11 Friendly Towns To Retire In The United States
Choosing the right town in which to retire involves finding a friendly, welcoming community that feels like home. Across the United States, there are many small towns where neighbors still wave and say "hello," local shopkeepers call you by name, and life moves at an enjoyable, unhurried pace. Here, we explore 11 of the friendliest towns to retire to in the US. Whether you dream of coastal charm, mountain views, or a bustling downtown area, you may discover the perfect spot in which to start the next chapter of your life.
Hillsborough, North Carolina
Just 40 miles from the larger city of Raleigh, the smaller town of Hillsborough is known for its friendliness, natural beauty, and rich history. It is in Orange County in North Carolina's Piedmont region. Hillsborough is considered part of the Research Triangle Park area, as it is just 14 miles from Durham and 12 miles from Chapel Hill. Those who retire to Hillsborough enjoy the convenience of living in proximity to these larger cities.
A walk through Historic Hillsborough will take you past many interesting landmarks, such as the Alexander Dickson House, built in 1790 and later used as Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston’s headquarters during the Civil War. If you are more of an outdoors lover, check out Eno River State Park, with 30 miles of hiking trails through rocky bluffs and quiet forests. The Hillsborough Arts Council Gallery rotates exhibitions of regional and local artists throughout the town. It is also responsible for the Last Fridays Art Walk, a community event that draws residents and visitors, taking place on the last Friday of the month, typically running from February through November.
Prescott, Arizona
Prescott, Arizona, sits at 5,200 feet above sea level among the most extensive ponderosa pine forests in the US. Retirees longing for mild winters and sunny days move to Prescott to enjoy its four-season climate. According to the City of Prescott website, Prescott experiences an average of 277 sunny days each year, along with 16 inches of rain and 13 inches of snow. Located in central Arizona, Prescott is about 70 miles from Sedona and 100 miles from Phoenix.
Prescott National Forest encompasses over 100,000 acres of ponderosa pines, four lakes, and 950 miles of trails, making it an ideal destination for retirees seeking an active lifestyle. The community gathers at the Prescott Farmers Market every Saturday, year-round, to purchase locally grown food and locally crafted artisanal goods. The World's Oldest Rodeo is still held in Prescott around July 4 each year, and has been since 1888. Art lovers in Prescott will find satisfaction in the town's 4th Friday Art Walk, held each month and showcasing the works of local artists.
Punta Gorda, Florida
About a half hour north of Fort Myers on the southwest coast of Florida, the town of Punta Gorda sits on the Peace River where it meets Charlotte Harbor. Meaning "fat tip" in Spanish, Punta Gorda is the ideal destination for retirees who want to live by the water and enjoy all it has to offer.
Charlotte Harbor Preserve Park is the third-largest state park in Florida, protecting 100 miles of shoreline along Charlotte Harbor. It spans over 45,000 acres, encompassing marshes and mangrove forests. Most of the park is accessible by kayak or canoe, but hikers can access the park in the upland areas. Tippecanoe Environmental Park, located just 12 miles from Punta Gorda, features seven miles of trails that wind through a natural landscape, including ADA-accessible trails. The Punta Gorda History Park spans nine acres in the downtown area and features historic homes, an orchid collection, and a community garden. The History Park also hosts a Sunday Market each week, where local artists and artists in residence sell their works.
Decorah, Iowa
Set in the Driftless Area of northeast Iowa, Decorah is a walkable college town that appeals to many retirees. It is just one hour from the larger city of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and two hours from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Its welcoming community and natural beauty draw retirees to Decorah.
"Driftless" refers to the fact that the Decorah area was spared by the glaciers, which advanced and retreated around, but not over, the region. The driftlessness is evident in the town's bedrock, deep valleys, and high bluffs, as well as its many rivers and streams. Trout Run Trail is a favorite of those who enjoy outdoor recreation and hiking. This trail crosses trout streams five times during its 11-mile loop through town. Luther College, the first college in the US founded by Norwegian immigrants, is in Decorah. The college is home to the town's Nordic Fest, held each July, which celebrates the town's Norwegian heritage through music, food, and art. In the summertime, residents enjoy the town's Lawn Chair Night Music Series, held every Thursday evening from June to August.
Spartanburg, South Carolina
The South Carolina town of Spartanburg is perfect for retirees who crave the arts, outdoor recreation, and a mild, four-season climate. Found in the upstate region of South Carolina, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Spartanburg is about 30 miles from Greenville, South Carolina, and 75 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina. The smaller town of Spartanburg gives retirees a welcoming community atmosphere that is still close to larger city amenities.
Bicyclers will be drawn to Bike Town Spartanburg, an initiative aimed at making the bicycle-friendly town the cycling hub of the Southeast. The Criterium half-mile cycling race is held in town each May. Hikers will enjoy the Cottonwood Trail Preserve, containing 116 acres of urban preserve for plants and animals and a trail system. Spartanburg's Chapman Cultural Center is a haven for the arts and culture, hosting art exhibits as well as theatrical events. The town also hosts Music on Main each Thursday night from April to July, featuring a variety of musicians representing genres such as reggae, jazz, and classic rock.
Lindsborg, Kansas
Known as "Little Sweden USA," the welcoming, tight-knit community of Lindsborg, Kansas, was settled by Swedish immigrants in 1869. Set in the Smoky Valley, Lindsborg is just south of the larger town of Salina and is home to Bethany College. Retirees interested in a quiet, small-town lifestyle in an agricultural, rural setting will be attracted to Lindsborg.
Coronado Heights, a historic park just four miles northwest of Lindsborg, offers panoramic views from the Smoky Hills, with a walking trail and picnic area, and a historic castle shelter believed to have been visited by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Vazquez de Coronado. The Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum is a great place to explore the town's rich history. Bethany College hosts the Messiah Festival of the Arts, a celebration of art, music, and culture, each March. The town's Svensk Hyllingsfest (Swedish Festival) is held biennially, in odd-numbered years, and honors Lindsborg's Swedish heritage with food, music, dance, parade, arts, and more.
Coos Bay, Oregon
Located on the southern coast of Oregon, near the Adventure Coast, Coos Bay offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. Nearby neighboring towns include North Bend and Charleston. Coos Bay is located approximately two hours from the larger city of Eugene. Retirees seeking a small town with natural beauty and an abundance of recreational activities may wish to consider Coos Bay.
Cape Arago State Park is 15 miles southwest of Coos Bay, sitting on the Pacific Ocean. Its cliffs, sheltered coves with pools, and views of sea lions can't be beat. Hikers and fishers will also be kept busy here, considering the Oregon Coast Trail runs the entire length of the 363-mile Oregon Coast, including Coos Bay, and is divided into 10 manageable sections for hikers to enjoy. Art lovers should visit the Coos Art Museum, founded by local artists in 1966, and the third-oldest art museum in the state. This small town hosts many community-minded annual events, such as the South Coast Clambake Music Festival each March.
Burlington, Vermont
Lying between the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain, the progressive, walkable town of Burlington, Vermont, beckons retirees who want to live in an eco-friendly, welcoming area. Although it is Vermont's largest city, it still qualifies as a "small town," with just over 44,000 residents. Retirees seeking to live in an urban city with a mountainous backdrop and a lakefront view would be wise to consider Burlington.
Burlington has its share of hiking trails, including the 273-mile Long Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the US. Winter sports enthusiasts can ski and snowboard at nearby Bolton Valley Resort, among other places in the area. The Church Street Marketplace, an outdoor mall, contains over 100 shops and restaurants, and was named the "Number 1 Public Square in America" in 2022 by USA Today. Each June, residents and visitors enjoy the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, which has been held annually in Burlington for the past 40 years.
Paso Robles, California
Sitting between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the small town of Paso Robles, California, beckons retirees who want to live near the beach and in wine country. Meaning "The Pass of the Oaks," Paso Robles was named for the numerous oak trees in the region. The charming, small-town vibe with amenities you'd expect to find in a larger city draws many retirees to move to Paso Robles.
Downtown Paso Robles boasts its share of art galleries, including the Park Street Gallery, which welcomes artists of all levels. Wine lovers in Paso Robles will rejoice over its 200+ wineries, including the family-owned Cordant Winery. Many beaches are just a half hour from Paso Robles, such as Moonstone Beach and Boardwalk in Cambria. The Paso Farmers Market, held on Tuesdays and Saturdays, brings the community together. This market features locally grown produce, artisanal foods, wine, and handmade crafts from dozens of vendors.
Luray, Virginia
In the midst of the Shenandoah Valley, the small town of Luray, Virginia, sits near Lake Arrowhead, a town-owned recreational lake roughly 90 miles west of Alexandria. Its backdrop includes the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Massanutten Mountains. Retirees considering Luray do so to live among its abundant natural beauty.
Luray is a gateway to Shenandoah National Park, containing more than 200,000 acres of parkland and over 500 miles of trails. Luray Caverns, an extensive network of caverns offering daily tours, is another oft-visited area landmark. The two-mile-long, 10-foot-wide paved Hawksbill Greenway walking and biking trail in Luray is popular among residents and visitors alike. The Page County Heritage Festival is held each October on the Page County Fairgrounds in Luray and features live entertainment, food, crafts, demonstrations, and more.
Winona, Minnesota
Right on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin on the Mississippi River, the small town of Winona, Minnesota, has been called the "Miami of Minnesota" due to its warmer-than-average temperatures and its placement on the state's border exactly where Miami sits in Florida. Winona contains sandy beaches along the Mississippi River and a small-town atmosphere that many retirees crave.
Winona's Levee Park Art Wall on Main Street pays tribute to the Dakota People and other cultures who are a part of Winona's historical past and present. If you're looking for sandy beaches, check out Michael LaCanne Memorial Park, with a swimming beach, boat launch, fishing pier, and walking/biking path. Hikers should visit Bluffside Park, with 15 miles of multi-use trails. The Winona Ice Fest, held annually in January or February, showcases the town's ice park and features climbing clinics, live music, and equipment demonstrations.
Cordial Communities For Retirement
These 11 towns across the US are each ideal for retirees seeking a fresh start. Whether you are interested in living in a historic town, participating in a variety of outdoor recreational activities, being immersed in art and culture, or just wanting to start over in a place that welcomes you, you will find that these towns each have their own attributes and advantages. Check them out if you are considering pulling up stakes and moving in your retirement.
