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Top row: Estes Park, CO; Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA; Excelsior, MN. Bottom row: Rockport, MA; Mesilla, NM; Chagrin Falls, OH. Photos: KimonBerlin (CC BY-SA 2.0), Toi & Moi (CC BY-SA 2.0), McGhiever (CC BY-SA 4.0), Theo Dillon (CC BY-SA 4.0), National Trails Office (public domain), Erik Drost (CC BY 2.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Where should you retire if you want a small town that’s peaceful, safe and still interesting? To find out, we scored every census tract in the United States on CoreLogic’s neighborhood indexes. Those indexes rate tens of thousands of neighborhoods from 1 to 100 using data from the Census, the FBI and local police, the Department of Education, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and more.
We rolled the tract scores up to the city, town, village or borough they belong to and kept only real municipalities with 1,000 to 15,000 residents. That left 7,005 small towns. Each town’s score blends six measures. Retirement friendliness counts most. It’s CoreLogic’s own mix of peace and quiet, low crime, educated seniors and a range of housing. Quiet streets, walkability, local shops and restaurants, light traffic and culture make up the rest. Towns scoring under 40 on quiet were left out.
A straight ranking would have been wall-to-wall Pennsylvania boroughs and Florida beach towns, so we built in variety. No state gets more than two towns, the list is balanced across the Northeast, Midwest, South and West, and beach towns are capped at ten. The result is 50 towns in 32 states: lake towns, mountain towns, river towns, college towns, desert towns and, yes, a few beaches.
Each town's chart shows its six scores in gold. The black tick marks the median for all 7,005 US small towns we scored.
Here they are, counting down from 50 to the best small town in America for retirees in 2027.
50. Del Norte, Colorado
Photos: Jeffrey Beall (CC BY 4.0), Smithat88 (CC BY-SA 4.0), C caudill1 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Del Norte takes its name from the Rio Grande del Norte, the “great river of the north”, which runs right past town. It’s the county seat of Rio Grande County, high in Colorado’s San Luis Valley, with mountains on the horizon in nearly every direction. The historic Windsor Hotel anchors the main street.
It earns its place with an 83 for quiet and an 88 for easy driving, and only about 1,400 people live here. Riverfront trails, big skies and some of the lowest housing costs in mountain Colorado make it a strong pick for an active retiree on a budget who wants room to breathe.
Overall score: 70.5 · Population: 1,410 · State: Colorado · Best score: Retirement 91
49. Buffalo, Wyoming
Photos: xiquinhosilva (CC BY 4.0), Paul Hermans (CC BY-SA 3.0), Caveman1949 (CC BY-SA 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Buffalo sits at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, roughly halfway between Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore. Its Main Street is pure Old West, anchored by the historic Occidental Hotel, and Clear Creek runs right through downtown.
Buffalo scores 98 for retirement friendliness and 82 for quiet. Wyoming has no state income tax, and trailheads into the Bighorns are a short drive away. For a retiree who wants mountain scenery, a real small-town Main Street and wide-open space, it’s a standout.
Overall score: 70.7 · Population: 4,655 · State: Wyoming · Best score: Retirement 98
48. Estes Park, Colorado
Photos: KimonBerlin (CC BY-SA 2.0), Wusel007 (CC BY-SA 3.0), Sarbjit Bahga (CC BY-SA 4.0), Larry D. Moore (CC BY 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, whose headquarters are here. The town sits in a mountain valley along the Big Thompson River, overlooking Lake Estes, with Longs Peak rising above it. Its landmarks include the historic Stanley Hotel.
Estes Park scores 98 for retirement friendliness and 90 for quiet. Summers bring visitors, but the rest of the year belongs to locals, the elk and the lake trail. If your idea of retirement involves mountain walks and front-porch views of a national park, this is the place.
Overall score: 70.7 · Population: 5,795 · State: Colorado · Best score: Retirement 98
47. Port Gibson, Mississippi
Photos: Infrogmation of New Orleans (CC BY-SA 3.0), David Brossard (CC BY-SA 4.0), Marion Post Wolcott (Public domain) · via Wikimedia Commons
Port Gibson was chartered in 1803, the same year as the Louisiana Purchase, making it one of Mississippi’s oldest towns. It’s the seat of Claiborne County, near the Mississippi River. Its Church Street is lined with antebellum churches and homes, many of them on the National Register of Historic Places.
Port Gibson scores 91 for retirement friendliness and 94 for easy driving, and housing costs are among the lowest on this list. Vicksburg and the Natchez Trace Parkway are close by. It’s a fit for a retiree who loves history, slow afternoons and a dollar that stretches.
Overall score: 71.8 · Population: 1,166 · State: Mississippi · Best score: Easy driving 94
46. Wickenburg, Arizona
Photos: Tony the Marine (CC BY-SA 3.0), Matthew.kowal (CC BY 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Wickenburg grew up around the Vulture Mine, where Henry Wickenburg’s gold strike in the 1860s eventually yielded more than $30 million in gold. Today it’s a western town of about 8,000 people, an hour northwest of Phoenix, known for its historic downtown, dude ranches and the Hassayampa River Preserve.
Wickenburg scores 96 for retirement friendliness and 89 for quiet. Winters are mild, and the desert scenery is spectacular. Phoenix’s airport and hospitals are within reach, but the town keeps its cowboy character. Snowbirds and full-timers alike settle in happily here.
Overall score: 72.2 · Population: 8,301 · State: Arizona · Best score: Retirement 96
45. Kennebunk, Maine
Photos: Quintin Soloviev (CC BY 4.0), Uschoen (CC BY 4.0), John Phelan (CC BY 3.0), User:Magicpiano (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Kennebunk was settled in 1621 and grew rich on shipbuilding. The town still has the captains’ homes to prove it, along with the 1799 Kennebunk Inn and the Brick Store Museum. It also takes in sandy beaches, the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and 1,500 acres of blueberry plains with nature trails.
Kennebunk scores 96 for retirement friendliness and 85 for quiet. It’s the largest town on this list at about 12,000 people, which means real services and shopping without losing the New England village feel. Portland is about half an hour north, and Boston is reachable for a day trip.
Overall score: 72.7 · Population: 12,028 · State: Maine · Best score: Retirement 96
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44. Ferrisburgh, Vermont
Photos: Capt. Tew (CC0), Magicpiano (CC BY-SA 4.0), User:Magicpiano (CC BY-SA 4.0), RokebyMuseum (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Ferrisburgh lies along the shore of Lake Champlain in Vermont’s Addison County, and it was founded in 1762. Kingsland Bay State Park gives residents a lakefront to themselves. The Rokeby Museum, a former Underground Railroad stop, tells the town’s long abolitionist history.
Ferrisburgh scores 97 for retirement friendliness and 92 for quiet, with farms, orchards and lake views at every turn. It’s a short drive to the shops and restaurants of Vergennes and Middlebury, and to Burlington’s hospitals. This is rural Vermont at its most peaceful.
Overall score: 72.9 · Population: 2,690 · State: Vermont · Best score: Retirement 97
43. Alpine, Texas
Photos: Patriarca12 (CC BY 4.0), P. Hughes (CC BY 4.0), Leaflet (CC BY-SA 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Alpine sits 4,462 feet up in the mountains of West Texas, the hub of the vast Big Bend region. It’s home to Sul Ross State University, a hospital and the area’s main shopping, and it’s the jumping-off point for Big Bend National Park. Its historic Kokernot Field is one of the prettiest little ballparks in the country.
Alpine scores 97 for retirement friendliness, and its elevation gives it cooler summers than most of Texas. With dark skies, a growing arts scene and no state income tax, it’s a fit for retirees who want big landscapes and a small-town pace.
Overall score: 72.9 · Population: 6,039 · State: Texas · Best score: Retirement 97
42. Mesilla, New Mexico
Photos: National Trails Office (Public domain), Roger Pierson (CC BY-SA 3.0), Thealmurda (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Mesilla, also known as Old Mesilla, grew up around a plaza that is now a National Historic Landmark. The Basilica of San Albino overlooks the plaza, and the surrounding adobe buildings hold restaurants, galleries and shops. During the Civil War it briefly served as the capital of the Confederate Territory of Arizona.
Mesilla scores 97 for retirement friendliness, and it’s right next to Las Cruces, a city with major medical care and an airport nearby in El Paso. The weather is sunny and dry, the chile is local, and the history is everywhere. It’s one of the most charming places in the Southwest to settle.
Overall score: 73.0 · Population: 1,828 · State: New Mexico · Best score: Retirement 97
41. Chevy Chase Village, Maryland
Photos: Farragutful (CC BY-SA 3.0), G. Edward Johnson (CC BY 4.0), AgnosticPreachersKid (CC BY-SA 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Chevy Chase Village borders Washington, D.C. It began in the 1890s as Francis Newlands’ streetcar suburb, and it’s still one of the most elegant small municipalities in the country, with tree-lined streets and grand homes. The Newlands Memorial Fountain marks its entrance at Chevy Chase Circle.
Chevy Chase Village scores a perfect 100 for culture, 88 for walkability and 88 for vibrancy, so the Smithsonian and the Kennedy Center are minutes away. It’s very expensive, but for a retiree who wants a peaceful village with a world capital on the doorstep, nothing else compares.
Overall score: 73.3 · Population: 2,071 · State: Maryland · Best score: Cultured 100
40. Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Photos: Leslie Anne Perry (CC0), Fjmustak (CC BY-SA 4.0), knkculberson (CC BY 3.0), Bigmacthealmanac (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Blowing Rock is named for a famous cliff above the Johns River Gorge, where the wind blows up from below. It sits at about 3,500 feet on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the cool mountain air has drawn summer visitors since the 1800s. Its downtown is full of flower beds, galleries and inns.
Blowing Rock scores 99 for retirement friendliness and 93 for quiet, among the highest on this list. Boone, with its hospital and university, is minutes away. For hiking, fall colors and real seasons in the mountains of the South, Blowing Rock is a favorite for good reason.
Overall score: 73.5 · Population: 1,336 · State: North Carolina · Best score: Retirement 99
39. Hallowell, Maine
Photos: formulanone (CC BY-SA 2.0), Paul VanDerWerf (CC BY 2.0), Magicpiano (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Hallowell sits on the west bank of the Kennebec River, just south of Augusta, Maine’s capital. It’s known for its 19th-century brick Water Street and its culture, with antique shops, galleries, live music and restaurants. Adirondack chairs line the riverfront.
Hallowell scores a perfect 100 for retirement friendliness, and with about 2,600 people it’s small enough that everyone seems to know everyone. The state capital’s hospital and services are right next door. It’s a lively, creative little river city that suits retirees who want more going on.
Overall score: 73.8 · Population: 2,619 · State: Maine · Best score: Retirement 100
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38. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Photos: APK (CC BY-SA 4.0), Ted Eytan (CC BY-SA 2.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Rehoboth Beach is a classic Atlantic resort town on the Delaware coast, with a mile-long boardwalk, a bandstand and a famously walkable downtown. In summer, its population swells past 25,000, and its beaches have earned top marks for water quality.
After Labor Day, the year-round town of about 1,300 gets its peace back, which helps explain the 91 for quiet and 91 for retirement friendliness. Delaware has no sales tax and low property taxes, so Rehoboth offers beach-town living at a better price than many coastal spots further north.
Overall score: 74.1 · Population: 1,257 · State: Delaware · Best score: Retirement 91
37. East Kingston, New Hampshire
Photos: John Phelan (CC BY-SA 4.0), User:Magicpiano (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
East Kingston is a New Hampshire town of about 2,400 people. It was chartered in 1738 and grew around a saw and grist mill at Trickling Falls on Powwow Pond. Farms, stone walls, a white church with a clock tower and a small library make up the classic New England scene.
East Kingston scores 96 for quiet and 96 for retirement friendliness, among the most peaceful places on this list. The seacoast towns of Exeter and Portsmouth are close, and Boston is about an hour away. New Hampshire has no income or sales tax, a big plus on a fixed income.
Overall score: 74.3 · Population: 2,436 · State: New Hampshire · Best score: Retirement 96
36. Laurel Park, North Carolina
Photo: Seth Taylor (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Laurel Park climbs the side of Echo Mountain above Hendersonville in western North Carolina. Visitors once rode a railway up to its lakes and casino; Jack Dempsey was among the guests. Today Jump Off Rock is the town’s signature viewpoint, looking out over layers of Blue Ridge peaks.
Laurel Park scores 99 for retirement friendliness and 84 for quiet, and downtown Hendersonville’s shops, restaurants and hospitals are just down the hill. The Hendersonville area has long been a favorite with retirees, and Laurel Park gives you the views without the traffic.
Overall score: 74.6 · Population: 2,319 · State: North Carolina · Best score: Retirement 99
35. North Manchester, Indiana
Photos: Chris Light (CC BY-SA 4.0), Nyttend (Public domain), Evan Nichols (CC BY 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
North Manchester is a college town of about 5,200 people on the Eel River in northern Indiana. It’s home to Manchester University, where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his last college campus speech in 1968. A red covered bridge spans the river near downtown.
North Manchester scores 94 for retirement friendliness, 67 for walkability and 64 for vibrancy, so the town center is lively enough to keep things interesting. The college adds concerts, lectures and classes. Housing costs are low, and Fort Wayne’s hospitals are within an hour.
Overall score: 74.6 · Population: 5,237 · State: Indiana · Best score: Retirement 94
34. Red Lodge, Montana
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Photos: User:Velela (Public domain), Chris06 (CC BY-SA 4.0), Tumbleweed1954 (CC BY-SA 4.0), Acroterion (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Red Lodge is a former coal-mining town at the foot of the Beartooth Mountains, where the Beartooth Highway climbs toward Yellowstone. Its historic brick Main Street is lined with restaurants, galleries and saloons, and the Red Lodge Mountain ski area is close by.
Red Lodge scores a perfect 100 for retirement friendliness and 90 for quiet. Billings, with its airport and hospitals, is about an hour away. If you want mountain views from Main Street, skiing in winter and trout streams in summer, Red Lodge is hard to top.
Overall score: 75.2 · Population: 2,686 · State: Montana · Best score: Retirement 100
33. Long Beach, Indiana
Photos: Marsh Davis; Indiana Landmarks (CC BY 4.0), Indiana Landmarks (CC BY 4.0), Sbflorio (CC BY-SA 4.0), Chris Light (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Long Beach is a lakeside town of about 1,200 people on Lake Michigan’s southern shore. It was incorporated in 1921 as a resort and named for its sand beaches. Homes sit among tree-covered dunes, and several of its 1920s and ’30s houses are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Long Beach scores a perfect 100 for retirement friendliness, and its 3 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline is the main attraction. Michigan City’s shops and the Indiana Dunes are next door, and Chicago is about an hour away. It’s lake living at a fraction of coastal prices.
Overall score: 75.4 · Population: 1,168 · State: Indiana · Best score: Retirement 100
32. Enfield, New Hampshire
Photos: Hc1793 (CC BY-SA 4.0), Ken Gallager at Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0), John Phelan (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Enfield is a New Hampshire town on Mascoma Lake, home to the Enfield Shaker Village. Its Great Stone Dwelling, built by the Shakers in the 1830s, still stands across the lake from the village center. The town includes several small villages, each with its own character.
Enfield scores 97 for quiet, the highest on this list, and 99 for retirement friendliness. Dartmouth College and its medical center in nearby Hanover offer top-tier healthcare and culture. New Hampshire has no income or sales tax, and lake life comes standard.
Overall score: 75.6 · Population: 4,482 · State: New Hampshire · Best score: Retirement 99
31. Williamstown, West Virginia
Photos: Paul Sableman (CC BY 2.0), Chrispainter1966 (CC BY-SA 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Williamstown sits on the Ohio River across from Marietta, Ohio. It’s named for Isaac Williams, who settled here in 1787, and it was long home to the Fenton Art Glass Company. The historic Henderson Hall mansion and a green arch bridge to Marietta are local landmarks.
Williamstown scores 97 for retirement friendliness and 85 for quiet. Marietta’s restaurants and historic downtown are just across the bridge, and Parkersburg is close for shopping and medical care. West Virginia’s low housing costs make this a comfortable river-town retirement.
Overall score: 75.9 · Population: 2,951 · State: West Virginia · Best score: Retirement 97
30. Monticello, Illinois
Photos: Dual Freq (CC BY 2.5), Nyttend (Public domain), Katherine Johnson (CC BY 2.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Monticello is the county seat of Piatt County in central Illinois, named for Thomas Jefferson’s home. Its domed courthouse anchors a classic Midwestern square. A heritage railroad runs from the old Wabash depot.
Monticello scores 96 for retirement friendliness, 86 for quiet and 94 for easy driving. The University of Illinois in Champaign is about 20 minutes away, with its hospitals, concerts and Big Ten sports. It’s an affordable, friendly town for retirees who want Midwestern charm with a college city close by.
Overall score: 75.9 · Population: 6,010 · State: Illinois · Best score: Retirement 96
29. Elk Rapids, Michigan
Photos: Notorious4life (CC0), MrDuffys (CC BY-SA 4.0), Royalbroil (CC BY-SA 3.0), rossograph (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Elk Rapids sits on the shore of Grand Traverse Bay in northern Michigan, where the Elk River meets Lake Michigan. The village was named in 1858 after a pair of elk antlers found near the river mouth. Today it has a walkable River Street, a harbor and white sand beaches.
Elk Rapids scores a perfect 100 for retirement friendliness and 92 for quiet. Traverse City, about 13 miles away, has the region’s hospital, airport, wineries and restaurants. For retirees who want lake views, small-town summers and a quiet off-season, Elk Rapids is a gem.
Overall score: 76.1 · Population: 1,605 · State: Michigan · Best score: Retirement 100
28. Ladysmith, Wisconsin
Photos: Wikideas1 (CC0), Jeff the quiet (CC0), Alan bobalan (Public domain) · via Wikimedia Commons
Ladysmith is the county seat of Rusk County in northern Wisconsin, on the Flambeau River. The Ojibwe name for the area meant “waterfalls overflowing the rocks”. The town grew from logging, and today it has a Carnegie library, a historic main street and plenty of river and forest around it.
Ladysmith scores 99 for retirement friendliness and 90 for easy driving. Northern Wisconsin’s lakes, trails and fishing are all around you, and the cost of living is low. It’s a good fit for retirees who love the outdoors and don’t mind real winters.
Overall score: 76.3 · Population: 3,187 · State: Wisconsin · Best score: Retirement 99
27. Ladue, Missouri
Photos: Paul Sableman (CC BY 2.0), LadueSchoolDistrict (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Ladue is an elegant suburb of St. Louis, known for its large wooded lots, estate homes and Tilles Park. It has the highest median household income of any Missouri city with more than 1,000 people. Shops and restaurants cluster around the Ladue Market area.
Ladue scores 99 for culture and 78 for quiet, with St. Louis’s world-class hospitals, museums and symphony minutes away. It’s not cheap, but for retirees who want space, privacy and big-city amenities, Ladue delivers.
Overall score: 76.6 · Population: 8,937 · State: Missouri · Best score: Cultured 99
26. Yountville, California
Photos: Stan Shebs (CC BY-SA 3.0), UncleVinny (CC BY 3.0), advencap (CC BY-SA 2.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Yountville is a small town in the heart of Napa Valley, named for George C. Yount, who planted the valley’s first vineyard. It’s famous for The French Laundry and a remarkable number of acclaimed restaurants. Almost a third of its residents live at the Veterans Home of California.
Yountville scores a perfect 100 for retirement friendliness. Its compact town center is easy to walk, with vineyards on every side and the Mayacamas Mountains in the distance. For retirees who love food and wine, it’s hard to imagine a better address.
Overall score: 76.8 · Population: 3,280 · State: California · Best score: Retirement 100
25. Thermopolis, Wyoming
Photos: Paul Hermans (CC BY-SA 4.0), charkes (CC BY-SA 3.0), Jonathan Green (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Thermopolis means “hot city” in Greek, and it lives up to the name. Hot Springs State Park claims the world’s largest mineral hot spring, and the public bathhouse is free, thanks to an 1896 treaty with the Shoshone and Arapaho. Nearby, the Wind River becomes the Bighorn River at the “Wedding of the Waters”.
Thermopolis scores 96 for retirement friendliness and 73 for quiet. A free soak in a hot spring whenever you like, no state income tax and wide-open Wyoming scenery make it one of the more unusual and appealing retirement towns in the West.
Overall score: 76.9 · Population: 2,748 · State: Wyoming · Best score: Retirement 96
24. Lookout Mountain, Tennessee
Photos: Gary Todd (CC0), Hal Jespersen at en.wikipedia (Public domain), Steve Shook (CC BY 2.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Lookout Mountain sits on top of the mountain of the same name, high above Chattanooga. The Incline Railway climbs its slope, and Point Park preserves the Civil War battlefield with sweeping views of the Tennessee River’s Moccasin Bend. The historic Cravens House stands on the mountainside.
Lookout Mountain scores a perfect 100 for culture and 92 for retirement friendliness. Chattanooga’s riverfront, aquarium, hospitals and restaurants are a short drive down the mountain. Tennessee has no state income tax, and the views are stunning.
Overall score: 77.4 · Population: 2,038 · State: Tennessee · Best score: Cultured 100
23. Rockport, Massachusetts
Photos: Theo Dillon (CC BY-SA 4.0), Adavyd (CC BY-SA 3.0), John Phelan (CC BY 3.0), Geo. H. Walker & Co. (Public domain) · via Wikimedia Commons
Rockport is a seaside town on the tip of Cape Ann, about 40 miles northeast of Boston. Its granite quarries once shipped stone across the country. Today its harbor, Bearskin Neck’s shops and its galleries make it one of New England’s most painted and photographed towns.
Rockport scores a perfect 100 for retirement friendliness and 78 for quiet. The commuter rail runs to Boston, and the town has a strong arts community. If you dream of ocean views, lobster shacks and a lively art scene, Rockport fits beautifully.
Overall score: 77.5 · Population: 7,091 · State: Massachusetts · Best score: Retirement 100
22. Sullivan's Island, South Carolina
Photos: Warren LeMay (CC0), ProfReader (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Sullivan’s Island sits at the mouth of Charleston Harbor. Fort Moultrie on the island marks where South Carolinians repelled a British fleet in 1776, and the island was also a major point of entry for enslaved Africans. Today it’s a residential island of about 1,900 people, with raised beach houses and palmettos.
Sullivan’s Island scores 98 for culture, 96 for retirement friendliness and 83 for quiet. Charleston’s restaurants, history and hospitals are about 20 minutes away. It’s pricey, but for beach living with one of America’s best cities next door, it’s hard to beat.
Overall score: 77.7 · Population: 1,948 · State: South Carolina · Best score: Cultured 98
21. Jamestown, Rhode Island
Photos: 856Simon (CC BY-SA 3.0), Brianwwu (CC BY-SA 4.0), Mlanni98 (CC BY-SA 4.0), Carol M. Highsmith (Public domain) · via Wikimedia Commons
Jamestown covers nearly all of Conanicut Island in Narragansett Bay, connected to Newport and the mainland by bridges. Beavertail State Park, with its lighthouse on the island’s rocky southern tip, is one of the best ocean viewpoints in New England.
Jamestown scores 99 for retirement friendliness and 91 for quiet, with Newport’s restaurants, culture and hospital just across the bridge. Island life with easy access to everything is the draw. For retirees who love the sea and sailing, it’s ideal.
Overall score: 77.7 · Population: 5,494 · State: Rhode Island · Best score: Retirement 99
20. Franklin, Michigan
Photos: Lrgjr72 (CC BY-SA 4.0), Traveler100 (CC BY-SA 3.0), Mgsimons (CC0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Franklin is a village of about 3,100 people in Oakland County, Michigan, about 20 miles northwest of downtown Detroit. Its downtown was the first historic district in Michigan, and the Franklin Cider Mill draws visitors every fall. Many homes sit on large, wooded lots.
Franklin scores 98 for culture, 96 for retirement friendliness and 84 for quiet. Detroit’s museums, hospitals and sports are an easy drive away. It offers a true village atmosphere in one of the country’s largest metro areas.
Overall score: 78.4 · Population: 3,160 · State: Michigan · Best score: Cultured 98
19. Carthage, Illinois
Photos: Nyttend (Public domain), Gerry Dincher (CC BY-SA 2.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Carthage is the county seat of Hancock County in western Illinois. It’s best known as the place where Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter-day Saint movement, was killed at the Carthage Jail in 1844. The jail is now a historic site, and the domed courthouse anchors a classic town square.
Carthage scores 98 for retirement friendliness, 87 for quiet and 94 for easy driving, among the best traffic scores on this list. Housing is very affordable, and the Mississippi River towns of Nauvoo and Keokuk are nearby. It’s small-town Illinois at its most relaxed.
Overall score: 78.4 · Population: 2,431 · State: Illinois · Best score: Retirement 98
18. Park Hills, Kentucky
Photos: w_lemay (CC0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Park Hills is a small Northern Kentucky city just 2.5 miles from downtown Cincinnati. Much of it is a National Register historic district, with 1920s cottages, Tudors and bungalows set along winding hillside streets.
Park Hills scores 93 for retirement friendliness and 80 for walkability. Devou Park, with its golf course and city views, is right next door. Cincinnati’s riverfront, Reds games, hospitals and arts are minutes away. It’s a lovely small neighborhood with all the conveniences of a big city.
Overall score: 78.5 · Population: 3,191 · State: Kentucky · Best score: Retirement 93
17. Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Photos: Erik Drost (CC BY 2.0), Erik Drost (CC BY 4.0), Nyttend (Public domain) · via Wikimedia Commons
Chagrin Falls takes its name from the waterfall on the Chagrin River in the middle of town. The village was laid out in 1837, and its downtown shops and restaurants cluster right around the falls. The Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, active since 1930, is one of the oldest community theaters in the country.
Chagrin Falls scores 95 for retirement friendliness and 96 for culture. Cleveland’s world-renowned hospitals, including the Cleveland Clinic, are within easy reach. Its ice cream shop by the falls and its walkable streets make it a true storybook town.
Overall score: 79.2 · Population: 4,118 · State: Ohio · Best score: Cultured 96
16. White Salmon, Washington
Photos: Buidhe (CC BY-SA 4.0), LilGangstaBoy at English Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0), David Herrera (CC BY 2.0), Reeves via U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region (Public domain) · via Wikimedia Commons
White Salmon sits on a bluff above the Columbia River Gorge in Washington, looking across the river to Hood River, Oregon, and Mount Hood. The city was first settled in 1852 and incorporated in 1907. Its city hall has a distinctive Bavarian-style clock tower.
White Salmon scores 98 for retirement friendliness and 84 for quiet. The Gorge is famous for hiking, windsurfing and orchards, and Hood River’s restaurants are just across the bridge. Washington has no state income tax. For an active retiree, the setting is spectacular.
Overall score: 79.3 · Population: 2,605 · State: Washington · Best score: Retirement 98
15. Thiensville, Wisconsin
Photos: Freekee/Kevin Hansen (CC BY-SA 3.0), Jen Keller (CC BY-SA 2.0), Freekee/Kevin Hansen (Public domain) · via Wikimedia Commons
Thiensville is a small village on a bend of the Milwaukee River, north of Milwaukee. It was founded by German freethinkers and named for Joachim Heinrich Thien. The town grew as a railway stop, and its Main Street still has old brick storefronts.
Thiensville scores 94 for retirement friendliness, 73 for walkability and 79 for vibrancy. The village park along the river is a favorite spot, and Milwaukee’s hospitals and lakefront are a short drive away. It’s a walkable, friendly village with real Midwestern warmth.
Overall score: 79.5 · Population: 3,299 · State: Wisconsin · Best score: Retirement 94
14. Glen Dale, West Virginia
Photo: Nyttend (Public domain) · via Wikimedia Commons
Glen Dale is a small city on the Ohio River in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle, part of the Wheeling metro area. It was named for Glendale, a local family farm, and it’s a certified Tree City USA. The historic Cockayne farmhouse is preserved as a museum.
Glen Dale scores 95 for retirement friendliness, 76 for quiet and 86 for easy driving. Wheeling’s hospitals and attractions are close by, and housing costs are low. It’s a comfortable, leafy river town where your retirement savings go a long way.
Overall score: 79.6 · Population: 1,413 · State: West Virginia · Best score: Retirement 95
13. Nahant, Massachusetts
Photos: Pilgrimsong (CC BY-SA 3.0), Pi.1415926535 (CC BY-SA 4.0), JPizzle1122 at English Wikipedia (Public domain), J. Nathan Matias (CC BY-SA 2.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Nahant is a tiny peninsula town north of Boston, connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. With just one square mile of land, it’s the smallest town in Massachusetts by area. Beaches line the causeway, and rocky coves and gazebos dot the shoreline.
Nahant scores 96 for retirement friendliness, 96 for culture and 81 for walkability. Boston’s hospitals and cultural life are about half an hour away. For retirees who want ocean on every side and a close-knit community, Nahant is one of a kind.
Overall score: 80.0 · Population: 3,338 · State: Massachusetts · Best score: Retirement 96
12. Glendale, Ohio
Photos: User:Nyttend (Public domain), User:Bedford (Public domain), Nheyob (CC BY-SA 4.0), Nyttend (Public domain) · via Wikimedia Commons
Glendale is a historic village north of Cincinnati, known for the Glendale Historic District and its winding, tree-shaded streets. Its symbol is the black squirrel, and statues of squirrels dressed in different outfits stand around town.
Glendale scores 94 for retirement friendliness, 75 for quiet and 95 for culture. The village square has shops and restaurants, and Cincinnati’s hospitals and arts are a short drive away. It’s a beautiful, historic place to slow down.
Overall score: 80.3 · Population: 2,282 · State: Ohio · Best score: Cultured 95
11. Highlands, New Jersey
Photos: Famartin (CC BY-SA 4.0), Ted Kerwin (CC BY 2.0), Mr. Matté (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Highlands is a historic waterfront town on Sandy Hook Bay in New Jersey. The eastern part of town sits on a high bluff crowned by the Navesink Twin Lights, with views of Sandy Hook and the Atlantic. Its marinas and seafood restaurants line the water.
Highlands scores 85 for walkability, 70 for vibrancy and 93 for culture. Ferries from the Highlands area run to Manhattan, so big-city outings are easy. For retirees who want beaches, boating and restaurants, Highlands is a great fit.
Overall score: 80.4 · Population: 4,337 · State: New Jersey · Best score: Cultured 93
10. Piermont, New York
Photos: Mr. Matté (CC BY-SA 4.0), Unknown (Public domain), NJWissman (CC BY-SA 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Piermont is a village on the west bank of the Hudson River, about 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. It takes its name from Tallman Mountain and the long pier the Erie Railroad built here. Woody Allen filmed The Purple Rose of Cairo in its streets.
Piermont scores a perfect 100 for retirement friendliness and 80 for walkability. Its marina, river trail and restaurants make daily life a pleasure, and Manhattan is close enough for a show. It’s a small river village with a big-city connection.
Overall score: 80.5 · Population: 2,547 · State: New York · Best score: Retirement 100
9. Belleair, Florida
Photos: Ebyabe (CC BY 2.5), Mikereichold (CC BY-SA 3.0), Unknown author (Public domain) · via Wikimedia Commons
Belleair began in 1896 as a resort town built around the Belleview Hotel by railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant. It sits on the bluffs above Clearwater Harbor on Florida’s Gulf Coast, and its historic town hall and golf courses still reflect that resort heritage.
Belleair scores 95 for retirement friendliness and 79 for quiet. The Gulf beaches are minutes away, Tampa’s airport is close, and Florida has no state income tax. It’s one of the most refined small towns on the Gulf Coast.
Overall score: 80.8 · Population: 4,614 · State: Florida · Best score: Retirement 95
8. Wayzata, Minnesota
Photos: 123dieinafire (CC BY 3.0), Thomson200 (CC0), Illingworth, William H (Public domain) · via Wikimedia Commons
Wayzata sits on the north shore of Lake Minnetonka, about 9 miles west of Minneapolis. Its name comes from the Dakota word for “north”. Known as the Gateway to Lake Minnetonka, it has a lakefront promenade, upscale shops and a historic depot.
Wayzata scores a perfect 100 for retirement friendliness and 77 for quiet. In summer you can stroll the lake walk and watch the sailboats, and Minneapolis’s hospitals and theaters are about 20 minutes away. It’s a lakeside retirement with real polish.
Overall score: 81.1 · Population: 4,308 · State: Minnesota · Best score: Retirement 100
7. Southwest Greensburg, Pennsylvania
Photos: Canadian2006 (CC BY-SA 3.0), Cramerwiki (CC0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Southwest Greensburg was once called “What You Please?”, reportedly the answer its first landowner gave when asked to name it. In 1887 two coal businessmen turned the farmland into a planned residential community of 413 lots, and it became a borough in 1890.
Southwest Greensburg scores 88 for walkability, 86 for vibrancy and 86 for easy driving, with downtown Greensburg, the Westmoreland County seat, right next door. It’s an affordable Pennsylvania neighborhood with every service of a county seat close at hand.
Overall score: 81.2 · Population: 2,166 · State: Pennsylvania · Best score: Retirement 92
6. Green Tree, Pennsylvania
Photos: Cbaile19 (CC0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Green Tree is named for a large sycamore on Greentree Road where stagecoaches once delivered the mail. The borough was chartered in 1885 and sits just through the Fort Pitt Tunnel from downtown Pittsburgh. Its streets are full of storybook Tudor and stone houses.
Green Tree scores 99 for retirement friendliness and 77 for quiet. The water tower park with its gazebo is a favorite evening stroll. Pittsburgh’s renowned hospitals and cultural district are minutes away, which makes this an excellent choice for an easy, comfortable retirement.
Overall score: 81.2 · Population: 4,751 · State: Pennsylvania · Best score: Retirement 99
5. Roslyn, New York
Photos: Jim.henderson (CC0), D. Benjamin Miller (CC0), DanTD (CC BY-SA 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Roslyn is a historic village on Long Island’s North Shore, at the head of Hempstead Harbor. It was settled in 1643, and George Washington stopped for breakfast at a local mill owner’s farmhouse in 1790. That house still stands as Hendrick’s Tavern.
Roslyn scores 96 for retirement friendliness and 96 for culture. The village has historic homes, a duck pond park and good restaurants, and Manhattan is about 40 minutes away by train. It’s a quiet, historic harbor village with New York City within easy reach.
Overall score: 81.4 · Population: 3,022 · State: New York · Best score: Cultured 96
4. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Photos: Toi & Moi (CC BY-SA 2.0), Pierre André Leclercq (CC BY-SA 4.0), Unknown author or not provided (Public domain) · via Wikimedia Commons
Carmel-by-the-Sea sits on California’s Monterey Peninsula. It grew from the Carmel Mission, founded in 1771, into an art colony and seaside resort, and it’s known for storybook cottages, galleries and a white-sand beach framed by cypress trees.
Carmel scores 99 for retirement friendliness, 79 for walkability and 97 for culture. Everything is within a short stroll in its walkable village center. It’s one of the most expensive towns on this list, but there are few places in America this beautiful.
Overall score: 81.9 · Population: 3,124 · State: California · Best score: Retirement 99
3. Spring Lake, New Jersey
Photos: Mr. Matté (CC BY-SA 4.0), Rmccoid (Public domain), hill10003 (CC BY-SA 3.0), Unknown author or not provided (Public domain) · via Wikimedia Commons
Spring Lake is a Jersey Shore borough named for a spring-fed lake in the middle of town. During the Gilded Age it became a coastal resort for wealthy families, and its grand Victorian homes, two-mile non-commercial boardwalk and the dome of St. Catharine’s Church reflect that heritage.
Spring Lake scores 89 for quiet and a perfect 100 for culture. Its footbridges, lakeside paths and wide, uncrowded beach make daily walks a pleasure. Manhattan is reachable by train. It’s one of the most graceful seaside towns on the East Coast.
Overall score: 82.0 · Population: 2,781 · State: New Jersey · Best score: Cultured 100
2. Redington Shores, Florida
Photos: Gregory Urbano (CC BY 2.0), Philipp Michel Reichold (CC BY-SA 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Redington Shores is a small beach town on Florida’s Gulf Coast, between St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Two-thirds of its area is water, and the town is known for its long fishing pier, sea oats, mangroves and nesting loggerhead turtles.
Redington Shores scores 95 for retirement friendliness, 81 for vibrancy and 90 for culture. Tampa Bay’s restaurants, hospitals and airport are close by, and Florida has no state income tax. Gulf sunsets every evening seal the deal.
Overall score: 82.6 · Population: 2,167 · State: Florida · Best score: Retirement 95
1. Excelsior, Minnesota
Photos: McGhiever (CC BY-SA 4.0), Greg Gjerdingen (CC BY 2.0), Tony Webster (CC BY 2.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Excelsior sits on the southern shore of Lake Minnetonka, about 16 miles southwest of Minneapolis. Founded in 1853, it was the lake’s first settlement. Its Water Street commercial district is on the National Register of Historic Places, and Victorian homes fill its side streets.
Excelsior is our number one. It scores 98 for retirement friendliness, 72 for walkability, 78 for vibrancy and 92 for culture, a rare all-around strength. You can walk to dinner, take a boat out on the lake and be at a Minneapolis hospital or theater in half an hour. That’s why it takes the top spot.
Overall score: 82.9 · Population: 2,296 · State: Minnesota · Best score: Retirement 98
The Full Ranking
Scores run from 1 to 100, and higher is better on every measure.
| Rank | Town | State | Pop. | Score | Retirement | Quiet | Walkable | Vibrant | Easy driving | Cultured |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Excelsior | MN | 2,296 | 82.9 | 98 | 63 | 72 | 78 | 70 | 92 |
| 2 | Redington Shores | FL | 2,167 | 82.6 | 95 | 72 | 69 | 81 | 69 | 90 |
| 3 | Spring Lake | NJ | 2,781 | 82.0 | 94 | 89 | 72 | 63 | 59 | 100 |
| 4 | Carmel-by-the-Sea | CA | 3,124 | 81.9 | 99 | 71 | 79 | 67 | 49 | 97 |
| 5 | Roslyn | NY | 3,022 | 81.4 | 96 | 63 | 72 | 74 | 68 | 96 |
| 6 | Green Tree | PA | 4,751 | 81.2 | 99 | 77 | 63 | 66 | 65 | 83 |
| 7 | Southwest Greensburg | PA | 2,166 | 81.2 | 92 | 46 | 88 | 86 | 86 | 56 |
| 8 | Wayzata | MN | 4,308 | 81.1 | 100 | 77 | 52 | 67 | 72 | 90 |
| 9 | Belleair | FL | 4,614 | 80.8 | 95 | 79 | 55 | 65 | 84 | 92 |
| 10 | Piermont | NY | 2,547 | 80.5 | 100 | 52 | 80 | 68 | 58 | 95 |
| 11 | Highlands | NJ | 4,337 | 80.4 | 91 | 62 | 85 | 70 | 67 | 93 |
| 12 | Glendale | OH | 2,282 | 80.3 | 94 | 75 | 69 | 54 | 82 | 95 |
| 13 | Nahant | MA | 3,338 | 80.0 | 96 | 64 | 81 | 53 | 71 | 96 |
| 14 | Glen Dale | WV | 1,413 | 79.6 | 95 | 76 | 68 | 50 | 86 | 76 |
| 15 | Thiensville | WI | 3,299 | 79.5 | 94 | 47 | 73 | 79 | 81 | 80 |
| 16 | White Salmon | WA | 2,605 | 79.3 | 98 | 84 | 61 | 50 | 64 | 87 |
| 17 | Chagrin Falls | OH | 4,118 | 79.2 | 95 | 70 | 69 | 59 | 67 | 96 |
| 18 | Park Hills | KY | 3,191 | 78.5 | 93 | 49 | 80 | 71 | 69 | 90 |
| 19 | Carthage | IL | 2,431 | 78.4 | 98 | 87 | 51 | 38 | 94 | 71 |
| 20 | Franklin | MI | 3,160 | 78.4 | 96 | 84 | 51 | 54 | 67 | 98 |
| 21 | Jamestown | RI | 5,494 | 77.7 | 99 | 91 | 50 | 24 | 82 | 97 |
| 22 | Sullivan's Island | SC | 1,948 | 77.7 | 96 | 83 | 55 | 37 | 80 | 98 |
| 23 | Rockport | MA | 7,091 | 77.5 | 100 | 78 | 62 | 34 | 72 | 88 |
| 24 | Lookout Mountain | TN | 2,038 | 77.4 | 92 | 72 | 68 | 44 | 80 | 100 |
| 25 | Thermopolis | WY | 2,748 | 76.9 | 96 | 73 | 58 | 50 | 82 | 59 |
| 26 | Yountville | CA | 3,280 | 76.8 | 100 | 71 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 |
| 27 | Ladue | MO | 8,937 | 76.6 | 90 | 78 | 57 | 51 | 78 | 99 |
| 28 | Ladysmith | WI | 3,187 | 76.3 | 99 | 78 | 48 | 48 | 90 | 34 |
| 29 | Elk Rapids | MI | 1,605 | 76.1 | 100 | 92 | 42 | 32 | 73 | 83 |
| 30 | Monticello | IL | 6,010 | 75.9 | 96 | 86 | 39 | 38 | 94 | 72 |
| 31 | Williamstown | WV | 2,951 | 75.9 | 97 | 85 | 44 | 37 | 86 | 69 |
| 32 | Enfield | NH | 4,482 | 75.6 | 99 | 97 | 37 | 24 | 79 | 84 |
| 33 | Long Beach | IN | 1,168 | 75.4 | 100 | 72 | 56 | 38 | 67 | 79 |
| 34 | Red Lodge | MT | 2,686 | 75.2 | 100 | 90 | 46 | 39 | 67 | 47 |
| 35 | North Manchester | IN | 5,237 | 74.6 | 94 | 45 | 67 | 64 | 82 | 43 |
| 36 | Laurel Park | NC | 2,319 | 74.6 | 99 | 84 | 43 | 25 | 83 | 82 |
| 37 | East Kingston | NH | 2,436 | 74.3 | 96 | 96 | 39 | 14 | 88 | 92 |
| 38 | Rehoboth Beach | DE | 1,257 | 74.1 | 91 | 91 | 30 | 54 | 69 | 88 |
| 39 | Hallowell | ME | 2,619 | 73.8 | 100 | 61 | 57 | 34 | 80 | 59 |
| 40 | Blowing Rock | NC | 1,336 | 73.5 | 99 | 93 | 23 | 31 | 83 | 73 |
| 41 | Chevy Chase Village | MD | 2,071 | 73.3 | 70 | 62 | 88 | 88 | 46 | 100 |
| 42 | Mesilla | NM | 1,828 | 73.0 | 97 | 66 | 46 | 51 | 75 | 47 |
| 43 | Alpine | TX | 6,039 | 72.9 | 97 | 63 | 50 | 50 | 72 | 50 |
| 44 | Ferrisburgh | VT | 2,690 | 72.9 | 97 | 92 | 35 | 19 | 79 | 88 |
| 45 | Kennebunk | ME | 12,028 | 72.7 | 96 | 85 | 45 | 26 | 66 | 83 |
| 46 | Wickenburg | AZ | 8,301 | 72.2 | 96 | 89 | 35 | 39 | 71 | 43 |
| 47 | Port Gibson | MS | 1,166 | 71.8 | 91 | 66 | 50 | 46 | 94 | 33 |
| 48 | Estes Park | CO | 5,795 | 70.7 | 98 | 90 | 28 | 27 | 68 | 64 |
| 49 | Buffalo | WY | 4,655 | 70.7 | 98 | 82 | 35 | 28 | 77 | 42 |
| 50 | Del Norte | CO | 1,410 | 70.5 | 91 | 83 | 49 | 26 | 88 | 36 |
Data: CoreLogic neighborhood indexes (March 2025); population from U.S. Census Bureau 2024 estimates. Photos via Wikimedia Commons under the licenses listed with each town.
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