12 Best Small Retirement Homes

Small retirement homes offer fantastic advantages for those considering retirement in a quiet town. Small retirement homes to build offer personalized sanctuaries, meticulously crafted for comfort and ease.

Living in a smaller community can bring about strong bonds with neighbors, lively senior groups, and lower crime rates.

Additionally, these towns often boast lower living expenses compared to bustling cities. The abundance of healthcare facilities, a wide range of recreational opportunities, higher-than-average wages for senior citizens, and other attributes necessary to retirees were the criteria we used to determine the best places to retire in the United States. Marcus Wells says,

“Small retirement homes whisper the wisdom of the ages, fostering bonds that last a lifetime.”

Explore our twelve top choices for small retirement homes. Visiting these places can help gauge whether the local atmosphere and lifestyle suit your retirement plans.

Table of Contents

List of Small Retirement Homes

Following is the list of the top 12 tiny retirement homes:

1: Bozeman, Mont

Bozeman may be the ideal location for Small retirement homes for sale. National forests and beautiful peaks in the Gallatin Valley surround it. Immediately to the south are the national parks of Grand Teton and Yellowstone. To live here is to enjoy outdoor pursuits such as riding, hiking, skiing, and backcountry exploration.

Fishing and hunting are other common pastimes. However, don’t anticipate total isolation. Montana State University has about 17,000 students and is located in Bozeman.

While you may not have planned on retiring to a mountainside with rowdy student roommates, you may still take advantage of the town’s eating, cultural, and entertainment options.

2 Burlington, Vt

Burlington, VT, a haven for outdoor-loving retirees, nestled amid scenic mountains and Lake Champlain. Abundant activities like skiing, biking, and kayaking await. Embracing environmental sustainability, the city boasts local businesses like Seventh Generation and a focus on farm-to-table cuisine.

However, Burlington is an expensive place to live, with high taxes and living costs. Vermont’s median house value is lower than the national average, but Burlington‘s real estate market fetches higher prices.

Furthermore, the metropolitan area’s nursing home costs are higher than the national average. However, the University of Vermont offers tuition-free courses to state citizens 65 years of age and older who are insatiably curious.

3 Charlottesville VA

The wise Thomas Jefferson contributed to the city’s modern appeal. The people in downtown Charlottesville and at the University of Virginia are a creative and fun mix. It’s an excellent spot for retirees with diverse interests.

In addition, many outdoor activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains include hiking the Appalachian Trail at Shenandoah National Park, where you may take in the surrounding natural beauty.

A terrible incident occurred in Charlottesville in 2017. A few people were injured at a white nationalist demonstration.

Heather Heyer passed away. However, the city is generally safe. Compared to other cities of similar size, this one doesn’t have a high rate of violent crimes. Moreover, Charlottesville ranks among the happiest cities.

4: Middletown, Conn

Though Middletown, a part of the Hartford metro region, is more reasonably priced than other large cities like Stamford and New Haven, Connecticut, it may still be expensive. In general, people in this area make good money.

Every household’s average annual income is approximately $90,977; for individuals 60 years of age and above, it is roughly $92,851.

Wesleyan University gives Middletown the vibe of a college town. There are tonnes of entertaining activities, stores, and restaurants. In addition, the institution offers engaging classes and lectures for a nominal cost through the Wesleyan Institute for Lifelong Learning program.

5 Pittsfield, Mass

Pittsfield, Massachusetts, has a cheaper cost of living than Boston and Cambridge, two of the bigger cities. This area’s median home value is $173,200, substantially more affordable than Boston’s housing expenditures and the state average.

A more reasonably priced way of life can be found in Pittsfield, which is in western Massachusetts. Pittsfield has a lot to offer despite being a tiny city. The Berkshires offer stunning views of changing foliage during the autumn season.

There are outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, skiing, and camping in the vicinity throughout the year. The Boston Symphony Orchestra’s summer residence, Tanglewood Music Centre, is another place to see musical events.

6: Hilo, Hawaii

Although they are not as expensive as in Honolulu, living expenses in Hilo, Hawaii, are higher than the national average. Homes are still costly, but less than in the capital. Comparing Hilo’s $339,800 median property value to Honolulu’s $676,100, Hilo is more accessible.

Hilo’s lifestyle is distinctive, even with the high cost of living. Despite being close to an active volcano and the coast, the town offers plenty of exciting activities despite its tranquility. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and waterfalls are among the places you can explore. Downtown has a variety of attractions, including museums.

7: Mankato, Minn

Retirement in Mankato, Minnesota, is a terrific idea. Slightly smaller than the Twin Cities by 90 miles to the southwest, it is expanding quickly. The downtown area is improving as new stores, restaurants, and entertainment options increase. Even the surrounding area of the Minnesota River Valley is to be improved.

Compared to larger cities like Minneapolis, living here is less expensive. The cost of living has decreased despite the average person’s income being slightly lower. Besides, fewer older adults are experiencing financial hardships here compared to other regions. You might need Mankato if you’re searching for a lovely retirement community that won’t break the bank.

8: Easton, Md

Tucked away by the Chesapeake Bay, Easton, Maryland, has a friendly sense of community and a rich history. This quaint town has plenty of eateries, upscale stores, and artistic retreats. Easton offers tax breaks to nearby companies and artists, which attracts creatives and has earned recognition as one of Maryland’s Arts and Entertainment Districts in 2019.

Easton is a desirable option, particularly for seniors, because living expenses are significantly lower than in nearby Annapolis. Because of its closeness to the bay, seniors can enjoy affordable water-related activities like kayaking and fishing.

9: Morgantown, W.V

Senior citizen activities from West Virginia University benefit Morgantown, West Virginia. Discounts on WVU courses are available to those 65 and over, and for a minimal annual cost of $30, those 50 and older can join the local chapter of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Access to a wide range of activities, such as social events, field trips, interest groups, and classes on history, music, computers, and yoga, is provided by this subscription.

Additionally, WVU improves healthcare in the area with its medical facilities, which include Ruby Memorial Hospital, the Heart Institute, and the Eye Institute. One reason Morgantown is ranked 18th out of small metro areas by the Milken Institute is its access to healthcare services.

10: Ocean City, N.J

Ocean City, NJ, known for its picturesque retirement communities, boasts family-friendly beaches and a three-mile boardwalk near Atlantic City. However, its allure comes with a hefty price tag. Living costs are 62.2% higher than the national average, with groceries, taxes, and housing expenses notably elevated.

The average home price is $611,100, well above both state and national averages. Additionally, proximity to the ocean necessitates extra insurance against storms and floods. While alcohol is prohibited in Ocean City, it’s readily available nearby.

11: Milford, Del

Milford, Delaware, offers an affordable retirement option compared to pricey beach towns like Bethany Beach. It’s a budget-friendly choice with living costs matching the national average and median home values at $224,500.

While not directly on the coast, Milford is only 10 miles from Slaughter Beach, accessible via a quick 15-minute drive. Famous Delaware beaches like Rehoboth and Dewey are about a 40-minute drive away.

Milford also boasts scenic views along the Mispillion River, downtown amenities like restaurants and shops, and cultural attractions like the Milford Museum and Riverfront Theater.

12: Laconia, N.H

Retiring to Laconia, New Hampshire, is a wise choice. With a lower cost of living than larger cities and an average income of $71,605, managing finances is easier. Known as “The City on the Lake,” it offers access to two lakes, perfect for outdoor activities like camping and skiing at Gunstock Mountain Resort.

While the crime rate is slightly higher than the national average, neighborhoods like Parade Road-Old North Main Street and Weirs Beach-Lakeport are safe. New Hampshire’s tax benefits for retirees make it an attractive option.

How Did We Determine The Best Places To Retire?

To choose one ideal retirement destination in each state, we considered several factors:

Cost of Living: We evaluated accommodation, groceries and food, utilities, transportation, health care, and other incidentals when estimating the cost of living for seniors in major metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas. The Council for Community and Economic Research was one of the evaluation’s data sources.

Household Incomes and Poverty Rates: Using U.S. Census Bureau data, we looked at household incomes, poverty rates, and the accessibility of medical facilities.

Community and Physical Well-being: Together with Gallup, Sharecare contributed the data used to calculate the community and physical well-being scores. Several factors, including liking where you live, feeling safe, taking pride in your community, being in excellent health, and having energy, are measured as part of the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index. About 2.5 million nationally representative surveys are used to calculate scores ranging from 0 to 100.

Population Demographics: We considered Census Bureau data on population demographics, such as the proportion of the population that is 65 years or older. Although we have included these numbers for the benefit of our readers in our rankings, our approach to determining the best areas to retire needs to include them.