8 Best Places To Retire In Minnesota

Retiring well in Minnesota often comes down to how smoothly the days fit together. And the landscape definitely helps: lakes, river bluffs, and trails make movement part of ordinary life, even when schedules slow.

What surprises many newcomers is the backbone behind the scenery. In several communities, hospitals and clinics are a short drive away, and regional providers handle routine needs close to home. Costs can be manageable, especially where median home prices sit below national norms, leaving room for hobbies, grandkid visits, and winter gear, without sacrificing comfort or convenience. The best places also make belonging easier: farmers' markets, festivals, and senior programs that turn neighbors into familiar faces. These eight picks show where Minnesota’s quality of life feels built for retirement.

Mendota Heights

Mendota Heights is located on the southern border of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The town finds itself at the convergence of the scenic Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. The city contains 17 public parks, including Big Rivers Regional Trail and Fort Snelling State Park. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a walk to the Overlook at Quarry Island for picturesque views of the rivers. If you take a stroll at any of these parks, you just may spot a white-tailed deer, foxes, woodchucks, or even turkeys! Mendota Heights contains a vibrant senior population, with 24% of the city over the age of 65. Since Mendota is within such close proximity to Minneapolis and St. Paul, top-rated hospitals are just a short drive away. Hospitals with multiple awards that are only about 7 miles away include United Hospital and Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

Caledonia

Known as the “Wild Turkey Capital” of Minnesota, Caledonia offers a diverse mix of beautiful scenery and local fun. Caledonia prides itself in its low property costs. The median housing cost is only $220,000, which is about half of the national median cost! Seasonal fests are common in Caledonia making the official motto of the town, “A City for All Seasons”. In June, you can enjoy the Founders Day Fest, while in October, you can celebrate Turkey Fest! Caledonia’s Houston County Fair is the largest rural fair in Minnesota, and it includes bandstand entertainment and farming exhibitions. Walking distance from the fairgrounds is History Lane, where you can learn about the city’s history by visiting an old schoolhouse building, a pioneer cabin, church building, and a town hall.

Lake City

For those who love the fishing lifestyle, Lake City might be the place for you. Lake City can be found on the banks of Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River and provides a heavenly oasis for fishermen. Lake Pepin contains over 85 different species of game fish that can be angled year round. In 2015, Cabela’s National Walleye Tour made a stop at Lake Pepin, so walleye fishing is very popular among the locals. If you are interested in cycling, you can join the Tour de Pepin which takes cyclists around all of the trails near Lake Pepin. Be sure to keep an eye out for the plentiful wildlife of Lake Pepin as you ride! 24% of the population in Lake City is 65 or older, so you are sure to be surrounded by like-minded seniors.

Wayzata

Tucked on the shore of Lake Minnetonka lies the picturesque town of Wayzata. Wayzata harbors a median age of 56, as retirees find the calmness of the lake to be their greatest attraction. Lake Minnetonka provides the retirees of Wayzata with the perfect avenue for a plethora of water-based activities that include paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating. On the shore, you can find Wayzata Beach, which is a perfect place to get a tan or enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the lake lifestyle. After you are done relaxing, take a walk on the Panoway at Wayzata Beach, which allows partakers to enjoy the beautiful scenery while walking on specially designed trails. Along the Panoway, learn about the rich history of Wayzata via the historical markers on the walking path. These historical markers include the Section Foreman House and the Wayzata Depot.

Grand Marais

Located on the coast of Lake Superior is the adventurous town of Grand Marais. Ranked in the “Top 10 Beach Getaways” by Outside Magazine and also named “America’s Coolest Small Town” by Budget Travel Magazine, this town has quite the rapport. If you are looking for beautiful lake views, then Grand Marais Recreation Area is the perfect area for hiking on the cobblestone beaches of Grand Marais. You can also stroll the romantic avenues at Sweetheart’s Bluff Nature Trails, located adjacent to the Recreation Area. Walking distance from the recreation area lies Downtown Grand Marais, which contains an array of retail shops and restaurants and is located just off Wisconsin Street. Try some of Grand Marais’ world-renowned donuts at World’s Best Donuts, and see if these donuts are what they claim to be! Grand Marais also has a great healthcare center at North Shore Health, located 0.3 miles from the downtown area.

Albert Lea

Albert Lea is a quaint lake town located in southern Minnesota, which contains six lakes in and around the area. Albert Lea is a perfect place for those seeking to take advantage of the lake lifestyle. The town is built around Fountain Lake, which offers a variety of water-based activities, including canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Adjacent to Fountain Lake is Myre Big Island State Park, which features a natural oak savannah landscape that is home to large varieties of wildlife, including 234 different types of birds. The area also has many hiking trails at all of the 43 public parks in Albert Lea. Aside from the great outdoors, housing costs are very affordable compared to the national average. Housing costs in the area are extremely low, with the median home selling price at $190,000. Albert Lea also boasts a great medical facility in the Mayo Clinic Hospital, which won the Patient Safety Excellence Award in 2024.

Fergus Falls

Named after its charming natural waterfall, Fergus Falls offers residents breathtaking views of nature alongside a lively downtown area. Bicyclists and hikers will love exploring the many trails, including the scenic Riverwalk Trail where you can admire the original falls that gave the town its name. Wildlife enthusiasts can also enjoy additional hiking options, such as the North Country National Scenic Trail, Pine to Prairie Birding Trail, and the 55-mile Central Lakes Trail. The town's rich agricultural roots are celebrated each year at the Phelps Mill Festival, a delightful event perfect for families and a true taste of Americana. For a bit of local flavor, take a leisurely walk down East Lincoln Avenue to browse unique shops and enjoy delicious meals — don’t miss Stella’s Restaurant or the charming stores along the Riverwalk! Plus, Fergus Falls is conveniently close to the award-winning Lake Region Healthcare facility, ensuring excellent healthcare options.

Minnetonka

While Minnetonka isn't a tiny town with a population of around 50,000, it’s a wonderful place for retirees to enjoy. With a median age of 42, Minnetonka offers a lively mix of young and older residents, creating a warm sense of suburban community. Just about 10 miles from Minneapolis, it’s conveniently close to the city’s fantastic amenities. Despite its population size, Minnetonka has earned an impressive A- grade on CrimeGrade.Org for being very safe. Being just outside of the city means you can enjoy lovely parks and nature spots like Lone Lake Community Park and Preserve. Here, you can explore scenic trails or find peaceful moments fishing in the lake. Discover what makes this lively community special at their year-round Farmers Market, which features fresh local produce and a vibrant live music scene.

Minnesota’s famed ‘10,000 Lakes” region offers retirees a wide array of scenic lake vistas and water-based recreational activities. Municipalities such as Wayzata, Lake City, and Grand Marais provide retirees with convenient access to the region's natural beauty and the opportunity to embrace a lakeside lifestyle. The state of Minnesota is not solely ideal for individuals seeking the conventional lake life; it also appeals to those desiring a retirement destination that is affordable and secure. towns like Albert Lea are particularly suitable for retirees aiming to manage expenses effectively. Minnetonka is distinguished by its exceptionally low crime rates and its proximity to Minneapolis, providing access to urban amenities. Whether one seeks the tranquility of nature or the vibrancy of nightlife in retirement, Minnesota offers a diverse range of options at a reasonable cost suitable for all retirees.