10 Safest Towns In Wisconsin For Senior Living
When it comes to retirement, several factors come into play when deciding where to spend your “Golden Years”. Often safety, healthcare access, and affordability are just as, if not more important than what entertainment and activities a town offers. But that doesn’t mean the goal isn’t to look for towns with all of those elements. Wisconsin’s small towns do this better than most states in the country, often overshadowing the colder winters to mix safety and affordable living with quiet and entertaining environments.
Waunakee
This safe, quiet suburb of Madison has a population of 14,879, according to the 2020 census. Located in the south-central part of Wisconsin, Waunakee is rated the fourth safest town in the state by Safewise. With already low figures of violent and property crime on a trend downward, retirees can focus on enjoying their golden years.
Laying on the north side of Lake Mendota, Waunakee is a great option for seniors who love water activities. Feel free to get exercise at the Waakikizu Natural Resources Area or the local Village Center. If extra care is a concern, Waunakee offers Waunakee Valley Senior Living or Home Again Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Port Washington
This next town is a dream for any retiree who wants to live on the water in the Midwest. Port Washington is located on the shores of Lake Michigan in eastern Wisconsin. A distant northern suburb of Milwaukee, Port Washington is home to just under 13,000 residents. Being on the shore of one of the most famous lakes in America, retirees can take advantage of world-renowned fishing expeditions with Angry Fin Charter Fishing, hitting the links at Fire Ridge Golf Club just outside of town, or taking advantage of a spectacular view of Lake Michigan from the 1860 Port Washington Light Station.
According to Safewise, Port Washington is a top-five town for safety in Wisconsin for retirement life. Keeping tabs on your health will be no problem with several options, including Port Washington Health Center, Aurora Health Center, and Heritage Health Services.
Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove is a small rural town of slightly under 9,000 people as of the 2020 census. It is a suburb of Madison, east of the city, and is rated as the second safest town in Wisconsin. This small Wisconsin town will keep you entertained through retirement with activities like the MARCS RC Flying Field, where you can fly remote control planes, The Oaks Golf Course, or take a stroll around one of the several town parks in the area.
Because of the proximity to the University of Wisconsin, retirees in the area have no shortage of highly regarded healthcare facilities through the state’s university, like the UW’s Cottage Grove Clinic or the KindredHearts of Cottage Grove assisted living facility.
Mount Horeb
The next town on this list is in Dane County and has a population of 7,754, according to the 2020 census. According to Safewise, Mount Horeb is the safest town in Wisconsin, according to violent crime and property crime statistics.
If you enjoy biking or skiing, utilize the Tyrol Basin in the summer or winter months. Also, just outside of town is the Cave of the Mounds tourist attraction, where you can explore memorable stalactites and stalagmites. Also, don’t forget to check out the unique, carved wooden trolls around town.
Sheboygan Falls
Head to the eastern part of the state, just off the shores of Lake Michigan is a suburb of Sheboygan, Sheboygan Falls. This picturesque town just gives you more bang for your buck. Average home values are only $330,078, below the national average.
In this town, you can get the best of both worlds. Enjoy the vibrant art scene and water activities on the shores of Lake Michigan in Sheboygan, but fall back to small-town living at the end of the day. Sheboygan Falls has specialty shops like Broadway Popcorn, and you can enjoy nature and small-town living with the Sheboygan Falls Self-Guided Walking Tour.
Marinette
One of the most scenic towns in the state is Marinette, and it just so happens to be a great option for retirees. Tucked in the northeast corner of the state, sharing a border with Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Lake Michigan, Marinette has plenty to offer in terms of safety and entertainment. Take a stroll to the Seagull Bar State Natural Area or check out amazing views from the North Pier Lighthouse just north of town. Learn about the history of the area at the Marinette County Historical Logging Museum.
Not only is the area beautiful, but its cost of living is incredibly reasonable. The median house listing price is $140,000, while violent crime and property crimes are lower than the national average.
Antigo
Sitting in the north central part of the state is Antigo, a small farming and lumbering town of 8,100 as of the 2020 census. This town embodies small-town living for those retirees looking for peace and quiet. Catch a film at McKenzie Palace Theatre, a two-screen retro aesthetic decor theater. Stop by the Antigo Farmers Market on Field Street during the summer months. Want to head outdoors? Just a quick drive up north to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest lets you enjoy nature.
Another benefit of Antigo is its safety and low cost of living. The median listing home price is only $190,000, and crime is lower than the national average. When it comes to healthcare, the Eastview Health & Rehabilitation Center, Care Partners Assisted Living, and the Aging and Disability Center of Central Wisconsin are all available.
Muskego
The next town takes us to a southwestern outer suburb of Milwaukee called Muskego. Looking for a slightly bigger town for retirement, try this town of 25,032 as of the 2020 census. It is a naturally beautiful and active town with the Muskego Lake in the southeast corner of the city. Take advantage of plenty of watersports, then stop in at The Tipsy Turtle Bar & Grill with a waterfront view. Want to take a walk to enjoy the scenery? The Wehr Nature Center north of the lake has you covered.
In terms of safety, Muskego is a top-10-rated town in Wisconsin. Another positive of Muskego’s size is its access to healthcare options, including ProHealth Medical Group Clinic, Aurora Health Center, or the Muskego Health and Rehabilitation Center, just to name a few.
Shawano
Up in the northeast part of Wisconsin is where you’ll find Shawano, a town of just over 9,000 people, according to the 2020 census. Known for the Shawano Lake, this small town is the perfect spot to enjoy water recreation activities like fishing, paddling, and boating without too much of a crowd. On the other side of town, take in the sights of Sturgeon Park and the Wolf River running next to it. Learn about local history in the area at the Shawano County Historical Society on the northern edge of town.
Shawano's home values are far below the state average, at $245,000. ThedaCare Medical Center and Prevea Shawano Health Center are two options for health care.
Holmen
Western Wisconsin is where you’ll find Holmen, a town of 10,661 people, according to the 2020 census. Located on the Minnesota border, just north of La Crosse, it’s actually part of the La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen metro area. Holmen takes advantage of the scenic beauty surrounding this small town. With the Van Loon Floodplain Savanna State Natural Area to the north and Lake Onalaska to the southwest, outdoor activities will never run dry. Feel free to discover the McGilvray “Seven Bridges” Road north of town for a great hike and history lesson.
Another benefit of Holmen is its access to the Mayo Clinic Health System through the Mayo Clinic Health System-Holmen, or you can choose a more local option, Gundersen Holmen Clinic.
Your Ideal Wisconsin Retirement Spot
As you can see, this Midwestern state has plenty to offer anyone thinking about spending their retirement years up north. Wisconsin is quintessential lake living, bordering two “Great Lakes” and many more throughout the state, providing safe, small-town living for seniors.
Whether it’s the northern logging town of Marinette and its can’t-miss scenery, the specialty shops of Sheboygan Falls, or the safety and low cost of living of Antigo, Wisconsin, provides everything a retiree could need to provide safety and entertainment for years to come.
