7 Best Small Towns to Retire in Michigan in 2024
Many seniors imagine spending their golden years sipping cocktails while enjoying waterfront views, surrounded by forests and charming little downtowns with boutique shops, fine dining, and a vibrant community. Popular towns offering those features in California, Oregon, Washington, and Florida are quickly pricing out many new retirees. Unless one was born in the Midwest, they might not consider it an ideal retirement location, however many American retirees are rethinking their view of “Middle America” and discovering the exceptional beauty of states like Michigan with its majestic lakes, islands, forests, and lush rolling hills.
There are an abundance of small towns throughout the state that are perfect for seniors, like Petoskey with its Victorian-style cottages, Frankenmuth known for its Bavarian architecture, Holland with its famous Tulip Time Festival, Traverse City enveloped by cherry orchards and vineyards, Charlevoix nestled between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, Marquette along the shores of Lake Superior and St. Joseph with its stunning beaches.
Petoskey
The town of Petoskey lies along the shores of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay and offers views of gentle hills, forests, and stunning waterfront. The small town was founded in the late 1800s and is known for its lovely Victorian-style cottages, brick-paved sidewalks, and gas lamps. The population of the town is 5,865 and nearly 20% are over the age of 65. The crime rates are low, and the median home price is $256,400, making it comfortably affordable for retirees (Census.gov). According to US News Health, McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital is high performing. The downtown has a dense suburban feel, and most residents are homeowners. Local landmarks and attractions include the Petoskey State Park with its views of Little Traverse Bay and its outdoor activities of hiking, picnicking, and swimming. Gaslight Shopping District boasts quaint boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries, such as Joie de Vie Antiques and Palette Bistro. The Bay View Association is not to be missed for the walking tours of the beautiful historic homes.
Frankenmuth
Known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” Frankenmuth has become a popular destination for retirees in the Midwest. Located on the Cass River, the town of Frankenmuth is enveloped by verdant farmlands and is known for its European-themed architecture. The downtown is marked by its Bavarian-style homes and half-timbered buildings, flower window boxes and cobblestone streets. Settled in the mid-1800s by Germans, the town has kept that European heritage alive. The population is roughly 5,153 with 29% over the age of 65. The crime rates are low, and the median home price is $244,300, making it an affordable option for those on a fixed income (Census.gov). Covenant HealthCare Cooper Hospital is nearby and well regarded according to US News Health. Popular landmarks are the Bavarian Inn, a restaurant with authentic German cuisine and atmosphere. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is the world’s largest Christmas store and a tourist attraction. In April there’s the annual Zehnder’s Ragtime Festival that draws visitors from all over the US and Canada to hear Ragtime music performed. The Bavarian Blacksmith Experience allows visitors to forge their own dagger, knife, wand, rune pendant or season piece, under the watchful supervision of experienced blacksmiths. A great activity for the grandkids!
Holland
Nestled along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, Holland is known for its beaches, sand dunes and tulip fields. The downtown with its gabled roofs and colorful facades is shaped by its Dutch architecture, shops, and cafes. Examples include Apothecary Gift Shop and Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant. Known for its Tulip Time Festival, the town has a population of 34,006 and boasts a healthy senior population with nearly 17% over the age of 65. The crime rates are low, and the median home price is $212,900, making it exceptionally affordable for our silver-haired friends (Census.gov). US News Health gives high marks to Holland Hospital. Must-see landmarks include Windmill Island Gardens, with their 251-year-old working Dutch windmill. Holland State Park with its views of Lake Michigan, Big Red Lighthouse, and its sandy beaches and picnic areas.
Traverse City
Set along the southern end of the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City is characterized by its cherry orchards, rolling hills and vineyards. The downtown features a mix of neoclassical, modern and Victorian architecture. The Village at Grand Traverse Commons was once a historic asylum and is now the vibrant hub of shops, cafes and walking trails. Clinch Park is another landmark worth exploring with its beach, marina and walking trails. The population of 15,702 has those over 65 making up roughly 23%. The crime rates are low, and the median home price is reasonable for retirees at $336,900 (Census.gov). US News Health gives a tip of the hat to Munson Medical Center. The town is friendly, lively, and perfect for spending one’s golden years.
Charlevoix
The town of Charlevoix is located between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan and features rolling hills, sandy beaches, and striking sunsets. The downtown is admired for its “Charlevoix stone” buildings, stylish architecture, and waterfront views. Notable landmarks include Charlevoix South Pier Light Statins, Mushroom Houses, which were designed by Earl Young and are fairytale-like and Beaver Island, the largest island in Lake Michigan. The population of the town is 26,159 with nearly 28% over the age of 65. The crime rates are low, and the median home price is $220,000, offering exceptional affordability for those planning to retire (Census.gov). US News Health gives Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital top marks.
Marquette
Gracing the banks of Lake Superior, Marquette is noted for its rugged shoreline, dense forests, and rocky cliffs. The downtown offers gorgeous lake views, which serves as the backdrop for the town’s mixed historic, modern architecture, brick buildings and colorful storefronts. Presque Isle Park is a landmark that provides views of Lake Superior, walking trails and picnic areas. Then there is Marquette Harbor Light, a historic lighthouse. The population of Marquette is 20,786 with those over 65 making up nearly 16%. The crime rates are low, and the median home price is $231,500, which is affordable for those looking to retire. According to CNN Money and US News Health Marquette General Health System is among the nation’s top cardiovascular hospitals, which is important for the aged.
St. Joseph
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, St. Joseph is blessed by its sandy beaches, rolling dunes and scenic lake views. The downtown is marked by its Victorian-style and neoclassical buildings and admired for its tree-lined streets and waterfront dining and shopping. Landmarks to see are Silver Beach County Park, with its historic carousel, picnic areas and views of the lake. St. Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Lights feature historic lighthouses at the entrance to the St. Joseph River. The Krasl Art Center is known for its contemporary art exhibits, outdoor sculptures and is considered the heart of the town. The population of St. Joseph is 7,768 with nearly 23% over the age of 65. The crime rates are low, and the median home price is $250,900, which is a steal, given the beauty and waterfront living that this small town has to offer those in their sunset years (Census.gov). Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital near St. Joseph is well ranked according to US News Health.
Consider Retiring to Michigan
It is time for seniors to rethink their retirement options and consider the Midwest and states like Michigan with its stunning natural beauties, charming, lively, but safe towns and the easy access to world-class healthcare. Come discover all Michigan has to offer retirees!
