7 Welcoming Towns to Retire in Missouri
Located in the heart of the Midwest, the welcoming state of Missouri proudly boasts the forest-topped hills of the Ozarks and the mighty Mississippi River weaving through its borders. You can find everything from the bustling city markets of St. Louis and Kansas City to the quaint towns riddled throughout the state. Also worth mentioning is Missouri's top-class health services and friendly locals, making it great for retirees seeking a safe, comfortable community. Whether exploring the historic Route 66 in Lebanon or enjoying riverfront views in Hannibal, the state has something special in every corner. Read on to uncover seven welcoming towns perfect for retirement living.
Farmington
Want affordable living in a peaceful atmosphere? Farmington might be up your alley. The average home here goes for $245,556, $5,000 less than the state average, so right off the bat, Farmington presents an alluring option for retirement. The town has dependable health services, like the Parkland Health Center. Since it has all-in-one services and is close to expert doctors, retirees can get the necessary medical care without having to journey long distances. Also, the Farmington Civic Center is a fine option in town for retirees. It always has fun things to do, like exercise classes, card-playing groups, and learning workshops.
Interested in the town's past? Visit the St. Francois County Courthouse to see some of it in person. The landmark stands out with its striking columns and domed clock tower. For the retiree who wants to get outdoors, nearby St. Joe State Park, one of Missouri's largest parks, contains off-road trails and campsites for outdoor enthusiasts, while the Crown Pointe Golf Club offers 18 unique holes—an ideal haven for retired individuals searching for the restful joy of golf.
Hannibal
Hannibal sits along the Mississippi River, giving retirees riverfront living with parks and dining. The town’s old-time vibe has shops and stops that make it great for a stroll, and it is perfect for those who enjoy exploring a downtown full of culture. One key highlight is the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, where you can learn more about this American icon. Another Samuel Clemens-based stop is the Mark Twain State Park, just a 30-minute drive away, providing hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities.
Riverview Park is another choice for staying active. It has walking paths and overlooks, making it ideal for daily exercise or a relaxing afternoon outdoors. If health is on the mind, Hannibal also has the Hannibal Regional Hospital, which provides a good healthcare option. This includes services like senior health management, recovery support, and health initiatives. Adding charm to this area, the average cost of a house here hovers around $151,500. So, it becomes an approachable choice for spending your leisure years post-retirement.
Lebanon
The small and cozy town of Lebanon is a haven for folks who want to spend their retirement years hassle-free but still be offered modern-day amenities. Lebanon takes tending to its residents seriously—evidenced by Mercy Hospital Lebanon’s healthcare services tailored toward seniors' wellness. Affordable living also defines the positive parts of town; the average house costs roughly $208,000.
Lebanon is also a draw for active retirees. If you want to head outdoors, Bennett Spring State Park is reachable from any part of Lebanon and beckons anyone's attention to the area’s natural beauty. It is an excellent place to sit down, cast a line in clear springs flowing with trout, or lose a day on trails during afternoon walks. Living here has a unique perk of being a part of American heritage. You can enjoy history just by walking around town, as Route 66 runs through Lebanon and is a big part of the town's story. Retirees can check out the Route 66 Museum inside the Lebanon-Laclede County Library to learn all about it.
Maryville
Maryville is in northwest Missouri, just a short 90-minute car ride from Kansas City. This positioning makes it perfect if you want to pop into the city but still maintain that small-town living. In any town, people need reliable healthcare options nearby. Thankfully, Mosaic Medical Center has quality medical services. This means that trips to doctors or specialist visits are just down the road. Living costs are also low here - homes average just above $211,000, $40,000 less than the state average, making Maryville easy on your wallet. Additionally, Northwest Missouri State University hosts community events like talks or fitness classes at no cost or minimal charges. These make for welcoming opportunities for retirees to stay active and mingle.
If exploring nature tickles your fancy, pop over to Mozingo Lake Recreation Park. Enjoy some quiet fishing moments by yourself, or set up camp and spend nights under starry skies. For history buffs, the Nodaway County Historical Society Museum has displays from pioneers’ days till more recent times in its exhibits, dedicated to detailing regional life over time.
West Plains
Right in the heart of the Ozarks, between rolling hills and riverbeds, West Plains is a great option for someone looking for a friendly spot to call home. Local events like the Old Time Music, Ozark Heritage Festival and the Heart of the Ozarks Fair bring people together, fostering a community that makes newcomers feel welcome. The town is within easy reach of the Gist Ranch Conservation Area and White Ranch Conservation Area, offering miles of hiking trails and hunting grounds. The Eleven Point National Scenic River flows through the nearby Irish Wilderness, with pristine waters perfect for canoeing and fishing.
Even though there are many beautiful sights nearby, homes here have remained affordable, with prices around $208,280. West Plains is also home to Ozarks Healthcare, a 114-bed hospital offering specialized care services like heart care, cancer care, and more. It also has the West Plains Senior Center, which offers all sorts of social programs, providing a welcoming space for retirees to stay active and engaged.
Rolla
You can find Rolla in the heart of Missouri in the Ozark Highlands. People in the region know the town for its ties to the famous Route 66. It is also where the Missouri University of Science and Technology resides, which gives the town a welcoming combination of electric school spirit alongside gorgeous outdoor scenery. Health should always be a priority, and here in Rolla, you can find the Phelps Health Hospital. They have a wide variety of medical care all in one place, and it is the go-to spot for retirees who need regular doctor visits.
Since the Missouri University of Science and Technology is right in town, it gives retirees chances to make learning a lifelong adventure through courses and speeches. It is also the perfect place to grab a play or see a concert. It even has a mini-Stonehenge replica to see. If the outdoors is more your thing, you can adventure out into the Mark Twain National Forest and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, both of which are great outdoor escapes, perfect for active seniors who want to keep nature in their lives.
Poplar Bluff
Often called the "Gateway to the Ozarks," Poplar Bluff lies just north of the Arkansas border. As Butler County's biggest city, it is the heart of health services in this area. The place is home to several health centers, with Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center being one of them, so people in their retirement years can get health check-ups without straying too far from home.
Also, in the town, nearly one in five people are aged 65 or more, meaning you will find a friendly group of similarly-minded folks nearby. If you want to save some money, houses here average around $159,000, making it an affordable rate. This place is a jump from the Ozarks, so there is no shortage of fun things to do outside. Fancy tossing a line out on quiet water? Or perhaps you want to picnic in peace under leafy trees? Either way, both the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Lake Wappapello State Park are great spots to enjoy those sorts of activities.
In Conclusion
Missouri is a mix of charming locations, welcoming retirees seeking their next chapter. Each spot provides low-cost living, top-notch healthcare, and attractive outdoor environments. From the picture-perfect Ozarks to towns steeped in Route 66's history - these spots have an easy-going but lively way of life. If you are after quiet natural settings, engaging cultural pursuits, or companionship within welcoming neighborhoods - Missouri serves up just about everything for retirees desiring both relaxation and excitement. So, if living in Missouri is on your mind, don’t skip out on these seven towns.
