After a long and fulfilling career, you deserve to spend the next chapter of your life in relaxing bliss.
But what does that look like for you?
Deciding where to settle down (or where to travel to next!) is tough with so many beautiful sites in this great nation – so we’ve helped you out by narrowing it down to a few small towns that will give you everything a retiree could want without the fuss.
In most cases, retirement paints a picture of a more quiet, laidback lifestyle without all the commuters, traffic, and thousands of strangers at every grocery visit.
Let’s look at a few small towns that offer the quaint and comfortable life you yearn for along with the wonder and landscape of a new place to call home.
1. Greer, South Carolina
Heading down south for some southern charm and hospitality is something a lot of northern metropolitan residents dream of.
Greer in upstate South Carolina is a great choice to experience just that with a population of only 33,000 as of 2019.
But don’t let the small-town feel make you think the only fun thing to do there is go cow-tipping.
Downtown Greer is full of charm and adorned in sparkling lights with several restaurants, a farmer’s market, parks, and Thursday night food trucks for a fun, hip atmosphere.
The grandkids will love to visit during one of their multiple yearly festivals – which will be easy with the nearby airport and train stop.
2. Coolidge, Arizona
Do you picture a dry, wasteland full of tumbleweeds and dirt when thinking of Arizona?
Well, while you’re not completely wrong, Coolidge, Arizona, located in the middle of the Grand Canyon State, has so much more to offer.
While Arizona in general is a left-leaning state, Coolidge remains a conservative majority according to BestPlaces.
The city sits in the northern area of the Sonoran Desert and maintains a small population of 12,685 as of 2019.
Only 60 miles from Phoenix, the cost of living in Coolidge is lower than both the national average and Arizona’s average, making it a great choice for retirees.
Not to mention, the warmer, dry air is appealing for those with arthritis or health conditions that make living in colder, wetter climates unpleasant.
Home to the Casa Grande Ruins – the nation’s first archeological reserve – along with its large selection of premium adult and assisted-living housing, Coolidge is an attractive choice to spend your Golden years.
3. Fredericksburg, Texas
Fredericksburg, Texas was founded by German immigrants in 1846 and is located in what’s known as Texas Hill Country.
This city has more to offer than most small towns, including over 100 wineries, multiple restaurants, museums, and premium entertainment.
None of which surmount the overwhelming beauty of Willow City Loop, a 13-mile road that displays some of the best wildflower fields in the world – a truly irresistible sight of bluebonnets, Mexican poppies, and yellow daisies.
4. Cedar Key, Florida
A retirement list would not be complete without mentioning Florida – and Cedar Key is just the place to go if the Sunshine State was on your short-list of places to end up.
There are several financially-sound reasons to settle in the small and charming town of Cedar Key, such as no state income tax and low cost of living.
With less than 10,000 residents, you can feel safe and relaxed without all the hustle and bustle of the more populated Florida cities.
Explore the enchanting nature trails of Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge or enjoy one of the many events the town hosts every year.
While your first goal of retirement may be traveling the open road and visiting the multiple luxury RV resorts across our nation or walking the endless historic landmarks in Virginia, once your bucket list is complete, you’ll be ready to settle down into a more tranquil and relaxed way of life – which is why you should consider any of these golden choices to spend your Golden years.
