8 Best Towns In Kentucky For Retirees

Kentucky is known as the "bluegrass state" thanks to European bluegrass brought over by early settlers. From its friendly people, famous Appalachian Mountains, beautiful weather, and tax incentives for retirees, it's no wonder that the state of Kentucky has also become a very popular spot for people to retire, from its charming capital city of Frankfort to small towns like Villa Hills. If you're looking to retire in style, Kentucky offers a wide range of locations just waiting for you.

Murray

If you're looking for an inviting small town that has hot summers and cool winters and packs a city's worth of culture, then pack your bags and head for Murray, Kentucky! For theater lovers, you'll be able to relax and enjoy a performance at Playhouse in the Park. They have been staging performances of original and well-known works such as The Wizard of Oz. If you fancy viewing some breathtaking artwork, head over to the Clara M. Eagle Gallery, which features over a thousand works of art. Without a doubt, one of the best things about Murray is the amount of green space there is to enjoy! Not only does Murray feature parks that span over 200 acres, but it's also just a twenty-minute drive from the famed Land Between the Lakes. This massive recreation area spans 170,000 acres of forests, making it an ideal getaway close to home. And since the town has a population of just about 18,000 people, you'll never feel crowded. For peace of mind, Murray features easy access to the Murray-Calloway County Hospital. Getting in and out of town town is a breeze since it's only a three and a half hour drive from Louisville, or you can fly into the town via the Murray-Calloway Airport. With average home values of $182,584, Murray may be your next home.

Danville

The beautiful town of Danville was first settled in 1783 and is known by many as "The Town of Firsts" because it housed the state's first courthouse, which is fitting since Danville was the first capital of Kentucky. It's where the first constitution of Kentucky was written and signed! Danville has also had a few brushes with Hollywood in its history, due to parts of the 1957 movie Raintree County and the 1997 feature film Lawn Dogs, starring Sam Rockwell, being filmed there. But don't let the town’s brush with fame frighten you away! This charming small town has a population of approximately 18,000 people, so you'll never feel crowded as you stroll through the Constitution Square Historic Site, an outdoor museum featuring restored frontier buildings that offer a glimpse into how early settlers in Danville lived. For a unique experience, be sure to visit the Great American Dollhouse Museum, or while you're taking in an awe-inspiring theater performance under the stars at the Pioneer Playhouse, which is the oldest outdoor theater in the State of Kentucky, and one of the oldest continuously operated summer stock theaters in the United States. With an average home value of approximately $241,485 and numerous retirement communities, such as the highly regarded Walker's Trail Senior Living, it's easy to see why Danville is considered one of the best places to retire.

Somerset

Whether you are looking to buy a home, which in this gorgeous town has an average value of $194,662, or live in one of its many warm and inviting retirement communities such as Highlands Square, the town's 12,000 or so residents will make you feel right at home! If you ever long to visit the big city while living in Somerset, the town is only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Louisville. Though with all that a small town has to offer, you may never need to leave again. For those who enjoy spending time on the golf course, The Eagles Nest Country Club will make you feel as if you are playing in a PGA Tournament. In contrast, General Burnside Island Golf Course offers the unique experience of playing golf on an island, surrounded by Lake Cumberland. If you're looking for a great way to beat the heat and feel like a kid again, make sure to visit the SomerSplash park! You can get a thrill as you go down one of the water slides, or feel your worries melt away as you float down the lazy river. Perfect for enjoying Kentucky's humid summers. Somerset also boasts a well-staffed and easily accessible Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital for all your medical needs. So get ready to enjoy your golden years in this slice of heaven on earth!

Mayfield

Do you hear that? It's the peace and quiet that makes Mayfield, with a population of just over 10,000 people and an average home value of $153,430, an ideal place to call home. At The Ice House Artist Cooperative, you can let your creativity flourish by taking a watercolor painting workshop or jewelry-making workshop. Or you can stroll through the town, taking your time to picture what it was like to walk these same streets in 1824, much like the early residents of Mayfield did. Since then, the quaint little town has made its share of history. Or you can step back in time at Cartwright Grove, which features a small village of buildings from the 1800s. Speaking of the town's history, did you know that Mayfield was the first town in the United States to have a female sheriff? It's true! Sheriff Lois Roach was sworn into the job in 1922 and served in the position until 1927. If you're a movie fan, you may have already seen some of this beautiful town in the 1988 feature film "In Country" starring the legendary Bruce Willis. You can enjoy warm weather in one of the stunning parks like Kess Creek Park, where you can enjoy a round of disc golf, go for a walk on one of its trails, or just lounge around in the water. If you ever miss the big city, you're only about two hours from “Music City USA”, aka Nashville, Tennessee! If you prefer to live in a retirement community, The Bungalows At Mayfield would be honored to have you.

Paducah

If you prefer a town with a slightly larger population that retains its small-town feel, we recommend Paducah. With a population of just over 27,000, an average home value at just $181,230, and a cost of living 14.1% below the national average, Paducah may be the place for you. Founded in 1830, Paducah is just a twenty-five-mile drive from Mayfield. Thanks to its location on both the Tennessee and Ohio rivers, it has long been a trading hub with a rich seafaring history. When the town was settled in 1821, early settlers called the budding community "Perkin". If you're an art lover, welcome to paradise. In 2013, the town was officially designated as a UNESCO Creative City due to its School of Art & Design, Wall-to-Wall Murals, and, perhaps most famously, its National Quilt Museum. This unique and fun museum offers visitors the chance to participate in workshops on quilting or join a book club, which stimulates both the mind and body, and provides an opportunity to make new friends along the way. If you enjoy the outdoors, The Greenway Trail offers you chance to enjoy Kentucky's weather and the beauty of nature. Suppose you've got a need for speed. In that case, you can always let out your inner hot rodder by paying a visit to the Paducah International Speedway, featuring a ⅜ mile clay oval track. Just don't forget your earplugs! All it takes is one visit, and as soon as you fly into the Barkley Regional Airport located in town, or drive in, you’ll see why Paducah made the top ten list of Travel and Leisure's "Destination Retirement" in the Southeast series.

Glasgow

Virtually smack dab in the center of Kentucky sits the idyllic town of Glasgow. Just a touch over 15,000 people call this small community home. Due to the town being founded in 1799, many historic homes, such as the Bybee House, remain as a bridge to the past. To get a different perspective on history, you can pay a visit to the Civil War battlefield at Fort Williams. If you’re daring, you can put on a kilt and watch the annual summer highland games. If you get hungry, Yancy's Gastropub and Brewery has a menu that will keep you wanting seconds. With average home values of $204,045, you will have plenty of money left to enjoy your retirement. If you are looking for a good retirement community in the area, The Hometown Manor Assisted Living Community of Glasgow has a wonderful staff that is waiting to welcome you. Best of all, you aren’t required to learn the bagpipes before moving to Glasgow! So what are you waiting for?

Frankfort

Despite sharing its name with a famous city in Germany, the town of Frankfort, Kentucky's name comes from a combination of an early pioneer in the 1780s who passed away by the name of Stephan Frank and a local ford, which is a shallow place near a stream or river that's safe to walk. Over the years, "Frank's Ford" evolved into its current name. Today, the city is home to several historical landmarks, including the Old State Capitol building, built in 1837 and now a museum, as well as Liberty Hall, a historic home constructed in 1796. While you're out for a walk in one of Kentucky's hot summers, you might come across one of the state's most unique features, in the form of a Floral Clock. This magnificent structure features a 34-foot-diameter clock face, set inside a 100-ton holder above a pool of water. As a show of local pride, new flowers are planted from local greenhouses each spring. With plenty of green space to choose from, such as the 240-acre Cove Spring Park and Juniper Hill Park, you'll have plenty of opportunities to stop and smell the roses. This friendly community is just waiting for you to be a part of it. Frankfort boasts a cost of living that's 9.7% below the national average, with an average home value of $243,824 and a population of just under 29,000. If you're looking for a welcoming adult living community, Frankfort is also home to the esteemed Ashwood Place. Plus, getting here is a snap! Frankfort is just a 28-mile drive from Lexington, Kentucky, or you can fly into town using the Capital City Airport.

Villa Hills

Say hello to Villa Hills, Kentucky! This welcoming community of around 7,500 people nestled along the beautiful Ohio River is waiting for you to call it home! While living here, you're just a 15-minute drive from Cincinnati, Ohio, which makes for an excuse to watch the Bengals play! Average home values of $383,791 remain relatively affordable, allowing you to enjoy your golden years. Perhaps one of the best things about Villa Hills is that you get to enjoy living in a gorgeous rural community while only being a short commute from everything! While in town, you can enjoy a swim or boating trip on the Ohio River, or visit one of the many parks, including the Lou Hartfiel Memorial Park and Franzen Park, where you can enjoy one of the walking trails or stop for a picnic. In nearby Covington, be sure to visit The Behringer-Crawford Museum, which features exhibits on local history. Villa Hills may be small, but with its proximity and welcoming community, you'll wonder how you ever lived anywhere else.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Kentucky has numerous small towns that are ideal retirement destinations. The state's warm summers and mild winters, numerous destinations, and financial incentives to seniors, including a homestead exemption of $49,000, which is deducted from the value of your home for tax purposes. Additionally, Kentucky doesn't tax Social Security income. All in all, the Bluegrass State is a great place to spend your golden years!