The point of retirement is a new chapter of a person’s life, which is increasingly focused on relaxation, a community, affordability, and access to other critical amenities, like healthcare and outdoor recreation. Small towns offer charm, peace, and surprisingly, perks, for those looking for a good place to spend their golden years away from the ever-bustling of big cities. Ten of the finest small towns to retire in throughout the United States in 2025, according to livability, cost of living, and retiree-friendly amenities, are provided here.
1. Conway, New Hampshire
Conway, nestled near the White Mountains, is a retiree’s dream for an outdoor lover. This is an active senior’s heaven with the scenic Kancamagus Highway, Echo Lake, and year-round activities – skiing, hiking, biking – to do. New Hampshire is a more expensive state for housing, but there is no income tax on Social Security and IRA withdrawals.
2. Waycross, Georgia
First and foremost, to get your vehicle of choice in the garage of your dream home, Waycross is your solution to affordability. It’s one of the most cost-friendly towns on this list with a median home value of $106,500. It’s also good for nature lovers and is located near the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. The town is nearby to medical facilities and even an international airport in Jacksonville.
3. Tryon, North Carolina
Tryon is a small town, but it is filled with culture and community and is known as the “Friendliest Town in the South.” Ideal for retirees seeking a peaceful, outdoorsy living, the story is set in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition, there are also equestrian traditions and shops, and a slightly older population who are a lot more like-minded.
4. Pomeroy, Washington
Pomeroy has a population of just over 1,400, and it is full of historic charm and affordability. Agricultural land surrounds it, and downtown is listed on the National Historic Places. The reason why this small town is especially good for retirees looking to get the most bang for their buck is due to Washington state’s tax-free treatment of Social Security and IRA withdrawals.
5. Paducah, Kentucky
Paducah is a creatively designated UNESCO Creative City for its quilt making and artistic heritage but remains affordable. It’s an ideal spot for retirees who like culture and cut-priced living, with a median home value of around $182,900.
6. Hermitage, Pennsylvania
Hermitage offers small-town charm, and it is very close to Buhl Park as well as great healthcare. But Pennsylvania’s retiree-friendly tax policy of not taxing IRA and 401(k) withdrawals also benefits it. Because of its location near Youngstown, Ohio, it offers the benefits of a big city without a big city pace of life.
7. Bay City, Michigan
Sitting along the Saginaw River and near Lake Huron, Bay City serves up waterfront living without he coastal price tag. This town’s marina, historic downtown and the ease to Detroit make for both a scenic and convenient respite. Yet in town, the median home price is very affordable, and the town is also famous for its thriving art and antique scenes.
8. Altoona, Pennsylvania
Altoona is close to Penn State University, and with ski areas, hiking trails, and cultural events, it offers the best of the small town and lots of things to do. Retirees are attracted to the town for some of which include affordable home prices and Pennsylvania’s tax perks.
9. Omak, Washington
Omak, which lies near Omak Lake and the Okanogan Highlands, provides natural beauty, cultural festivals such as the Omak Stampede, and outdoor recreation throughout the year. So quiet, yet so strategic—it’s an affordable choice for retirement, it’s affordable, and it’s Washington’s tax-friendly status.
10. Natchez, Mississippi
Natchez offers retirees, those looking for walkability, and Southern charm deep in the box. An older city on the Mississippi River, it retains a good feel of history and culture. Low housing costs and no taxes on Social Security or retirement income also make it one of the most affordable towns on the list.
Why Small Towns are Popping in Popularity for Retirees
Small towns are deservedly popular because, while they can’t satisfy all needs and wants like big cities can, they have something big cities can’t: a slower pace, tight communities, and often, far more space for far less money. While searching for more ways to pull every drop of their retirement savings, many retirees are looking to towns with lower costs of living, visual appeal, and proximity to essentials, such as healthcare, recreation, and senior programs.
Final Thoughts
Quite a few of these small towns are drawn to mountain towns, beachside communities, and to places full of American history — they offer affordable, accessible, and high-quality of life that’s hard to beat. From these, each brings the very unique flavor of retirement living and proves that you don’t have to live in a big city to live big in retirement.
