6 Senior-Friendly Towns in Minnesota

Bordering Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Canada's Manitoba and Ontario, Minnesota is a beautiful Midwest state known for its lakes and snowy winter weather. The state is full of woodlands, prairies, and over 10,000 freshwater lakes. Despite its northern position, Minnesota still receives nice, warm summers that give its residents the joys of a four-season climate. Minnesota is a relatively affordable state and its economy is centered around the Twin Cities area. However, much of the state is sparsely populated across numerous smaller communities. Retirement in Minnesota means taking advantage of the best of small community living while being connected to the services of bigger cities.

Moorhead

With the average cost of living sitting at 13% below the national average and below the state average, this town of 44,443 residents is an excellent place to call home. Crime rates are generally low in Moorhead, and the average home costs $298,000. Moorhead is the largest town in the northwest of Minnesota and sits in an old glacial agricultural region. Some of the best spots in Moorhead include Junkyard Brewing Company, the Hjemkomst Center, and The Rourke. There are numerous health clinics in town, and the local Senior Center offers hot meals, weekly activities such as bridge and mahjong, and community fitness opportunities.

Maplewood

The cost of living in Maplewood sits at 4% below the national average, with homes costing $325,000 on average. Crime is relatively low in this community of 41,405. Named after the nearby Maplewood State Park, this Minneapolis town is beautiful year-round. The Battle Creek Regional Park, Keller Golf Course, and Regional Park are some of the best spots to get outside and move in town. The M Health Fairview St. John's Hospital is a large 24-hour hospital that services the region's emergency and ongoing medical needs. Maplewood also has robust senior services, including the Gladstone 55+ Center, volunteer Store-to-Door groceries, the Senior Services Center, and Senior LinkAge Line, providing information and support to Maplewood's senior community.

Savage

This 32,441 community has a relatively low cost of living, and homes cost around $449,000 on average. The Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, Sand Point Beach, and Cleary Lake are some of Savage's best spots to enjoy the outdoors during the summer months. Savage also owns its small-town feel, with its fire department even offering pancake breakfasts with great coffee for the town. Although Savage does not have its own hospital, it does have several health clinics, a 24-hour emergency room, and a senior center, which provides a range of options such as assisted living and memory care.

Forest Lake

A relatively safe community, Forest Lake is home to 20,553 residents. The cost of living sits at around 6% below the national average, with the median home costing around $286,500. Directly on the lake with the same name and nearby Clear Lake, Mud Lake, and Howard Lake, Forest Lake is an excellent option for those looking to retire on the water. There are some fun attractions in town, including the Gammelgården Museum of Scandia and the Dead End Hayride. Although there are no hospitals in town, seven minutes away by car in Wyoming is the M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center, which is open 24 hours. The Forest Lake Senior Community Center welcomes the region's senior community over 55.

Otsego

With the average cost of living sitting at 8% below the national average and 2% below the state average, Otsego is a no-brainer for many looking to retire in Minnesota. The median home price sits at $450,000 in this community of 20,455. Just south of the Mississippi River, Otsego is in the prairie region of Minnesota. The Otsego Prarie Center is a one-stop-shop for the community, offering meeting spaces inside and paved trails outside. The Prairie Center is also home to the Otsego 55 and Over Activity Center, offering a rotating calendar of events and get-togethers for the region's senior community. Although Otsego does not have its own hospital, there are numerous just a short drive from town.

Fergus Falls

Fergus Falls is home to only 14,108 people, and this community is very safe. The cost of living is 19% below the national average and 14% below the state average, with the median home cost sitting at $234,000. Fergus Falls sits in a fairly watery part of the state with the Otter Tail River and several lakes running through town. The Lake Region Healthcare Fergus Falls Hospital services the region's healthcare needs. Some of the best things to do in the town include visiting the Otter Cove Children's Museum, Outstate Brewing Company, and the Riverside Waterfowl Sanctuary. The Fergus Falls Senior Citizens Program offers community activities, exercise facilities, classes, and nutrition to the town's 55-and-up community.

With its relatively low cost of living, affordable houses, and beautiful scenery, Minnesota is arguably one of the best states in the United States to consider retirement. Most communities are within a reasonable drive of Minneapolis and its major international airport, keeping you connected to the rest of the state, country, and world. Its close proximity to Canada also provides ample opportunities for nearby travel, allowing you to explore the U.S.'s sister country from the comfort of your own backyard.