7 Cost-Effective Towns In Iowa For Retirees

While it may not rise to the top of many best places to retire lists, the state of Iowa has a lot to offer seniors. Iowa provides affordability, friendly towns, and an abundance of natural beauties. Often known for its rolling prairies, one should not forget its peaceful rivers, woodlands, hilly regions, and low cost of living. The Hawkeye State is a diamond in the rough, considering its low crime rates, high-quality healthcare facilities, and welcoming communities. There are so many small towns to discover, each with its own flair.

Pella has its Dutch-inspired annual tulip festival, Decorah is nested in the beautiful Driftless Area, Mount Vernon boasts historic charm and breathtaking views, Fairfield has its arts scene, Indianola its hot air ballooning, Storm Lake has affordable lakefront living, and Grinnell is the "Jewel of the Prairie." Journey to some of the best towns Iowa has for seniors.

Pella

The gently rolling hills and peaceful countryside of the small town of Pella offer opportunities for outdoor activities. Known as "Little Holland," the downtown has a European vibe due to its Dutch heritage. The quaint tulip-line streets and European-style architecture add to the charm of this spirited little community. The cost of living is quite reasonable, with a median home value of $240,100. Of the population of 10,820, 18.8% are aged 65 and older; it’s easy to see that many have selected this town for their golden years.

Senior amenities include Pella Regional Health Center, which provides quality medical care in town. The town also has a senior center with recreational and educational programs. Local landmarks are the Vermeer Windmill, considered to be the tallest working Dutch windmill in the US. The Tulip time Festival is an annual tradition that displays the town’s European culture. Lake Red Rock presents residents with scenic views, hiking, fishing and birdwatching.

Decorah

Nested in the Driftless area of the state, Decorah’s hills, limestone bluffs, and meandering streams make this town a nature lover’s paradise. The downtown proudly displays its Norwegian heritage and offers a vibrant arts scene. The population of 7,500 has attracted many retirees, who make up nearly 24% of the population. The median home value is $288,800, making it affordable for most income levels, even those on a fixed income.

The WinnMed (Winneshiek Medical Center) has comprehensive healthcare services, and the active community keeps its senior population healthy and moving. Local landmarks include the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, Dunning’s Spring Park, with its waterfalls and hiking trails, and Trout Run Trail, a scenic 11-mile loop designed for biking and walking.

Mount Vernon

The historic town of Mount Vernon has done a good job preserving its heritage and period buildings while embracing a progressive, artistic culture. Mount Vernon sits atop a high hill, surrounded by other views and dramatic views of the Iowa plains. About 9% of the population is aged 65 and older, and the median home value is $234,400, which is price-sensitive for seniors.

MercyCare clinics and the town’s proximity to Cedar Rapids hospitals ensure that seniors have access to the healthcare required. Landmarks include the Lincoln Highway Art Festival and Cornell College (a historic liberal arts college with a gorgeous campus).

Fairfield

What makes the village of Fairfield special is its sustainable living habits, its spiritual retreats, and its thriving art scene. This has drawn many, with over a quarter of its 9,300-population age 65 and older. The median home price of $134,700 makes this an exceptionally affordable place to retire, and the sense of community does not hurt either.

Maharishi Vedic City is a spiritual and architectural site, adjacent to the Fairfield Municipal Airport. In town, the Fairfield Art and Convention Center is a center for performances and cultural events. For outdoor lovers, Jefferson County Park is a 250-acre park with picnic spots and walking trails. The topography of the town is a mix of woods and prairies, which creates a tranquil setting for spending one’s remaining years. Lastly, Jefferson County Health Center offers wellness-targeted facilities to service the local community.

Indianola

With a gently rolling landscape, the town of Indianola is admired for its outdoorsy, adventurous spirit. The charming town has an annual hot-air balloon festival and is known for its community activities. The population of over 16,000 includes seniors, age 65 and older, who make up around 17%. The affordable median housing value of $206,200 has attracted many in their advanced years, looking for a friendly place to retire.

MercyOne Indianola Medical Center offers quality medical care and a variety of wellness programs. Its landmarks include the National Balloon Museum, Summerset State Park (ideal for picnics, hiking, and fishing), and Buxton Park Arboretum, with its walking trails.

Storm Lake

Nearly 14% of Storm Lake’s 11,435 population is age 65 and older, and this, coupled with an ultra-low median home value of $148,900, has made this town a magnet for seniors in the area. The sparkling lake is enveloped by greenery, creating a calming environment. The town offers a blend of cultural diversity and natural beauty and is quite affordable for a waterfront community. Buena Vista Regional Medical Center has good healthcare access. Residents enjoy attractions such as the Storm Lake Marina, King’s Pointe Waterpark, and Chautauqua Park, which offer plenty of activities for seniors and their grandchildren.

Grinnell

With an inexpensive median home value of $177,600 and historic charms, it is easy to see why 21.3% of the small population of around 9,500 is age 65 and older. Referred to as the "Jewel of the Prairie," Grinnell is a town with education, culture, and historic period architecture.

Grinnell Regional Medical Center offers outstanding medical care for seniors and people of all ages. Grinnell College is prized for its cultural events and historic campus, Grinnell Historical Museum, and Rock Creek State Park, with its camping, hiking, fishing, and scenic views.

These seven towns provide seniors with the very best that the state of Iowa has to offer. Access to top-notch medical facilities, tight-knit, vibrant communities, and natural wonders make the state one to consider for retirement. Each has its own distinct features, from lakefront living to hilltop views to historic architecture and vibrant art scenes. There is something in Iowa for everyone, especially retirees, in these cost-effective towns.