7 Best Iowa Towns For Retirees

If you are getting close to retiring you may be thinking about where you want to spend your retirement years. Iowa is well worth a look. Its small towns pair an affordable and easygoing pace with strong healthcare and low taxes on retirement income. You can settle into a quiet main street and still have golf, art, and the outdoors close at hand. Let's dive into it, here are seven of the best areas in Iowa for retirees.

Decorah

Decorah, in northeastern Iowa, is known for outdoor recreation in the Driftless Area. It features a walkable downtown with local shops and breweries, as well as rivers and hiking trails. It is a popular area for those looking to retire, with a suburban feel, low crime rates, and plenty of activities for active retirees. For those looking to enjoy the great outdoors, visit Dunning's Spring Park, a wooded park with a 200 ft waterfall, trails, and plenty of beautiful spots for picnicking. History buffs will want to visit Vesterheim The National Norwegian-American Museum & Folk Art School, to learn about the experience of Norwegian immigrants in America through historical artifacts and folk art. Then sit back, relax, and grab a drink at Toppling Goliath Brewing Co, offering beers, ciders, cocktails, and small plates in a casual setting.

Pella

Pella is a city in Marion County known for its strong Dutch heritage. It was founded by immigrants in 1847. The area is an affordable Midwest retirement destination, known for its safe environment and an average rent lower than many of the national retirement hot spots. Visit Vermeer Mill, a working 124 ft windmill from the Netherlands with a museum display and view from the top. For those wanting to get in a round of golf, visit Boss Landen Golf Course, a well-known 18-hole course. Next visit Wonder Spelen City Park, perfect for the grandkids, featuring a playground, swings, slides, and a picnic area. Then grab a bite to eat at Liberty Street Kitchen with menu items including Iowa chowder, chicken parmigiana, and Montreal poutine.

Spencer

Spencer is in Clay County, located in the Northwestern part of the state, where the Little Sioux and Ocheyedan rivers meet. The area offers a mix of small town living with amenities like historic district parks and a revitalized downtown area. This is a popular town for retirees looking for an affordable cost of living, below average violent crime rates, and excellent localized healthcare. For golfers of all skill levels, visit Spencer Municipal Golf Course, featuring a full-length driving range, chipping green with sand trap, and a 7,500 sq ft practice putting green. Then check out some art at Art On Grand, created to encourage local artists, musicians, and art lovers to showcase and present their work. If you desire a nice dinner out, visit The Prime Rib, an upscale fine dining steakhouse with seafood dishes, salad bar, and a lounge.

Carroll

Carroll is located in Carroll County in West Central Iowa. It is known for its small-town feel with amenities like parks, a library, and local businesses. Carroll serves as a regional hub for education and recreation. It is a highly regarded retirement destination known for its low tax burden, quality medical care, and affordable cost of living. On a beautiful day, visit Swan Lake State Park, home to eagles and a wide range of wildlife. Camping and boating are also allowed. Go golfing at Carroll Municipal Golf Course, an 18-hole golf course that covers 150 acres of land. For those wanting to support a family-owned business, visit Glik's Boutique, a clothing chain offering casual wear, shoes, and accessories for adults and kids. Then catch a game on the TV and a bite to eat at Brothers On Main, a laid-back eatery featuring burgers and other casual favorites.

Grinnell

Grinnell is known for its historic downtown and mix of cultural activities, outdoor recreation, local eateries, and strong sense of community. This is a highly rated retirement destination for seniors looking for a lively small town atmosphere combined with robust healthcare and cultural amenities. Outdoor lovers will want to visit Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve, a relaxing wooded trail system featuring a pond and lake for hiking and bird watching. Then take in some incredible artwork at the Grinnell College Museum of Art with rotating exhibits. Enjoy some coffee and pastries at Saints Rest Coffee House in a cozy atmosphere with local artwork on display. Then enjoy some homemade pizza and wine at Solera, in a casual setting.

Waverly

Waverly is in Northeast Iowa and part of the Cedar Valley region known for its small town charm, quality of life, and amenities. Located on the Cedar River, it features a lively downtown main street district, a trail system, parks, golf courses, and a strong sense of community. Retirees love the welcoming family oriented community that features a slower pace of life and dedicated senior living and independent communities. Enjoy your day out at the golf course at Prairie Links Golf Club, offering 18 holes for all skill levels. Sit out on the water at Kohlmann Park, a riverside park with a playground and an amphitheater for events. Then enjoy some wings, burgers, pizza, and other American eats at Grumpy's Roadhouse.

Fairfield

Fairfield is in Jefferson County, and is known for its unique blend of small town charm but lively arts and culture scene. This is considered a top rated senior friendly destination with affordability and a strong sense of community. Retirees benefit from a low cost of living and no state taxes on retirement income. Fairfield Golf & Country Club offers a pool and a variety of dining options plus social activities. For those wanting to learn some history, the Carnegie Historical Museum was Iowa's first Carnegie library. It was endowed by Andrew Carnegie, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It dates back to 1876, making it one of Iowa's five oldest museums. Then enjoy a night out at Char Steakhouse with menu items perfectly complemented by expertly crafted pairings.

Find Your Place To Retire In Iowa

There you have it! There are plenty of spots for those who love to golf, enjoy art, history, and the great outdoors. You can go camping and spot an eagle in Carroll at Swan Lake State Park or enjoy the waterfalls at Dunning's Spring Park in Decorah. So grab a cup of coffee at Saints Rest Coffee House in Grinnell and enjoy your retirement.