8 Cost-Effective Retirement Towns In Minnesota
Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota is a welcoming and affordable place to retire. Many of Minnesota’s smaller towns provide retirees with more financial freedom with median home prices well below the state average of $345,000, as well as excellent healthcare, engaging community activities, and abundant natural spaces. Whether you dream of mornings spent fishing on a quiet lake or afternoons doing group activities with other seniors, this Midwestern state has something for everyone. Minnesota’s cost-effective retirement towns allow you to enjoy your golden years without sacrificing what you truly desire.
Mankato
Located 80 miles south of Minneapolis, Mankato is an excellent choice for retirees who are looking for an affordable town and plenty to keep them busy. Median home values are approximately $304,000, which is much lower than the state average. If senior independent living communities or assisted living are in your future, Mankato has a variety of highly-rated organizations, such as The Pillars of Mankato, Mankato Lodge Senior Living, and Cottagewood Senior Community. When it comes to activities, there are lots of opportunities to soak in the area’s natural beauty. At Minneopa State Park, you can have a picnic and drive alongside, and Blakely Island is full of quiet walking trails. Mankato is also home to the Carnegie Art Center, an organization that features community art classes and that welcomes all experience levels, as well as a gallery of exhibits.
Red Wing
The town of Red Wing sits on the Mississippi River on the Minnesota/Wisconsin border. With both river and city views, this town is a calm oasis for those who want to be near the state capital of St. Paul (approximately 55 miles away) but prefer a more affordable location. With median home values of roughly $286,000, retirees coming to Red Wing have more buying power than in other towns. A local organization, the Pier 55 Red Wing Area Senior Center, is a welcoming place where seniors can gather socially and get the support they need regarding mental health, fitness, and technology. Near the senior center is the Pottery Museum of Red Wing, which showcases the town’s clay industry and has an affordable entry fee.
Additionally, Red Wing’s historic downtown is a wonderful place to take a stroll and stop for a bit at a cafe, brewery, or restaurant. Randy’s Restaurant is a local favorite with delicious food and budget-friendly prices. Spending the day at Frontenac State Park is a great option for those who don’t mind driving a bit. The fee to enter is $7 per vehicle, or you can get a year-long pass for $35. If you plan to go birdwatching or hiking here a few times a year, then the pass may be your best option.
Brainerd
With waterfront views of both the Mississippi River and Rice Lake in central Minnesota, Brainerd is a peaceful town that seniors will adore. Public parks, like Rotary Riverside Park and Gregory Park, are abundant and excellent free options for enjoying the outdoors in Brainerd. At Lum Park, there is even a beach to enjoy without having to go all the way to the coast. The Northland Arboretum is another great outdoor spot that offers a discounted entrance fee of $5 to seniors.
When it comes to housing, median home prices are approximately $305,000, while retirement communities and assisted living facilities are also an option in Brainerd. For medical care, Essentia Health- St. Joseph’s Medical Center has an emergency room and specialty care that serve the community, as well as multiple clinics around town.
Bemidji
The town of Bemidji, located in northern Minnesota near Lake Bemidji, is an affordable place for people to spend their golden years. Home to the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox Statues, Bemidji features a unique Sculpture Walk featuring local artists. Nature lovers will appreciate the tranquil trails and fishing spots at Lake Bemidji State Park and other nearby natural areas.
Conveniently located downtown, the Bemidji Senior Center is a hub for the area’s 65-and-over crowd. The center offers a range of useful services from social gatherings and special events to Meals on Wheels. For healthcare needs, Sanford Bemidji Medical Center provides specialty care of all kinds. In addition to the lifestyle benefits, Bemidji’s affordability is one of the top reasons to consider moving here. With median home values sitting around $214,000, those on a fixed income can feel much more confident in their buying power.
Winona
Another cute town overlooking both the Mighty Mississippi and the Wisconsin border is Winona. Cultural events put on by Winona State University, the beautiful scenery, supportive community organizations, and the cost-effective housing prices are just a few aspects of this town that draw seniors to it. Among its events open to the public, Winona State University hosts the Duran Family Speaker Series. Winona State students, as well as community members, can hear guest lecturers (Bill Nye the Science Guy has spoken there in the past) speak on a range of topics, including science, arts, and cultural diversity.
Additionally, locals often spend time strolling through Garvin Heights Park, which features stunning bluffs with views of Lake Winona. As far as being budget-friendly, the median home value in Winona is approximately $256,000, and several organizations in town offer discounted rates for seniors. For example, the Friendship Center, a senior center supported by the city, offers affordable fitness classes, free recreational activities, and Medicare classes, as well as dementia-friendly spaces.
Faribault
About 50 miles south of the Twin Cities, Faribault is a historic town that has easy access to nature. Housing-wise, Faribault has affordable options for seniors. The median home value is roughly $303,000, and there are various top-rated assisted living facilities in town as well. For those interested in local history, Rice County Historical Society features local exhibits, a historic village, and even hosts the Riverside Rendezvous & History Festival. If retirees are looking for volunteer opportunities, RCHS has some of those as well. Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy watching the sunrise from Faribault Fishing Pier on Cannon Lake, and nature-lovers in general will love walking the trails at the River Bend Nature Center or at Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail. However you choose to spend your golden years, Faribault is full of opportunities.
Fergus Falls
Fergus Falls, home of the beloved tourist attraction Otto the Otter, is a great place for people who want a peaceful retirement filled with opportunities for outdoor recreation. With a tight-knit senior community and median home values that fall at around $199,000, it is quite attractive for the over-65 crowd. The Fergus Falls Senior Center offers social activities, fitness classes, and affordable nutrition services that create a strong bond among local seniors. Additional recreational opportunities generally center around nature in Fergus Falls. Among many favored spots in town are the Riverside Waterfowl Sanctuary and Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, both of which are peaceful areas where local wildlife is abundant.
Alexandria
Retirees find Alexandria, a small town surrounded by various lakes in central Minnesota, attractive for many reasons. One important reason is the affordability and housing prices. In Alexandria, the median home value is around $290,000, which is quite a bit lower than the state average. Additionally, residents receive excellent healthcare at various locations run by Alomere Health, such as the Alexandria Clinic and Heartland Orthopedic Specialists. When it comes to staying busy, Alexandria has plenty of opportunities for that as well. Several of the public parks, including Big Ole Central Park, have lovely waterfront views, and Lake Carlos State Park is just a short drive away. Legacy of the Lakes Museum is another town gem, where seniors get a discount on the entry fee.
With all of its stunning natural scenery and midwestern charm, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” allows seniors to stretch their retirement dollars without compromising quality of life. Minnesota may be a large state with a wide variety of options when it comes to scenery and proximity to large towns; however, access to healthcare, opportunities for outdoor recreation, community events, and strong social networks are all readily available. (Fun fact: the state also has a larger gray wolf population than any of the other lower 48 states.) Regardless of what draws you here, Minnesota delivers simple pleasures and community support for those seeking a peaceful yet fulfilling retirement, so make sure to check out one of these delightful small towns.
