10 Best Places To Retire In Kentucky
Retirement is an accomplishment to be proud of. It is the celebration of a legacy of dedication to one’s vocation. If you are approaching retirement, it can also raise many questions. What’s next? Where to live? Where to go?
Kentucky offers a strong case for retirees to settle down in its variety of urban, suburban, and rural areas. The state is known for world-class southern cuisine, sprawling forests and foothills, and artistic appreciation. Kentucky has a 6% lower cost of living than the national average, and it doesn’t tax Social Security income and offers tax benefits on other types of retirement income. These factors make it a compelling choice to spend retirement. But which cities in Kentucky stand out? Check out our list of the 10 best places for retirees in Kentucky.
Murray
Located in western Kentucky near the Tennessee border, Murray is one of the state’s most affordable and charming small cities. With a modest population of about 18,000, Murray offers retirees a warm, close-knit community. The city is home to Murray State University, which brings cultural vibrancy through art exhibits, concerts, and sporting events. Retirees can relax at Central Park or visit the Wrather West Kentucky Museum for a look at local history. For the anglers, nearby Kentucky Lake will be a top spot as it is known as the “Crappie Capital” of the world. Murray is also known for its quality healthcare, anchored by Murray-Calloway County Hospital, and its reputation as being one of the friendliest small towns in America.
Bardstown
Bardstown might be small in size, but it’s rich in spirit and flavor. Known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” this town offers affordable living within a close commmunity of 14,000 residents. Retirees can spend their days touring distilleries like Heaven Hill or Willett, or strolling the historic downtown, filled with antique shops, cafés, and well-preserved 19th-century buildings. History buffs will love visiting My Old Kentucky Home State Park and catching a summer performance of The Stephen Foster Story. Between festivals, bourbon tastings, and community gatherings, Bardstown offers a relaxed pace with endless ways to stay active and engaged.
Frankfort
As Kentucky’s capital city, Frankfort combines small-town living with the perks of a government hub. With a population under 30,000 and an abundance of historical artifacts, it’s a relaxed and cultured place to retire. The city’s crowning jewel is the Kentucky State Capitol Building, surrounded by manicured gardens and walking paths. Retirees can also visit the Kentucky Historical Society for an in-depth look into the state’s past, or explore the River View Park, perfect for riverside picnics and birdwatching. The nearby Buffalo Trace Distillery, one of the nation’s oldest distilleries, offers guided tours and tastings. Frankfort’s downtown area brims with restaurants, art galleries, and local events year-round.
Glasgow
Located in south-central Kentucky, Glasgow is a laid-back, welcoming community that offers small-town living with big outdoor possibilities. The town has just over 15,000 residents, and healthcare access is excellent thanks to T.J. Samson Community Hospital. Retirees can enjoy easy access to the nearby Barren River Lake State Resort Park, ideal for fishing, boating, and hiking. Downtown Glasgow features a lively square lined with shops, cafés, and the historic Plaza Theatre, where you can catch concerts and plays. Every spring, the city celebrates its Scottish roots with the annual Glasgow Highland Games, a colorful festival of bagpipes, dancing, and traditional Scottish games.
Cynthiana
Cynthiana, a small city in northern Kentucky, offers retirees an affordable and relaxing environment. There are about 6,500 folks who call the town home. Retirees can explore the Quiet Trails State Nature Preserve or River Road Park for a peaceful trail walks and wildlife sitings. The Bluegrass Heritage Museum, which is less than an hour away from Cynthiana, is another space to walk and learn about the area’s history dating back to the Native inhabitants and early settlers like Daniel Boone. Retirees can also take part in seasonal festivals and community events in the historic downtown area. Harrison Memorial Hospital is located within town and offers comprehensive health services. With plentiful parks and local healthcare access, Cynthiana is ideal for an active and healthy retirement.
Morehead
Tucked in the foothills of the Daniel Boone National Forest, Morehead is a nature lover’s paradise. The town’s small population of around 6,400 keeps things friendly and relaxed. Retirees can enjoy kayaking or fishing at Eagle Lake, climb to the summit of Amburgey Rock, or explore the miles of hiking trails in the forest. Morehead State University gives the town a cultural boost, with its Kentucky Folk Art Center showcasing local Appalachian artists. Downtown Morehead offers cozy cafes, bookstores, and art shops, while the Morehead Railroad and Historical Museum provides a trip back in time to the railroad-dominant past of the region. St. Claire Regional Medical Center, the largest rural hospital in Northeastern Kentucky, also calls Morehead home. Morehead is the place to be retirees who crave connection to nature and local tradition.
Somerset
If you’ve dreamed of lakeside retirement, Somerset might be your match. Located near Lake Cumberland and the connected Cumberland River, Somerset offers a welcoming population of 12,400 residents strong and a variety of outdoor adventures. Retirees can spend their days boating, fishing, or simply enjoying the lake views. The town’s historic downtown hosts regular art walks and the popular “Somernites Cruise,” a monthly car show that draws enthusiasts from across the region. Pulaski County Park provides hiking trails, picnic areas, and waterfront access. For those looking to get in touch with their inner X-Files detective, the International Paranormal Museum and Research Center investigates the unknown with exhibits on Bigfoot and UFOs. Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital is there to keep you in good health while you investigate unexplained phenomena. Somerset gives retirees a welcoming community with just the right amount of eccentric taste and endless opportunities for outdoor and social engagement.
Madisonville
Nicknamed the “Best Town on Earth” by locals, Madisonville offers one of Kentucky’s most friendly and welcoming retiree lifestyles with a population of just around 19,000. Mahr Park Arboretum is a local favorite, offering scenic lakeside trails, gardens, and peaceful spots for picnics. For arts and entertainment, the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts hosts concerts, theater performances, and film screenings. The revitalized downtown features handsome shops and regular farmers markets. With local healthcare options through the Owensboro Health system and nearby natural and cultural attractions, Madisonville is a welcoming place to slow down while still staying active and connected to the community.
Corbin
Corbin is a small but lively town in southeastern Kentucky with a population of a little under 8,000, known for its natural wonders and culinary history. Corbin is another top contender for retirees who value spending regular time outdoors. Just outside town lies Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, home to the famous “moonbow” — a rare nighttime rainbow formed by mist and moonlight on the nights of a full moon. Corbin is also the birthplace of KFC, and the Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum offers a fun trip through this piece of fried history. Downtown Corbin has blossomed into a hub for dining and local shops, while nearby Eagle Falls Trail provides stunning views of the Cumberland River. And for health needs, Baptist Health Hospital is right in town and provides a broad range of care.
Leitchfield
Leitchfield, located in central Kentucky, is a welcoming city with a population of around 6,000. Leitchfield is a town that values its history and natural spaces. Retirees can enjoy Rough River Dam State Resort Park, perfect for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. The Jack Thomas House provides insight into the lives of early residents and is one of the oldest brick structures in west-central Kentucky. Downtown Leitchfield square offers inviting shops, cafés, and seasonal events. The Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center is located right within town and offers an array of medical services. Leitchfield’s quiet streets, friendly residents, and accessible healthcare make it an excellent choice for retirees seeking an affordable and close-knit small-town with plenty of outdoor activities.
Retirement: Kentucky’s Last Frontier
Kentucky is not just a place to watch horse racing and college basketball (though those are some highlights of living there). Kentucky is a place where the daring frontier spirit of America lives on. The bold taste of Bardstown’s bourbon, the chicken fried delight of Corbin, and the expanse of the Daniel Boone Forest in Morehead make it a land of adventure and recreational excellence. But the fun is complemented by the reasonable home prices and cost of living and the range of healthcare facilities. Retirees can open a thrilling new chapter of life if they choose to call Kentucky home.
