@bestgrammy: Hi! To answer your question I live in Southern California, East of L.A. in a small town Hemet. We have residents that have specifically moved here from the East Coast, Midwest, North West, and Southern states, as well as Northern CA., and even many locals.
However there are CCRC (Continuating Care Retirement Communities) throughout the USA. My mother-in-law spent her last 12 years living independently in a CCRC, then transferred to their assisted living, and finally in their nursing wing (Quincy, Illinois). Although they are all under the same umbrella of care services, each facility operates independently and has different amenities.
I hope my answer encourages you to investigate ALL the retirement options you can. I think YOU owe it to your future self to choose the best quality of life you choose to afford.
Best of health to you, dbamos1945