11 Best Prairies Towns For Retirees
The prairies of North America bring to mind miles of golden wheat-covered fields. These fields encompass the Great Plains of the United States as well as some provinces in Canada. Just a few of the states that fall upon the prairies include North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Considering the vast areas covered by these states, it should come as no surprise that many small towns and cities across the prairies make ideal places in which to retire. These 11 towns are just some of the places you may want to consider calling your next home.
Jamestown (North Dakota)
Jamestown is a popular destination for retirees, particularly due to its low cost of living, with a median home sale price of around $210K. Additionally, despite its small size, the city offers numerous options for accessing healthcare when needed, including the 24-hour North Dakota State Hospital. Beyond these essentials, there is also a lot to do in town. Anyone hoping to spend retirement hitting the links can head to Hillcrest Golf Course. This convenient location features 18 holes and membership rates for both individuals and families.
The nearby Jamestown Community Gardens attract residents who want to get to know their neighbors while tending their plots and growing their own food. And for anyone who loves the outdoors, Jamestown Reservoir Beach sits just north of town along the Jamestown Reservoir. It is a perfect spot for sitting along the shore and wading into the water on a warm summer day.
Rugby (North Dakota)
With a median home sale price of just $255K, Rugby is a popular home for retirees. Residents are well cared for at the Heart of America Medical Center, which provides comprehensive services, and shopping can be done along 2nd Street, with spots such as Leevers Foods and Main Street Boutique catering to the community's needs. The town is best suited for those seeking a small-town retirement. Still, the Prairie Village Museum remains a popular local destination. The museum features more than 20 historic buildings that demonstrate what life was like during the mid-1800s.
Those looking to stay active can hit the nine-hole course at Rugby Golf Club. The clubhouse also presents an opportunity for new residents in the area to socialize and get to know their new neighbors through various events hosted throughout the year. Rugby is also the site of the Pierce County Fair. Live music, a petting zoo, and a demolition derby are just some of the attractions that bring the community together.
Hot Springs (South Dakota)
With a median home sale price of $359K, Hot Springs is a popular choice among those retiring in South Dakota. Retirees here can spend their afternoons at Butler Park next to the Public Library, where guests can grab a picnic table and prepare a meal on the outdoor grills. Those who truly enjoy the outdoors, however, will enjoy convenient access to surrounding destinations, such as Wind Cave National Park, an ideal destination for those who want to take tours of the surrounding caves or hike the ponderosa forests. New residents in the area may also want to learn more about the region's history at the Fall River Pioneer Museum. Historic artifacts from throughout the county are showcased in 25 exhibits, including full-scale replicas of rooms as they would have appeared during the 19th century.
Mobridge (South Dakota)
Mobridge features incredibly affordable homes, with a median sale price of only $50K, a remarkable bargain considering the city's lovely location overlooking the Missouri River. The conveniently located Mobridge Regional Hospital provides 24-hour care for residents, offering a reliable resource for anyone in need of medical attention. However, staying healthy means staying active, and Legion Memorial Park is a fantastic destination for anyone who wants to play tennis, pickleball, or visit the aquatic center.
A more leisurely time awaits at the unique Pheasant Drive-In, where guests can see not only classic movies but also musical performances recorded for the silver screen. Finally, anyone hoping to try their luck can head just outside of town to the Grand River Casino and Resort. The resort hosts senior slot tourneys that are fun for groups of friends, and also invites guests to stay the night and dine with them to round out the experience.
Shelby (Montana)
Shelby is a very affordable destination for retirees, with a median home price of $156,500. It is the perfect destination for small-town living, but there is still plenty to enjoy in the area. Williamson Park is just seven miles south of Shelby, with plenty of campsites lining the Marias River. It is the perfect destination for a day trip or spending a night under the stars.
There is also the annual Shelby Kite Festival to look forward to each year, which is a fantastic way to build community as residents come out with blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy a day watching countless kites sail through the air, while vendors and artisans provide food and live entertainment. Those who want to escape the sun may visit Marias Museum of History and Art. The museum features artifacts that showcase the area’s history, from tools used by the Indigenous people of the region to dinosaur bones that have been preserved for centuries.
Glasgow (Montana)
Glasgow is yet another attractive destination thanks to the median home sale price of $285K. Within town, the Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital provides a range of services, including laboratory testing and surgery. And though Glasgow is one of the smallest towns on this list, places such as Reynolds Market and Pehlke's Furniture help residents take care of their essential home needs.
The outdoor enthusiast may want to consider becoming a member of the Valley County Rifle and Pistol Club, which provides access to its firing range. Nearby is also the Valley Ridge Runners Saddle Club, a country dance hall with a riding arena. The club maintains grounds for horse riders and also rents its facilities out for private events. New residents to the area can also discover more about the region's history at the Valley County Pioneer Museum. The museum features artifacts, dioramas, and photographs that depict the town's history, dating back to the days of the pioneers.
Gothenburg (Nebraska)
Gothenburg is a place where residents can live comfortably and with peace of mind. The city boasts homes with a median sale price of $205K, while health services are provided around the clock by Gothenburg Health. Gothenburg is an excellent city to relocate to if you want to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Retirees to the area have Lake Helen and the Lake Helen Recreation Area for fishing and picnics, while more adventurous times can be found just south of town at the Blue Heron Campsite. Residents will find sites for tent camping or cabins for rent, all set within a lovely forested area, just a short distance from the Platte River. Yet another one of the unique destinations in town will take you indoors at the Gothenburg Pony Express Station. Here, new residents in the area can learn about the role Gothenburg played in the Pony Express, as well as its general history.
Ogallala (Nebraska)
A fantastic place to relocate for anyone seeking affordable home prices is Ogallala, where the median sale price is just $145K. Ogallala is located just south of Ogallala Lake. Residents in the area can head just minutes north to the Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area for a day of boating, fishing, and hiking. Campgrounds also line Lake McConaughy, which neighbors Ogallala Lake. Archery ranges invite the sporting sort to test their skills, but picnic areas alongside lakeside views also make for a relaxing day along the shore. Residents also look forward to the Keith County Fair each year. Bronco riding and other rodeo events draw crowds as guests enjoy brisket sandwiches, and rotating concerts bring live music to the area. The fair is a great way to connect with the community if you are new to the area.
Manhattan (Kansas)
The city of Manhattan is an ideally situated place to retire. The median price of a home in the area is $287,500, and there are diverse things to see and do. Manhattan is home to Kansas State University and attracts thousands of students, contributing to a lively atmosphere in town. Around the university, retirees will find plenty to see and do. The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art showcases regional art, with an emphasis on the creatives of Kansas. Exhibits depict life in rural America and the culture of the state.
More active residents may want to head to Franke Anneberg Park. A walking trail winds around the lake with plenty of places to picnic and fields for both soccer and baseball. Finally, anyone who wants to tee off can join the nearby Manhattan Country Club. This 18-hole championship course attracts residents and visitors alike, and dining is also available with lovely views of the course, while residents have the option to enjoy swimming at the pool or exercising in the fitness center.
Concordia (Kansas)
If you are looking for a new home on a limited budget, Concordia offers houses with a median sale price of only $109K. Moreover, despite its small size, residents in Concordia are well cared for by North Central Kansas Medical Center. But Concordia is best known as a haven for history lovers, with the Cloud County Historical Museum showcasing a diverse range of exhibits. Military artifacts from various wars, the Lincoln-Page biplane, and geological displays all tell the story of the town's history.
Nearby, the unique National Orphan Train Complex is housed in the 1917 Union Pacific Depot. Here, residents can see what the depot was like and visit the station master's office, and learn about the movement that brought thousands of orphaned and abandoned children from New York City to the west between 1854 and 1929. Finally, north of town is the WWII German POW Camp. Inside the museum are photos and historic artifacts from the war, with tours available by appointment.
Bartlesville (Oklahoma)
With a median home sale price of $192,250, Bartlesville is an attractive option for those on a fixed income. Here, residents have several healthcare options, including 24-hour care at Ascension St. John Jane Phillips Medical Center. New residents may be interested in joining the Bartlesville Sportsmen's Club, where members practice with various firearms or work on their archery skills. Those who prefer to press their luck can head west to nearby Osage Casino Hotel, where visitors will also find dining options and, of course, can stay overnight if they choose.
One thing that neighbors count on to bring them together is the Bartlesville Sunfest. Called "Oklahoma's Biggest Outdoor Picnic," the festival features a diverse range of music, from rock to jazz and bluegrass. Arts and crafts shows often take place alongside car shows, as well as family-friendly games and activities.
Plenty Of Places To Retire On The Prairies
Whether you are moving to enjoy quiet small-town living or hoping to take advantage of lakeside views, the prairies cover numerous states, offering a wide range of options. Given the great diversity of the plains, retiring can mean something different for everyone. Whether you enjoy cultural spots such as Manhattan's Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art or the rodeo at the Keith County Fair, you should move out to the plains if you want to retire in a region of great natural beauty with plenty to see and do.
