8 Best Towns In The Great Lakes For Retirees
Boasting some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring natural landscapes in the Northern Hemisphere, the Great Lakes region holds about 20% of the world’s surface fresh water, making it a stunning and important area. It’s a fantastic place to retire, especially if you want to wake up to glimmering views of the water without having to pay a fortune for it. You will find close-knit communities where relationships are friendly and genuine, as well as small, charming towns that provide access to a world of outdoor recreational opportunities. The trick is to choose spots with high-quality healthcare, affordability, and other amenities. Wondering about the best picks? Starting with Port Washington, Wisconsin, discover eight towns in the Great Lakes Region that are best for retirees.
Manistee, Michigan
Manistee is a small beach town that is affordable, family-friendly, and enticingly laid-back. It is in the heart of the West Coast of Michigan, about 60 miles southwest of Traverse City. Houses in Manistee fetch a median listing price of approximately $270,000, a bit cheaper than the national median, which is ideal for its waterfront locale. For retirees, the low cost of living and friendly neighborhoods create a peaceful atmosphere that suits slower-paced lifestyles. Even if you don’t want to buy a home, Green Acres of Manistee is an assisted living community that offers an affordable alternative, with personalized living spaces.
At this price point, you get almost everything you need, including a close-knit community, the highly rated Munson Healthcare, Family Fare Supermarket for groceries, and a modest number of family-owned restaurants. A retiree will enjoy spending time at the lake, the Manistee Golf & Country Club, which is tastefully positioned on the shores of Lake Michigan, and the 190-mile-long Manistee River, a prime spot for wildlife viewing, canoeing, and hiking.
Port Washington, Wisconsin
Port Washington is a small town of about 13,000 residents on Lake Michigan's western shore. It is a fantastic retirement spot for several reasons, including its proximity to Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s largest city. In less than half an hour, a retiree will be enjoying all kinds of top-notch amenities, including some of the best hospitals in the Midwest, such as the Froedtert Hospital. This state-of-the-art facility in Milwaukee is the region’s only Level I Trauma Center, offering a sense of security for residents.
Moreover, you can paddle the lake at any time of the week, walk or jog at the nicely maintained Upper Lake Park, or fill your toes with sand at Port Washington South Beach. Port Washington is also an affordable option, with a median home value of around $370,000 as of June 2025, about the same as the national average.
Marquette, Michigan
It is easy to fall in love with Marquette, a vibrant small city on the shores of Lake Superior. It is loved for its stunning natural beauty, serene environment, and tons of outdoor activities. Talking of the outdoors, a retiree here is at the doorstep of Presque Isle Park, a popular venue for cliff-jumping, watching magical sunsets, and slow, evening walks. Moreover, Wright Street Falls is absolutely breathtaking and features a short, sweet walk to tone the muscles.
Numerous other trails, parks, and the nearby Hiawatha National Forest are nearby. A median listing price of $325,000 is a steal, especially when you consider the fresh air and outdoor opportunities nearby. Regarding healthcare access, UP Health System Marquette is a 222-bed specialty care hospital that doubles up as a leading healthcare provider in the Upper Peninsula. Retirees looking for a comfortable senior living experience can consider Brookridge Heights Assisted Living and Memory Care, which offers tailored wellness programs and scenic views in a peaceful setting.
Sandusky, Ohio
Sandusky is an incredible place to retire for several reasons. For starters, real estate here is affordable, especially considering houses are listed for a median price of around $200,000. This is quite attractive if one considers that the median listing price for the state is over $240,000. Also, you are an hour from Cleveland, the second-largest city in the state, and Toledo, the fourth-largest. So, while Sandusky is small and homey, one is never far from big-city amenities or cultural attractions.
Outdoor pleasure spots to keep one busy include the walleye-filled Lake Erie, the nearby Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve, and Lagoon Deer Park, a fun place to mingle with deer, peacocks, and llamas. Bonus point? You can see one of the world's largest roller coaster parks right outside your window. Keep in mind that the Firelands Regional Medical Center is the region's largest healthcare provider for Erie, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Huron counties. For those seeking assisted or independent living options, Portland Place Senior Living offers a friendly environment with wellness support right in town.
Alpena, Michigan
Alpena is not yet like Leelanau or Old Mission, but its wine scene is something any retiree will want to pay attention to. It has a famous downtown tasting destination, Thunder Bay Winery, a fun spot to sip delicious, award-winning wines at reasonable prices. If you are keen on affordability, Alpena is a fantastic choice. In June 2025, the average listing home price was just $190,000, about $70,000 lower than the state median.
At this unbeatable price point, a retiree has access to the shimmering beauty of Lake Huron, Thunder Bay River and its tumbling rapids, and Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary, where one can walk, kayak, or fish. MyMichigan Medical Center, located along Chisholm Street, is a 139-licensed-bed hospital that has been serving Northeast Michigan since 1940. For seniors seeking a more supportive lifestyle, Turning Brook offers assisted living services with easy access to local shops and natural attractions.
Meadville, Pennsylvania
If you think other places are affordable, Meadville will completely surprise you with how budget-friendly it is. The median listing home price in Meadville was around $160,000, far below the state equivalent of over $250,000. You will find a place that is calm, walkable, and one that feels personable and genuine. The other good thing is that you are about 40 miles from Lake Erie, the shallowest of the Great Lakes; 20 miles to Pymatuning State Park, an idyllic spot for camping, swimming, and fishing; and 3 miles to the 562-acre Tamarack Lake, which offers decent fishing and boating opportunities.
On healthcare access, Meadville Medical Center is right in town, and for even more options, the award-winning UPMC Horizon is down the road in neighboring Greenville. If you're thinking of retirement communities, Juniper Village at Meadville is one to consider. It offers independent and assisted living options in a warm, community-centered setting.
Ludington, Michigan
Imagine a retirement location where, in under an hour, you are casting a line into the scenic Pere Marquette River—a year-round retreat for fly fishing enthusiasts—or soaking in the natural beauty at Dobson Bridge River Access, which serves as an entry point to the picturesque Pine River. For a refreshing change of pace, the sandy shoreline of Hamlin Lake comes with soothing views and several other recreational activities. You also have an airport, which means you can hop on a quick plane to Chicago or Detroit.
In May 2025, the median listing home price in Ludington was around $325,000, slightly lower than the state median. If you are worried about healthcare access, Corewell Health Ludington Hospital has provided comprehensive medical services for Mason and Oceana County residents for over a century. For senior housing, Lake Michigan Senior Living offers a tranquil setting just minutes from the lake, with a range of personalized care services.
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
If you are seeking a peaceful lakeside lifestyle without the steep price of coastal living, Manitowoc should be an awesome choice. The median listing home price in Manitowoc is $240,000, about $80,000 cheaper than the median for the state. Manitowoc is nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Michigan and offers stunning waterfront views, a charming historic downtown, and a strong sense of community.
Retirees enjoy walking and biking along the Mariners Trail, indulging in rounds of golf at Silver Creek Park, or sampling cultural attractions such as the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. For perspective, Silver Creek Park offers one of the top-rated disc golf courses in Wisconsin. If you feel your knees are not what they used to be, Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital is close by—and is a proud recipient of the 2023 Joint Replacement Excellence Award. For added peace of mind, residents can explore assisted living options at River Woods Place, which offers compassionate care and a homelike atmosphere.
The Takeaway
Are you about to retire and dreaming of a life with zero stress, charming, small-town vibes, and access to some of the purest and most pristine outdoor venues in the world? The Great Lakes Region is a delicious expanse of spellbinding beauty and is dotted with several laid-back towns, most of which blend adventure and relaxation in almost equal measure. Moreover, folks here are mostly friendly and genuine, meaning a retiree will rarely feel out of place. The most exciting part is that some of these locations are affordable, with price points that feel more like Alabama than a relaxing waterfront community in the Midwest.
