8 Best Towns In The Northern United States To Retire Comfortably
When it comes to finding the perfect retirement location, the northern United States offers a wealth of charming towns that combine comfort, beauty, and affordability. From mountain towns to historic villages and vibrant cultural hubs, these northern gems provide retirees with a relaxed pace of life, scenic surroundings, and access to quality amenities and healthcare. Whether you are seeking rural solitude, outdoor recreation, arts and culture, or welcoming neighborhoods, these eight towns stand out as some of the best places in the northern US to enjoy a comfortable, fulfilling retirement.
Bottineau, North Dakota
For retirees who truly want to get away from it all in the northernmost part of the country, check out Bottineau, North Dakota. This small town of just about 2,100 people, which is the county seat of Bottineau County, boasts affordable home prices averaging $253,000 (the state average, per Zillow.com, is $283,000). Bottineau is just 10 miles south of the US border with Canada, at the foot of the Turtle Mountains. It gives retirees the best of both worlds -- the advantages of living in the US, with Canada right on your doorstep.
Golfers can enjoy the Bottineau Country Club Golf Course, a 9-hole course that is open to the public and has existed in town for 81 years. Cruise the 53-mile Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway to explore the forested hills of north-central North Dakota. Make a stop along the way to see Lake Metigoshe State Park, one of the most popular year-round outdoor destinations in the state. Retirees can also take advantage of the services of the Bottineau Senior Center, found right in town. They can also feel comfortable knowing that SMP Health St. Andrew's is a community hospital that has been serving the Bottineau area for over a century, for any medical needs that might arise.
Mexico, Maine
Retirees who love the mountains may want to move to Mexico, Maine, population about 2,300. This town in Oxford County, near Rumford, known as the gateway to the state's western mountains, was incorporated in 1818. It was named in solidarity with the Mexican people as they struggled for their independence from Spain. However, the median home price in Maine is a staggering $419,000; homes in Mexico average a much more affordable $192,000. It is easy to see why Mexico to the north beckons retirees to make it their new home.
The Oakdale Country Club in Mexico features a 9-hole golf course with panoramic views of the Western Maine Mountains. Mexico Recreational Park is a spacious town park with access to the Swift River. Coos Canyon is a beautiful hidden gem of nature just 15 minutes from Mexico. Mexico Recreational Center in town provides services to all ages, including senior citizens. When medical needs come up, Rumford Hospital is just one mile away.
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
The small town of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, just outside of the state capital of Harrisburg, was named among the best US small towns in which to retire in 2025 by GoBankingRates.com. Why, you ask? This small town of just over 8,000 residents has fairly affordable housing, averaging $328,000. Its proximity to the larger-town amenities of the state capital, while retaining its welcoming small-town atmosphere, attracts many retirees to call Camp Hill home.
Camp Hill boasts a highly walkable downtown area, which caters to seniors. There are 10 parks throughout town, including Siebert Park and Pool on Cumberland Boulevard. Walkers will relish the Maurice K. Goddard Trail, which winds for 4.3 miles through the borough, running from Siebert Park to the north side of town. Yellow Breeches Creek is a limestone stream that originates on South Mountain and flows through Camp Hill, offering opportunities for bird watching, fly fishing, and boating. The West Shore Senior Citizens Center in New Cumberland is just four miles down the road. Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center is located in Camp Hill for retirees' medical needs.
Barre, Vermont
Known as the Granite Capital of the World, the town of Barre, Vermont is home to about 8,500 people, just five miles from the state capital of Montpelier in Washington County. Homes in Barre average $313,000, lower than the state median of $409,000. Barre's proximity to the state capital and its amenities, natural beauty, and small-town feel have convinced many retirees to call it their new home.
The Vermont Granite Museum in Barre tells the story of how the town came to be known for its rich granite deposits. Retirees who enjoy the outdoors will love the Barre Town Forest, sitting on 370 acres of reclaimed land with many walking trails available. The Barre City Municipal Swimming Pool is slated to open in June 2026 and is something that residents of all ages eagerly await. The Barre Area Senior Center on Main Street provides programs throughout the week for area seniors. Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin, VT, is just 10 minutes away in case medical care is required.
Berlin, New Hampshire
Another town named Berlin, in New Hampshire, sits on the Androscoggin River near the border with Maine, in the Coos County/North Country region, and is home to under 10,000 residents. Berlin boasts home values way below the $509,000 state average. In fact, Berlin's median home values are much more affordable at $193,000. As Berlin is just an hour from the Canadian border, many town residents speak a version of French known as Berlin French. The city of Boston is just 180 miles away. All of these reasons have drawn retirees to relocate to the unique, quaint northern town of Berlin.
Jericho Mountain State Park is a popular recreational spot in Berlin, particularly as it houses the stunning Jericho Falls. The town hosts events on Main Street throughout the year, including Local Works Farmer's Market and the Jericho Mountain ATV Festival. The Berlin Senior Center provides meals and resources for senior citizens. Androscoggin Valley Hospital is right in Berlin for medical needs.
Mystic, Connecticut
The waterfront town of Mystic, Connecticut, in New London County, is a popular spot for retirees drawn to its maritime beauty. About 4,400 people live in this small, historic town, founded in 1654, which is near the larger towns of Groton, Stonington, and New London. Homes here are valued slightly higher, but many retirees feel that this is a small price to pay for the unmatched serenity and enchanting atmosphere of Mystic.
Historic downtown Mystic is easily walkable and filled with landmarks like the Mystic Drawbridge, unique boutiques like The Bee's Knees, and eateries including Off the Hook. Groton Senior Center is just 10 minutes away and offers recreational classes and activities for area senior citizens. Lawrence & Memorial Hospital addresses the residents of Mystic's medical concerns.
Central Falls, Rhode Island
The small town of Central Falls, Rhode Island, is just four miles from the state capital of Providence in Providence County, and is home to about 23,000 people. Homes in Central Falls are less than the state median value of $496,000, averaging a much more comfortable $379,000. Retirees who want to live in a smaller town yet still be close to the amenities of the state capital, and those who value the arts and culture, may wish to look into moving to Central Falls.
La Galeria del Pueblo on Central Street in town is the cultural space of Rhode Island Latino Arts, housed in a home from the 1900s. Free events, artist talks, and demonstrations are held here. The New Millennium Art Factory is housed within Adams Public Library, also on Central Street, and features works of local artists. Retirees who want to spend time outdoors should check out Chocolate Mill Overlook, a small pocket park on the banks of the Blackstone River, that commemorates one of North America's first water-powered chocolate mills. The Pawtucket Senior Center is just a mile and a half down the road and serves the area's seniors with programs and activities. Miriam Hospital in Providence is only four miles away if medical needs should arise.
Mays Landing, New Jersey
The town of Mays Landing, New Jersey, in Hamilton Township, is home to about 5,000 people and is the county seat of Atlantic County. Retirees are drawn to Mays Landing's lower home prices, averaging $313,000 (the state average is $569,000), as well as its proximity to the beaches and casinos of Atlantic City, which can be reached by car in less than half an hour. It's no wonder GoBankingRates.com named Mays Landing the best place to retire in New Jersey in 2025.
Lake Lenape Park in Mays Landing, with an east and west side, encompasses nearly 2,000 acres of activities and facilities. Boating is allowed on Lake Lenape with permits. Carmen's Farm Market on the Black Horse Pike sells fresh fruits and vegetables as well as flowers and plants. The Galloway Township Senior Center is just 10 miles down the road and offers senior citizens' programs and activities. Shore Medical Center in Somers Point is just 12 miles away.
Navigate to the North to Find Your Retirement Nest
If you are leaning towards moving northwards in your retirement years, check out these eight towns that are each welcoming to retirees for various reasons. Perhaps you want to be near the shore, and will choose a town like Mays Landing, New Jersey. Or maybe you'd prefer to be closer to Canada, and you will select either Bottineau, North Dakota, or Berlin, New Hampshire. Whatever decisions you make in your retirement, you would do well to pick any of these eight northern gems in which to live during your golden years.
