8 Of The Best Affordable Towns To Retire In Iowa
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau in 2024 shows that 19% of Iowa's population is 65 years or older. Add this to the fact that the state's cost of living is 9% lower than the national average (as per 2022 statistics), and you end up with an excellent destination for retirees to establish permanent roots. But beyond the numbers, Iowa is conveniently situated in the heart of the United States and embodies the quintessential definition of rural America, a world characterized by vast agricultural farmland, close-knit communities, and a rich natural environment. Essentially, the setting is ideal for pensioners to thrive in their golden years, leading a laid-back and comfortable lifestyle.
With such a wealth of small, charming towns in Iowa to select from, it can prove daunting to settle on a place that addresses every lifestyle preference. To help narrow down the options, here are some of the best affordable towns to retire in Iowa.
Carroll
Carroll is a small town on the banks of the Middle Raccoon River and a great place to settle for retirees with a love for golf. Thanks to the Carroll Municipal Golf Course, senior citizens can adopt this gentle sport as a hobby and perfect their swing on 18 challenging holes, spread across 150 acres of maintained greens and fairways. An on-site clubhouse serves hot beverages and sandwiches, and older adults enjoy a discounted membership fee. Carroll's busy Main Street is a social hub with plenty of things to do. Here, pensioners can entertain themselves by watching the latest movies at Carroll 5. Boasting competitive ticket prices, plush seating, and friendly service, it is perfect for indoor fun.
The Windstar Lines makes it convenient to navigate Carroll and neighboring cities. This charter bus company provides safe and comfortable travel for groups of seniors who wish to attend cultural events, visit recreational areas, or fulfill other appointments. Furthermore, the presence of assisted living centers, such as Addington Place of Carroll, indicates the community's devotion towards caring for and supporting its older adult population. Lastly, the average home value in Carroll is $197,250.
Denison
According to Zillow, Denison's average home value is $176,635, which is lower than the state average of $226,684, making it a decent option for those who want to stretch their retirement income. Besides affordability, ageing residents receive adequate support from the community through the Crawford County Senior Center. It serves as a comprehensive directory of information and services, featuring invaluable resources for healthcare, housing, and other basic needs. Thanks to the Donna Reed Center for the Performing Arts, there is no shortage of indoor entertainment opportunities designed for older adults. This 550-seat, 1910s German opera house showcases compelling stage productions in a great atmosphere.
The Denison Aquatic Center is a recreational hub that caters to everyone in the community. Featuring a six-lane indoor pool, climate-controlled sauna, and a spa with hydrotherapy jets, it welcomes seniors to exercise their bodies and enjoy the perfect recovery afterwards. Furthermore, the Majestic Hills Golf Course is a delight to golfers of all skill levels. It presents 18 moderately challenging holes across a 6,000-yard property, with a chance to relax and socialize after a round of golf at the resident Majestic Hills Bar.
Creston
Creston attracts retirees with lifelong learning opportunities at Southwestern Community College, enabling them to cultivate new interests, acquire skills, and maintain their mental acuity for a fulfilling retirement. McKinley Park is the community's recreational hub, thanks to its convenient location within downtown. Boasting a rich mix of amenities, including a disc golf course, picnic shelters, a skate park, walking trails, and access to McKinley Lake, it is a worthy escape for those craving outdoor relaxation or activity.
Meanwhile, the Creston Arts Center encourages pensioners to tap into their artistic side and discover a new hobby. Sign up for classes, browse galleries by talented regional artists, and interact with like-minded individuals during social events such as Chalk the Town. Any medical concerns are addressed by Greater Regional Health, which specializes in services like cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, oncology, and other conditions that adversely affect senior citizens. With an average home value of $150,227 in Creston, acquiring a new home is a relatively easy prospect for new settlers.
Maquoketa
40 miles from Davenport, this welcoming community, situated on the banks of the Maquoketa River, offers numerous opportunities for residents to come together through the arts. People are always gathering at the Ohnward Fine Arts Center to support and promote the region's creative talent. This 29,800-square-foot state-of-the-art facility serves as a live performance venue, where enthusiasts can attend concerts, watch plays, and participate in musicals for their amusement. The Maquoketa Art Experience further fosters a culture of creativity in the region by hosting demos, workshops, presentations, and events, featuring homegrown and visiting artists.
Maquoketa's scenic outdoor beauty is best explored during a tour with Maquoketa River Rental. Retirees can choose between kayaking, canoeing, and tubing excursions on the calmly flowing Maquoketa River to savor the indulging scenery. Finally, the Jackson County Regional Health Center leverages the latest technology, qualified primary care physicians, and compassionate service staff to guarantee award-winning medical attention for seniors. Maquoketa's average home value is $193,670.
Audubon
A strong sense of community in Audubon, combined with generally low living costs, makes it a sought-after destination for retirees. The town's average home value of $109,479 pales in comparison to the national average of $359,241, so pensions will go that much further. The John James Audubon Plaza and Birdwalk presents a space where seniors can seek tranquillity and relaxation during their time outdoors. It features brick sidewalks with dozens of colorful mosaics that cut through a lush, wooded area. The Rose Theater showcases the latest movies, classic films, ballet, and opera productions inside an intimate 1910s community theater.
A laid-back and appropriate outdoor experience awaits retirees at the Audubon Golf & Country Club. It features a 9-hole course surrounded by rolling hills and has a clubhouse where various social events are held. Lastly, older adults can find ready critical care services for different medical conditions at Audubon County Memorial Hospital, a 17-bed hospital with specialties in orthopedics, spine surgery, urology, cardiology, and more.
Webster City
Webster City has all the makings of a perfect retirement quarter, starting with an average home value of $147,837, which makes it one of the best affordable towns to retire in Iowa. Recreational opportunities for an active lifestyle are adequately available at Briggs Woods Park. This lovely natural space on the shores of Briggs Woods Lake offers activities such as fishing, canoeing, and swimming. It boasts wooded walking trails, an 18-hole golf course, and a year-round campground. On the other hand, indoor enthusiasts can head to the Webster City Community Theatre for their daily dose of entertainment. This cultural hub hosts a range of live performances, from classic plays to contemporary dramas, backed by an inclusive and community-driven spirit.
The Kendall Young Library is a valuable resource in Webster City, catering to retirees with an insatiable thirst for knowledge and information. It offers an opportunity to keep their minds sharpened through reading books and has a home delivery service for homebound residents and those living in care centers. Windsor Manor Webster City is one of many assisted living communities in the town, offering a warm and welcoming environment for older adults and specialized programs for individuals with dementia.
Muscatine
70 minutes from Cedar Rapids, this Mississippi River town has multiple properties that make it endearing to retirees, starting with high-quality healthcare provision at UnityPoint Health-Trinity Muscatine Hospital. The facility offers geriatric medicine services specifically designed for seniors, available through the main hospital campus and its affiliates, including the Mulberry Health Clinic. Pensioners have time to pursue their love for the arts at the Muscatine Art Center. This world-class facility serves as a vital gathering space for the community, inviting them to browse pieces by renowned artists from around the world, attend cultural events, and enroll in classes to enhance their artistic skills.
The Geneva Golf Country Club provides a fun and leisurely experience for senior citizens who enjoy the great outdoors. This private golf club constitutes an 18-hole championship course, a swimming pool, and event spaces for weddings and special occasions. Finally, movie lovers can watch entertaining first-run films at The Palms 10, while the average home value in Muscatine is $179,941.
Mt. Pleasant
Mt. Pleasant has an average home value of $183,831, reflecting its generally affordable cost of living and providing an easy path to homeownership for new retirees. Several assisted living options encourage independence for senior citizens in the community. The Addington Place of Mt. Pleasant is a great example, delivering a warm environment that actually feels like home and exceptional care for those suffering from memory challenges. There are numerous ways that older adults can lead an engaging lifestyle in Mt. Pleasant. This includes hunting for vintage items and rustic treasures at the Jefferson Antique Mall, where over 50 dealers display their merchandise over 5,800 square feet of space.
Furthermore, the annual Midwest Old Threshers Museum is one of the largest agricultural fairs in the region, offering a chance for everyone to come together and share nostalgic memories while establishing lasting connections. Senior citizens will love to meditate during walks at East Lake Park, whose quiet environment and scenic waterfront create the perfect atmosphere for this.
The best affordable towns to retire in Iowa prove that it is not essential to live in a big city to be comfortable in your sunset years. With a cost of living well below national averages, modest housing costs, and a tax-friendly environment that doesn’t burden Social Security or retirement income, retirees can stretch their savings further while enjoying quality healthcare, community life, and easy access to nature and local culture. Iowa’s overall affordability and welcoming lifestyle make it a smart choice for budget-conscious retirees.
