9 Best Small Towns to Retire in Kentucky in 2024

Kentucky has a reputation for Bluegrass music, Bourbon, and racing, with the famous Kentucky Derby making a worldwide impact every May. It is also the birthplace of the major restaurant chain KKF. While not as well-known as Florida as a retirement hotspot, it is also a great location for retirees to spend their days. The state has many relaxing small towns for retirees to go to, ranging from mountainous villas on the east side to rolling hills and plains (from where it earns its Bluegrass name). Retirees can expect to get much of that Southern charm and hospitality alongside money-saving opportunities. For example, Kentucky does not tax Social Security income and has lower sales and property taxes than other states. Read below to discover nine of the best small towns in Kentucky to retire to.

Edgewood

With a population of 8,500, Edgewood has a low crime rate to match, with a rate 76.9% lower than the national average. It also had 0 reported violent crimes in 2023, making this quaint town a safe location. Its motto is "Where every day is a walk in the park," which it lives up to, particularly in its two parks, Presidents and Freedom Park, which are beautiful backdrops for some outdoor recreation. For families, it features Silverlake The Family Place, which has amenities for all ages, including a trampoline park for grandchildren, bowling, swimming, parties, and more. Residents can enjoy a relaxing day of boating at Doe Run Lake or visit the Boone County Distilling Co. to sample Bourbon whiskey. There are also two healthcare facilities within the community, making Edgewood a perfect destination for retirees.

Lancaster

Founded in 1797, Lancaster rests at the foothills of the gorgeous Appalachian Mountains. The population sits at just over 4,000, and has a number of beautiful historic buildings, with nearly 50 buildings listed on the National Historic Register. The town prides itself on its rustic setting and its location at the crossroads between Lexington, Richmond, Berea, Somerset, and Danville. Lancaster's proximity to these larger towns means ample healthcare facilities and hospitals to put residents' minds at ease. Water enthusiasts will enjoy the area's excellent fishing and boating via Herrington Lake, the deepest lake in the entire state. Lancaster is only an hour away from Lexington for an easy day trip for those wanting a night on the town once in a while. The median home sold price for Lancaster is affordable as well at $170.5K.

Paducah

Paducah is a major hub for retirees, with a large population of retirees and amenities to make their lives easier, such as the Senior Center of Paducah/McCraken County, which offers free membership to everyone 60 years or older and offers meals, activities, and volunteer opportunities. The area is well-known for its Lower Town Arts District, with multiple galleries and studios as well as the National Quilt Museum, which showcases beautiful quilts from all over the world. For outdoor activities, Paducah boasts a riverfront park and the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, and Shawnee National Forest for a relaxing walk or bird watch.

Ashland

With a retiree population of 19.5%, Ashland is a great place for retirees, especially due to its warm summers and mild winters. Situated in the Appalachia but by the Ohio River, it has the best of both worlds. Known for its festivals, such as the Festival of Trees during the winter, the area has plenty of parks, including the 47-acre Central Park or the Ashland Kentucky Waterfront Park, which feature large bronze sculptures. Residents can explore the walkable downtown area with attractions such as the Paramount Arts Center, the outdoor community living room, and Broadway Square.

Berea

Berea is known for Berea College, a college founded in 1855, but it is also a friendly place for retirees, with a population of 12.8%. The town is a great place to relax, with its gorgeous views of the Appalachian Mountains and accompanying Kentucky River Palisades. The town is known as the Folk Arts & Crafts capital of Kentucky for its Artisan Village, which showcases homemade jewelry, galleries, glass studios, and candle and wood shops. The town also offers workshops to help people learn how to make some of these crafts. Spend a day at the Something Old Antique Shop or the Sculpture Park, as there's always something to discover in Berea.

Harrodsburg

Harrodsburg is the oldest settlement in Kentucky's history, and it is filled to the brim with historical locations. One of its most impressive is Ford Harrod State Park, which features a recreation of an 18th-century fort and regularly does reenactments of what it was like to live in the area. It was also a hub for the celibate religion, the Shakers. Retirees can see what it was like to live in a Shaker community by visiting the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Living History Museum. The town has boating and fishing at the Herrington Lake through the Chimney Rock Marina and Resort.

Somerset

Somerset has a retiree population of 18.8% and has a number of intriguing locations to visit. For starters, retirees can enjoy a day of golf at the General Burnside Island State Park, with an 18-hole golf course and 102-site campground. The park was named after Union General Ambrose Burnside. For those who enjoy strange things, Somerset hosts the International Paranormal Museum and Research Center with information on cryptids, aliens, and UFOs. The area has several water parks for grandchildren and retirees alike to enjoy. The typical home value in Somerset is $172K.

Bellevue

Sitting just outside of Cincinnati, this town with 5,5000 residents was named the Most Charming Kentucky Town by Southern Living for good reason. Its name is French for "beautiful view." The land was originally granted to General James Taylor from the War of 1812, and his mansion is still in the area. The area features Bellevue Beach Park, Bridgeview Box Park, and the Newport Aquarium for a fun outing. Due to its proximity to Cincinnati, retirees will also have access to state-of-the-art medical facilities as well as being close to nightlife for adventures in the big city!

Bardstown

As the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown lives up to its name with multiple world-class distilleries in the area, which residents and visitors alike can tour and try samples. Bardstown is steeped in history, as it is home to the My Old Kentucky Home State Park, a mansion from before the Civil War that inspired Stephen Foster's song of the same name. The Park also features an 18-hole golf course, musicals, bourbon tasting, and tours of the plantation. The town has a retiree population of 16.8% so that you will be in good company in Bardstown! 

Kentucky is a fantastic state to retire in that is less popular than the likes of Florida and South Carolina, making the state affordable and accessible. With its small towns, excellent outdoor amenities to stay active, plenty of history, and a large retiree population, folks will never lack places to explore or people to see. With world-class healthcare facilities, retirees will always be able to stay in their best health so they can enjoy their retirement to the fullest.