7 Best Towns In Kansas For Retirees
After decades of deadlines, packed commutes, and noisy neighborhoods, retirement is a well-earned invitation to slow down. While Kansas may not be the first state that comes to mind, it quietly delivers what many retirees seek: peace, affordability, and a strong community spirit. With 17.5% of its population aged 65 or older, Kansas is naturally attuned to the needs of older adults. The state’s Senior Care Act (SCA) reinforces this support, helping eligible seniors access essential services in the comfort of their own homes. Whether it means peaceful walks in Peter Pan Park in Emporia, attending the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson, or taking grandkids to Brit Spaugh Zoo in Great Bend, these are some of the best towns you should consider.
Hutchinson
Each year, Hutchinson draws nearly 350,000 visitors to the Kansas State Fair, the largest event of its kind in the state. Held every September for ten days following Labor Day, the fair brings energy and excitement to town for retirees. This vibrant atmosphere pairs well with a slower-paced retirement lifestyle, as Hutchinson provides ample space and opportunity for seniors to enjoy a comfortable life. Housing remains within reach, with the median home price around $142,000 as of June 2025. Seniors looking for extra support can find care at The Wesley retirement community, Legend of Hutchinson, or Waldron Place Senior Living. Hutchinson Regional Medical Center ensures nearby access to healthcare, giving retirees peace of mind.
Grandkids and guests will find no shortage of activities, from descending 650 feet underground into the salt chambers of Strataca, to exploring space history at the Cosmosphere, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of U.S. and Russian space artifacts. The Hutchinson Zoo, while compact, delights with native and exotic species, and the 100-acre Dillon Nature Center provides tranquil walking trails, bird-watching, and seasonal wildflowers that make it a favorite spot for nature lovers.
Emporia
Emporia, known nationwide as the Disc Golf Capital of the World, provides retirees with a unique mix of leisure, culture, and community warmth. Tucked into the Flint Hills region, this small Kansas town makes it easy to fill your days with interesting and meaningful activities. The David Traylor Zoo of Emporia is a local favorite, with free admission and naturalized exhibits featuring birds, reptiles, and mammals. At Peter Pan Park, residents enjoy peaceful walks around a four-acre lake and admire sculptures and memorials that reflect the park’s long history. Just blocks away, the William Allen White House—also called Red Rocks—gives a glimpse into the life of the famed journalist and political figure, while the Lyon County History Center downtown houses over 150,000 artifacts showcasing the region’s rich past.
Housing in Emporia is well within reach for retirees, with the average home priced at about $170,000 as of June 2025, well below the Kansas state median of $240,000. Newman Regional Health Center handles local medical needs, and senior living options such as Emporia Presbyterian Manor and Sunflower Care Homes help residents feel safe and supported.
Lindsborg
Lindsborg charms retirees with its deep Scandinavian roots and rich cultural landscape. This welcoming Kansas town stands out for its vibrant arts scene, where the Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery showcases works by the famed Swedish-American artist and his contemporaries. At the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum, visitors can explore the town’s past through historic exhibits and interactive displays that celebrate early settlers. The Red Barn Studio Museum, once the home and workplace of artist Lester Raymer, brims with eclectic handcrafted pieces that range from ceramics to woodcarvings. Just outside town, Coronado Heights Castle provides sweeping views of the plains and a touch of local legend.
With home prices averaging around $230,000 as of June 2025, retirees can find reasonable housing in a peaceful setting. At the same time, Lindsborg Community Hospital ensures easy access to medical care, while Bethany Village and Sunflower Terrace offer both independent and assisted living options. The Lindsborg Senior Center hosts regular foot-care clinics, health sessions, and nutrition classes, helping seniors stay engaged and cared for.
Abilene
Retirees seeking a slower pace of life steeped in heritage will find Abilene a rewarding place to settle. Known as the “Greyhound Capital of the World,” this historic town holds a special place in American dog racing history and remains the headquarters of the National Greyhound Association. The Greyhound Hall of Fame draws visitors with its unique exhibits and real-life retired racers eager to meet guests. History lovers will also appreciate the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum, a nationally respected archive and tribute to the 34th president.
With a median home price of just around $180,000, housing is attainable, leaving retirees with extra resources for wellness and hobbies. Active seniors can join Impact Sports & Fitness or play a round at Abilene Golf and Fitness, LLC. For long-term care, options include the Brown Memorial Home for the Aged and Homestead Assisted Living of Abilene.
Fort Scott
Fort Scott appeals to retirees who value friendly connections and peace of mind. Over 20% of its residents are aged 65 or older, a clear sign that many seniors have chosen to settle here for good reason. The average home price hovers around $125,000 as of June 2025, making it one of the more reasonably priced retirement destinations in the region. Access to reliable healthcare comes through the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas and Girard Medical Center of Fort Scott. Meanwhile, long-term living needs are met by Fort Scott Presbyterian Village and Credo Senior Living.
With life’s basics well covered, retirees can focus on meaningful leisure. Fort Scott National Historic Site offers a walk through time with 20 preserved structures, a parade ground, and restored tallgrass prairie. For the seniors who enjoy open spaces, Gunn Park delivers relaxing afternoons with fishing lakes, campsites, and forested bike trails along the Marmaton River. Meanwhile, the Gordon Parks Museum presents the legacy of the acclaimed photographer and filmmaker, promoting cultural awareness and creative thought.
Great Bend
Located along the historic Santa Fe Trail, Great Bend invites retirees to slow down in a town that knows how to celebrate heritage and simplicity. Known as the birthplace of organized drag racing and the boyhood home of a Nobel laureate, Jack Kilby, this quiet Kansas town holds more than meets the eye. Nature-loving retirees appreciate Cheyenne Bottoms, a 41,000-acre wetland and one of the largest in the interior United States, ideal for birdwatching and peaceful walks. The Barton County Historical Society Museum and Village gives seniors a sense of place through its vintage structures and exhibits. At the same time, the Brit Spaugh Zoo is a relaxing place to take visiting grandchildren for an afternoon stroll among native and exotic animals.
With nearly one in five residents over the age of 65, Great Bend already reflects the needs of a retiree-focused population. Owning a home here comes at an average of $120,000, leaving ample financial room for personal interests, travel, or daily comforts. Medical needs are met at the centrally located University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus, ensuring residents have access to reliable healthcare. For those seeking additional support with daily living, options like Brookdale Great Bend and Aster Estates offer assisted living services in a safe, comfortable environment.
McPherson
Known for its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant young vibe, McPherson gives retirees the comfort of small-town living without sacrificing stimulation. The presence of McPherson College and Central Christian College infuses the town with youthful energy while still maintaining a relaxed pace. Retirees who appreciate history and the arts can spend hours at the McPherson Museum and Arts Foundation, which displays everything from Ice Age fossils to Native American artifacts and Birger Sandzén lithographs. Just a few blocks away, the Clayworks studio showcases original pieces by local artists and doubles as a lively gathering spot for residents and visitors.
The restored McPherson Opera House remains a beloved venue for older adults to enjoy a night of classical performances or catch up with friends over an evening show. With 16% of the population aged 65 and above, seniors easily find like-minded peers and plenty of enriching activities at the McPherson Public Library. The average home can be bought for approximately $215,000, making it easier to settle in without financial stress.
Wrapping Up
Kansas welcomes retirees with its peaceful pace, rich history, and practical living. Towns like Great Bend, with a median home price of just around $117,000, highlight the state’s affordability. Hutchinson brings community spirit to life as the host of the iconic Kansas State Fair. In Abilene, staying active is simple with amenities such as Abilene Golf and Fitness. Whether you are drawn to budget-friendly living, cultural experiences, or a little of both, these seven Kansas towns make it easy to enjoy your next chapter in comfort and style.
