6 Most Comfortable North Dakota Towns For Seniors For 2025

With close-knit communities, top-notch healthcare and affordable living, North Dakota is attracting attention as one of the best states in the nation for seniors. In fact, a recent study from finance expert WalletHub listed North Dakota in the top 15 States to Retire for 2026, ranking it 7th in the country for healthcare and 14th overall.

There are several reasons why seniors are drawn to North Dakota. The beautiful state is rich in scenic attractions and small-town charm. It’s also affordable for those on a retirement budget. At the time of writing, the average North Dakota home value is $275,220, according to Zillow.com, well under the national average of $359,078. The state also offers a Homestead Property Tax Credit for homeowners age 65 or older, reducing the taxable value of their property.

Ranked 6th in the nation for personal and resident safety and number 2 for financial safety, North Dakota is also a safe haven for seniors. There is a strong sense of community in the state’s historic small towns that have plenty of rural charm combined with all the amenities you’d expect in a state where around 17% of the population is aged 65 or over.

If you’re considering a post-retirement move, check out our list of the most comfortable North Dakota towns for seniors. These quiet communities offer laid-back living, safety, affordability, and a comfortable place to call home as you head into your golden years. All home prices listed are current as of the time of writing and taken from data provided by Zillow.com.

Bottineau

Located in the Turtle Mountains near the Canadian border, Bottineau is a beautiful place to kick back and make the most of retirement. Enjoy gentle hikes, an afternoon birdwatching, or take the family picnicking amid the beautiful woodlands and wetlands of Lake Metigoshe State Park.

For more picture-perfect views, take a leisurely drive along the Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway that runs 53 miles north of town, covering some of the most breathtaking sights in the area. If golf is more your thing, spend a day on the fairway at the nine-hole Bottineau Country Club Golf Course. Back in town, get to know more about the community’s history at the Bottineau County Historical Museum on Main Street.

Properties here are lower than the state average, with the median home price around $227,259. Senior-focused healthcare is also readily available as Bottineau is home to the award-winning Good Samaritan Society. In its Bottineau branch, the Good Samaritan - Bottineau is ranked a top performer by the American College of Health Care Administrators.

Devils Lake

If you like the idea of spending your golden years leisurely fishing, Devils Lake is the place to be. Whether catching walleye in the summer or perch in the winter, the lake is a year-round playground for eager anglers. One of the best places to get your bait in the water is Grahams Island State Park, which regularly hosts national and regional fishing competitions.

Devils Lake is a laidback town but there’s still plenty to do, especially in the summer when the Fort Totten Little Theatre comes to town. This Broadway-style musical theater plays in Roosevelt Park throughout July. The summer season also welcomes Devils Lake Farmers Market, which takes over downtown from July to October.

Devils Lake is affordable, with an average home value of $228,899, and has a 25-bed hospital as well as several clinics offering primary care. The town also offers a range of assisted living facilities, including Eventide Lake Country Manor and Prairie Manor Senior Living.

Valley City

Valley City is named for its location in the beautiful Sheyenne River Valley and is known for its most prominent landmark, the 3,860-foot-long, 162-foot-high Hi-Line Railroad Bridge. One of the highest and longest single-track railroad bridges in the country, the bridge was built from 1906 to 1908 and played a key role in moving men and supplies during both World Wars.

Learn more about the region’s railroad and military history at the Rosebud Visitor Center, which houses a regional museum as well as the North Dakota Agriculture Hall of Fame. Other must-see attractions in Valley City include the Valley City State Planetarium, where you can stargaze at a night sky full of over 2,000 stars, and Medicine Wheel Park, which includes Native American Burial Mounds and walking trails.

Seniors can stretch their retirement savings in Valley City with affordable housing and a low cost of living. The average property price is $189,741. There are also several service providers dedicated to making life comfortable for seniors, including Elderbee Care, Valley City Senior Center, and Barnes County Senior Citizen Council.

Jamestown

Founded in 1883, Jamestown is a historic prairie community bordered by rolling hills and grassy plains. The town has an unusual claim to fame: it’s home to the World’s Largest Buffalo. Standing at 26ft tall, this concrete sculpture was built in 1959 to honor Jamestown’s frontier history. You can see that history on display at Fort Seward Military Post, which operated from 1872 to 1877, and the stately 1881 Stutsman County Courthouse, as well as the Stutsman County Memorial Museum.

Steeped in history but packed with modern amenities and attractions, Jamestown is a comfortable location for seniors to enjoy a slower pace of life, whether wandering the walking trails at the Jamestown Reservoir or browsing the exhibits at the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame.

The average home price in Jamestown is $205,559. Seniors new to town can find friends, support, and events at the James River Senior Center, while the Jamestown Regional Medical Center offers quality care and was ranked one of the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States by the National Rural Health Association in 2025.

Wahpeton

A charming riverside town in southeastern North Dakota, Wahpeton is a family-friendly destination with plenty of natural, historic and cultural attractions. Take the family for a day out at Chahinkapa Zoo, home to over 300 animals, or enjoy a walk around Chahinkapa Park, where you’ll find the historic Prairie Rose Carousel. The grandkids will love a ride on this restored 1926 carousel, which is open to the public from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Golfing seniors will love the links at the Bois de Sioux Golf Course, one of the most unique in the nation. This is the only course in the country to boast 18 holes over two states. The front nine is located in Wahpeton, while the back nine crosses over the Minnesota border.

Despite being a vibrant city, Wahpeton is surprisingly affordable for seniors. The average home price is below the state average at $224,910. If you’re looking for senior living facilities, choices include Southeast Senior Services, Leach Home, and the Village at River’s Edge. The Wahpeton Senior Center provides guidance to seniors seeking support and information, as well as community get-togethers and seasonal events.

Carrington

Carrington is ideal for seniors looking for a slow-paced, comfortable retirement with friendly neighbors and a welcoming community. One of the best ways to get to know the town is by visiting the Putnam House. A lively community center, this 1907 home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is now a cultural hub offering art exhibits, summer concerts, adult education classes, and more.

Make more friends and enjoy gentle recreation at the CrossRoads Golf Course, an 18-hole course which has won a coveted Golf Digest Four Star Award nine years running and includes a scenic 5-mile recreational trail. A short drive south of Carrington is the Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge, one of the best birding locations in North Dakota. Home to more than 250 bird species, the preserve covers nearly 16,000 acres of prairie and wetlands and can be explored via the many walking trails or a scenic auto tour route, which is open seasonally.

Carrington is one of the most affordable retirement destinations in North Dakota, with an average home price of $190,241. The Carrington Senior Citizens Center has been in operation since 1993, providing weekly community meals and opportunities for seniors to meet and mingle. The town is well-provided for healthcare with a 25-bed critical access hospital, the Carrington Health Center, the Foster County Medical Center, a rural health clinic, and Golden Acres Manor, a 64-bed skilled nursing facility.

North Dakota’s Comfortable and Caring Communities

Your senior years shouldn’t be stressful. This is when life slows down and moments matter. Finding a comfortable home for retirement means finding somewhere that’s safe, affordable, welcoming, and equipped with everything residents need as they age. These friendly North Dakota towns offer comfort and ease without sacrificing entertainment or activity. Whether you’re looking for a cozy rustic retirement among North Dakota’s stunning natural attractions or a more urban experience with plenty of activities to keep you busy, there’s something for every senior in these inviting late-in-life destinations.