6 Senior-Friendly Towns in the Northern United States
Finding the perfect place to settle down as you get older can be challenging, but the Northern United States offers several senior-friendly towns worth considering. The long-reaching region has all sorts of towns with affordable housing, quality healthcare, and many activities to keep you engaged. You can find towns with unforgettable coastal views all the way to quiet, peaceful communities with unbeatable healthcare options. Read on to explore six towns in the Northern United States to find that ideal balance of affordability, safety, and community, ensuring your senior years are enjoyable and rewarding.
Bar Harbor, Maine
This town, located on Mount Desert Island, offers amazing views of the coast and is next to Acadia National Park. It also has lots of great museums, like the Abbe Museum and Bar Harbor Historical Society Museum. The George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History, located at the College of the Atlantic, offers cool displays about Maine's natural history.
While house prices average around $644,000, which is higher than the national average of $360,000, many other benefits make up for the price. For example, Bar Harbor offers low crime and a great healthcare framework, with Mount Desert Island Hospital providing its residents with a range of medical services and specialties. The town also has a simple public transportation option, the Island Explorer bus system. It is free and can take residents everywhere on Mount Desert Island, so seniors who have trouble walking can easily travel.
Lewiston, Idaho
Lewiston's weather is pretty mild, ideal for retirees who want a manageable northern winter, especially when compared to other places in Idaho. Sure, the winters get chilly, but not nearly as bone-biting cold as one would find elsewhere in the state. Rent here in Lewiston is considerably cheaper than the national average of $2,100, ranging around $1,550 median rent for all bedroom types. Moreover, those looking to buy a home are also in luck, as the average home value in town is $365,000. For top-notch healthcare, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center has residents covered, offering all kinds of health services to ensure everybody gets the care they need.
For seniors who love being outside and soaking up nature, this town will check that box off. Seniors can venture out and spend time by the Snake River and Clearwater River. Both are good options for fishing or boating. Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America, is also nearby. Those interested can take a jet boat tour with a guide to see one of the most admirable natural landmarks in the country.
Northfield, Minnesota
Northfield is a safe, affordable town just 40 minutes south of the Minneapolis-St. Paul region. Connected to the urban hub, it is an excellent place for seniors who want to get away from the daily hustle and bustle while remaining connected. The city has a great group of support services for seniors. Groups such as the Community Action Center of Northfield offer support and resources, ensuring that older adults can get the tools they need to thrive.
If you fancy a nice walk outside, downtown Northfield is hailed for its old but well-kept buildings and lively, charming feel. Division Street, the town's main road, is full of local stores, places to eat, and places for seniors to see and enjoy. The best part is that Northfield is also quite affordable. The cost of buying a home in Northfield is about $372,000, with its rent falling before the average national price.
Essex Junction, Vermont
With the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain at its door, Essex Junction offers no shortage of physical beauty for seniors to take in. House prices here sit at around $500,000. While a bit more expensive than some, the scenic mix of mountains and water makes homes worth the added price. Essex Junction is also near quality health centers, like the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. This means seniors can get all kinds of health help, from special treatments to urgent care, when needed.
The town has fun places to visit, like theaters, art spots, and museums. Every week, the Five Corners Farmers’ Market offers a spot for seniors to shop around, meet others, and have a good old time. Along with the range of eccentric businesses, seniors in town adore the Essex Area Senior Center. It has various activities tailor-made for old agers, such as fitness classes, art classes, parties, and even day trips.
Marquette, Michigan
Marquette is a Michigan town resting along Lake Superior, hugged by lovely forests and hills. Each season brings its beauty here, with colorful leaves in fall and peaceful snow in winter. It also offers affordable housing, with the average home in the $300,000 range. Amenities follow suit, and the town is home to the UP Health System - Marquette, which has high-quality health services, especially for seniors.
Retirees will find many cultural spots, such as museums, art galleries, and theaters, in Marquette. Northern Michigan University adds to the fun with its events and places like the De Vos Art Museum and Forest Roberts Theatre, which seniors will love. Another great place to check out is Presque Isle Park, which boasts plenty of walking space. One can spend hours walking through the park's 323 acres with scenic views of Lake Superior.
Menomonie, Wisconsin
Menomonie is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts planning on retirement. The great outdoors surrounds the town, with lakes, parks, and paths to explore. The Red Cedar State Trail and Lake Menomin are perfect for those who love tackling the outdoors. If you want a touch of architectural wonder, this town has some treats, like the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, a gorgeous, old-fashioned theater. Made in 1889, its facade and look are famous, with its detailed wooden designs, colorful glass windows, and massive auditorium. The Wilson Place Mansion, built in 1859, is also a historic house museum in town, showcasing local history and architectural elegance.
Menomonie offers good healthcare services, like the Mayo Clinic Health System, a must-have for seniors looking for a safe, reliable place to call home. Its average home price is around $287,000, so the town is also affordable.
In Conclusion
Finding the perfect town in the Northern United States is one way to make your senior years stress-free and enjoyable. The problem is your ideal town is not the same as someone else's. The good news is that the Northern United States has different options to try and experience. From the West Coast in Washington to the East Coast in Maine, there is a plethora of places to choose from, whether small villages or big metropolises. These six towns are options with cheap house prices, great healthcare, and all kinds of things to do, giving you a good mix of everything important.
