10 Senior-Friendly Towns in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a lively state full of food and opportunities, from its delicious cheese to its famous beer. While many people come here to sites like the state capital, Milwaukee, or the scenic coast of Lake Superior, the state is more than just a tourist destination. Wisconsin also boasts plenty of great retirement destinations, offering natural scenery, history, and amenities. Whether it is the waterside parks in Prairie du Chein or the affordable housing in Mayville, retirees can enjoy a comfortable life in their golden years. Here are ten of the most senior-friendly towns for retirees in Wisconsin.
Elm Grove
Elm Grove is a village in Waukesha County that offers a comfortable retirement within reach of urban amenities. Just 20 minutes from downtown Milwaukee, retirees will not have to give up any of the luxuries of the big city. For example, healthcare is covered by the state-of-the-art Froedtert Hospital, which has everything from sleep disorder specialists to weight management services. Moreover, the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is about 25 minutes away, so traveling will never be an issue.
While the housing prices are steep due to the urban environment, retirement societies Elm Grove Heights offer an affordable alternative. Here, seniors can enjoy a like-minded social environment with facilities like a fitness center, community room, and 24-hour emergency maintenance. Once you’re settled, there is lots to do in Elm Grove, from watching a show at the iconic Sunset Playhouse to strolling along the Elm Grove Village Park. The latter houses two picnic areas and a heated swimming pool, which is ideal for outdoor activities. Afterward, Outback Steakhouse is an excellent place for seniors to enjoy Australian-themed steaks and seafood.
Columbus
Seniors looking to get away from urban hustle and bustle can consider the town of Columbus. This town is far away from city centers and has a tight-knit community of about 5,500 residents. A short stroll through the four-block Columbus Downtown Historic District is full of friendly faces and rustic buildings, such as the 1852 Corner Drug and the 1858 Whitney Hotel. The Whitney Hotel is one of the most iconic, showcasing Italianate architecture that is perfect for some photos. Seniors interested in buying a piece of history for their home can visit the Columbus Antique Mall & Museum, which spans 82,000 square feet and has over 200 dealers selling rustic goods. Meanwhile, those active in the community will often be seen at the City Firemans Park, which hosts regular events, including music, food, and dance.
Staying at home is also fun in Columbus as the affordable median home value of $280,000 allows one to buy their dream home. If you ever need to head out for medical concerns, the Prairie Ridge Health Hospital in town offers high-level care with inpatient and outpatient services. Moreover, plenty of stores are within walking distance of downtown, such as Hiemann Ace Hardware for hardware and Amco for daily goods, making your weekly errands a bit less tedious.
Prairie du Chein
From its rich history as a French trading post in the 1600s to its beautiful coastline with the Mississippi River, Prairie du Chein abounds with opportunities. Retirees here will never be bored, especially those interested in the past. Plenty of landmarks are ideal for a day out, such as Villa Louis, a Victorian estate that once belonged to the famed H. Louis Dousman family. Similarly, the Fort Crawford Museum showcases a U.S. Army outpost from the early 1800s, and visitors can learn all about it at the site’s museum. If you’re not one for rustic sights, opt for some outdoor activities at St. Feriole Island Park. Located on an island once the site of the Battle of Prairie du Chien, this park has picnic shelters, walking trails, and plenty of riverside views in its 240-acre expanse. Moreover, there is an 18-hole golf course where seniors can tee off with their mates.
With these and many more ways to spend time in Prairie du Chein, nearly 24% of the population is over the age of 65. To this end, you’ll have no trouble making friends, and there is always someone to spend time with. The town is also affordable, with a median housing value of $186,000, which is $120,000 less than the state average. Moreover, with the local Aging and Disability Resource Center providing services to support quality of life, this town is one of Wisconin’s most senior-friendly options.
Marinette
Those looking to retire on a budget should look no further than Marinette, the county seat of Marinette County. Despite its waterfront location and rich history as a lumber town in the 19th century, the average house here costs around $178,000. This is $125,000 below the state average, so you won’t have to break the bank for a comfortable home. If you don’t want to invest so much at once, The Cottages at Lake Park is an assisted living facility where you can stay at affordable installments. The facility has various senior-oriented benefits, including a meal program, transportation assistance, a relaxation spa, and an on-site barber shop. While it also has basic medical staff, the nearby Aurora Medical Center - Bay Area is available for serious healthcare requirements.
As for seniors living in Marinette, there are plenty of ways to enjoy one’s golden years. Those interested in learning more about their town can visit the Marinette County Historical Logging Museum, which details the local lumber past with logging exhibits and a log homestead. Meanwhile, those looking for a more natural outing can spend time at Marinette City Park, which has enclosed pavilions with a grill, sink, refrigerators, and indoor seating for up to 60 people. Thus, it is the perfect place for a community get-together. If 60 people sounds like too much, opt for an evening at the Forgotten Fire Winery instead. This business is considered one of the state’s best, with everything from Chardonnay to their Slight Ride holiday wine.
Lake Geneva
As the name suggests, Lake Geneva is a destination that connects seniors with waterfront opportunities. There are many ways to take in the scenery in one’s golden years, from sunbathing along Elm Park to hiking along the 20-mile-long Lake Geneva Shore Path. On a more unique note, one can also head up on a hot air balloon to witness the views from above or get into the action with a cruise on the lake. After the outdoors, seniors can end their evening with some food and drink at the Tuscan Tavern & Grill, a hotspot along Dodge Street.
Lake Geneva's touristy vibe offers a fresh environment perfect for retirees. To this end, over 21% of locals are above the age of 65, fostering a robust social environment. To meet other retirees, you can head out to the "Social Seniors" events at the local YMCA, where there are guest speakers, games, and plenty of events throughout the year. Meanwhile, for accommodation, Arbor Village of Geneva Crossing offers assisted living, while The Highlands of Geneva Crossing is an option for independent living.
Mayville
Offering a more secluded vibe with around 5,000 residents, Mayville is a relaxing getaway for seniors in Wisconsin. Thanks to its location, the town has an affordable housing market and the average home costs around $235,000. Compared to the state average of $301,000, retirees can look for their ideal home here. This might be why nearly 20% of the local community are senior citizens, creating an environment where you’ll have many people to meet and spend time with. While its location may be secluded, there is no lack of facilities, such as the Mayville Medical Center for healthcare concerns and the Senior Center for regular activities.
Beyond the senior center, Mayville invites retirees to the Mayville Golf Course & The Meating Place. From its 18-hole golf course and driving range to its sandwich grill and bar, it offers endless fun for people of all ages. Nearby, the Horicon March is a scenic nature area with large expanses of marshes where people can spot animals like geese, eagles, and pelicans.
Waupun
Waupun, known as “the City of Sculpture,” is home to one of the largest collections of sculptures for its size in the United States. Whether it is the bronze End of the Trail statue of James Earle Fraser in Shaler Park or the Recording Angel statue of a lady with wings, art-savvy seniors will never get bored. These sculptures exist thanks to Clarence Shaler, a local industrialist who fostered his genius through art and donated these pieces to the city. Beyond the artistic beauty, nature also shines in Waupun in areas like Meadow View Heights Park and Shaler Park. From picnic tables to waterfront walking trails, these sites are full of enjoyable ways to get some fresh air.
In addition to the art outdoors, seniors will also have enough money to have some art indoors, thanks to Waupun’s budget-friendly living. The town has a median home value of just $237,000, which leaves lots of money for personal hobbies and interests. Whenever you get bored at home, the Waupun Senior Center awaits, with everything from monthly newsletters to regular community puzzles. The center also has a billiards table and book swap library, so there are ample ways to spend your free time in Waupun.
Portage
Exuding a suburban vibe reminiscent of a storybook retirement destination, Portage is a town that retirees must consider in Wisconsin. As the county seat of Columbia County but only home to 10,500 people, the town has a mixed vibe, offering both urban amenities and rural peace. People here have access to many great services, such as medical care at the Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital, which offers home health services, assisted living, and spiritual care. Buying a home is also convenient as the median home value is less than $265,000, which is $35,000 less than Wisconsin’s average.
While anyone will find this town ideal, cultural enthusiasts are sure to have a blast thanks to the town’s rich heritage. Settled in 1851 as a major fur trade hub, the town abounds with historic landmarks, such as the Fort Winnebago Old Indian Agency House and Surgeon’s Quarters. The latter is the remainder of a 19th-century U.S. army fortification, while the former is the only known Indian Agency still in its original location. To learn more about these sites and the town, seniors can spend some time at the Museum at the Portage, a trove of rustic tales. If you ever get tired of the history and want to stretch your legs, Portage has you covered with Cascade Mountain. With 48 skiing trails and three terrain parks, seniors can hit the steep slopes or cruise along the beginner trail for views of waterfalls, forests, and rock formations.
Rhinelander
Home to more than 200 lakes, Rhinelander is an embodiment of Wisconsin’s natural appeal. Seniors from all over are drawn to areas such as Lake Thompson and Hodag Park, presenting ample ways to de-stress and relax in one’s golden years. Hodag Park sits along the shore of Boom Lake, boasting a public beach, pavilions, boat landing, and plenty of walking trails amidst the views. The park also hosts events at its amphitheater, including the Hodag Water Ski Shows and a firework celebration on the Fourth of July.
In addition to the natural sites, retirees looking for some knowledge can spend some time at the Kovac Planetarium, the world’s largest mechanical globe planetarium. Built by a man frustrated that his boy scout group couldn’t see the stars, this 22-foot-wide dome will let you see everything from constellations to planets. No matter how you spend your days, end them with a few snacks and beers from Rhinelander Brewing, a local hotspot always brewing with life.
There is never a dull moment for seniors in Rhinelander, as over 18% of the 8,000 locals are above 65. So, from walking along Hodag Park to snacking in Rhinelander Brewing Company, there is sure to be someone you can join. If you enjoy the company, why not live with people as well? Rhinelander’s many senior living facilities will ensure you’re always around like-minded people. Two great options are Milestone Senior Living and Grace Lodge Assisted Living, which feature beauty salons, entertainment areas, large living spaces, air conditioning, and more.
Verona
Three hours south of Rhinelander on the other side of the state, Verona is a culturally rich town known as “Hometown U.S.A.” Given this moniker by Vietnamese soldiers who pictured it as the perfect hometown, seniors will also find this community a model image of a retirement destination. The tight-knit community of 14,000 is very friendly and active, with regular events such as Hometown Days every June. This event has something for everyone, from carnival rides and live music to delicious food and beverages offered by local businesses like Lake Louie Brewing. The rest of the year holds even more activities, such as a hike along the pleasant Military Ridge State Trail, a mostly flat trail perfect for seniors.
Those looking for indoor alternatives can visit the Verona Senior Center. The site hosts regular social events, provides transportation if needed, and even has a meal delivery system to make life easier. Furthermore, Verona is touted for its healthcare at the UW Health Verona Clinic, where friendly staff and trained doctors create a positive environment.
Wisconsin offers retirees a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and welcoming communities. From the serene lakes of Rhinelander to the vibrant charm of Verona, each town provides unique opportunities for relaxation and adventure. With affordable housing, excellent healthcare, and engaging activities, these senior-friendly destinations cater to a variety of lifestyles. Whether you’re drawn to cultural landmarks, outdoor pursuits, or lively community events, Wisconsin’s retirement towns ensure a fulfilling and enjoyable golden years experience.
