7 Best Places To Retire In The Northern United States
Retirement isn’t just a chapter—it’s an opportunity to craft the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of. Whether it’s morning walks by the water, afternoons exploring art galleries, or evenings spent at community concerts, the place you call home can shape this new season of life in all the best ways. For those seeking a fresh start or a quieter pace without sacrificing amenities that they might need or want, the northern United States offers an abundance of small towns perfect for a retirement settling.
In this guide, we spotlight seven of the best retirement towns in the northern U.S. We’ve included local highlights, attractions seniors will love, nearby healthcare facilities, up-to-date median home listing prices from Realtor.com, and cost of living data from the Economic Research Institute. Whether you're ready to settle down or just starting to explore, these towns offer inspiring settings for your next chapter.
Port Townsend, Washington
Located on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend is a picturesque Victorian seaport town known for its maritime heritage and vibrant arts scene. The town's historic downtown has well-preserved 19th-century buildings housing art galleries, boutiques, and eateries. For seniors, the walkable streets and waterfront parks provide ample opportunities for strolls and community events. Local attractions include the Fort Worden State Park, which offers cultural events, workshops, and scenic trails. The town also hosts the annual Port Townsend Film Festival, drawing cinephiles from across the region.
Realtor.com says the median listing home price in Port Townsend is approximately $775,000. The cost of living index stands at 109.2, indicating it's slightly above the national average but balanced by the town's amenities and quality of life. Jefferson Healthcare, a comprehensive medical center with a range of services, meets healthcare needs. Washington does not have an income tax, so the state is relatively tax-friendly to retirees.
Hamilton, Montana
In the heart of the Bitterroot Valley, Hamilton is a picturesque town renowned for its scenic landscapes and welcoming community. With a population of approximately 5,165, Hamilton offers a small-town ambiance while providing essential amenities for a comfortable retirement. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the Bitterroot National Forest, which offers ample hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation opportunities. (Lake Como is one of the most scenic vistas in the nation.)
Healthcare services are readily available at the Bitterroot Health Daly Hospital, ensuring residents can access quality medical care. The median home value in Hamilton is approximately $695,000, reflecting the town's desirability. While the cost of living is slightly higher than in some other Montana locales, many find the quality of life and natural beauty worth the investment. It should be noted that the state is tax-friendly, but it is not as good as other Rocky Mountain states like Wyoming.
Traverse City, Michigan
As the self-proclaimed "Cherry Capital of the World," Traverse City celebrates its rich cherry-growing heritage yearly with parades, concerts, craft fairs, and mouthwatering cherry-infused culinary creations. This small community is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, notably the famed Interlochen Center for the Arts. This boarding school attracts many of the nation's best high school music performers and has driven the region's creative culture for nearly 100 years.
For wine lovers, the area’s scenic vineyards and wineries offer delightful tastings and leisurely tours. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a stunning expanse of sandy bluffs, wooded trails, and sweeping views of Lake Michigan.
The median list price for a home is $444,500, and living costs are slightly below the national average. Munson Medical Center anchors healthcare services and has received numerous awards for excellence. These features make Traverse City a well-rounded retirement destination for those who value culture, community events, and easy access to recreation and relaxation.
Camden, Maine
Camden, set along Maine's midcoast, is renowned for its stunning harbor and vibrant cultural scene. The town boasts that it is the "Jewell of the Maine Coast" and offers various outdoor activities, from sailing in Penobscot Bay to hiking in Camden Hills State Park. One of the attractions in this beautiful state park is the short hike to Mount Battie. The peak is the highest point in Camden State Park, and its 100-year-old tower offers travelers one of the best postcard views of the bay.
The downtown community is enriched with art galleries, quaint boutiques, and dining options. Several restaurants have loyal followings, but they have one thing in common: each one serves some of the best fresh seafood anywhere. Healthcare services are accessible through Pen Bay Medical Center, located in the neighboring town of Rockport. The median home listing price is well over $900,000, with higher living costs due to its coastal appeal. While there might be other cheaper small towns to live in, chances are you will be hard-pressed to find a prettier, more tranquil place than Camden.
Sequim, Washington
Sequim is the "Lavender Capital of North America," with its mild climate and abundant sunshine. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, which offers bird-watching and tranquil walking paths. The community is active, with numerous festivals celebrating its lavender heritage and local arts. The grandkids will love the Olympic Game Farm, with its interactive wildlife encounters that allow proximity to bears, bison, and other exotic animals.
The Olympic Medical Center provides healthcare services, ensuring residents have access to quality medical care. The median home cost in Sequim is around $506,600, reflecting its desirability. The cost of living index is 102, aligning closely with the national average but still making it affordable for many retirees.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
On the pristine north shore of Lake Superior on the northeastern tip of the state, Grand Marais is a harbor village that offers retirees a peaceful, artsy, and nature-rich lifestyle. With a population of around 1,340, it’s just the place where you can quickly feel like part of the community. The town is known for its creative energy, thanks partly to the North House Folk School, which offers hands-on classes in everything from timber framing to basket weaving. Each year, the Grand Marais Arts Festival brings together regional artists and visitors for a lively weekend of exhibits, music, and small-town charm.
For outdoor lovers, Grand Marais is a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness—one of the most iconic paddling destinations in the country. Whether you enjoy hiking, canoeing, or scenic drives, the surrounding landscapes offer endless options for low-impact recreation. The Gunflint Trail and Superior Hiking Trail are especially popular among retirees who enjoy getting out in nature at a relaxed pace.
Minnesota does tax retirement disbursements, and social security is partially taxed. The median list price for a home is $482,000, and living costs are similar to the national average. North Shore Health has a small 16-bed critical access hospital and a 37-bed skilled nursing facility to support healthcare needs. The Sawtooth Mountain Clinic also provides accessible outpatient services for the community.
Thermopolis, Wyoming
Wyoming is one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees in the country. Social Security income and withdrawals from retirement accounts are not taxed. With a marginal state tax rate of 0.0%, there are several small towns in Wyoming for retirees to choose from. Thermopolis is a gem for retirees looking for a peaceful, affordable, and naturally beautiful place to settle down.
One of its most famous features is Hot Springs State Park, home to a large mineral hot spring. The park offers free public soaking in its therapeutic waters, making it a favorite relaxing spot. There are also great places to trout fish. History buffs and science lovers will enjoy the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, which boasts an impressive collection of fossils and hands-on exhibits. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of recreation, from hiking and fishing to birdwatching and leisurely river walks.
Healthcare needs are met locally at Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital, a well-equipped facility providing medical services and emergency care. Thermopolis's median home listing price is around $249,000, and the cost of living is about 10% below the national average. For retirees seeking serenity, healing waters, and a cost-effective lifestyle in a unique Western setting, Thermopolis offers a genuinely refreshing option.
Selecting Your Ideal Northern Retirement Haven
Choosing the right town for retirement is about more than sunny weather or tax breaks—it’s about finding a place that speaks to your lifestyle, values, and sense of home. Whether you're drawn to the artistic soul of Traverse City, Michigan, the healing hot springs of Thermopolis, Wyoming, or the lakeside serenity of Grand Marais, Minnesota, the Northern U.S. offers a wide range of small-town gems that cater beautifully to retirement living. Retirement is your time—time to slow down, reconnect with your passions, and savor everyday joys. And in these lesser-known yet wonderfully livable towns, you’ll find the ideal backdrop for this exciting next chapter. Whether you’re planning your move now or dreaming for the future, these Northern towns prove that the best is yet to come.
