7 Budget-Friendly Towns in the Northern United States for Retirees
Finding a peaceful yet low-cost place to spend your retirement years does not have to be daunting. It is possible, even if it seems tricky, when you start digging and researching locations to spend your Golden Years. The Northern United States brims with towns blending reasonably priced living, stunning landscapes, and fulfilling activities.
These towns unite cheaper home costs with a high quality of life, making them perfect for those who want relaxation and engagement in their later years. You can find lakeside communities or places known for rich cultural experiences; every town has its set of perks tailor-made for retirees. Whether you love exploring the outdoors or immersing in diverse cultures, read on to discover seven budget-friendly towns in the Northern United States for retirees.
Albert Lea, Minnesota
Surrounded by the natural beauty of Minnesota's expansive lakes, Albert Lea is a fine budget choice to consider. If you are a retiree and choose Albert Lea as your home, you will be joining a community of similarly aged individuals. The 65-year-old and older bracket makes up almost 24 percent of the town's population!
Housing costs here are positive, at $168,888, compared to the national average of $340,688. It is also home to esteemed health facilities like the Mayo Clinic Health System, one of the biggest names in American healthcare. There are excellent local choices if you are enjoying your golden years and aiming to stay active and at the peak of your health. You can drop by Myre-Big Island State Park for exciting walks, outdoor nights under the stars, or watch animals in their awe-inspiring homes. Additionally, Albert Lea Lake is there if you fancy gliding over water in a boat, catching fish, or just enjoying the scenery.
Galesburg, Illinois
Only an hour east of Iowa, Galesburg is a peaceful town with affordable house prices, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere reflected through its rustic brick buildings. If you are a senior looking for a good budget option, you are in luck since the average home here is just over $89,500, much lower than both state and national averages. OSF St. Mary Medical Center is a quality health institution in the area, making certain your medical essentials are thoroughly taken care of.
In and around town, all sorts of green spaces, golfing areas, and the lovely Lake Storey offer opportunities for retirees to enjoy nature and the outdoors. There is some in-depth history to explore, too. The Carl Sandburg State Historic Site celebrates the place where the famous poet was born. There is an exciting museum and lovely gardens for everyone to enjoy. Also in town, you can check out the Galesburg Railroad Museum to see some vintage trains.
Jamestown, North Dakota
Retirees who want an affordable town will find Jamestown, North Dakota, to be an exciting choice. Homes here cost around $197,000 on average, making it a fine choice for spending your golden years. Quality care for your health is within reach here, compliments of institutions such as the Jamestown Regional Medical Hub.
People here are happy about their tight-knit friendships, and the town is known for being friendly and helping. For example, the James River Senior Center has many different meet-ups and assistance programs, which encourage chatting with others and leading an on-the-go life.
There are all sorts of things to do here, too. For example, the Jamestown Reservoir is a hangout for people who love boat rides or angling. Meanwhile, the nearby parks have beautiful spots to enjoy outdoor meals and walking trails. The Pipestem Reservoir is also well-liked by locals with its great angling prospects and opportunities to spot animals in their natural habitat.
The National Buffalo Museum features bison exhibits and artifacts, while Frontier Village, with its historic buildings and giant buffalo statue, showcases the area's history and culture.
Ashland, Wisconsin
On the edges of Lake Superior, Ashland is a delightful place known for its historical buildings and an array of artistically painted murals. Houses here are ideal for retirees keeping a close eye on their spending, and they are priced on average at about $195,950. Rent is also affordable, with the median monthly rent for all property types at $975.
The town is home to cost-free activities for active retirees. Chequamegon Bay, part of Lake Superior, offers a range of affordable and even free fun things to do. These include fishing, boating on the shimmering waters, not to mention strolling along lakefront paths.
Also worth checking out is Ashland's Mural Walk, which features dazzling images painted on city walls that share stories from the town's past. Prentice Park is another local favorite close to Lake Superior. With trails for walking and spots perfect for picnics, it provides ample opportunity for relaxing outings amid nature's beauty without a big cost involved.
Sandusky, Ohio
With home prices almost $100,000 lower than the Ohio average, Sandusky is an ideal option for retirees along the shores of Lake Erie.
Home to around 25,000 people, Sandusky offers a warm and friendly atmosphere for those who want an energetic yet laid-back place to hang their hats. Since it has Lake Erie right on its doorstep, there are all sorts of low-cost outdoor activities you can enjoy, like going boating or spending a quiet day outside fishing.
Firelands Health Care Center offers complete health services. These include special programs for older people, ensuring that retired individuals can access excellent and easy-to-access medical care. The town has no shortage of places to see. Sandusky’s Maritime Museum highlights the city’s nautical heritage, while Shoreline Park offers scenic waterfront paths and picnic areas by Lake Erie, perfect for leisurely activities and community events.
Decorah, Iowa
Decorah is another option lying beautifully in what is often called the Driftless Region. Steeped in Norwegian roots and surrounded by nature's bounty, Decorah opens up a lively world of culture for retirees.
Although the mean cost for a home here is slightly above $290,000, a tad more than some other places on this list, it is still beneath the country's average of $363,000. The town has some retiree-friendly activities. It is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Upper Iowa River, which offers outdoor activities like birdwatching. The Senior Citizens Hospitality Center provides exercise classes and social events for retirees.
The town's vibrant culture and outdoors are also worth a visit. Decorah's Vesterheim Museum salutes the traditions of Norwegian-American ancestry with a broad display, while Dunning's Spring Park offers scenic paths and an eye-catching waterfall. It’s a dream spot for relaxed open-air fun and delighting in Mother Nature.
Aberdeen, South Dakota
This town, named after a Scottish locale called Aberdeen, is located in South Dakota. It is a great pocket-friendly town, where houses cost about $227,000, so fearsome housing expenses won’t strike. You also do not have to worry about medical care. St. Luke's Place of Healing provides full-picture wellness solutions, bringing seniors unique programs for their well-being.
You won't be bored here. Aberdeen’s Storybook Land offers whimsical gardens and exhibits, while nearby Wylie Park provides walking trails and picnic areas, perfect for leisurely outdoor activities and community events. The Dacotah Prairie Museum invites you to learn about local history and view various artworks. The Richmond Lake Recreation Area is the perfect spot for those who like to spend time in nature, offering boating, fishing, long walks, and bird-watching activities.
Moreover, the perfectly restored Capitol Theatre adds beauty and interest to the town’s culture with its presentations of dramas, music performances, and movies.
If you are looking for an economical place to retire in the Northern United States, it is not only achievable, but it can be a rich and satisfying life experience. Consider places like Albert Lea in Minnesota or Galesburg in Illinois. They combine cost-effective living with breathtaking surroundings and fun things to do day-to-day. So, whether you are into peaceful lakeside dwellings or crave vibrant cultural happenings, these towns have something special just for retirees. Get ready to enjoy a rewarding lifestyle that is still kind on your pocketbook.
