The United States's 10 Best Retirement Towns Ranked
Retirement in the United States is a major life milestone for an ever-growing population segment. Currently, some 62 million Americans are aged 65 or older, making up roughly 18 percent of all residents. That already large number is expected to increase by 20 million in the next 20 years. As this growing cohort plans the next chapter in their lives, they’re increasingly turning to America’s countless smaller communities as places to retire.
Small towns are ideal not just because they offer a slower pace of life but also because they can provide the essential amenities that seniors need. This trend also helps retirees pursue a more fulfilling lifestyle, including volunteer work, club membership, recreational activities, spending quality time with family and friends, or quite possibly all of the above.
This article looks at some of the best retirement towns in the country. Each offers something unique, whether proximity to natural attractions, a strong sense of community, or local institutions dedicated to senior well-being. Besides practical considerations such as housing and healthcare services, they boast cultural offerings and social opportunities that help seniors stay active.
Canandaigua, New York
Located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, Canandaigua offers retirees a laid-back community with lakefront views and rolling hills. Canandaigua Lake itself is a focal point, with boating enthusiasts taking to the water on pontoon boats or kayaks while anglers try their luck catching trout and bass. Kershaw Park, spanning nine acres, provides accessible waterfront space for picnicking or enjoying peaceful surroundings. At the same time, the Ontario Pathways offers well-maintained trails that wind through local forests and meadows.
Several senior living communities, including Clark Meadows at Ferris Hills and Horizons, are available for those needing additional care. Access to comprehensive healthcare is available through FF Thompson Hospital, part of the UR Medicine network that offers emergency services and specialized geriatric programs. Canandaigua encourages active engagement in its cultural scene, too. Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park features nine themed gardens and a preserved Queen Anne-style mansion, with plenty of volunteer options, too. Seniors looking to stay connected can also find meaningful volunteer work at the Ontario County Historical Society, which offers rotating exhibits and archival projects that celebrate local heritage, along with volunteer options.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Ranked as Virginia’s top college town, Charlottesville has also recently been dubbed “The Happiest Place to Retire” by a major Washington, D.C., publisher. And deservedly so. Located in central Virginia, an hour from Richmond, the state capital, the town is home to the University of Virginia, a major contributor to a range of educational and cultural opportunities. Nearby, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and James Monroe’s Highland estate draws visitors year-round. For seniors running errands or doing some shopping, the Downtown Mall is a delightful pedestrian zone with plenty of walkable stores.
The local community also supports a variety of activities that appeal to retirees. The music scene, local theaters, and the extensive library system, which offers programs such as yoga classes and reading groups, all help maintain active lifestyles. The Center at Charlottesville is a must-join and features many services for older adults, while several retirement homes, including The Blake at Charlottesville, provide assisted living and memory care services. Although the cost of living is generally a little higher here than the national average, residents enjoy excellent healthcare, including the world-class services available at the University of Virginia Medical Center.
Paso Robles, California
Paso Robles in California is a great spot to retire to, boasting stunning Central Coast scenery and year-round moderate weather. It’s also more affordable than other parts of the Golden State, with a median home value of $749,000, about $20,000 less than the state average. Top-notch healthcare access is also available, bolstered by Las Tablas Medical Group Inc. and Community Health Centers-Paso Robles. For urgent needs, Carbon Health Urgent Care Paso Robles offers immediate attention, while the nearby Adventist Health Twin Cities also provides comprehensive medical services.
Staying active and socially engaged is also easy here, with fun seasonal events and volunteer opportunities being plentiful. Art After Dark Paso, held at Studios on the Park, takes place every first and third Saturday of the month and features free art exhibits and live music. In early spring, the At Her Table Street Festival celebrates women-owned businesses. At the same time, antique enthusiasts can join community groups or volunteer at the Three Speckled Hens Antiques & Old Stuff Show. As nearly 20% of locals are above the age of 65, there is always someone like-minded to join, no matter how you spend your golden years.
Lititz, Pennsylvania
Lititz is located in Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County and offers a relaxed, small-town pace within driving distance of major urban centers like Lancaster and Philadelphia. There’s plenty to do here, with places like Lititz Springs Park offering a place for community gatherings and festivities like the town’s Fourth of July celebration. Those looking for more challenging activities can explore the Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail, a former railroad corridor that now provides a safe route for walking and. cycling.
For retirees seeking additional amenities, the United Zion Retirement Community offers varying levels of care, from independent living to assisted services. Medical support is readily available at the recently expanded Heart-Lancaster Regional Medical Center, known for specialized geriatric care and wellness programs. The town’s historical attractions include the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, America’s first commercial pretzel bakery, and the Lititz Moravian Church and Museum, which documents the community’s 18th-century origins. Seniors can volunteer at these or other cultural sites like the Lititz Historical Foundation. Shopping and dining experiences abound at The Shoppes at Kissel Village, which has a mix of specialty retailers and eateries.
Lewes, Delaware
Lewes stands out in the Mid-Atlantic region for providing a more affordable lifestyle compared to nearby metropolitan areas like Baltimore. Delaware’s extremely low property tax rate and absence of state sales tax help retirees stretch their savings further. It’s also an extremely safe place to live, recently ranked third among Delaware’s safest cities by SafeWise with a much lower-than-average violent crime rate. Healthcare services in senior-friendly Lewes are anchored by Beebe Healthcare, one of the state’s top regional hospitals, for its high standard of care and consistent access to reliable medical treatment.
Thanks to the town’s coastal setting, recreational opportunities are plentiful. Lewes Public Beach welcomes seniors with its calm waters, free parking, and fire pits for evening gatherings. Those interested in local heritage should visit the Lewes Historical Society, where interactive exhibits and costumed interpreters illustrate the community’s centuries-old maritime history. Speaking of community, the Lewes Senior Center hosts various programs, such as Line Dancing, Jackpot Bingo, Tai Chi, and Cardio Blast.
Grove, Oklahoma
Located in the northeastern corner of Oklahoma, Grove lies along Grand Lake of the Cherokees, which boasts over 46,000 acres of water and 1,300 miles of shoreline. Retirees can enjoy fishing, boating, or simply walking along the lakeside, with each season offering a different outdoor experience thanks to the region’s moderate climate. Popular local attractions include the Har-Ber Village Museum, with its immersive look into 19th-century life, complete with historic buildings and interactive exhibits. For a relaxing day out, seniors can visit Lendonwood Gardens, featuring over 1,200 plant varieties, and Spavinaw Area at Grand Lake State Park for its scenic hiking trails.
Housing for retirees in Grove is relatively accessible. The town has a median housing price of around $272,000, which is well below the national average of $355,000. For those seeking community-based living, senior facilities like Grandwood Assisted Living offer varying levels of support. Meanwhile, healthcare needs are addressed at INTEGRIS Health Grove Hospital, which handles services such as emergency care, cardiology, and orthopedic treatments.
Easton, Maryland
Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Easton offers retirees a balanced setting with access to both natural and urban amenities. The town is close to the Chesapeake Bay, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking, while Idlewild Park features walking trails and open green space for regular exercise and leisure. Thanks to Easton’s mild winters and warm summers, outdoor activities can be enjoyed throughout the year, with cycling on the three miles of the Easton Rails to Trails being an especially popular year-round activity.
Senior living options include facilities like Bayleigh Chase and Candle Light Cove, which cater to a range of care levels, from independent living to more supportive services. Healthcare needs are met by the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton, which provides a comprehensive array of services, including emergency, cardiology, stroke, and rehabilitative care. Easton’s rich cultural scene includes the Avalon Theatre, established in 1921 and still a popular community hub for a variety of performances. The Academy Art Museum, housed in a restored former schoolhouse, preserves the town’s heritage and serves as a center for arts and education. For social gatherings with friends and family, the Easton Market Square and Piazza Italian Market are great places to hang out.
Signal Mountain, Tennessee
Signal Mountain sits on the southern edge of the Cumberland Plateau and offers residents superb views of the lovely Tennessee River Valley. Its elevated location makes for a temperate climate, with summer temperatures several degrees cooler than neighboring Chattanooga, just a 15-minute drive away on the other side of the Tennessee River. The town features several well-maintained green spaces, including Signal Point Park, part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, and Shackleford Ridge County Park. Together, they offer a great network of hiking trails, sports facilities, and opportunities for bird watching, ideal for active seniors. Other outdoor highlights include Rainbow Lake, known for its calm waters, and surrounding trails ideal for fishing, canoeing, or picnicking.
Modern senior living communities like Alexian Village provide options from independent living to assisted care. Although the overall cost of living is slightly higher than the Tennessee average, it remains attractive relative to national standards. The town’s low crime rates and easy access to quality healthcare facilities in Chattanooga, such as Erlanger Health System and CHI Memorial Hospital, both less than a 25-minute drive away, ensure that residents have reliable medical services close at hand.
As for the fun stuff, cultural activities reinforce Signal Mountain’s appeal as a retirement destination. The community is supported by venues like the Signal Mountain Farmers Market, which features locally sourced produce and handmade goods. The Mountain Arts Community Center and the Signal Mountain Library host a variety of programs, workshops, and events, along with fulfilling volunteer opportunities.
Camden, Maine
Camden is situated on Maine’s beautiful coastline, which provides countless reasons for folks to consider retiring here. It’s undoubtedly scenic, with a backdrop of the Camden Hills and Penobscot Bay providing many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Seniors adore Camden Hills State Park, which features over 30 miles of hiking trails. A favorite is the Mount Battie Trail, which has magnificent bay views and nearby islands. The Camden Harbor supports water activities like sailing and kayaking, while the moderate summer climate and seasonal winter snowfall allow residents to enjoy other outdoor pursuits throughout the year.
The housing market in Camden includes a mix of options, from historical cottages to modern apartments and waterfront homes, with a median home price of around $632,000. If this seems too steep, seniors can opt for affordable alternatives like Quarry Hill and Windward Gardens, both of which provide services ranging from independent living to assisted care with skilled nursing. Need healthcare? Your needs are met here at the nearby MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital, which offers a broad spectrum of services, including specialized geriatric care. Thanks to the facilities, over 36% of locals are above the age of 65, indicating a robust social environment for seniors.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Grand Marais is set on the northeastern shoreline of Lake Superior, an area of the Great Lakes that benefits from a mix of water and forest landscapes. Landmarks include Artist’s Point, set on a natural breakwater separating East Bay from Grand Marais Harbor that boasts spectacular lake views at sunrise and sunset. To the north, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness opens up a network of over 1,100 lakes and streams for canoeing and camping adventures, while the region’s dense boreal forests and the nearby Superior Hiking Trail offer opportunities for hikes through areas inhabited by wildlife such as moose and gray wolves. With the endless outdoor opportunities, seniors will have no trouble finding fresh experiences for a fun retirement.
The housing market in Grand Marais is accessible to many retirees, with average home prices around $393,000 and options ranging from lakeside cottages to larger in-town homes. Senior lifestyles are well-supported through facilities like Sawtooth Ridge Apartments, which provide independent living opportunities in subsidized housing. As for healthcare, these needs are met by North Shore Health, which offers emergency and long-term care. Cultural and community resources further enhance the retirement experience in Grand Marais. Community institutions like the North House Folk School and the Grand Marais Art Colony provide opportunities to learn about northern crafts and engage your artistic side.
The Bottom Line
Selecting the perfect retirement destination is not a “one-size-fits-all” undertaking. People have different preferences and needs, whether it’s proximity to nature, access to cultural venues, or a focus on community and healthcare services. But, exploring locations that provide essential amenities while enriching our lives through fun activities and a supportive community can certainly broaden our options. In the end, though, the best retirement town is the one that aligns with your personal interests and your practical needs. These top retirement towns in the United States will do just that.
