11 Charming Small Towns to Retire in America

What Are The Most Charming Small Towns In America?

There’s always something about small towns that enlightens nostalgia and the feeling that traditions still exist on their charming main streets. Many seniors look for that atmosphere, whether it reminds them of their childhood or a long-imagined place to settle down.

There are also many sensible reasons to move to a small town once you retire, including safety, affordability, wellness, culture, and of course, comfort.

Even though not every town offers you the perfect combination of these factors, many can meet the needs of retirees who are seeking a more simple life. Definitions of small towns vary from under 10,000 to several times that.

But sometimes, towns are considered “small” based on their appearance or sense of community.

In creating our list of small towns, we looked at various qualities, including the cost of living, crime, healthcare, housing, activities, transportation, and attractions in the area, with the understanding that “best” is ultimately a matter of preference.

Here are some of the USs best small towns to consider for retirement or maybe even a weekend visit.

Burlington, Vermont

Known for more than just its maple syrup, Vermont is a quiet, picturesque state to consider for your golden years.

Here, you not only have a large amount of outdoor activities, from skiing in the winter to sailing in the summer, but AARP names this northern Vermont small town one of the best destinations for retirees.

It’s close to plenty of larger cities, with Montreal 75 miles north and Boston 180 miles south, giving your children or grandchildren plenty of places to live and raise their families without the grandparents being too far away.

What you’ll love the most, besides the beauty and relaxed vibe, of course, is Church Street Marketplace, a four-block indoor-outdoor center where you’ll see Victorian and Art Deco buildings filled with coffee shops, and galleries, boutiques, and so much more.

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs probably brings to mind the Rat Pack or Coachella. But you should know that the area has been rapidly growing over the past few decades and continues to be a hugely sought-after retirement location.

Many restaurants, boutiques, and culture centers are being opened constantly, along with further development of art galleries and antique shops, says Paul Morris, owner of a Keller Williams Realty office and author of Wealth Can’t Wait.

Also, if you’re an active person, it’s the best place to keep your energy levels full.

The weather happens to be dry and warm all year round and especially hot in the summer, which allows for year-round outdoor activities, including tennis, swimming, hiking, and biking. And, with nearly 125 golf courses, it has the largest cluster of golf courses in the US.

Greer, South Carolina

Located in upstate South Carolina with about 35,000 people, the city has maintained a small town atmosphere with a revitalized downtown, easy pedestrian access, and beautiful twinkling lights.

Restaurants, weekly farmer’s markets, parks, and Thursday night food trucks create a fantastic community atmosphere. Greer is described as charming on the city’s website, with festivals, concerts, holiday gatherings, and various recreational activities.

Served by the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and Amtrak, the city is also easily accessible and convenient to additional amenities in nearby Greenville.

This is also the perfect small town to move to for its two hospitals and a cancer center for any retiree’s peace of mind.

San Marcos, Texas

Hear us out: living close to college students can give you lots of advantages in your golden years. Not only do you get the benefits of arts and community to surround you. But you also have easy access to lots of services.

Think about all the low-cost amenities, from massages to lawn care, for much cheaper because students are trying to earn their degrees and need the cash. Another perk of Texas living is having easy access to medical care and a low tax impact.

The state has NO income tax! But before you pack up your entire life and head Southwest, just make sure you’re prepared to sweat. While winters may be mild, summers can be scorching in this small town.

Coolidge, Arizona

This central part of Arizona has a population of 12,685 residents. Set in the northern area of the Sonoran Desert, Coolidge is about 60 miles away from Phoenix.

Seniors who enjoy desert living for health reasons or personal preference know that summers are pretty warm, with July being the hottest month, averaging 106 degrees. Winter is moderate, and seeing snow is rare.

The cost of living in this area is lower than the national AND Arizona average. If you’re into natural beauty and a quiet lifestyle, this is the place for you.

The nation’s first archaeological reserve, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, happens to also be located in Coolidge. Central Arizona College offers personal enrichment classes, continuing education, and workshops for the entire community.

And don’t worry, this small town is home to a large variety of adult and assisted living housing also.

Winchester, Virginia

What will we find at the top of your priority list when you think about where you want to spend the rest of your life?

If having space to wander, clean air to breathe, and a quiet area to reflect and relax comes to mind, retire to this Virginia town that’s only 65 miles west of Washington, DC.

Not only is this city budget-friendly, but about 14% of its population is above the age of 65, meaning you have a high chance of making some new friends in this community.

This is especially true if you have an active lifestyle! Besides the many golf courses for the birdie-seeking crowds, there are also many opportunities for horse lovers and bicycle warriors.

All of your loved ones will be keen to visit you, too, since Winchester is home to the famous Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival and plenty of parades, concerts, a circus, etc.

Cedar Key, Florida

Florida is home to lots of charming small towns. But Cedar Key is one of the most petite and lovable among them. We already know that seniors in the sunshine state enjoy the financial benefits of not having a state income tax, and Cedar Key’s cost of living is also low.

With fewer than 10,000 residents, this small town on the Gold Coast is considered to be safe, quiet, and down-to-earth. Nature lovers will love how close they are to the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, with its nature trails and untouched environment.

But if you don’t want to move here, spend a weekend as a tourist! It’s a sought-after destination, especially during the winter. Cedar Key features excellent seafood, with farm-raised clams and Florida oysters that are available all year.

Locals and visitors alike really enjoy the friendly, low-key atmosphere, along with the various events throughout the year.

Bloomington, Indiana

While you would probably consider this a college town at first glance, this cultured, nature-minded small city is home to more than 6,000 residents above the age of 65.

With a below-average cost of living and a beautiful, laid-back downtown area, there’s plenty to see and do here, especially with so many college students that set the stage for you.

And if retirement for you means having to work a part-time job, employment opportunities are aplenty in this small town, meaning you have the chance to earn a little extra to support your hobbies.

When you’re not filling up your time working, you can enjoy the arts and theater scene, or if you’re able, enjoy hiking, fishing, canoeing, camping, and more at nearby Monroe State Park, which is a 202,000-acre oasis.

Mequon, Wisconsin

With a population of 24,422 as of 2021, Mequon is about 15 miles away from Milwaukee on the western coast of Lake Michigan. A variety of senior living facilities and health care programs are located in Mequon.

What awaits you is open space, farms, and single-family residences that are spread over the area. 25 parks and 5 golf courses also offer ways to enjoy the outdoors. Within Mequon, the urban residential center is the Village of Thiensville, located along the Milwaukee River.

Restaurants, shops, and family-friendly events like the Memorial Day parade, Independence Day celebration, Christmas Tree lighting, and farmers’ market add to the small town community atmosphere.

Annual events include a softball tournament, bingo, carnival rides, car show, and chicken dinner sponsored by the local Lions Club.

Lewiston, Maine

Most people can’t wait for retirement and the ability to enjoy the little things in life. Just imagine: the sound of the wind rolling through the leaves or the beauty of some snow falling softly on the ground.

Well, in this small town, 30 miles away from Portland, you’ll get the best of every season. The cost of living is average, and the town attracts senior citizens who appreciate the changing of seasons, and the opportunity to live richly for their golden years.

A bonus is that the highest percentage of their population are people 65 years and older, encouraging the small town to offer affordable housing for those on a limited budget.

You’ll enjoy the arts and culture scene as well, including historical explorations like the Franco-American Heritage Center and the Museum L-A.

For those who want to stay active, the nearby Androscoggin River is ideal for catching Atlantic salmon or for long strolls along the water.

Hamilton, Montana

Seniors who enjoy being outdoors, independent, and active would enjoy living their lives in Hamilton, where stunning scenery is a constant backdrop. Hamilton has many wide-open spaces and a rural, small town feel with an enthusiastic community atmosphere.

But if you miss the skyscrapers, don’t worry! The amenities of a bigger city are available in nearby Missoula, just about an hour’s drive away. Fewer than 4,000 residents live in Hamilton, surrounded by small farms, ranches, and many orchards.

This historic town boasts the Ravalli County Museum, set in the original 1900 county courthouse and listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.

The Bitterroot College University of Montana is located in town, and spoiler alert: Andrew Carnegie built the public library. Several retirement homes are also available in this small town, and there’s a local hospital and various healthcare providers.

Be sure to let us know if you live in an amazing retirement town yourself, and for some more beautiful places, check out: The 10 Best Beach Towns For Retirees