Kentucky's 7 Best Retirement Towns Ranked
If you are a fan of affordable housing prices, low taxes, and an abundance of outdoor and cultural activities, this might be the perfect place for you. Welcome to “The Bluegrass State,” where small-town magic meets true Southern hospitality. From the gorgeous gardens and architectural gems of Frankfort to the historic museums and tri-state points of Middlesboro, there are plenty of great destinations to choose from. Discover Kentucky's best retirement towns ranked, where peaceful living combines with exciting opportunities for adventures.
Frankfort
The state capital since 1792, Frankfort, is not only a historically and culturally significant city, but it is also very beautiful. From the neoclassical structure of the Kentucky State Capitol to the furry creatures of the Salato Wildlife Education Center, home to over 40 native species, you will have many activities to choose from to stay intellectually stimulated and try new pursuits.
Visit the Butterfly Greenhouse and see the stunning succulents of Wilson Nurseries. Taste incredible bourbon at Buffalo Trace Distillery, reportedly the oldest continuously operating distillery in America; they have been making bourbon whiskey for over 200 years.
The Capital City Activity Center offers many programs and activities for residents aged 50 and older, such as Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Dancing, Drumming, Game Days, and Bingo. Frankfort Regional Medical Center, a 173-bed acute care facility accredited by The Joint Commission, has been recognized by Healthgrades for the Patient Safety Excellence Award™.
Somerset
Whether you love living near the lake or trying all sorts of cultural activities, Somerset is one of Kentucky's best retirement towns. Enjoy engaging community events at Eagle's Nest Country Club, which hosts golf scrambles, pool parties, pickleball tournaments, and fireworks celebrations. The warm and welcoming atmosphere will make you feel right at home in this stunning destination, where over 20% of the population is 65 and older.
Shop for fresh produce and quality meats on the family-owned Burnett Farms, as you see where your food is grown and sold. Search for all kinds of treasures at North 27 Antique Mall, home to over 18,000 square feet of collectibles and antiques. Prepare for a fascinating experience at the International Paranormal Museum and Research Center; you never know what you may find.
Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, a 295-bed acute care facility, offers specialized Cardiopulmonary, Behavioral Health, Surgical, Diagnostic Imaging, Inpatient Rehabilitation, and Emergency services. Highly rated assisted living facilities such as Bluegrass Senior Living offer support with quality amenities and programs and several floor plans to choose from.
Bardstown
Widely recognized as the "Bourbon Capital of the World", there is much more to this captivating city than you may realize. Only 41 miles from Louisville and 58 miles from Lexington, you can easily access two of Kentucky’s biggest cities with the perks of living in a peaceful, picturesque, much smaller city.
Flaget Memorial Hospital offers several services in Bardstown, with a key focus on Orthopedic Care, Pain Management, Cancer Care, General Surgery, Sleep Care, and more. Other high-performing healthcare facilities, including the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital (rated the best hospital in Kentucky by the U.S. News & World Report) and Baptist Health Louisville (ranked third on the list), can also be accessed by car.
Discover the exquisite formal gardens, farmlands, and 200-year-old artifacts in My Old Kentucky Home, an extraordinary 19th-century mansion completed in 1818. Many unique experiences are available here, including golfing, musicals, culinary classes, mansion tours, and mystery dinners. Watch a wonderful performance at The Stephen Foster Story amphitheater, and find out where the city gets its nickname from at the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History. Explore the 50-year collection of rare artifacts and documents ranging from the pre-colonial days to post-prohibition years.
Ashland
Along the Ohio River, Ashland offers no shortage of beauty. Soak up the health benefits of living by the water in a small city with plenty to do. Scenic sites like Central Park and the Port of Ashland are perfect for strolling by the water, and cultural hotspots like Paramount Arts Center offer performances in a historic theater and concert venue that originally opened in 1931.
UK King's Daughters Medical Center, rated high-performing in five procedures and conditions by the U.S. News & World Report has a location in Ashland. You can also access Cabell Huntington Hospital, recognized by Healthgrades for America's 100 Best Hospitals Award™, within approximately 30 minutes by car.
19.7% of residents are 65 and older, which means you can meet many new friends in a similar life stage. Ashland Enrichment Center offers classes and games to connect with others, including Billiards, Tai Chi, Wii Bowling, and Cards. There are volunteering opportunities for those looking to take on new skills, make new friends, and feel connected to the community, as well. Facilities like Boyd Nursing and Rehabilitation develop personalized care plans tailored to residents’ needs. Plus, with a median sold home price of $144,300 USD as of December 2024 (according to realtor.com), Ashland is an affordable city to live in.
Edgewood
With its proximity to picturesque parks and engaging activity centers, this quiet, quaint city is a wonderful destination to call home. Ranked the Safest City in Kentucky by SafeWise in 2024, with zero violent crime rates, you will feel very secure living in Edgewood. That means you can explore the lovely green spaces—such as Presidents Park with its presidential walkway, pavilion, and sporty amenities, including tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts—in peace.
Learn to paint as you get to know locals at Color Me Mine, a nearby art studio for all ages. Doe Run Lake is the perfect spot for a scenic stroll by the water; you can go fishing, hiking, or picnicking, as well. The city's Recreation Department organizes fun and engaging activities such as Ice Skating, Qi Gong, Wine Tasting, Acoustic Jams, and Summer Concerts for residents.
Edgewood is also conveniently close to Cincinnati. Take advantage of being within 20 miles of one of Ohio's biggest cities while enjoying the perks of living a slower-paced lifestyle. Not to mention, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, the second-best hospital in Kentucky as per the U.S. News & World Report, is located in Edgewood. The site was rated high performing in 15 adult procedures and conditions, so rest assured you will be in good hands.
Covington
Are you looking to retire to a slightly larger city? With a population of about 41,000, Covington is one of the biggest cities in Kentucky. However, besides living near major landmarks like Mainstrasse Village, a 19th-century neighborhood and National Historic District filled with shops, galleries, restaurants, bars, fountains, and street art, residents can easily access two states.
The Ohio River separates Cincinnati, Kentucky, and Ohio, separating them nine miles apart. Devou Park’s Overlook, a gorgeous landmark with picture-perfect panoramic views, offers stunning views of the bordering city.
One of the most quaint spots in Covington itself is Purrfect Day Cat Café. You can order coffee, cocktails, or appetizers as you make furry friends you may even want to adopt. Behringer-Crawford Museum, established in 1950 in the Devou family’s 19th-century home, is a wonderful place to learn about North Kentucky’s culture and heritage. Regarding healthcare, St. Elizabeth Healthcare also has a facility in the area.
Middlesboro
Near the border point where Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia meet, Middlesboro is a fascinating city with a unique geographical location. Not only will you have quick access to landmarks in several states (and even stand in all three at once at Tri-State Peak), but Middlesboro itself offers plenty of other attractions to keep you busy.
Expand your knowledge at the Bell County Historical Society Museum, where photographs, artifacts, and documents from the Cumberland Gap area are preserved. Watch a movie or see what goods you can find at Middlesboro Mall, a one-stop shopping center for all your needs.
Middlesboro ARH Hospital offers several services to residents, including Orthopedics, Oncology, Women’s Health, General Surgery, and Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterizations. The facility provides skilled nursing through Swing Bed Care, as well. According to realtor.com, the median sold home price in Middlesboro was $160,000 USD in December 2024, making it one of the most affordable cities to live in Kentucky.
Kentucky's Ideal Retirement Towns
If you are looking to embrace a more peaceful pace of life in a town where the community activities are plenty and the healthcare services are high quality, then take your pick in Kentucky. Between the lovely lakeside parks of Ashland, the magnificent mansions of Bardstown, and the charming shops of Covington, The Bluegrass State has much to offer. Explore Kentucky's best retirement towns ranked to start planning your future today.
