8 Towns Perfect for Retirement in Michigan
The Great Lake State, Michigan, has always been ranked among the top places to retire in the country, with affordable housing, pleasant summers, and great small towns being the major draw. It is home to over 2 million older adults aged 60+, constituting 25% of the entire population. This allows for spending time with others and making the connections even more meaningful.
The state offers a diverse range of retirement destinations, but nothing is better than spending your golden years in one of the prettiest towns, which come with amazing perks, including safety, diversity, and endless outdoor recreation. Discover eight small towns perfect for retirement in Michigan.
New Baltimore
Home to about 12,000 residents, New Baltimore enjoys a beautiful waterfront location along the northern shores of Lake St. Clair. It is among the best places retirees can choose to spend their sunset years, thanks to its senior-friendly outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and golfing. Furthermore, the town offers a quality healthcare system, with its local hospital, Harbor Oaks Hospital, providing easily accessible medical services. The median home listing price in New Baltimore is $404,900 (according to realtor.com).
Seniors can have a golf session at Cedar Glen Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course that comes with some of the most incredible amenities, including a pro shop, and an upscale clubhouse that guarantees amazing dining experiences. A walk with your furry friend at Ruedisale Point Park, featuring a dog park as well as picnic tables, or a scenic waterfront stroll in Brandenburg Park, nestled along the spectacular shoreline of Anchor Bay, is a good exercise. History buffs can spend time in the Grand Pacific House Museum to understand how the town was back in the 1800s.
Birmingham
Halfway between Detroit and Pontiac, Birmingham promises one of the best retirement-friendly environments in Michigan. The town’s incredible arts and cultural scene makes it a great spot for seniors. It has many public installations as well as organizations, such as the Birmingham-Bloomfield Art Center, where seniors can enjoy amazing art exhibitions, as well as a gallery shop. The town’s senior residents can benefit from healthcare services at facilities, including MyHealth Urgent Care - Birmingham.
There are plenty of support programs to help older adults, like Next Transportation, which takes seniors to see a movie, for a doctor’s appointment, and shopping. At The Birmingham Museum, discover the town’s past through programs and exhibits. The museum is senior-friendly, with special discounts for those aged 65+, and has senior-specific programs designed to promote personal and community-shared history. However, all the perks come with an average expense of $1.4 million to buy a home in Birmingham.
Romeo
Romeo is a charming small town with a tight-knit community where all residents enjoy a sense of comfort and security. The breathtaking scenery is one of the most attractive things about it, and retirees will enjoy exploring its rolling hills, gorgeous parks, and open fields. There are several recreational activities for seniors here, including golfing at the nearby Heather Hills Golf Club, which offers a challenging golf experience in a stunning natural setting. Romeo is incredibly historical having been first settled in the 1820s. You can get an insight into the local history and culture at the Romeo Historical Society Museum.
Retirees can also admire beautiful artwork at RJD Gallery, with amazing exhibits, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures. When in the mood for silver-screen entertainment, Romeo Theatre is just four minutes away, featuring the latest flicks and making the perfect evening spot. The current median home listing price is $429,900 in Romeo.
Rochester
Nationally ranked among the best places to retire, Rochester’s friendly and welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot to live happily as a senior. Its high ranking is also due to the high-quality medical centers, like Rochester Medical Center, which offers a wide range of services, including advanced diagnostic testing, internal medicine, and cardiovascular care.
Rochester offers a charming small-town atmosphere complemented by big-city amenities due to its closeness to Detroit. Retirees can enjoy Rochester Municipal Park's mile-long paved walkways and courts for tennis and volleyball to stay active. For history buffs and hopping enthusiasts, Legends of Time features an impressive collection of Native American art and artifacts. The average home value in Rochester is approximately $430,000.
Plymouth
Plymouth is an ideal retirement location in Michigan, thanks to its excellent programs aimed at improving the well-being of older adults. The Plymouth Friendship Station Center manages the Plymouth Community Senior Transportation Service, which provides affordable transportation for seniors aged 60 and above. This service offers low-cost rides to destinations such as hospitals and also hosts various activities like themed lunches, bingo, and fitness classes. Moreover, Plymouth features a close-knit community, a relaxed atmosphere, and a friendly environment where everyone feels at home.
The town is also home to amazing senior living communities, including Independence Village Plymouth, which puts golden agers near everything in the town. Retirees interested in the local history can make their way to the Plymouth Historical Museum, which boasts a fascinating display of historical artifacts. At Kellogg Park, seniors can soak in breathtaking scenery and unforgettable sidewalk dining. The park also features unique shops and a pleasant atmosphere that is definitely worth experiencing. Seniors will need at least $520,000 on average to become homeowners in Plymouth.
Rockwood
With under 5,000 residents, Rockwood is a quaint retirement destination in Michigan, and despite its small size, it is brimming with fantastic amenities that seniors will enjoy. The town has a friendly and relaxing atmosphere, putting seniors at ease. Plus, Ann Arbor and Detroit in the vicinity means access to endless fun adventures.
The downtown region features vibrant shopping destinations such as Rockwood Marketplace. Retirees often enjoy golf at Lake Erie Metropark nearby, which offers great discounts for seniors along with tasty food and beverages. Additionally, the Rockwood Area Historical Museum provides a rich collection of historical artifacts, allowing visitors to explore local history. The average home value in Rockwood stands at $324,900.
Stanton
Stanton ranks as one of Michigan's most scenic small towns suitable for retirement, offering a charming atmosphere, affordable living, and a high quality of life. It features excellent healthcare facilities such as Stanton Primary Care | University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, providing emergency medical services for retirees. Additionally, its low crime rates and reasonable housing prices averaging $229,500 make it an attractive retirement destination.
Golfing enthusiasts can play golf at the nearby The Links at Bowen Lake, which puts them among gorgeous wetlands and rolling meadows. Walking in the D. Hale Brake Park, which covers a space of 16.5 acres and boasts fantastic facilities, such as a basketball court and tennis court, is the best way to keep fit. Anderson & Girls Orchards, a stunning petting zoo with 140+ animals to interact with, is the best place in town to visit with grandkids.
Petoskey
Petoskey is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, offering year-round outdoor activities, making it ideal for active retirees in Northern Michigan. The town hosts the Friendship Centers of Emmet County, which aims to help seniors thrive by providing various assistive care services tailored to their needs. Its objective is to enable older adults to stay in their homes and communities.
Furthermore, it has plenty of entertainment opportunities, like playing bingo or gambling at Odawa Casino, which boasts over 1,000 slots, a poker room, and table games. Petoskey Brewing Company and Beards Brewery are the local hangout spots to catch up with town folks. Retirees should be ready to spend $575,000 to buy a residence in Petoskey.
Whether retirees are art enthusiasts, history fans, or outdoor lovers, The Great Lakes State is an ideal place to settle in the U.S. From the charming waterfront town of New Baltimore, offering a mix of outdoor activities, quality healthcare, and recreation, to Petoskey, which provides numerous entertainment options, retiring in Michigan promises a wonderful experience.
