These senior-friendly towns are perfect for retirees!
Once you enter retirement, you finally have time to travel like you’ve always dreamed of. In fact, according to the director of the AARP’s travel site, travel is the number 1 goal for Americans over 50.
But now that you have the time to plan everything out, you’ll probably come to the realization that your travel bucket list differs from when you were younger.
Maybe you aren’t looking for hiking excursions through the Andes or European hostels. So, if you’re interested in a slower pace for your next vacation, or at least the option of a slower pace, I’ve got your back!
I’ve done all the work, so you don’t have to: Here are 9 of the best senior-friendly towns to visit in your retirement!
Fredericksburg, Texas
Situated in the Texas Hill Country, this senior-friendly town with a population of approximately 11,000 was established in 1846 by German settlers. And that heritage can be clearly seen in the town’s architecture, food, and culture.
Wine lovers will have their pick of more than 100 wineries in the region, and stargazers will love the place’s status as a “Dark Sky Community,” with efforts in place to minimize light pollution. Seasonal changes are noteworthy, with cold winters and dry, warm summers. So keep this in mind when planning your trip.
As a tourist destination with many historical landmarks, Fredericksburg offers a wide variety of hotels, museums, restaurants, and entertainment. Austin and San Antonio are the closest major cities within 70 miles of this senior-friendly town.
Paso Robles, California
Located approximately halfway between LA and San Francisco, this senior-friendly town has about 31,000 residents. Its very walkable downtown area features galleries, breweries, and restaurants ranging from casual coffee shops to upscale dining, wine-tasting rooms, and lots of entertainment.
Nearby, wineries are situated among panoramic rolling hills, many of which even have outdoor areas for picnics. You’ll also find a weekly farmers’ market that sells local agricultural products like cheeses, herbs, olive oil, seasonal produce, and flowers.
The summers in Paso Robles are warm, and the coast is a mere half hour away with quite a few adorable seaside towns and beaches. Active retirees can enjoy nearby golfing, biking, camping, and outdoor activities along the shore or the lakes close by.
Coolidge, Arizona
This southern Arizona town, located in the northern area of the Sonoran Desert, roughly 60 miles away from Phoenix, has a population of just over 14,600 residents.
Seniors who enjoy visiting the desert for health reasons or even just personal preference can expect very warm summers, with the hottest month, which is July, averaging about 106 degrees. But don’t worry. Winter is also moderate, and snowfall is pretty rare in this senior-friendly town.
Natural beauty and a quiet lifestyle are the main attractions here. But some know the spot because it’s home to the nation’s first archaeological reserve, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Situated in northeastern Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, this senior-friendly town has a population of less than 6,000.
Its walkable downtown area combines modern amenities with historical architecture, including museums, galleries, shops, restaurants, wine bars, antique stores, and lodgings.
Since back in 1979, the Monroe Farmers Market has been a seasonal fixture here, with locally grown honey, baked goods, produce, coffee, and many more delights.
An annual arts and crafts festival happens every August at this adorable town’s Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, which is a living history museum positioned on 114 acres that offers educational workshops, tours, and events throughout the whole year.
And as a tourist destination, Stroudsburg also offers many family activities and plenty of accommodation.
Hamilton, Montana
Seniors who are active, independent, and enjoy being outdoors would love life in this senior-friendly town, where enchanting scenery is a permanent backdrop. Hamilton is characterized by its rural, small-town feel with an intense community atmosphere and wide-open spaces.
Still, the amenities and convenience of a bigger city are available in Missoula, which is only about an hour’s drive away. Less than 5,000 people reside in Hamilton, which surrounds ranches, small farms, and orchards.
The historic town has the Ravalli County Museum, positioned in the original 1900 county courthouse, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. So be sure to stop by and visit when you’re in town.
And the Bitterroot College University of Montana is located here as well. Need more places to visit? This town’s public library was funded by the late steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. So you might want to check it out!
Dillsboro, North Carolina
This small, senior-friendly town is located on the banks of the Tuckasegee River around the south entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With less than 300 residents, Dillsboro retains its 19th-century railroad town charm.
Its walkable downtown area consists of restaurants, gift shops, century-old stores, and galleries focused on local creators who live in the town. The annual events here are centered around arts and crafts.
Retirees looking for a true small-town feel, a historical setting, and year-round outdoor activities can’t go wrong with this senior-friendly town. And if, on your trip, you need a change of pace, Asheville is less than an hour away and is just as adorable as Dillsboro!
Mequon, Wisconsin
With a population of about 25,000, this senior-friendly town is roughly 15 miles north of Milwaukee on the west coast of Lake Michigan. Farms, open spaces, and homes are spread all over the area, and 5 golf courses and 25 parks will offer you many ways to enjoy the great outdoors.
Within Mequon, you’ll find the urban residential center: the Village of Thiensville, which is situated along the Milwaukee River with a population of about 3,200.
Here, you’ll find many fantastic shops, restaurants, and family-friendly events like an Independence Day celebration, a Memorial Day parade, Christmas tree lighting, and a farmers market to add to the small-town community vibe.
Annual events in this senior-friendly town include carnival rides, a car show, a softball tournament, bingo, and a delicious chicken dinner sponsored by the local Lions Club.
Cedar Key, Florida
The Sunshine State is home to many adorable small towns, and Cedar Key happens to be one of the smallest and most charming. Cedar Key’s cost of living is low to moderate, and seniors in Florida enjoy the financial benefits of having no state income tax.
But for those who just wish to visit, this little paradise is set on the Gulf Coast with less than 900 residents. This senior-friendly town is considered relaxed and quiet. Nature lovers will enjoy nature trails, the proximity of Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, and the unspoiled environment.
As a tourist hotspot, especially during the winter, the town features incredible seafood, with farm-raised clams and Florida oysters that are available all year long. Visitors and locals alike appreciate the friendly, low-key atmosphere and the variety of events that are held each season.
It’s almost an hour’s drive south of Gainesville, and the island’s homes, cottages, and aquaculture are accessible by Highway 24, which is the only road you’ll find entering the town.
Bristol, Vermont
Bristol’s population is under 4,000 residents. As a quintessential New England small town, Bristol appeals to seniors who appreciate the beautiful scenery and sleepy atmosphere… as long as they’re ready for cold winters, that is. This senior-friendly town is situated in the foothills of the Green Mountains.
Its old-style walkable downtown area, which, by the way, is a National Historic District, features coffee shops, local arts and crafts, restaurants, stores offering gifts, and much more. This sounds like the perfect place to have a picnic surrounded by nature! If you don’t have one already, grab one of these retro picnic baskets from Amazon.
Some community events include street fairs, a summer music festival, the Harvest Festival in the fall, and the Independence Day Outhouse Race. Summer band concerts on the village green have been a custom since the Civil War. And you won’t believe this: A horse and wagon pick-up recycling for a truly vintage touch!
Psst… Make sure you leave a comment to let me know your thoughts on these senior-friendly towns. Meanwhile, Must Have Adventures has many more articles I think you’ll love.
For example, I highly recommend also reading about 8 Affordable Beach Towns in the US You’ll Love