Kansas's 8 Best Retirement Towns Ranked

If you're looking for a small town to spend your senior years, where housing is affordable, nature is abundant, and scenic beauty surrounds you, then the Sunflower State might just be the right choice. From Arkansas City’s annual festival to Marysville’s Blue River Rail Trail, these towns offer plenty of ways to stay active throughout the year. Kansas is also tax-friendly, exempting Social Security and public pension income while providing the SAFE Senior property tax refund. With no estate or inheritance tax, it’s a budget-friendly option for retirees. Here are eight towns that rank among the best retirement destinations in Kansas.

Fort Scott

Fort Scott is a vibrant small town home to around 7,550 residents with many recreational activity options. Seniors can be pretty busy at the picturesque Gun Park, the state’s largest city-owned park, having two lakes for fishing, an 18-hole disc golf course, and eight miles of trails for mountain biking and hiking. Apart from the park, Rock Creek Lake waterfall adds to the allure of the town with its tranquil setting. For retirees looking for indoor options to explore, the Fort Scott National Historic Site will be an ideal place to explore. These 19th-century military buildings give a glimpse into the town’s role in westward expansion. The Gordon Parks Museum gives insight into the life and work of the groundbreaking photographer, filmmaker, and writer through various exhibits.

Healthcare needs are as important as recreational activities, and the town takes care of that wonderfully with the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas - Fort Scott, which provides convenient medical services. Besides this, Presbyterian Village offers both independent and assisted living options for peace of mind. Adding to the comfort of retirees, The Fort Scott Senior Center has opportunities for seniors to meet peers and stay active through fitness classes and social activities. Owning a home is within reach for retirees at a median price of $ 117,303 as of March 2025.

Great Bend

Great Bend is a picturesque town where retirees can appreciate a balance of outdoor recreation and strong social connections. The town’s resume for retirees includes Brit Spaugh Park, a central place with walking trails and shaded picnic areas. Nearby, the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo also creates an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon with friends, having diverse wildlife and an on-site raptor rehabilitation center. Summer months call for a place with colder vibes, like Wetlands Waterpark, offering pools, slides, and shaded lounging areas. However, there are indoor options also at Barton County Historical Society, which preserves artifacts and stories from the region’s early settlers.

Beyond recreation, the town supports a fulfilling retirement through a variety of programs at Great Bend Rec. Seniors can take part in creative workshops such as oil painting and crafts, stay fit with tai chi or cycling classes, or join a group trip to explore nearby attractions. The local senior center provides additional activities, ensuring there’s always something to look forward to.

Seniors can rely on the University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus to offer medical services within town. Furthermore, there is no need to break the bank to own a home in town, with the average price being $112,643 as of March 2025. Still, another option is to live in a supportive environment at River Bend Assisted Living by Americare, which is designed to encourage independence.

Atchison

Atchison, a riverside town, grants retirees a reasonably priced place to settle down, with a median home price of $148,653. Meanwhile, The Atchison Senior Village ensures a comfortable retirement experience, with the choice of independent living, skilled nursing, and memory care in a supportive environment. Medicalodges further enriches daily life with activities like intergenerational programs, group socials, and volunteer opportunities, giving a strong sense of connection. Access to quality healthcare is readily available at Amberwell Atchison, which gives peace of mind.

Apart from taking care of the essential services, the town presents plenty of ways to stay active. Whether exploring historic landmarks or participating in local events, retirees have no shortage of engaging activities. The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum provides insight into the life of the pioneering aviator, while the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum features exhibits celebrating her legacy. For those fascinated by the paranormal, the 1889 McInteer Villa and the Sallie House are intriguing attractions with eerie histories.

Marysville

If you appreciate small-town, Marysville in Marshall County could be an excellent place to retire. Along the Blue River, this friendly town is home to landmarks that bring the past to life. The Pony Express Barn & Museum highlights Marysville’s role in the famed mail service, while the Koester House Museum preserves Victorian-era elegance with its ornate interiors. The Marshall County Historical Society adds even more depth, keeping local stories alive through carefully curated exhibits.

Just beyond its historic streets, the Blue River Rail Trail stretches into the countryside, leading walkers and cyclists through open fields and wooded landscapes. Every season brings a new view, from blooming wildflowers in spring to golden fields in summer and crisp autumn foliage. Around town, local traditions bring everyone together, with events like the Black Squirrel Celebration and the Mother’s Day Market creating opportunities for neighbors to connect.

A strong sense of security and convenience adds to Marysville’s appeal for retirees. Community Memorial Healthcare makes sure that medical services are always within reach with a median home price of $132,040, making homeownership an accessible option. For those who prefer a hassle-free lifestyle, Country Living in Marysville has comfortable senior living, complete with attentive staff, home-cooked meals, and engaging activities that foster a true sense of belonging.

Emporia

This welcoming Kansas town strikes a perfect balance between modern amenities and a relaxed atmosphere. Home to just over 24,000 residents, Emporia provides a comfortable pace of life. The David Traylor Zoo in Soden’s Grove Park features naturalized exhibits and free admission, making it a favorite for leisurely visits. During the summer, a small train winds through the park, passing landmarks like the historic Marsh Arch Bridge and the All Veterans Memorial. Another local favorite, Peter Pan Park, has been a peaceful retreat for nearly a century, with over 50 acres of green space, walking paths, and shaded picnic areas. Meanwhile, history comes alive at Red Rocks, the home of famed newspaper editor William Allen White, where special events and public programs highlight his lasting influence. Retirees who enjoy a good book will find the Emporia Public Library to be a comfortable spot for reading and exploring new interests.

Seniors looking to own a home will find prices around $161,355 as of March 2025. However, those preferring a maintenance-free lifestyle can enjoy the comfort of Homestead Assisted Living, where skilled professionals provide attentive care in a welcoming environment. With Newman Regional Health conveniently located in town, medical needs are easily met, giving retirees peace of mind. Staying socially active is just as simple as the Emporia Senior Center, bringing residents together through bingo, casual gatherings, and shared meals.

Salina

Right in the heart of Kansas, Salina is an inviting place for retirees with everyday conveniences coming together. The city holds a unique place in the nation’s textile industry, as it became home to the first garment factory for Lee Jeans in 1889. Salina now thrives with outdoor spaces and cultural sites to keep retiree life lively. On one side, Rolling Hills Zoo brings visitors up close to wildlife and also features a museum that highlights conservation efforts. Elsewhere in town, Art enthusiasts can explore the Salina Art Center, which showcases rotating exhibits and hosts programs throughout the year. To keep things zestful for seniors, Salina Downtown Inc. has shopping, dining, and local events to take part in. The Farm & Art Market is another highlight, bringing retirees together to browse fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and other locally sourced items.

Healthcare is another highlight, with two hospital systems, Salina Regional Health Center and Salina Surgical Hospital, giving retirees peace of mind. Those seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle can find comfort at Brookdale Salina Kirwin, where skilled professionals provide care in a warm and welcoming environment. With a home value of $166,505, Salina remains a cost-effective choice, especially when compared to the Kansas state average of $227,854.

Hutchinson

Hutchinson, a peaceful town in central Kansas, presents retirees with an opportunity for lifelong learning. Known for its connection to both science and the great outdoors, the town has something for every interest. Prairie Dunes Country Club, a championship-level golf course, consistently ranks among the best in the country, drawing golf enthusiasts to its rolling sand dunes and challenging fairways. Further exploration continues at the Cosmosphere, an internationally recognized space museum housing over 13,000 artifacts from both U.S. and Russian space missions. Educational programs and exhibits make it a fascinating destination for those with a passion for discovery. Underground, Strataca takes visitors 650 feet below the Earth’s surface to explore one of the world’s largest rock salt deposits, formed millions of years ago. The guided tours through this vast subterranean landscape reveal the geological and industrial significance of the region.

Healthcare is a priority in Hutchinson, with two hospitals ensuring residents have access to medical care. Hutchinson Regional Medical Center serves as the primary facility, providing comprehensive treatment options, while Summit Surgical specializes in advanced procedures. Retirees seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle can find a comfortable setting at Legend of Hutchinson, which includes independent living, assisted care, and memory support. The Senior Center at Elmdale Park creates a hub for older adults to stay active and social with fitness programs, group trips, and community meals.

Arkansas City

Arkansas City is a captivating small town in Cowley County with the necessary comforts and an option to be close to nature. Retirees can take a stroll in Wilson Park or explore the Chaplin Nature Center. The scenic trails of the nature center are open daily from dawn to dusk, allowing retirees to be in an open space and not depend on the gym to be fit. For seniors having an interest in local heritage, the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum showcases the town’s past honoring the settlers who shaped the region.

There is no dearth of events in town to enjoy with friends and family. Starting with Arkalalah in October, a fall festival that has been a tradition since 1928. Thousands of visitors come to take part in this event to witness its grand parade, carnival rides, and classic fair food.

Besides these events in town, Arkansas City Senior Center also provides a welcoming place for retirees to engage in physical and social pursuits with like-minded people. It gives a sense of relief knowing that South Central Kansas Medical Center is not far away. The town also has assisted living facilities at Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor, a not-for-profit senior living community, and Alderbrook Village, which specializes in assisted living. What makes this town even more attractive for seniors to settle down is the average home price of $89,799.

Kansas's Best Retirement Towns: Affordable, Active, and Welcoming

For retirees considering their next chapter of life, Kansas’s small towns provide a relaxed way of life without the congestion of larger cities. These towns feature a mix of scenic landscapes, cultural attractions, and opportunities to stay socially and physically active. With reasonable home prices and access to essential services, they create an ideal environment for a fulfilling retirement.