Choosing the perfect retirement destination involves considering multiple factors that contribute to quality of life in your golden years. Our comprehensive analysis examines five key criteria that matter most to retirees: Overall Retirement Score, Walkability, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, and Transit-Friendly rating. These metrics provide a holistic view of what makes a community ideal for retirement living.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Missouri’s best towns for retirees.
Here’s the list.
15. Hermann Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 95.42
- Walkability: 43.84
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 57.36
- Vibrant Score: 30.43
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Hermann
Hermann claims the 15th position on our list with a retirement score of 95.42. It stands out with the highest walkability score on our list at 43.84, offering significantly better pedestrian accessibility than other towns. Hermann also boasts impressive cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 57.36 and maintains an active community atmosphere with a vibrant score of 30.43. While public transit options are limited with a transit-friendly score of N/A, the town’s walkability helps compensate for this limitation. The median home price in Hermann is approximately $212,000, representing a solid value for this highly-ranked retirement destination in Missouri.
14. Dutchtown Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 95.58
- Walkability: 8.7
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 48.63
- Vibrant Score: 35.31
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Dutchtown
Dutchtown takes the 14th position with a retirement score of 95.58, making it an exceptional retirement destination. While its walkability is limited at 8.7, it offers good cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 48.63. Dutchtown has the second-highest vibrant score on our list at 35.31, indicating a more active community atmosphere. Public transit options are limited with a transit-friendly score of N/A. The median home price in Dutchtown is approximately $157,000, offering excellent value for retirees seeking an active community with good amenities at an affordable price.
13. Summersville Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 95.99
- Walkability: 8.08
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 10.8
- Vibrant Score: 1.57
- Transit-Friendly: 27.53
About Summersville
Summersville secures the 13th position with a retirement score of 95.99, making it one of Missouri’s top retirement destinations. While its walkability is limited at 8.08 and urban sophistication is low at 10.8, the town stands out for its exceptionally peaceful atmosphere with the lowest vibrant score on our list at 1.57. Notably, Summersville offers the best public transportation options among our top towns with a transit-friendly score of 27.53. The median home price in Summersville is approximately $129,500, making it a highly affordable option for retirees prioritizing peace and quiet.
12. Rocheport Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.16
- Walkability: 15.88
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 65.61
- Vibrant Score: 11.68
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Rocheport
Rocheport claims the 12th spot with a retirement score of 96.16, offering an excellent retirement environment. While its walkability score is modest at 15.88, it shines with an impressive urban sophistication score of 65.61, indicating abundant cultural amenities. With a vibrant score of 11.68, it provides a good balance of community energy and peaceful living. Public transit options are limited with a transit-friendly score of N/A. The median home price in Rocheport is approximately $285,000, reflecting its desirability and charm as a retirement destination.
11. Cole Camp Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.22
- Walkability: 18.07
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 28.58
- Vibrant Score: 9.46
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Cole Camp
Cole Camp takes the 11th position with a retirement score of 96.22, making it a highly desirable retirement destination. The town offers moderate walkability at 18.07 and basic cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 28.58. With a vibrant score of 9.46, Cole Camp provides a peaceful yet modestly active community atmosphere. Public transit options are limited with a transit-friendly score of N/A. The median home price in Cole Camp is approximately $169,900, offering good value for retirees seeking a balance of affordability and quality of life.
10. New Hampton Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.69
- Walkability: 18.88
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 39.35
- Vibrant Score: 14.15
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About New Hampton
New Hampton ranks 10th with a retirement score of 96.69, offering a solid retirement environment. The town has moderate walkability at 18.88 and provides average cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 39.35. With a vibrant score of 14.15, it offers a balanced atmosphere between activity and tranquility. Public transportation options are limited with a transit-friendly score of N/A. The median home price in New Hampton is approximately $145,000, making it an affordable option for retirees.
9. Sunset Hills Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.89
- Walkability: 28.42
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 88.31
- Vibrant Score: 53.74
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Sunset Hills
Sunset Hills claims the 9th position with a retirement score of 96.89. It offers relatively good walkability at 28.42 and excellent cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 88.31. Sunset Hills has the highest vibrant score on our list at 53.74, indicating a more active and energetic community atmosphere. Public transit options are limited with a transit-friendly score of N/A. With a median home price of approximately $425,000, Sunset Hills represents one of the more premium options for retirees seeking a balance of tranquility and cultural richness.
8. Tarkio – Fairfax Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.05
- Walkability: 24.32
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 30.98
- Vibrant Score: 4.26
- Transit-Friendly: 18.37
About Tarkio – Fairfax
The Tarkio – Fairfax area ranks 8th with a retirement score of 97.05. It offers relatively good walkability for a small Missouri town at 24.32 and moderate cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 30.98. With a low vibrant score of 4.26, it provides a peaceful retirement environment. Notably, it has the second-highest transit-friendly score on our list at 18.37, offering better public transportation options than most other towns. The median home price in the Tarkio – Fairfax area is approximately $95,000, making it the most affordable option among our top 15 retirement destinations.
7. Golden Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.06
- Walkability: 4.57
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 47.41
- Vibrant Score: 19.87
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Golden
Golden secures the 7th position with a retirement score of 97.06. While its walkability score is quite low at 4.57, suggesting car dependency, it offers decent cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 47.41. Golden has a higher vibrant score of 19.87, indicating more community activity than many others on our list. Public transit options are limited with a transit-friendly score of N/A. The median home price in Golden is approximately $245,000, representing a mid-range option among our top retirement towns.
6. Skidmore Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.39
- Walkability: 14.76
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 43.54
- Vibrant Score: 4.33
- Transit-Friendly: 1.26
About Skidmore
Skidmore takes the 6th position with a retirement score of 97.39, offering a pleasant retirement environment. The town has limited walkability at 14.76 but provides moderate cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 43.54. With a low vibrant score of 4.33, it offers a peaceful atmosphere for retirees. Skidmore is one of the few towns on our list with some public transportation options, albeit limited, with a transit-friendly score of 1.26. The median home price in Skidmore is approximately $128,750, making it one of the more affordable options on our list.
5. St. Albans Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.43
- Walkability: 15.51
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 95.05
- Vibrant Score: 12.6
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About St. Albans
St. Albans ranks 5th with a retirement score of 97.43, appealing to a specific type of retiree. While its walkability score is modest at 15.51, it stands out with an exceptional urban sophistication score of 95.05, indicating abundant cultural amenities. Its vibrant score of 12.6 suggests some community energy while maintaining a generally peaceful environment. Public transit options are limited with a transit-friendly score of N/A. St. Albans has a significantly higher median home price of $587,000, reflecting its upscale nature and desirable amenities.
4. Clarence Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.67
- Walkability: 19.52
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 25.53
- Vibrant Score: 4.56
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Clarence
Clarence places 4th with a retirement score of 97.67, offering a solid retirement destination. The town has a walkability score of 19.52 and a more modest urban sophistication rating of 25.53. With a vibrant score of 4.56, it provides a quiet atmosphere for retirees seeking peaceful living. Public transportation is limited with a transit-friendly score of N/A. Clarence is particularly affordable with a median home price of approximately $135,000, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious retirees.
3. Plattsburg Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.88
- Walkability: 22.04
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 50.04
- Vibrant Score: 4.4
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Plattsburg
Plattsburg ranks 3rd with a retirement score of 97.88, making it a strong contender for retirees. The town offers better walkability than some competitors at 22.04, along with a respectable urban sophistication score of 50.04 for cultural amenities. With a vibrant score of just 4.4, Plattsburg provides a peaceful atmosphere for retirement living. Public transit options are limited with a transit-friendly score of N/A. The median home price in Plattsburg is approximately $189,900, offering a balance of amenities and affordability.
2. Rock Port Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.85
- Walkability: 17.51
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 40.37
- Vibrant Score: 4.53
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Rock Port
Rock Port scores an impressive 98.85 on the retirement index, placing it 2nd on our list. The town offers moderate walkability at 17.51 and provides decent cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 40.37. It’s a peaceful community with a low vibrant score of 4.53, ideal for those seeking tranquility in retirement. Public transportation is limited with a transit-friendly score of N/A. With a median home price of $148,500, Rock Port represents an affordable retirement option in Missouri.
1. Arcadia Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.33
- Walkability: 15.11
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 39.31
- Vibrant Score: 6.58
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Arcadia
Arcadia boasts the highest retirement score in Missouri at an impressive 99.33, making it our top choice for retirees. While its walkability score is modest at 15.11 and urban sophistication reaches 39.31, the town offers a quieter lifestyle with a vibrant score of only 6.58. Public transit options are limited as indicated by the transit-friendly score of N/A. The median home price in Arcadia is approximately $175,000, making it an affordable option for retirement living.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Retirement Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates a town’s suitability for retirees, incorporating factors such as safety, healthcare access, tax-friendliness for seniors, community engagement opportunities, and general quality of life considerations specific to retirement living.
- Walkability: Measures how easy and practical it is to navigate the community on foot, reflecting sidewalk quality, proximity of essential services, pedestrian safety, and accessibility. This criterion is particularly important for retirees who may prefer not to drive or who value daily physical activity.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Assesses the availability and quality of cultural attractions, educational opportunities, fine dining, shopping, and entertainment options. These amenities contribute significantly to intellectual stimulation and quality of life during retirement years.
- Vibrant Score: Quantifies the energy and activity level of a community, including social events, community gatherings, and general liveliness. This metric helps retirees determine whether a town offers their preferred balance between peaceful living and community engagement.
- Transit-Friendly: Evaluates the availability, accessibility, and efficiency of public transportation options. This criterion is especially relevant for retirees who may eventually reduce or eliminate driving, ensuring continued mobility and independence throughout retirement.
References: In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
