7 Senior-Friendly Towns in Missouri

One of the most affordable states in America, Missouri seamlessly blends the serenity of its countryside with the vibrant dynamics of city life, making it of all the right offerings. Towns like Branson are celebrated for their vibrant community events and rich entertainment scene, drawing retirees who prioritize their social lives. On the other hand, upscale communities such as Kimberling City are known for their tranquility and refined lifestyle, offering peaceful lakefront views and well-maintained neighborhoods that cater to those seeking a quieter life. Residents over the age of 60 shape over 16% of the state's overall population, with a cost-effective small town for all interests and appeals. The best senior-friendly towns in Missouri are a blend of all lifestyles and atmospheres; read along to find the ideal place to spend your golden years in the Show-me State.

Boonville

Sitting along the Missouri River, Boonville is an agricultural community that balances elements of countryside living and big city amenities.

Locals take pride in the town’s history with well-preserved attractions like the historic Mitchell Antique Motorcar Museum, the Thespian Hall that dates back to the 19th century, and the Katy Depot Train Station.

Surrounded by acres of green fertile land, the closest major metropolis to Boonville is Columbia located 25.3 mi away. With a small population of 7,666, the town has a limited selection of senior homes with some of the top-rated being Hartmann Village Senior Living and Bristol Manor. Home prices, on the other hand, are significantly cheaper, valued at $222,500, commonly accompanied by a spacious backyard or private land.

Kimberling City

Kimberling City offers a nature-centric take on the retirement lifestyle, located near the Ozark Mountains. Kimberling City ranks as one of the best senior-friendly places to retire in Missouri for the laid-back lifestyle it offers.

However, unlike other remote small towns in Missouri, this small town is differentiated by an upscale atmosphere of luxury homes that add to its natural appeal and waterfront setting along Fisher and Schooner Creek. Located near the Arkansas border, Kimberling City offers residents the unique advantage of easy access to the stunning Table Rock Lake for water cruises.

With a mild climate and endless parks like Joe Bald Park and the vast Dogwood Canyon Nature Park in Lampe, seniors relocating to Kimberling City can choose from an array of activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle in town.

While home prices are significantly higher than other retirement destination options in town, valued at $449.9k in 2024, relocators to town will enjoy a better quality of life and air quality and live among welcoming locals in a tight-knit community.

Ferguson

Ferguson is a perfect affordable retirement spot for seniors prioritizing big-city access and an engaging sense of community. Located in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, Ferguson is a balanced urbanized small community of 18,141 that promises seniors a laidback hospitable relaxing lifestyle.

Thanks to the town’s sizable community and considerably large population of seniors estimated to be over 14%, Ferguson also features a range of retirement homes for those in need of attentive health care like Arbor Hills Nursing, Oak Knoll Nursing Home, and Christian Care Home. Adding to the senior care options are top-notch healthcare facilities like ArchWell Health and Affinia Healthcare’s private Clinic.

Even considering Ferguson’s proximity to major metropolitan cities and lively scene, it still stands as one of the most affordable towns to retire in Missouri, with average home prices in 2024 valued at only $120,000.

Cape Girardeau

Cape Girardeau adds a historic element to the best retirement towns in Missouri, being a charming riverside community that dates back over 200 years. More of a small city than a town, Cape Girardeau is also home to a student population of Southeast Missouri State University that adds to its liveliness. Thanks to the town’s diverse demographic of residents, Cape Girardeau has something for all ages.

Discover town art galleries like the Art Gallery at the Crisp Museum and Gallery of Inspiration, along with wall murals that commemorate the town's history, like the downtown Missouri Wall of Fame Mural. Taking pride in their history, some of the must-see historic places in town include Bollinger Mill State Historic Site.

Home prices in Cape Girardeau are valued at $260,000, making it a relatively affordable medium between cheaper and more expensive options.

Branson

Branson is a top retirement destination for its strong community element and entertainment scene. This small town is also popular among vacationers for its proximity to the Ozark Mountains and its many nature-centric activities.

Branson makes the perfect place to retire for its many entertainment options, with one of the city’s main attractions being its Sight & Sound Theatres. Adding to its artistic scene is a tight-knit sense of community with endless music events and live performances that make an excellent opportunity to get to know locals and become part of the community.

With a population of 12,947, Branson offers everything seniors can ask for in amenities and care. Some of the most notable medical facilities in town include Cox Medical Center Branson, Mercy Outpatient Clinic, and the private Command Family Medicine Branson. Home prices in Branson in 2024 are valued at $260,000, while some of the best retirement homes in town include The Oaks Retirement Community, The Bungalows at Branson Meadows, and Shepherd of the Hills Living.

Mexico

Mexico, Missouri, located 40 miles from Columbia, offers a convenient retirement town that balances big-city amenities with natural rural surroundings.

Beautified by natural attractions, some of the town’s most notable attractions include Missouri Botanical Garden, Green Estate Park, and the more popular Lakeview Park. Nicknamed the Fire Brick Capital Of The World, Seniors can find a sense of community at artistic places like the Presser Arts Center and America's National Churchill Museum, along with other places to explore in nearby communities like the Vintage Auto World Museum in Fulton.

Despite being a great option for medical attention because of its proximity to major cities, the town also enjoys its own reliable medical services like Noble Health Audrain Comm Hospital. While most of the best-assisted living options are located in the nearby city of Columbia, home prices in Mexico are among some of the most affordable in the state with 2024 estimates valued at $147,000.

Sedalia

Finally, Sedalia is one of the best small towns to retire for being a medium of every element that makes Missouri a desirable state to call home.

While the town is most recognized for its annual events like the Missouri State Fair, seniors relocating to Sedalia are also granted the luxury of a classy historical element, endless parks for daily exercise, and affordability, all at a fraction of the price of other retirement towns. Some of the town’s iconic spots and attractions include the Katy Depot, which now serves as a museum and visitor center, and the Liberty Center Association for the Arts, where live exhibitions and performances can be experienced.

Seniors prioritizing outdoor recreation can also frequent Katy Trail State Park, which offers miles of scenic trails for walking and biking. Home prices in Sedalia average around $212,500, making it a cost-effective choice for retirees.

Ultimately, Missouri boasts a diverse array of charming towns that cater to retirees’ varied preferences. These destinations seamlessly blend affordability, scenic beauty, and cultural richness, providing retirees with an enriching retirement experience.

Whether looking for a remote, calm town to call home or a diverse community of other seniors like Ferguson, the best senior-friendly towns in Missouri cater to a wide range of lifestyle preferences.