7 Budget-Friendly Towns in the Great Lakes for Retirees

Retiring right on the water is increasingly becoming expensive and out of reach for many Americans. On the beaches along Florida, for instance, finding a two-bedroom mansion for less than $700,000 requires effort and a huge dose of luck. But there is no reason to despair. Although there will be trade-offs, the Great Lakes region is an excellent alternative for empty nesters who want to wake up to shimmering views of a calm and peaceful lake. Learn more about seven budget-friendly towns in the Great Lakes region for retirees.

Tawas City, Michigan

Whether one does not have much to spend on a house — or wants to use the cash for other stuff, retiring in Tawas City will make a lot of sense. As of May 2024, the town’s median listing home price was just $216,500. To put this in perspective, Michigan's median home listing price for the same period was $299,900. Although Tawas City can get busy in the summer, especially with tourists flocking to it, it is typically sweet and quiet. On the social scene, the community here is close-knit, and almost everyone knows each other. The town’s median age is 49, meaning a retiree will be in good company.

One will enjoy the closeness to the beach, the great walking paths in town, and the world of fun at Lake Huron. There is Freel’s Market for groceries, while Tawas Bay Pizza Company, with its wood-fired pizzas, will come in handy, especially when wanting to enjoy the ambiance of a downtown eatery. Ascension St Joseph Hospital meets the healthcare needs of residents.

Delavan, Wisconsin

Another budget-friendly retirement option in the Great Lakes region is Delavan, Wisconsin, whose downtown features a historic brick street. Only an hour from Lake Michigan's shores, Delavan is family-oriented and pleasing to live in. Home prices here are quite tempting. In May 2024, the median listing home price in Delavan was just $365,000. For perspective, Wisconsin’s median home price in the same period was $399,900.

Lake Geneva, which hosts the award-winning Mercy Walworth Hospital and Medical Center, is just 12 miles down the road. One can wake up to beautiful views of Comus Lake, on which the town sits, or enjoy a world of water-based fun at spots such as Delavan Lake, Geneva Lake, and Lake Como. On the social scene, Delavan is diverse, and the town’s median age is 37, a sweet blend between the young and old.

North Olmsted, Ohio

An empty nester who wants to retire within smelling distance of a big city will want to consider North Olmsted, a calm and pretty suburb that blends suburban tranquility and urban conveniences. A retiree here will be 20 minutes from Cleveland, the second-largest city in Ohio. This means one will not need to worry about groceries, hospital visits, or other necessary amenities. But North Olmsted does not just score big on big-city conveniences.

In May 2024, the median listing home price in North Olmsted was $272,500, which is significantly lower than Ohio’s median listing price of $325,000. Although the town’s defining feature is Lake Erie, other delightful spots include Huntington Beach, a soft sand beach perfect for beach combing, Bradley Woods Reservation Area, a fishing lake and a dense forest with deer, and Bunns Lake Wildlife Area. North Olmsted’s median age, 44, speaks to its retirement appeal.

Williamsville, New York

Williamsville, New York — another budget-friendly option in the Great Lakes — boasts a median listing home price of $374,900. Dollar-wise, this is a huge deal, especially considering New York’s median home listing price for the same period was $699,000. Williamsville is safe, has a fantastic school district, and features lots of stores and malls. A retiree here will be at the doorstep of Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, recognized for America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Prostate Surgery Award.

Buffalo, the second-largest city in the Empire State, is a mere 12 miles down the road. The presence of Buffalo Niagara International Airport makes Williamsville score big on accessibility. Other attractions and conveniences include Lake Erie, Amherst State Park, the small but beautiful Glen Park, Ellicott Creek, and The Country Club of Buffalo, a fantastic golf course with lovely views.

Lewiston, New York

How about enjoying a sparse suburban feel in Lewiston, a small charmer of about 16,000 residents, whose median listing home price is just $364,900? An empty nester here has access to lots of coffee shops, restaurants (such as The Silo), fun events and festivals (such as Peach Fest), a private university with a beautiful campus, Niagara River, the world-famous Niagara Falls, and numerous peaceful parks and green spaces.

If one needs to see a doctor, Mount Saint Mary's Hospital and Health Center is right in town. Alternatively, DeGraff Memorial Hospital, a 2024 recipient of America's 100 Best Prostate Surgery Award, is a short drive away. What's more? Lewiston’s median age is 50, meaning one can easily link up with folks in the same age bracket.

Johnsburg, Illinois

There is no reason to despair, even if your budget for a house is less than $400,000. The median listing home price in Johnsburg, Illinois is just $365,000. This price point comes with quick access to Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, just 10 minutes away in McHenry. Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital has won numerous awards, including America's 250 Best Hospitals Award, Patient Safety Excellence Award, and America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care Award.

For those who want to retire on the water, Johnsburg sits on the Fox River, an excellent fishing venue, and is less than an hour from the shores of Lake Michigan. Other water bodies a heartbeat from the town include Pistakee Lake, McCullom Lake, and Fox Lake. Chapel Hill Country Club features a lovely course with plenty of old oaks and valleys, while McHenry Outdoor Theater, with its nostalgic atmosphere, is a nice place to spend a slow afternoon watching a good movie. Johnsburg’s median age is 40, and residents aged 60 and above comprise 25% of the population.

Cloquet, Minnesota

In May 2024, the median listing home price in Cloquet, Minnesota, was $280,000 — a price point lower than the state median by almost $140,000. Although the St Louis River meanders through the town, the world-famous Lake Superior is minutes away. The presence of Cloquet Carlton County Airport means one can hop on a plane and reach a far-away destination in minutes. If you love camping, you will spend many nights at the Cloquet / Duluth KOA Journey, a clean and lovely property with a quiet atmosphere and beautiful views.

Other outdoor venues include Chub Lake Park and Pine Hill Golf Club. Keep checking out Black Bear Casino Resort as well, especially if you are into slot machines and gaming. If under the weather, Community Memorial Hospital is right in town. Alternatively, the highly rated St. Luke's Hospital is a short drive away in Duluth. Although the town’s median age is 35, residents aged 60 and above comprise 24% of the population.

No words can describe the experience of retiring next to the water. From the tasty views to the rustic allure to the outdoor adventure opportunities, a waterfront town is where the second half of life should be lived. Yet these locations are quickly becoming out of reach since their price points only fit Wall Street executives and jet-setting celebrities. That said, there are spots in the Great Lakes region, whose price points are still within reach. For some of the best destinations check out Tawas, Michigan; Delavan, Wisconsin, and North Olmsted, Ohio.