Arkansas' 7 Best Retirement Towns Ranked
Arkansas is a fantastic place to consider when planning out your retirement years. It is affordable, has a mild climate, and is filled with the beauty of nature. On the financial side, Social Security income is exempt from taxation and property taxes are some of the lowest in the US at around 0.57%. In addition, the median home price is lower than the national average. As far as nature and the great outdoors, the state is brimming with mountains, lakes, and rivers. You will be hard pressed to find a town that does not have easy access to all three. If this sounds like it might be for you, continue reading below to learn about the seven best retirements towns in Arkansas — ranked!
Hot Springs Village
Located in the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs Village has a population of 16,509 and is the largest gated community in North America. And while not strictly limiting residents to 55+, the town caters to retirees. In 2025 Travel+Leisure even rated Hot Spring Village as “The Best Place to Retire in the US With No Savings.” Within the village you will find a slew of amenities, including golf, hiking trails, racket sports, pools, clubs, organizations, and more. Nearby there is even more to explore, such as Ouachita State Park, Lake Balboa, and Hot Springs National Park, where you can soak in the natural thermal springs.
Access to healthcare is excellent, with multiple hospitals, including CHI St. Vincent Hospital, a 280-bed facility and Level II trauma center. With a large percentage of the village’s population over the age of 65, senior housing options abound, such Lake Forest Senior Living at Hot Springs Village which provides assisted living within the gated community.
Mountain Home
Situated in the southern Ozark Mountains, this town of 13,021 offers beauty and access to the great outdoors. If you love being on the water, Norfork Lake is a short 6-mile drive from downtown. Covering 34.36 square miles, this large lake provides ample boating, fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities. When you are not out exploring, get involved at Donald W. Reynolds Library, which offers adult classes and programs such as yoga and “Getting Started with Sourdough Bread”. Also in town you will find Twin Lakes Playhouse, where you can get a dose of the arts through their live theater productions.
Medical care for the town is provided by Baxter Health, a 268-bed facility with a wide range of specialties, including senior health care. There are multiple senior living options to choose from, such as Southern Meadows, which offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services.
Bella Vista
In Northwest Arkansas, on the Springfield Plateau of the Ozark Mountains, you will find the community of Bella Vista. With 32% of the town's 30,935 population being over 65 years old, you will be in good company. Known for its lower cost of living, low crime rate, and outdoor activity amenities, it is no surprise the town is thriving. Surrounded by lakes, the largest being Lake Loch Lemond at 477-acres, scenic views, hiking, and fishing are at your doorstep. If golf is your passion, the town boasts 14 courses, so you are sure to find one that suits your style. Play a round at Highlands Golf and Pub for great conditions, friendly service, and excellent food. When you are in a more reflective mood, retreat to the Mildred B. Cooper Chapel. With spectacular architecture set amid a lush landscape, it is considered by some “the most beautiful place in Arkansas.” Visiting the chapel is free and it is open to the public when not being used for private events.
The primary medical facility in town is Mercy Bella Vista, which includes 24/7 emergency care through the freestanding Mercy Emergency Department, and a comprehensive list of specialties. The town has a large number of senior housing options to meet your requirements. Concordia of Bella Vista is one such top rated community with independent and assisted living.
Cherokee Village
Located in the foothills of the Ozarks and Founded in 1954 as a planned recreation and retirement center, this town has all the ingredients for easy, active living. The 5,078 residents enjoy seven lakes, two 18-hole golf courses, swimming pools, tennis courts, and a multitude of other amenities. The largest lake, Lake Thunderbird, covers 264-acres, has over seven miles of shoreline, and is an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and hiking. The two golf courses are named, directionally appropriate, North and South. The North Course features the South Fork River running alongside and through it, while the South Course is described as “a hidden diamond in Arkansas” by Golf Digest.
Medical needs are met by White River Medical Center North, with primary care, specialist clinics, outpatient care, and emergency room services. Housing options are available for all stages of your retirement, such as Fountain Place Christian Independent Living and Southern Meadows Senior Living.
Maumelle
Just northwest of the state capital, Little Rock, lies the town of Maumelle, population 19,251. If you like the idea of being close to a larger city and all that it offers, while still residing in a picturesque, suburban area, this may be the place for you. Close to the center of town you will find Lake Willastein Park, where you can hike and bike on paths through the surrounding woods, picnic, or boat and fish on the lake itself. Cross over the nearby Arkansas River via the Big Dam Bridge, the second longest pedestrian bridge in the country, to access Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Here you can enjoy mountain vistas, boat on the Little and Big Maumelle Rivers, and stroll through the Arkansas Arboretum.
Being close to Little Rock, there is a wide variety of medical care available. However the town does contain several urgent care and primary doctor facilities. There are many senior living residences from which to choose, one of the most highly rated being Mira at Maumelle, which offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care.
Lake Hamilton
If lakeside living is a priority for your golden years, check out Lake Hamilton, a small hamlet of 1,912 residents. The town is situated along the shores of, you guessed it, Lake Hamilton, a large and irregular stretch of water at 7,200-acres and 18 miles long. The man-made lake was formed in 1932 with the installation of Carpenter Dam. For some solid ground adventures, head over to Garvan Woodland Gardens, a 210-acre botanical garden which can be accessed either by road or boat. Also close by is Lake Catherine State Park, which offers hiking and waterfront cabins built in the 1930’s.
Multiple hospitals and clinics are located in the nearby town of Hot Springs, only a short drive away. The town has a good mix of independent, assisted and nursing care living options. The Atrium at Serenity Point is a top selection and is located right on the water.
Heber Springs
This cozy town of 7,101 began its existence in 1882 as a wellness retreat called Sugar Loaf. Renamed Heber Springs in 1910, it continues to foster an active lifestyle in those who call it home. Situated between popular Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River, residents have easy access to some of the best fishing and boating in the state. Nearby Sugarloaf Mountain stands out with its striking geology and is a great place to go for a hike, with trails ranging from difficult summit climbs to a paved, wheelchair accessible path leading to picnic tables next to a lake. When you are just looking to relax, the historic downtown district is just the spot, with many interesting things to do, such as visiting the Cleburne County Historical Society & Museum or catching a movie at Gem Theater.
Heber Springs has a dedicated hospital, Baptist Health Medical Center, a 25-bed facility with an emergency department and comprehensive specialties. With multiple retirement housing options, you will be able to find what fits your lifestyle. Stonebridge Senior Living is highly rated and offers assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and nursing.
As you can see, Arkansas is a tantalizing place to consider for your retirement. Depending on your lifestyle, it truly may be a perfect fit. Here you will find a reasonable cost of living, affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and a relaxed pace of life. And if exploring nature and all it has to offer is high on your list, it is hard to beat.
