Historic fountain in Public Square in downtown Watertown, Upstate New York NY, USA. Image credit Wangkun Jia via Shutterstock.

7 Senior-Friendly Towns in the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are a chain of major, deep freshwater lakes along the Canada-U.S. border. These lakes are Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. Other than Lake Baikal in Russia, the Great Lakes have the world's largest combined freshwater surface area. This water formation spans across the U.S.'s Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Canada's Ontario. Much of the region's climate is regulated by the lakes, and they typically see cool, snowy winters and hot, sunny summers. Acting as a base for the region's economy, the Great Lakes region is both a beautiful and active region to consider retirement in, with the added bonus of ample recreation available on and near the waterfront.

Idyllic CommunitiesEncompassing small towns whose tiny demeanor only maximizes the spellbinding nature around them, these six offer idyllic waterfronts.

Ashland, WI

This town of 7,903 has a cost of living 16% below the national average and 10% below the Wisconsin state average. The median home price is $110,300. Not to be mistaken with one of the nine other Ashlands in the United States, Wisconsin's Ashland is located on Chequamegon Bay in one of the southernmost tips of Lake Superior. The bay is known for its world-class smallmouth bass fishing and proximity to deep-water fishing. This part of Wisconsin is also a great birding spot, with roughly 300 species regularly visible from trails. Some of the best shops along the eight-block downtown district include the New England Store and Salmagundi. Ashland also has the benefit of being home to the Tamarack Health Ashland Medical Center as well as the Ashland Senior Community Center.

Red Lake, MN

Red Lake is home to 1,435 residents, and the median home price is $137,800 in this small town. Red Lake's history is roughly 8,000 years old and today is the home of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. Close to town, the Big Bog State Recreation Area, Itasca State Park, and Bemidji State Park have some of the most beautiful hiking and water trails in the region. This community is small and very rural but is perfect for those looking to retire. It is embedded in nature and a short drive from the majestic Lake Superior. The community is serviced by the Red Lake Hospital, offering outpatient, walk-in, behavioral, emergency, and specialist departments for residents of the area. Although Red Lake does not have a dedicated senior center, it does have a robust Elderly Maintenance Program offering physical support such as snow plowing and grass cutting for the town's senior members.

Mackinaw City, MI

The median home price in this community of 734 is $206,800. Mackinaw City is perfectly located between Lakes Huron and Michigan and acts as a tourist destination year-round. Mackinaw used to be a trading village, and today, the town hosts historical reenactments of the American Revolution. Mackinaw City's State Dock also has the town's largest sandy beach, offering warm waters that attract swimmers nationwide. Close by, Mackinac Island is accessible by ferry and is worth the day trip to spend hiking and biking around the shores of Lake Huron and Michigan. Although it does not have a major hospital, Mackinaw City does have a 24-hour emergency room. The Wawatam Senior Center offers events and meals for the town's 55 and up community.

Sandusky, OH

The cost of living in Sandusky is 11% below the national average, with the median home price at $85,300. Crime is relatively on par with the national average in this town of 24,964 residents. Sandusky sits along Sandusky Bay on the southern shores of Lake Erie. Some of the best things to do in Sandusky include visiting the Maritime Museum of Sandusky, spending a day on the Mills Creek Golf Course, or heading out for a day on the water from one of the many marinas such as the Sandusky Boat Basin or Deep Water Marina. The Firelands Regional Medical Center provides emergency and ongoing medical care to the town's residents. Sandusky is also home to the Erie County Senior Center, offering hot meals, activities, a thrift shop, and wellness services.

Waterford, PA

The cost of living in Waterford is 7% below the national average, with the median home price sitting at approximately $371,410. Waterford is home to 1,249 residents, so it is an ideal town for those who like the calm and quiet life. A short drive from the northern shores of Lake Erie and on Lake Le Boeuf, Waterford, Pennsylvania, is an excellent community to choose from for retirement. Although small, the town hosts a number of clubs, including the American Legion, the Waterford Garden Club, and the Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society, among others. The nearest hospital and senior centers are located a short drive away in Erie, Pennsylvania, and are open to residents of Waterford.

Westfield, NY

Westfield, New York: Buildings on East Main Street on a sunny fall day, via woodsnorthphoto / Shutterstock.com

This community of 4,556 is remarkably affordable with the average cost of living sitting at 18% below the national average and 35% below the state average. The median home cost is a mere $76,200 in Westfield. Also located on the shores of Lake Erie, this historical community is a beautiful New York town to call home. Home to numerous vineyards such as the Johnson Estate Winery, Beaches such as Barcelona Harbor Beach, and fun historic sites such as the Barcelona Lighthouse, Westfield is a quintessential slow-living town. The Westfield Memorial Hospital and Westfield Recreation Department service the town's medical, wellness, and social needs, including offering dedicated services for its 55+ community.

Watertown, NY

Brighton Building at 130 Court Street in historic downtown Watertown, Upstate New York, via Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock.com — Brighton Building at 130 Court Street in historic downtown Watertown. Image credit Wangkun Jia via Shutterstock.

Watertown is home to 24,859, and crime rate is low compared to the rest of the nation. The median home price is $130,300, and the cost of living is 15% below the national average and 32% below the state average. A short drive from the Canadian border, Watertown is a great choice for those looking to retire in a small Great Lakes town while remaining connected to the rest of the world. Some of the best things to do in Watertown include visiting the New York State Zoo, Paddock Mansion history Museum, or swimming along the Black River. Watertown is just a short drive from both Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence RIver, making it an ideal spot for those looking to spend their summers exploring these major waterways by boat. Watertown has both the Samaritan Hospital and Watertown Senior Center committed to the community's wellbeing.

More in the Great Lakes 8 Delightful towns to visit in the Great Lakes region

Regardless of which state, town, or Great Lake you choose to retire on, there will be ample opportunities to make the most of retirement. From cute small towns with eclectic town cores to quiet estates overlooking the water, the Great Lakes region is one of the best in the continental United States. The benefit of this region is that each retiree can pick their state and town based on what is important to them, whether it be low taxes, high social services offerings, or a particular size of community that they want to settle in. Ultimately, there is no place in the Great Lakes region that isn't worth calling home.

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