Choosing the perfect retirement destination involves considering multiple factors that contribute to quality of life. Our comprehensive ranking of North Dakota’s best retirement towns evaluates communities based on 5 key criteria: Overall Retirement Score, Walkability, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, and Transit-Friendly rating. These elements combine to provide a holistic view of what each town offers retirees seeking comfort, convenience, and community.
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 North Dakota’s best towns for retirees. The “Overall Retirement Score” has many criteria baked into it, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of retirement livability in each location.
Here’s the list.
18. Northwood
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 94.43
- Walkability: 20.04
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 59.00
- Vibrant Score: 12.62
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Northwood
Northwood claims the 18th spot with an Overall Retirement Score of 94.43. It stands out with well-balanced metrics across multiple categories: good Walkability (20.04), strong Urban Sophistication (59.00), and the highest Vibrant Score on our list at 12.62. This suggests a more active community with cultural amenities and social engagement opportunities. Housing in Northwood remains affordable with median prices around $278,000, consistent with North Dakota’s average.
17. Galesburg
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 94.88
- Walkability: 23.72
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 85.93
- Vibrant Score: 0.45
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Galesburg
Galesburg takes 17th place with an impressive Overall Retirement Score of 94.88 and the highest Urban Sophistication score on our list at 85.93, indicating exceptional cultural amenities for a small town. With above-average Walkability at 23.72, the town provides good accessibility for seniors. The median home price in Galesburg follows North Dakota’s affordable market trends, with properties typically valued around $278,000, well below the national average.
16. Crosby
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 95.12
- Walkability: 19.78
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 57.86
- Vibrant Score: 0.71
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Crosby
Crosby ranks as North Dakota’s 16th best retirement town with an excellent Overall Retirement Score of 95.12. The town offers decent Walkability at 19.78 and strong Urban Sophistication at 57.86, indicating good cultural amenities for its size. While its Vibrant Score is low at 0.71, Crosby provides a peaceful environment for retirees. Housing remains affordable with median home prices approximately $278,000, consistent with North Dakota’s average.
15. Beach
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 95.38
- Walkability: 21.27
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 58.97
- Vibrant Score: 0.89
- Transit-Friendly: 4.66
About Beach
Beach offers retirees a well-balanced retirement destination with an Overall Retirement Score of 95.38, above-average Walkability at 21.27, and strong Urban Sophistication at 58.97. It’s also one of the few towns on our list with a measurable Transit-Friendly score of 4.66. The median home price in Beach follows North Dakota’s statewide trend of approximately $278,000, providing good value for retirees looking to relocate.
14. Hettinger
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 95.76
- Walkability: 13.70
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 32.01
- Vibrant Score: 1.12
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Hettinger
Hettinger achieves a strong Overall Retirement Score of 95.76, making it an attractive option for retirees despite moderate scores in other categories like Walkability (13.70) and Urban Sophistication (32.01). The town offers a quieter lifestyle with fewer amenities but maintains a high overall livability for retirees. According to recent real estate data, Hettinger’s housing market is consistent with North Dakota’s affordable average prices of approximately $278,000.
13. Wimbledon
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.00
- Walkability: 19.67
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 73.03
- Vibrant Score: 0.47
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Wimbledon
Wimbledon stands out with its strong Overall Retirement Score of 96.00 and particularly impressive Urban Sophistication rating of 73.03, the second-highest on our list. This suggests excellent cultural amenities relative to its size. While its Vibrant Score is low at 0.47, the town offers a peaceful environment for retirees seeking tranquility. Housing in Wimbledon remains affordable, consistent with North Dakota’s median home price of approximately $278,000.
12. Lisbon Home
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.13
- Walkability: 49.94
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 46.30
- Vibrant Score: 37.07
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Lisbon
Lisbon offers retirees an impressive Overall Retirement Score of 96.13 along with the second-highest Walkability score on our list at 49.94 and an excellent Vibrant Score of 37.07. These metrics suggest a more accessible, active community with good social engagement opportunities. The median home price in Lisbon aligns with North Dakota’s statewide average of approximately $278,000, making it an affordable option for retirees.
11. Napoleon – Gackle
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.63
- Walkability: 15.57
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 44.78
- Vibrant Score: 0.97
- Transit-Friendly: 12.87
About Napoleon – Gackle
The Napoleon – Gackle area scores well with an Overall Retirement Score of 96.63 and is one of the few communities on our list with a measurable Transit-Friendly score of 12.87. With a moderate Urban Sophistication rating of 44.78, the area offers some cultural amenities for retirees. Housing in this community remains affordable, with median home prices consistent with North Dakota’s average of approximately $278,000.
10. Hillsboro
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.32
- Walkability: 45.14
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 64.45
- Vibrant Score: 36.34
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Hillsboro
Hillsboro distinguishes itself with an excellent Overall Retirement Score of 97.32 and notably high scores in three key categories: Walkability (45.14), Urban Sophistication (64.45), and Vibrant Score (36.34). These impressive ratings indicate a more active, accessible community with good cultural amenities. The median home price in Hillsboro follows North Dakota’s statewide trend, averaging around $278,000 to $289,000.
9. Maddock – Leeds
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.38
- Walkability: 17.44
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 46.04
- Vibrant Score: 2.23
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Maddock – Leeds
The Maddock – Leeds area earns a strong Overall Retirement Score of 97.38, with decent scores across key metrics including Walkability (17.44) and Urban Sophistication (46.04). This balanced profile makes it a well-rounded option for retirees seeking a quieter lifestyle with some amenities. Recent real estate data indicates that homes in this area generally align with North Dakota’s median price of approximately $278,000.
8. LaMoure
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.53
- Walkability: 17.34
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 67.66
- Vibrant Score: 1.33
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About LaMoure
LaMoure stands out with its strong Overall Retirement Score of 97.53 and particularly high Urban Sophistication score of 67.66, suggesting good access to cultural amenities despite its small-town setting. With a moderate Walkability score of 17.34, the town offers reasonable accessibility for seniors. According to real estate data, LaMoure’s housing market reflects North Dakota’s affordability, with median home prices around $270,000-$280,000.
7. Cooperstown
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.76
- Walkability: 20.69
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 49.56
- Vibrant Score: 2.05
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Cooperstown
Cooperstown offers retirees an excellent Overall Retirement Score of 97.76 along with above-average Walkability at 20.69 and good Urban Sophistication at 49.56. These scores indicate a good balance of accessibility and cultural amenities for a smaller community. The median home price in Cooperstown aligns with North Dakota’s average of approximately $278,000, providing good value for retirees seeking an affordable retirement destination.
6. Lakota – McVille
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.81
- Walkability: 15.63
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 42.75
- Vibrant Score: 1.55
- Transit-Friendly: 12.59
About Lakota – McVille
Lakota – McVille scores an impressive 97.81 on the Overall Retirement Score and is one of the few towns on our list with a measurable Transit-Friendly score of 12.59. Its Urban Sophistication rating of 42.75 indicates reasonable cultural amenities for retirees. Home prices in this area follow North Dakota’s affordable trend, with median values around $278,000, making it an economically attractive option for retirement.
5. New Rockford – Sheyenne
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.13
- Walkability: 14.77
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 34.21
- Vibrant Score: 8.55
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About New Rockford – Sheyenne
New Rockford – Sheyenne offers retirees an excellent Overall Retirement Score of 98.13 and the highest Vibrant Score so far on our list at 8.55, suggesting a relatively active community atmosphere. The area’s moderate Urban Sophistication score of 34.21 indicates some cultural offerings, while housing remains affordable with median home prices consistent with North Dakota’s average of approximately $278,000.
4. Finley – Hope
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.74
- Walkability: 19.48
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 65.05
- Vibrant Score: 1.31
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Finley – Hope
The Finley – Hope area earns a strong Overall Retirement Score of 98.74, with better-than-average Walkability for the region at 19.48. Its Urban Sophistication score of 65.05 is notable, indicating good cultural amenities relative to its size. Housing in this area reflects North Dakota’s reasonable market conditions, with median home prices around $278,000, providing good value for retirees on a fixed income.
3. Edmore
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.81
- Walkability: 13.82
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 65.09
- Vibrant Score: 1.72
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Edmore
Edmore stands out with its impressive Overall Retirement Score of 98.81 and particularly strong Urban Sophistication rating of 65.09, suggesting good access to cultural amenities for a small North Dakota town. While its Walkability score is 13.82 and Vibrant Score is low at 1.72, the town offers a quiet, peaceful retirement setting. The median home price in Edmore is consistent with North Dakota’s affordable housing market, typically around $278,000.
2. Medora
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.36
- Walkability: 9.85
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 49.10
- Vibrant Score: 5.84
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Medora
Medora achieves an exceptional Overall Retirement Score of 99.36, making it North Dakota’s second-best retirement destination. The town offers above-average Urban Sophistication at 49.10, providing retirees with access to cultural amenities despite its modest Walkability score of 9.85. Medora’s housing market aligns with the North Dakota median home price of approximately $278,000, offering good value for retirees looking to relocate.
1. Cavalier
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.66
- Walkability: 13.41
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 39.59
- Vibrant Score: 7.11
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Cavalier
Cavalier boasts an impressive Overall Retirement Score of 99.66, the highest in North Dakota. While its Walkability score is modest at 13.41, the town compensates with decent Urban Sophistication at 39.59 and a Vibrant Score of 7.11, offering some cultural activities and community engagement opportunities. The median home price in Cavalier reflects North Dakota’s affordable market, with properties typically valued around $278,000, well below the national average.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Retirement Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates how well a town meets the needs of retirees, incorporating factors such as healthcare access, safety, community engagement, cost of living, and senior services.
- Walkability: Measures how easy it is to navigate the town on foot, considering sidewalk quality, street connectivity, pedestrian safety, and proximity of essential services and amenities to residential areas. This is particularly important for seniors who may no longer drive.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Assesses the availability and quality of cultural offerings such as museums, theaters, libraries, educational opportunities, restaurants, and community events that enhance quality of life for retirees seeking intellectual and cultural stimulation.
- Vibrant Score: Evaluates the energy and activity level of a community, including factors like community engagement, event frequency, volunteer opportunities, and general social atmosphere that can help combat isolation among seniors.
- Transit-Friendly: Measures the accessibility and quality of public transportation options, which is critical for seniors who no longer drive but still want to maintain independence and mobility within their community.
References: In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
- Houzeo – North Dakota Housing Market: Home Prices & Trends https://www.houzeo.com/blog/north-dakota-real-estate-market/
- FortuneBuilders – North Dakota https://www.fortunebuilders.com/north-dakota-real-estate-market/
- Zillow – North Dakota Housing Market: 2025 Home Prices & Trends https://www.zillow.com/home-values/37/nd/
- Bankrate – North Dakota Housing Market https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/housing-market/nd/
- Steadily – North Dakota Real Estate Market Overview – 2025 https://www.steadily.com/blog/north-dakota-real-estate-market-overview
- Redfin – LaMoure County, ND Housing Market: House Prices & Trends https://www.redfin.com/county/2129/ND/LaMoure-County/housing-market
