10 Most Hospitable Retirement Towns In The United States
What makes a United States town hospitable for retirees? Smaller towns with populations below 50,000 tend to be more welcoming and easier to navigate than larger cities. Many retirees are also looking for places that have plenty of outdoor space, as well as opportunities to socialize with their peers. One of the most important things retirees seek when considering a move is a well-recognized, highly-regarded healthcare facility. With these criteria in mind, these are ten of the most hospitable towns in the United States for retirement.
Central Falls, Rhode Island
Central Falls is just four miles from Providence, Rhode Island's state capital, and is home to just under 23,000 people, giving residents access to urban amenities within a smaller community. Central Falls' vibrant arts scene also appeals to many retirees who want to relocate to Rhode Island. La Galeria Del Pueblo @RILA is a gallery downtown that showcases the works of Latino artists, and Central Falls also offers Art in the Park, community events designed to make the arts accessible to all.
Chocolate Mill Overlook Park, a unique attraction that combines history with the outdoors, sits on the banks of the Blackstone River at the site of one of the earliest water-powered chocolate mills in North America. Meanwhile, the Central Falls Department of Parks and Recreation offers a variety of senior programs, including trips to the YMCA, lunches and holiday dinners, and jazz nights, as well as a program that pairs volunteers with seniors in the community for snow removal.
Boyertown, Pennsylvania
Boyertown, in Berks County, is home to about 4,000 residents. It is about an hour's drive from Philadelphia. Retirees who relocate to Boyertown enjoy the convenience of living near the big city, as well as proximity to two other larger towns; Pottstown is just 15 minutes south, and Reading is 30 minutes west of town. The Boyertown Area Historical Society's museum and library are filled with artifacts dating back to the town's founding in the 1700s, and they host community events throughout the year.
Car enthusiasts should check out the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, which has vehicles on display ranging from wagons and carriages to bikes, motorcycles, cars, and trucks. Retirees who love spending time outdoors may want to visit Earl Township Park, which has 78 acres of open space as well as a paved walking trail for ease of use. Boyertown's annual Festival of Trees occurs each December and coincides with the Annual Unity Tree Lighting in town.
Hickory, North Carolina
Home to about 43,000 people, Catawba County's town of Hickory boasts a relatively low cost of living compared to larger cities in the state, and it benefits from the fact that North Carolina has no inheritance or estate taxes. Home to the highest point in Catawba County at 1,780 feet, Bakers Mountain Park has almost 200 acres of forest and six miles of trails. Retirees who enjoy live music can get their fill of it at The Hum, an outdoor music and event space that hosts festivals and concerts throughout the year.
The town of Hickory is also a partner with SilverSneakers, a national community fitness program designed for senior citizens. Those interested in participating can check out the Highland Recreation Center, which offers free membership to individuals enrolled in the program. Hickory has also hosted the Unifor Senior Games for more than 30 years, drawing participants from neighboring counties for arts programs and athletic competitions, including pickleball and swimming.
Jonesborough, Tennessee
Jonesborough, Tennessee, is home to just under 6,000 people. Longtime residents and newcomers alike are attracted to its small-town community feel, with the added benefit that Tennessee does not tax Social Security benefits or retirement income. Jonesborough is a walkable town, with a historic Main Street that includes the Chester Inn Museum, chronicling the town's history from 1779 to the present.
Another beloved landmark is the International Storytelling Center, which is dedicated to the betterment of societies and the world through the power of storytelling. The ISC hosts regular live events as well as the world-renowned Storytelling Festival each October, attracting international voices and thousands of attendees from around the world. If you'd rather spend time outdoors enjoying the natural beauty, Persimmon Ridge Park offers ample space for hiking, disc golf, and bicycling.
Winona, Minnesota
The town of Winona, population 26,000, is on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin on the Mississippi River. As it is the warmest city in the state, it has been dubbed the "Miami of Minnesota." Sandy beaches along the Mississippi River entice many retirees to move to Winona. Hikers will enjoy Bluffside Park's 15 miles of multi-use trails and its views of the Mississippi River from the top of the bluffs.
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona exhibits intriguing art based on water, and they offer a wide range of workshops and guided field trips. While these attractions and amenities are a draw for many, Winona's spirit of community shines through in its annual festivals. Ones that may appeal to retirees include the Minnesota Beethoven Festival, held each June through July, and the Sandbar Storytelling Festival, celebrating the art of storytelling over five days in October.
Beatrice, Nebraska
Beatrice, Nebraska, is home to 12,200 residents, just 40 miles from the capital city of Lincoln, and attracts many retirees due to its easy access to big-city amenities. Nebraska's lower cost of living and abundant outdoor space are two more advantages retirees consider when moving to Beatrice. To take advantage of the region's natural beauty, Rockford Lake State Recreation Area, about 12 miles from Beatrice, spans 300 acres around a 150-acre lake perfect for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Homestead National Historical Park combines the history of homesteading with more than three miles of walking trails, while the annual Homestead Days occur each June and celebrate the town's homesteading heritage, gathering community members together. The Tallgrass Prairie Fiddle Festival is another popular annual event, taking place in Homestead National Historical Park each Memorial Day weekend.
Olean, New York
In southwestern New York's Cattaraugus County is the town of Olean. With 14,000 residents, it is the largest town in the county. While retiring to New York City is prohibitively expensive for many, moving to a smaller town like Olean, in the midst of the Enchanted Mountains of Western New York, can be much more cost-effective.
Rock City Park features a 45-minute hiking trail that imparts spectacular views of nature all around, and Olean's many annual events include the Santa Claus Lane Parade, held at the end of November each year. The Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels offers free self-guided and guided tours, as well as private tours by appointment, providing a fascinating look at the church and its unique Munich-style windows. For something more active, Holiday Valley Ski Resort in nearby Ellicottville opens at the end of November for those who enjoy winter sports
Lewes, Delaware
The seaside town of Lewes, Delaware, in Sussex County, is home to just 3,300 people on the Delaware Bay. Retirees are drawn to Lewes' unspoiled quietude as well as by the fact that Delaware has lower property taxes, does not charge state or local sales tax, and does not tax Social Security benefits.
Cape Henlopen State Park is filled with hiking and biking trails for active seniors, and the Canalfront Park and Marina provides a place for retirees who want to dock their watercraft in Lewes. No boat? No problem. Take a leisurely ride on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry across the bay to visit Cape May, New Jersey. The Lewes Chamber of Commerce also presents the annual Delaware Resorts 55+ Expo each November, with exhibits and presentations focusing on health, wellness, home products, and real estate.
Surfside Beach, South Carolina
Surfside Beach is just nine miles from the busier Myrtle Beach in Horry County, South Carolina. This town of 4,100 is part of the Grand Strand, but offers retirees a much quieter, less expensive alternative. The Surfside Beach Farmers Market is a popular gathering spot each Tuesday from April through December, while locals and newcomers alike enjoy walking along the Surfside Beach Fishing Pier, which extends 815 feet into the Atlantic Ocean and also hosts a range of activities and events. Meanwhile, the Annual Family Festival welcomes residents of all ages for food, fun, and activities, and the Health & Wellness Fair, previously called the Senior Fair, is open to all adults each November and focuses on health and wellness resources, such as blood pressure screening and flu shots, as well as estate planning advice.
Marquette, Michigan
Marquette is in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, along the shores of Lake Superior in Marquette County. Michigan's lower cost of living and natural beauty are two of the biggest reasons retirees move there. Wright Street Falls are just 10 minutes from downtown, with easily accessible trails for all. The North Country Trail also passes through Marquette on its 4,800-mile stretch through eight states, and is a great way to explore the shores of Lake Superior and the vast wilderness surrounding it. If you are a winter sports lover, Marquette Mountain is just five minutes from town and provides skiers with 170 acres of terrain and 20 runs. You may even catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis (northern lights) in Marquette, a captivating sight in the night sky.
Find Your Hospitable Haven
Retirees who are looking for a change of scenery should consider these 10 welcoming towns. Whether you prefer a small town that is near a larger city, such as Central Falls, Rhode Island or Beatrice, Nebraska, or a place where you can lavish in the beauty of nature, such as Lewes, Delaware, and Surfside Beach, North Carolina, choosing any of these towns as a retirement haven could be one of the best decisions you ever make.
