoln, CA?

The largest and most well-known community is Sun City Lincoln Hills. For new construction luxury, buyers look at Trilogy Bickford, and for a boutique resort feel, Esplanade at Turkey Creek is a top choice. Sorrento (Ravello) is a popular smaller option for resale homes.

Does Sun City Lincoln Hills have Mello Roos?

Yes, most homes in Sun City Lincoln Hills have a Mello Roos bond (like CFD 2003-1). However, because the community is older, some of these bonds are nearing maturity (around 2034) or may have been paid off in full by previous owners, which is a great detail to check during your home search.

Is living in Lincoln cheaper than Roseville for retirees?

It depends on the specific costs you prioritize. Home prices per square foot can be slightly better in Lincoln, but utility costs are generally higher because Lincoln uses PG&E while Roseville has its own municipal electric utility. Property taxes are comparable, though Mello Roos fees tend to be higher in Lincoln's newer developments.

How far is Lincoln, CA from medical facilities?

Lincoln has its own Sutter Medical Plaza for urgent care and routine appointments. For major hospitals and trauma centers, such as Kaiser Permanente or Sutter Roseville Medical Center, you are looking at a 15 to 20-minute drive south on Highway 65.

Are there new construction 55+ homes in Lincoln?

Yes. If you want a brand-new home, Trilogy Bickford and Esplanade at Turkey Creek are actively selling new construction as of early 2026. These communities offer modern floor plans with the latest energy-efficient features.