The Best Cities To Retire In The Northern United States
In the Northern United States, you’ll find hospitals ranked nationally that are affiliated with major universities, compact downtown areas that existed before suburban expansion, commuter rail lines connecting to large metropolitan areas, and waterfront parks. In places like Ann Arbor, retirement often means easy access to the University of Michigan’s medical system and a walkable downtown centered around Main Street and Kerrytown. On the coast, cities like Portland, Maine, offer a working waterfront on Casco Bay, historic neighborhoods such as the West End and Old Port, and senior services provided by Maine Medical Center. These regions experience four distinct seasons, reliable access to fresh water, and have cities built around strong hospitals, public amenities, and neighborhoods where residents tend to stay for decades.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor is known as a cultural capital, and for active retirees seeking a vibrant community, this would be a good choice. The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, provides world-class medical facilities, and the quality of life is well above the national average. Ann Arbor is both walkable and cycling-friendly, with nearby parks and natural areas. Ann Arbor is also regularly ranked among the top places in the US to retire by magazines like Forbes, and Michigan does not tax Social Security.
Downtown Ann Arbor is a 67-block district with a college-town atmosphere. The district is strong with both the culinary scene and the arts, and is divided into four sections: Main Street District, State Street District, featuring landmarks such as the Nickels Arcade shopping promenade, Kerrytown District, with the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, and the South University District adjacent to the University of Michigan's central campus. There is also a Social District permitting the drinking of alcoholic beverages outdoors in designated areas.
For the arts, the University of Michigan Museum of Art is the center of the cultural community, and the Ann Arbor Art Fair takes place every July. The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology features ancient artifacts from Egypt and the Mediterranean, and the Law Quadrangle at the University of Michigan was built in the 1920s in a Gothic style and is the center for legal education. For outdoor activities, the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum feature three miles of scenic walking trails, specialized gardens, and an indoor multi-climate conservatory. The Huron River Water Trail flows through the heart of the city, with opportunities for kayaking and canoeing.
Warwick, Rhode Island
Warwick's proximity to Providence gives residents of Warwick even more options for health care, shopping, and entertainment. As a retirement choice, Warwick ranks high, offering a coastal lifestyle, access to health care, and a large senior population, with 22% 65 and over. Warwick stands out as a city with no single downtown, and is in fact a collection of villages, with the main commercial center along Route 2, with 5 miles of shopping, 39 miles of coastline, and access to beaches such as Oakland Beach. There are over 30 villages making up Warwick, with notable villages including the historic Pawtuxet Village. For culture and history, there are the Clouds Hill Museum, Warwick Center for the Arts, and the Warwick Public Library.
For outdoor activities, Goddard Memorial State Park offers 490 acres along the shores of Greenwich Cove, with a nine-hole golf course, 8 miles of bridle trails, swimming, canoeing, and a performing arts center. A former amusement park that was in operation from the 1840s until the 1990s, Rocky Point State Park is now a park with coastal views, hiking trails, fishing, and food trucks. Clouds Hill Museum is a Victorian house that is now a museum, with extensive collections from that period. One of the oldest villages in New England, the historic Pawtuxet Village is known for its waterfront dining and the annual Gaspee Days festival. If you want to relax on the beach, Oakland Beach features many restaurants with fresh local seafood.
Portland, Maine
This coastal city is a retiree’s dream for those looking for a coastal lifestyle, four seasons, and New England charm. As a smaller city of 66,000, Portland provides all the amenities you would expect from a city, such as top-tier healthcare, but with a small-town, coastal lifestyle. Portland is set against a gorgeous natural environment, a walkable downtown, and a vibrant waterfront. Downtown Portland, on the seacoast of the Casco Bay peninsula. It is divided into four sections: The Old Port, known for its cobblestone streets, historic waterfront architecture, eclectic shopping, and plenty of fishing spots; the Arts District centered on Congress Street; the Government District, with Old City Hall, and Monument Square, hosting a weekly summer market; and the Waterfront District, with wharves and ferry terminals, perfect for departures for fishing and island hopping.
Portland is renowned as a world-class foodie city, with ample dining options, including award-winning restaurants like Eventide Oyster Co., famous for its lobster rolls. The shopping along Commercial Street and Exchange Street is an eclectic mix of locally-owned businesses. The city is also known for its microbrewing scene, with early purveyors of craft beer such as Shipyard Brewing Company. The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum is a heritage railroad offering waterfront train rides. The Eastern Cemetery is a historical spot, established in 1688, and is a great source of local history and local supernatural legends. The Portland Freedom Trail is a self-guided walking tour highlighting local African American history.
For history and an outdoor experience, Fort Gorges is a deserted Civil War-era fort in the middle of the harbor, reachable by kayak. To experience lobstering firsthand, Lucky Catch Cruises provides hands-on experiences.
Stamford, Connecticut
For a retiree seeking an active lifestyle, big city amenities, a coastal lifestyle, and proximity to New York City, Stamford is a great choice. With Stamford on the Metro-North line, travel to Midtown Manhattan is only an hour. The Stamford downtown is busy and diverse, with eclectic shops mixing with high-end boutiques, and the dining scene is excellent. Downtown has waterfront access at Harbor Point, Cove Island Park, and Cummings Park.
Downtown Stamford is walkable, and retirees may not always need to rely on a car to get around. Bedford Street is the center of downtown life, with numerous outdoor bistros and a wide range of dining options. The Palace Theatre, built in 1927, hosts Broadway shows and concerts, and for film buffs, the Avon Theatre Film Center is iconic for its programs of independent and classic cinema. The Ukrainian Museum and Library is the oldest of its kind in the United States, featuring rare books and artifacts. The Harbor Point Boardwalk offers waterfront views and dining options. For outdoor adventure, Mianus River Park is a secluded 110-acre woodland with trails for hiking. Goodbody Garden, located at Fort Stamford, is a historic walled garden.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
The capital of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, has all the amenities and trappings one would expect from a state capital. It is known for quality healthcare, is highly affordable, offers low taxes for retirees, and is consistently ranked as one of the best places to retire in the United States. Located on the Susquehanna River, Harrisburg is an appealing mix of scenic natural surroundings, urban and suburban life, and big city culture. It is also close to nearby attractions such as Gettysburg and the famed Hershey, Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania State Capitol is considered one of the most beautiful in the United States. Just north of the capital is the State Museum of Pennsylvania, with exhibits on the state’s history and archaeology. The National Civil War Museum is a thorough and comprehensive look at the Civil War, ranked as one of the best in the US. Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is a mix of education and entertainment, with a science center and a theater.
An island on the river, City Island is accessible by the Walnut Street Bridge and is home to the Harrisburg Senators minor league baseball team. Riverfront Park is an urban green space for walking, cycling, and river views. The two main shopping and dining districts are Strawberry Square and the emerging SoMa (South of Market), an area known for its block parties and funky boutiques. Restaurant Row is 2nd Street and is lined with eateries and bars. Midtown Scholar Bookstore is an iconic, renowned bookstore and café, housed in a former cinema and department store, built in the 1920s.
Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth is a great choice for retirees looking for a high quality of life, incomparable views of Lake Superior, four distinct seasons, and a slower pace of life. If you love the outdoors, Duluth offers access to the massive Lake Superior, dense wilderness outside the city, plenty of opportunities for hiking, in and around the city, and ample winter sports and activities. The 90-block historic Downtown Duluth district is on the Lake Superior shores. It is the city’s commercial and cultural center, with 19th-century architecture and a vast indoor skywalk system, allowing access to different buildings during the long winter months.
The Duluth Depot is the 1892 train station that now exhibits art and history. It also serves as the departure point for the North Shore Scenic Railroad, a heritage railroad along the Lake Superior shores. Canal Park is a district on the lake, where you can see the Aerial Lift Bridge, stop by the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, and take in many shops and restaurants. Superior Street is the main artery for locally-owned shops. The DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace has a focus on local artisans and food options, housed in a historic mattress factory. For devotees of marine culture and the Great Lakes, Duluth’s position on Lake Superior has a rich history, and makes for excellent freighter watching.
Retire In Comfort In The Northern United States
The Northern states make for excellent retirement locations for those who want four seasons, rich history, natural wonders, and an active outdoor life. Whether coastal or deeper into the continent, these cities offer big-city amenities with small-town lifestyles. From the deep freeze of Duluth winters to the history and charm of New England, these northern cities provide retirees with a unique place to settle down. These cities offer culture and are affordable, friendly, and walkable.
