8 Best Small Towns In Minnesota For Retirees
Moving to a new destination in one’s retirement years can indeed be a challenging and uncertain time. But with places like the beautiful State of Minnesota, this decision will certainly be made easier. Also known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, Minnesota is full of natural beauty, fascinating American history, and loads of unique charm or “Minnesota Nice” perfect for one’s post-work life. Here lakeside communities and small immigrant towns can be found all around the State making it an ideal place to consider retiring to.
Albert Lea
With a low number of violent crimes (according to 2021 data), the town of Albert Lea is indeed a charming mid sized community ideal for retirement. A scenic place near the border with Iowa, this town of just over 18,000 residents offers close and easy access to several lakes. From Goose Lake to Lake Chapeau, the panoramas in and around Albert Lea make it a most welcome place to spend one’s retirement days.
In addition great opportunities for camping, swimming, and sailing can be enjoyed here, while up close and personal views of wild birds like pelicans make time spent near the Lakes a most relaxing experience. And of course as the seat of Freeborn County, the local County Fair is an enduringly fun way to get better acquainted with Minnesota life. Here the best in locally grown food, live music, and even horse shows will be sure to delight.
Bemidji
Situated on the banks of the Lake Bemidji (which eventually feeds into the mighty Mississippi River), the town of Bemidji is home to just under 15,000 residents. A welcoming destination for the retiree, the town reports low rates of violent crime and like many other locales in the State is full of wonderful scenery.
Established in the 1880s, amongst the recreational activities one can partake in include fishing, boating, camping, and of course swimming. In addition, Bemidji is comfortably near such natural landmarks like the Big Bog State Recreation Area and the Chippewa National Forest, where additional opportunities to enjoy the splendor of nature are always in demand. And of course with its small to mid size, Bemidji is simply a great place to enjoy a less hectic lifestyle, particularly sought after in retirement. Enjoy the local boutique stores and family restaurants and see why retiring in this town is indeed full of “Minnesota Nice”.
Brainerd
Brainerd is home to a population of just under 15,000 residents. Here retirees (and indeed any outdoors lover) can enjoy such activities like fishing, swimming, canoeing, and other water sport activities in a most scenic ambience. Meanwhile this historic town founded in the 1870s also offers plenty of living history and modern charm, that transports its inhabitants and visitors alike back to the 19th century. Take in the sights of the downtown historic district and its many preserved buildings from the 1800s, or simply enjoy a lovingly made Midwestern Minnesota meal at the assortment of locally operated diners.
New Ulm
For a retirement destination full of historic intrigue, the town of New Ulm might just be the ideal place to spend one’s post work life. This seat of Brown County was founded in the 1850s and is scenically situated at the confluence of the Minnesota and Cottonwood Rivers where activities like swimming and boating are always popular. Meanwhile in the historic district, an assortment of 19th century edifices and landmarks can be found bringing guests and residents back to the time of the German pioneers who established the town. From the Hermann Heights Monument to the unique Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, a potential retiree will find plenty to appreciate in New Ulm. And of course the annual Oktoberfest is sure to entice any new residents, where guests from all across the State descend on this modest town for a most special dose of European camaraderie.
Willmar
If a retirement dream life consists of wanting to spend time near the unique beauty that is a lake, then the town of Willmar is the perfect place. Home to population of just over 21,000 residents, this seat of Kandiyohi County is incredibly surrounded by an area containing some 300 lakes! Including such bodies like Green Lake, Lake Florida, and Horseshoe Lake, the abundance of lake side destinations in Willmar is truly spectacular. In addition with a low number of violent and property crimes, it is indeed an attractive town to consider moving to in retirement. And of course the plentiful opportunities for swimming, fishing, ice fishing, and other water sports make the town a real haven for the outdoors enthusiast.
Grand Marais
The seat of Cook County, Grand Marais finds itself on the northern shores of Lake Superior and is a great place for any retiree to enjoy a fruitful life in the outdoors. Here such popular activities like sailing, swimming, golfing, biking, and hiking are always in demand in a community of a little more than 1,000 residents. And with fun annual festivals like Moose Madness in October or the summertime Fisherman’s Picnic Festival, there is always something delightful to enjoy in Grand Marais. Add in a charming dose of the famed “Minnesota Nice”, and the splendid surroundings of this town truly make it an ideal place to consider retiring to.
Red Wing
Named for a Sioux Chief, the town of Red Wing was founded in the 1850s and today is the home to a population of just under 17,000 inhabitants. For retirees looking for a scenic and welcoming place to consider moving, this seat of Goodhue County certainly makes an attractive case for itself. Beautifully located along the Mississippi River, spending time along the water and at such places like the Canyon Valley Trail is a true visual delight and a perfect place to enjoy contemplative days. Add in an affordable housing market, and Red Wing surely stands out as a potential retirement home. And of course the Christmas season is celebrated here in a most special way. Take in the sounds and sights of the annual Holiday Stroll where parades, sleigh rides, cookie decorating, and appearances by Santa Claus make the Yuletide celebrations truly memorable.
Jackson
A small town with a population of just over 3,000 residents, Jackson is a great spot for potential retirees looking for authentic Americana. Situated along the west fork of the Des Moines River, scenic opportunities for walking, fishing, boating, and biking create perfect days of relaxation, while a number of historic attractions also create a unique sense of allure. Visit Fort Belmont (1873), Ashley Park, and the Jackson County Fair Village where some 20 structures have been listed as historically significant. And like many smaller towns, a real intimate sense of community can be felt in Jackson which may be just the right feeling for someone looking for a change of pace from an often hectic work life.
The “Land of 10,000 Lakes” of Minnesota is undoubtedly a most scenic, historically fascinating, and charming place to discover, and for those in the retirement stage of life its towns are surely worthy of a consideration. From the lake rich area of Willmar to the historic sights of New Ulm, these wonderful Minnesota towns offer loads of warm hospitality, natural beauty, and safe surroundings that make them ideal choices for anyone looking to relocate in retirement. So while choosing to move once retired may seem like a challenging task, these Minnesota locales will certainly make the decision easier and create a post work lifestyle full of vibrancy.
