10 Best Towns In The United States To Retire Comfortably
Not every dream retirement starts with a condo on the beach or a gated community in the suburbs. Sometimes, it begins on a serene street in a town where everyone says hello, where history lingers in old buildings, and life moves just a little slower. These are not just places to live, they are places to settle in, grow roots, and enjoy your days. From desert hideaways to riverfront gems, these small towns offer more than just affordability; they offer charm, character, and that often-elusive sense of home. Whether it’s a nearby park, a bustling weekly market, or the comfort of knowing your neighbor’s name, these towns remind us that retirement is not just about slowing down; it’s about choosing what kind of life you want for your next chapter.
Calabash, North Carolina
Known as the “Seafood Capital of the World,” Calabash combines charm, scenic river views, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle, all at a surprisingly low cost, making it an appealing choice for retirees seeking both comfort and affordability. The average home price in Calabash is around $370,000, well below the national average, and as an added bonus, property taxes are also notably low. The town’s tax rate is just $0.42 per $100 of assessed value, with an effective median property tax rate of 0.42%, far below the national (1.02%) and North Carolina state (0.82%) averages.
In addition to its affordability, Calabash ensures peace of mind with access to quality healthcare. Just a short drive away, Brunswick Novant Medical Center (23 miles in Bolivia, NC) offers emergency and specialty care, while Coastal Pointe Assisted Living & Memory Care (10 miles away in Shallotte, NC) provides long-term and memory care options. Seniors in Calabash also benefit from local shuttle services to medical appointments, nearby pharmacies, and active retirement communities, supported in part by state grant funding that helps local providers offer reliable transportation.
While life in Calabash can move at a peaceful pace, there is no shortage of things to do. The town’s signature Calabash-style seafood is a local point of pride, served at local favorites like Waterfront Seafood Shack and Calabash Seafood Hut. For outdoor lovers, fishing tours and dolphin cruises with the Calabash Fishing Fleet or Hurricane Fleet are popular options. At the same time, golfers can enjoy five championship-level courses in town, such as the Brunswick Plantation and Golf Resort. When you are not on the green or water, take a stroll along the Calabash River, watch boats pass, or spot coastal birds from the docks. And for some retail therapy, browse Callahan’s of Calabash, a longtime shopping destination, and its Christmas-themed sister shop, St. Nick Nacks.
Hutchinson, Kansas
For retirees seeking a sense of community and rich cultural experiences, Hutchinson, Kansas, delivers. With an average home value of just $146,273, it offers exceptional value in a small-town setting. Hutchinson’s low house prices are matched by strong healthcare access. The Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System comprises the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, a full-service hospital, along with specialized services such as cancer treatment, mental health care, and residential care, making it easy for retirees to access the support they need without travelling far.
Hutchinson is home to the Cosmosphere, a Smithsonian-affiliated space and science museum that features artifacts from U.S. and Soviet space programs. Just as fascinating is Strataca, an underground salt museum that takes visitors 650 feet below the surface into an active salt mine, a rare experience anywhere in the world. Retirees can also enjoy local arts and entertainment. Stage 9 and the Family Community Theatre offer year-round performances, while the beautifully restored Historic Fox Theatre, a 1930s Art Deco gem, hosts concerts, films, and live shows. Notably, the Kansas State Fair, held here for over a century, brings community spirit and fun every September, ensuring a lively atmosphere without the town being too busy year-round.
Jamestown, North Dakota
Jamestown may not stand out for overly flashy attractions or coastal views, but its deep roots, strong sense of place, and steady pace of life make it especially inviting for retirement. Cultural landmarks like the World’s Largest Buffalo Monument and the North American Bison Discovery Center reflect the town’s connection to the prairie, while the Frontier Village, Fort Seward Military Post, and Stutsman County Memorial Museum bring regional history to life. Art and community events thrive at Hansen Arts Park and The Arts Center, offering creative outlets and community engagement. For those who love the outdoors, the Jamestown Reservoir is a local treasure. With over 2,095 surface acres, it offers boating, fishing, swimming, and picnic spots, plus miles of trails and a top-rated disc golf course, perfect for staying active year-round.
Equally important is the town’s commitment to healthcare. Jamestown Regional Medical Center, recognized as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the U.S. for multiple years, offers high-quality care with modern facilities and trusted staff. This excellent healthcare facility, combined with an average home value of $213,879, far below both state and national averages, means retirees can live comfortably without sacrificing convenience or care.
Bisbee, Arizona
Nestled in the scenic Mule Mountains of southeastern Arizona, Bisbee is a town that offers retirees a blend of comfortable living and rich culture. The average home value in Bisbee is around $231,670, which is nearly half the state average of $430,710, making it an excellent choice for those looking to stretch their retirement budget. Healthcare access is convenient with facilities like Copper Queen Community Hospital, which provides comprehensive medical services, and the Chiricahua Community Health Center, which ensures retirees have several options for reliable care close to home.
Bisbee’s rich history as a copper mining town is woven into nearly every corner of the city. At the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum and the Bisbee Restoration Museum, visitors can explore artifacts and stories from the town’s mining heyday. The Muheim Heritage House Museum, with its 19th-century furnishings and peaceful gardens overlooking the mountains, adds another layer to the town’s historic charm.
But Bisbee isn’t just about the past; it’s also home to a thriving creative community. The Bisbee Art Wall, a vibrant outdoor gallery, reflects the town’s artistic spirit, while its designation as a Dark Sky Community makes it ideal for stargazing and tranquil desert nights. The Copper Queen Library serves as a welcoming hub for learning, events, and connection. For those who love the outdoors, hiking trails around the city, such as the “Opera” walk, offer stunning views and a touch of adventure, while a visit to the dramatic Lavender Pit, a former open-pit copper mine, adds to the town’s unique landscape.
Walla Walla, Washington
Once known primarily for agriculture and wine, Walla Walla has quietly transformed into one of Washington’s most livable small towns, where retirees can enjoy high-quality amenities without big-city prices. The average home value here is around $415,910, well below the state average of $611,096, making it a more affordable option for retirees looking to settle in the Pacific Northwest. The Walla Walla Housing Authority also offers additional support through affordable housing options tailored specifically to seniors and others in need. Healthcare is close at hand, with Providence St. Mary Medical Center providing comprehensive services and a strong reputation for patient care. This accessible, high-quality facility adds peace of mind for retirees who prioritize health and wellness.
Life in Walla Walla is as flavorful as it is relaxed. Known for its fertile farmland and signature Sweet Onions, the area is also home to over 120 wineries, including standouts like Seven Hills Winery and Abeja Winery. Wine tastings, vineyard events, and community festivals create a welcoming and sociable environment that many retirees appreciate. Cultural life thrives in this lively town. The Gesa Power House Theatre, housed in a beautifully restored power plant and modelled after Shakespeare’s Blackfriars Theatre, hosts concerts, plays, and film screenings year-round. Golfers will love Wine Valley Golf Club, which is ranked as one of the best golf courses in Washington State and is playable nearly year-round thanks to Walla Walla’s dry, mild climate. For those drawn to the outdoors, the valley offers hot air balloon rides, bike paths, hiking trails, and peaceful lavender fields. Fort Walla Walla Park adds even more with 700 acres of preserved land, walking paths, disc golf, and dedicated pickleball courts.
Peterborough, New Hampshire
Tucked along the Contoocook River in Hillsborough County, Peterborough offers retirees a perfect mix of small-town living and cultural vibrancy. With an average home value of $481,516 and no state income tax, Peterborough becomes even more appealing to retirees. Savings go further here, as there’s no tax on income from Social Security, pensions, 401(k)s, or IRAs. Healthcare is also well-supported, thanks to Monadnock Community Hospital located in town, as well as Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services, which help residents age in place with comfort and dignity.
Beyond its practicality, Peterborough shines in lifestyle and community. Known as the home of MacDowell, the renowned artists’ colony that has hosted the likes of Leonard Bernstein and Ta-Nehisi Coates, Peterborough has long nurtured creativity. That spirit lives on downtown in Depot Square, where retirees can enjoy antique shops, art galleries, and cafés. Local dining favorites include Waterhouse and Cooper’s Hill Pub, while the Peterborough Farmers’ Market provides fresh, local food for those who prefer to cook at home. The town is also proud of its deep roots. Its recently renovated public library is the first modern free public library in the U.S., and several homes in the area were stops along the Underground Railroad, adding historical depth to the community. For active retirees, Peterborough’s outdoors offer plenty of adventure, from scenic hikes at Miller State Park and Temple Mountain to relaxing walks on the Cranberry Meadow Pond Trail.
Aiken, South Carolina
Located in South Carolina’s “Thoroughbred Country,” Aiken’s serenity and welcoming atmosphere blend natural beauty and senior-friendly living. With its charming downtown, tree-lined streets, and mild winters, Aiken offers retirees the perfect place to slow down without sacrificing activity or connection. What sets Aiken apart from other retirement towns is its affordability. The cost of living here is over 15% lower than the national average, and housing costs are nearly 36% less. Additionally, South Carolina’s low property tax rates, just 0.47% in Aiken, plus senior tax exemptions like the Homestead Tax Exemption (which knocks off taxes on the first $50,000 of a primary residence for those aged 65+), mean your retirement savings stretch a lot further here.
Beyond the financial perks, Aiken is deeply senior-friendly in terms of both infrastructure and attitude. Healthcare access is excellent, with top-rated facilities like Aiken Regional Medical Centers offering peace of mind for all. For those who want to stay active, retirees can hike, birdwatch, or ride horses through the 2,100-acre Hitchcock Woods (one of the largest urban forests in the U.S.), or enjoy world-class golf just 30 minutes away at Augusta National, home of The Masters. On the cultural side, Aiken offers a variety of activities, including shows at the Aiken Community Theatre, exploring rotating exhibits at the Aiken Center for the Arts, and the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, which celebrates the town’s equestrian legacy.
Paris, Tennessee
Paris, Tennessee, offers retirees a blend of affordability, access to care, and plenty of activities. With an average home value of just $201,947, far below the state average, it’s easy to see why this small town is catching attention as a budget-friendly place to settle down. But lower cost doesn’t mean sacrificing quality of life. Paris is home to West Tennessee Healthcare Henry County Hospital, a 142-bed facility offering emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, hospice, and rehabilitation. There’s also a separate residential care center and a dedicated Cancer Care Center providing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, making comprehensive medical support easily accessible.
Life in Paris is also filled with character and opportunities for enjoyment. The town’s namesake Eiffel Tower, rises 60 feet over Eiffel Tower Park, where walking trails, tennis courts, and even an 18-hole disc golf course invite daily recreation. Kentucky Lake, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes, is just a short drive away, ideal for fishing, boating, or simply soaking in the scenery. Paris also knows how to have fun. The World’s Biggest Fish Fry draws crowds every April for catfish, parades, rodeos, and community spirit. And if you prefer quiet afternoons, downtown Paris is full of boutique shops, cozy cafés, and shady lawns near the historic Henry County Courthouse.
Mesquite, Nevada
Tucked between red rock landscapes and open desert skies, Mesquite offers a lifestyle that feels adventurous without being overwhelming, perfect for retirees who want something a little different. Housing in Mesquite averages around $388,619, well below Nevada’s state average. Additionally, healthcare needs are well met with Mesa View Regional Hospital, which offers a wide range of medical services, and Canyonlands Healthcare, which provides primary care and specialized support for older adults. Together, these facilities ensure reliable care close to home.
Mesquite is a golfer’s paradise. Courses like the Casablanca Golf Club, a championship course designed by Cal Olson, and the stunning Conestoga Golf Club, nestled within the desert terrain and designed by Gary Panks, offer year-round play with breathtaking views. But Mesquite is more than just great golf. Retirees can enjoy easy-access desert hikes, scenic mountain biking trails, and offbeat adventures like camel rides and ATV tours. Those who prefer a slower pace will appreciate the Mesquite Recreation Center, local hotel spas such as the CasaBlanca resort spa, and indoor fun at the Virgin River Bowling Alley. It’s also conveniently located just over an hour from Las Vegas, giving retirees access to world-class entertainment, shopping, and medical specialists without the hustle of big-city living.
Thomasville, Georgia
Thomasville, Georgia, known as the “City of Roses,” offers retirees a peaceful, beautifully preserved Southern town with deep historical roots. The cost of living, 21.4% lower than the US average, 16.8% lower than the Georgia average, a low crime rate, and a strong healthcare infrastructure, anchored by the John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital, make it a practical and attractive retirement destination. Just 30 minutes north of Tallahassee, this former winter haven for wealthy northerners is experiencing a quiet resurgence as retirees rediscover its old-world elegance, mild climate, and walkable streets lined with live oaks, magnolias, and antebellum homes.
Downtown Thomasville has avoided the decline common to small towns, instead thriving with locally owned shops, restaurants, and restored historic buildings thanks to the city’s aggressive revitalization efforts. Additionally, Thomasville has cultural and recreational landmarks abound, from the grand Pebble Hill Plantation and the 1885 Lapham-Patterson House to the scenic Country Oaks Golf Course and annual Rose Festival held each April. In addition to the over 20 recreational facilities and vibrant arts and shopping district, Thomasville also boasts access to Tallahassee International Airport (only 42.8 miles away), making it an ideal destination for those who still want the option of international travel.
Finding Your Perfect Small-Town Retirement
Whether you prefer mountains, coastlines, or historic streets, these small towns across the United States show that retirement can be fulfilling without compromise. Each offers comfort, community, and unique character, creating a slower, richer life. They’re the perfect places to settle, grow roots, and embrace your next chapter with warmth and charm.
