10 Top-Ranked Towns in Wisconsin for Retirees

A combination of serene natural scenery, cozy mild climate, rich cultural heritage, and plenty of outdoor opportunities make Wisconsin a great place to settle after retirement. The state has many small towns and cities that balance quality-of-life amenities with affordability. Whether you're interested in urban or rural living, active adult communities or more independent housing, several exciting options spread throughout the Badger State. Affordability is a high priority for many retirees, and real estate and living costs in all of these towns are below state and national averages.

In addition to reasonable costs of living, these top-ranked towns excel in other factors. While each offers its unique character, they all share outdoor scenery where recreation opportunities abound, from hiking trails, parks, and fishing lakes to swimming beaches. Cultural activities like concerts, festivals, art fairs and more ensure active retirees have plenty to keep them engaged. If you are searching for the ideal place to spend your golden years, these charming towns in Wisconsin were tailor-made for retirees. 

Columbus

Sitting a short drive from Madison, this adorable south-central Wisconsin community is home to a modest community of just under 6,000, with over 13% of the population 65 years or older. It combines unique natural surroundings with a rich history to deliver the best of Midwestern living. Retirees can take advantage of recreation opportunities along the Crawfish River to kayak or go fishing and picnicking around Lazy Lake. Alternatively, they can explore the historic downtown to discover its colorful heritage at City Hall. 

The tight-knit community in Columbus enjoys a safe environment, with a crime rate almost half the national average. Retirees can experience its warmth during the many social events lined up throughout the year, including the Redbud Day celebration. With a median home value under $108,000, owning a home is very possible for pensioners and access to quality amenities in nearby Madison promises seniors a high quality of life.

Rhinelander

Rhinelander’s location in the middle of the Great Lakes makes this Oneida County town a top consideration for aquatic fun enthusiasts. Christened an ice fishing capital, the town is surrounded by sprawling water bodies like Boom Lake and Lake Thompson, where pensioners can fish, kayak, and canoe. Pioneer Park Historical Complex offers a look into the logging history of the town, while providing a quiet space in the heart of the town for residents to relax and unwind. The town also impresses with a vibrant arts and culture scene, highlighted by centers like ArtStart. 

With senior residents accounting for about 17% of the population, incoming retirees will find a friendly community of peers waiting to welcome them into their fold. This, while enjoying peaceful surroundings with a crime rate way below the national average. Several medical centers in Rhinelander guarantee a prompt response to health emergencies, led by the Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital. 

Mayville

Retirees who appreciate a strong sense of community will feel right at home in this quiet riverfront community in Dodge County. There are multiple historical pursuits to discover the town’s colorful past, which will make for a laidback pastime within the halls of the Mayville Limestone School Museum and the Mayville Historical Society. Pensioners can also take advantage of numerous outdoor opportunities to stay active and healthy, by enrolling in different fitness programs at Mayville Park Pavilion and admiring migratory birds at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. Retirees will have an easy time adjusting to their new environment, thanks to a large community of peers, with almost 20% of the population 65 years and above. The crime rate is more than 50% below the national average and seniors enjoy access to numerous medical centers; there are over 100 hospitals within one mile of the city. 

Shawano

Living in Shawano offers retirees access to endless aquatic recreation, thanks to the presence of Shawano Lake, a popular swimming spot in the summer, and Wolf River, where enthusiasts go for various paddling adventures. There are numerous meeting points in the bustling town where you can mingle and interact with other community members. Shawano County Historical Society is an excellent option if you are curious about the town’s past. Meanwhile, Shawano Wisconsin Flea Market presents a buzzing atmosphere with an opportunity to shop for unique wares and establish lasting relationships.

Crime is almost unheard of in Shawano, with just 1.41 violent crime cases recorded per 1,000 residents. The median home value is about $150,000 and the cost of living is 15 points below the national average. Seniors also have access to numerous assisted living facilities, such as Shawano Place Senior Living.

Prairie Du Chien

Established by French Voyageurs in the 17th century, Prairie du Chien boasts a rich historical heritage that is well-preserved and showcased at Fort Crawford Museum and Villa Louis Historic Site. It also presents a couple of charming outdoor nature spaces, perfect for a lazy walk and picnicking in the wild, including the Mississippi River Sculpture Park and Lochner Park. The restaurant scene in Prairie du Chien impresses with a string of recognized eateries. Retirees who fancy fine dining can look forward to a delectable dining experience at Fort Mulligan’s Grill Pub. 

The crime rate in Prairie du Chien is pretty low, rated at 1.8 cases of violent crime per 1,000 residents. Also, the median home price is under $200,000 and the cost of living is below the national average, making it an affordable and safe environment for retirement living. 

Waupun

Waupun is a tiny community tailored for retirement living. It hosts multiple medical facilities providing reliable health care to residents, including the well-recognized SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital and the New Medical Center. Several outdoor spots allow retirees to lead an active and entertaining life, with diverse recreation opportunities at Meadow View Heights Park and hiking and biking adventures along the South Branch Rock River. When the grandkids visit, pensioners can spend a fun family day out with them at the popular Waupun Family Aquatic Center. 

Waupun provides multiple senior living communities for retirees who can no longer fully care for themselves, such as Gateway Senior Apartments and Prairie Ridge Assisted Living. The living cost of living is way below the national average and the same applies to the crime rate, promising pensioners a cheap and safe life after work. 

Sturgeon Bay

Sitting on the scenic Door Peninsula, the small town of Sturgeon Bay presents a charming retirement setting in a community of less than 1,000 residents. It is surrounded by idyllic open spaces and nature areas, perfect for outdoorsy individuals who want to take advantage of recreational spaces like Potawatomi State Park and Cave Point County Park. The town takes pride in preserving its rich historical and cultural heritage, evidenced by well-visited sites like the Door County Historical Museum and Door County Maritime Museum.

Safety is also a major draw, with Sturgeon Bay posting crime rates over 50% lower than the national average. Living costs are reasonable, considering an average monthly rental price of only $800 and quality homes available for purchase at under $200,000. The crime is 60%+ below the national average and seniors can find assisted living facilities at Cardinal Ridge Residential.  

Reedsburg

With a rich history dating back to its founding in the 1860s, Reedsburg offers retirees a charming small town to explore. The adorable community addresses any healthcare concerns for its senior population through outstanding facilities like Reedsburg Area Medical Center. Parks and recreation opportunities abound. Webb Park is a favorite nature space nestled along Hay Creek with a spacious and laid back setting perfect for picnics. It also contains a tennis court and a public swimming pool. 

Several affordable housing options in Reedsburg suit those seeking independent or assisted living. A good example is Park Place Senior Apartments, which offers well-appointed units with private balconies and patios, allowing residents to enjoy the fresh air. The town also records 1.29 violent crime cases per 1,000 residents, saving pensioners from always looking behind their backs when walking the streets. 

Portage

Portage is a historical hub that takes pride in its strong community ties and frequently ranks among the best towns in Wisconsin for retirees.  National historic landmarks like the Industrial Waterfront and Church Hill Districts showcase the city's roots while remaining vibrant areas today. Retirees can get a deeper perspective of the town’s past at the Portage Historical Society Museum. Healthcare is another huge draw for seniors in the town, with high-caliber facilities like Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital offering a range of medical services, from obstetrics to assisted living. 

Nature and recreation opportunities are aplenty, thanks to delightful spaces such as the beloved Silver Lake Beach. This 2.5-acre lakeside park is a popular hub for residents and visitors alike who enjoy fishing its waters for prized species. Retirees can also gain peace of mind through residence at Hamilton Park Place Assisted Living and the crime rate is less than the national average.

Verona

Sitting just outside busy Madison, the tranquil town of Verona presents a charming escape into small-town living. Bountiful natural areas draw outdoorsy retirees to explore hiking trails along the scenic Ice Age National Scenic Trail and enjoy pleasant picnicking opportunities at Fireman’s Park Beach. While the average home price is approximately $480,000, pensioners with enough savings to afford it can enjoy a low crime rate, which features 0.55 cases per 1,000 residents, promising safety and stability. The tight-knit community gathers regularly at the vibrant Verona Downtown Farmers Market, a great spot for retirees to meet peers. 

Here, locals mingle and socialize while buying fresh, locally-grown produce straight from the source. The strong sense of connection and support fostered among neighbors is a hallmark that makes Verona ideal for settling down after retirement. Residents appreciate the blend of rural charm and accessible Madison amenities while enjoying pristine natural beauty on their doorstep.

Wrapping Up

The Badger State offers no shortage of wonderful small communities suitable for retirement. The towns in Wisconsin provide a high quality of life through desirable attributes like natural amenities, access to healthcare, affordable costs of living, and a strong sense of community engagement. With their focus on outdoor recreation, cultural activities, lifelong learning, and social well-being, any of these towns make an excellent choice to call a permanent home as you enter the next phase of life. They are a great avenue to a high quality of life in your golden years.