What does life after retirement look like? Looking for the Best Small Towns to Retire in the US?
Many people expect to live peacefully in a small town flanked by greenery and enough natural wonders with low expenses and good quality of life. There is something about small towns. They allow you to escape the crowds and traffic of a large metro area and retain a happy life with amenities like stores, services, and ample healthcare options.
The United States of America has many small towns and cities with between 50,000 and 100,000 population. These potential retirement spots have natural beauty, numerous entertainment options, and convenient access to a larger city.
10 Best Small Towns to Retire
If you are nearing your retirement and looking for a happy small town to settle in the States, here are the best options to prefer.
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Greer, South Carolina
Greer is located in upstate South Carolina and boasts a population of 33,000 citizens. The city successfully maintains a small-town atmosphere with a revitalized downtown. There is easy pedestrian access to nearby locations. Greer also has parks, restaurants, weekly farmers’ markets, and night food trucks, all of which create a happy community atmosphere.
The city is accessible and convenient to additional amenities in nearby Greenville. Other facilities you can find in the small town include a BMW manufacturing center, two hospitals, and a cancer center.
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Coolidge, Arizona
As of 2019, Coolidge had 12,685 residents living in the city. The small town is set in the northern area of the Sonoran Desert and rests 60 miles from Phoenix. If you like the summer season as a personal preference, this is the city to reside in.
The summers in the city are warm, winters are moderate, and snowfall is rare. What makes it a go-to option among all the cities on this list is the low cost of living! Other perks you can enjoy here include beautiful scenic natural beauty, ruins, and monuments.
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Leander, Texas
Leander is the Austin suburb and the fastest-growing small city in the United States of America. The population of the city has grown by 12 percent in the past few years. Leander lets you pursue all the pleasures of a small town. You can also visit the nearby Austin city and make the most of your free time.
The city organizes events and trips for residents aged 55 and older wherein you can participate in the activities such as wine tasting, hiking, visiting a museum, and river cruise.
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Doral, Florida
If you are planning to head to Florida for retirement, you will never need to suffer through another winter. The southern city is only a thirty-minute drive from Miami. Considering the quality of life it provides, the population in Doral has increased in the past year.
Even if you plan to travel a lot after retirement, Doral has convenient access to Miami International Airport. The best thing about this place is that there is no state income tax.
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Dillsboro, North Carolina
This beautiful quaint town is located on the banks of the Tuckaseigee River near the south entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The population of this town is less than 300 residents. Yes, you heard it right. You will encounter many old-school charms in the old city.
Dillsboro still maintains its 19th-century railroad town charm. The downtown is walkable and comprises century-old schools, stores, restaurants, gift shops, galleries focused on local artisans, etc. The city hosts annual events for the leisure of its citizens. The cost of living in this city is average, and the crime rates are low.
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Hot Springs, Arkansas
You do not have to travel far to rest or relax if you settle in this retirement hotspot. Hot Springs boasts a beautiful Hot Springs National Park with 47 hot springs coming out of the mountain of the same name and bathhouses. You can drink this freshwater or soak it in the water.
This place also offers many spa and massage services to relax. The golfing areas are where you can entertain yourself with a game of golf. Furthermore, there are many activities to enjoy like fishing, boating, etc. in the three local lakes. The cost of living in Hot Springs is low and affordable.
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Roanoke, Virginia
If you are living only on your Social Security after your retirement, Roanoke is the city to reside. The annual housing expenditure of this small town is low, and it also entertains low grocery and utility expenditures.
The sight of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains after waking up in the morning is everything you need to begin your day. There are many attractive places in Roanoke that you can explore with your friends and family.
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Cedar Key, Florida
The Sunshine State is home to many beautiful and charming small towns, Cedar Key is one of them. As a retiree, you can enjoy many financial benefits living in this place as there is no state income tax. The cost of living in this town, too, is low.
Cedar Key is situated on the Gulf coast with only 10,000 residents. The town is quaint, safe, quiet, and relaxed. As a nature lover, you can appreciate many wonders of nature, such as nature trails, Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, farms, and whatnot! The whole atmosphere of this town is low-key and friendly.
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Redmond, Washington
Redmond is located 15 miles from Seattle and is considered one of the best towns in the States. It is best known as the headquarters for Microsoft, attracting many highly educated employees to the area. The population of the city has grown drastically over the years.
This city has a four-season climate. Thus, you can enjoy it all while living peacefully in quaint surroundings. The moderate weather also allows for leisure activities such as biking, bicycling, walking, fishing, water sports, and more.
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Lehi, Utah
Lehi is originally settled by Mormon pioneers. Lately, a rapidly growing town is 30 miles away from Salt Lake City. The picturesque location of this small town makes it a good retirement place.
Lehi is surrounded by Wasatch Mountains, Oquirrh Mountains, and the White Mountains. The summer months allow for the activities like mountain biking, fishing, and hiking. You can enjoy skiing in the winter season. Other attractions in the city include a museum and a garden complex. Furthermore, there are a plethora of entertainment options.
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Cedar key has less than 1000 people. Smallest public school K-12 rated A by the state plus the smallest public air strip in our state. Nickie