Imagine waking up each morning to the smell of fresh flowers and the sight of lush, thriving gardens right outside your window. If you’re a retiree with a green thumb, finding the perfect place to spend your golden years is more than just about warm weather and peaceful surroundings—it’s about discovering a town that shares your love for all things green. In this article, we’re uncovering 24 incredible U.S. towns where gardening isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life. Get ready to find your dream retirement spot, where your garden can flourish just as much as you will!
#24: Eugene, Oregon
Eugene, Oregon, is a vibrant city with a strong emphasis on sustainability and gardening. The city’s mild climate and fertile soil make it an ideal location for year-round gardening. Eugene is home to numerous community gardens, farmers’ markets, and gardening clubs, providing ample opportunities for gardening enthusiasts to connect and share their passion.
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- Population: 172,622
- Median home price: $375,622
- Median household income: $50,000
- Gardening zone: 8b
#23: Berea, Kentucky
Berea is known for its arts and crafts community, which extends to its gardening culture. The town offers numerous community gardens and local farmers’ markets, making it a haven for gardening enthusiasts. Its moderate climate and fertile soil provide excellent growing conditions.
- Population: 15,948
- Median home price: $150,000
- Median household income: $40,000
- Gardening zone: 6b
#22: Burlington, Vermont
Burlington offers a vibrant community with a strong emphasis on local agriculture and gardening. The town is home to several community gardens and offers various workshops and events for gardening enthusiasts. The cooler climate is ideal for growing a variety of plants, including perennials and cool-season vegetables.
- Population: 42,819
- Median home price: $350,000
- Median household income: $50,000
- Gardening zone: 5a
#21: Fairfield, Iowa
Fairfield is a small town with a big focus on sustainable living and gardening. The community is known for its organic farms and gardening clubs. The town’s supportive environment and numerous resources make it easy for retirees to cultivate their gardens.
- Population: 9,892
- Median home price: $170,000
- Median household income: $45,000
- Gardening zone: 5b
#20: Athens, Georgia
Athens combines a vibrant college town atmosphere with a strong community focus on gardening. The mild climate and fertile soil make it an ideal location for year-round gardening. Local gardening clubs and community gardens provide plenty of opportunities to connect with other enthusiasts.
- Population: 126,913
- Median home price: $250,000
- Median household income: $40,000
- Gardening zone: 8a
#19: Taos, New Mexico
Taos offers a unique high-desert gardening experience. The town is known for its artistic community and sustainable living practices, including gardening. The local climate is perfect for xeriscaping and growing drought-resistant plants, making it an excellent choice for retirees interested in innovative gardening techniques.
- Population: 5,967
- Median home price: $350,000
- Median household income: $38,000
- Gardening zone: 6a
#18: Fredericksburg, Texas
Fredericksburg is known for its German heritage and vibrant gardening community. The town’s warm climate and rich soil are ideal for growing a wide variety of plants, including flowers and vegetables. Local gardening clubs and nurseries provide ample resources for gardening enthusiasts.
- Population: 11,496
- Median home price: $450,000
- Median household income: $55,000
- Gardening zone: 8b
#17: Bend, Oregon
Bend offers a beautiful natural setting with a strong community focus on outdoor activities, including gardening. The town’s unique climate allows for a variety of gardening opportunities, from xeriscaping to vegetable gardening. Community gardens and local markets provide support and resources.
- Population: 97,590
- Median home price: $500,000
- Median household income: $70,000
- Gardening zone: 6b
#16: Staunton, Virginia
Staunton is a historic town with a strong emphasis on community and sustainable living. The mild climate and fertile soil make it perfect for gardening. Numerous community gardens and local events provide plenty of opportunities for retirees to engage in gardening activities.
- Population: 24,932
- Median home price: $230,000
- Median household income: $50,000
- Gardening zone: 7a
#15: Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City is known for its beautiful scenery and strong community focus on gardening and local agriculture. The town’s climate is perfect for growing a variety of plants, including fruits and vegetables. Community gardens and local markets offer ample opportunities for gardeners to thrive.
- Population: 15,515
- Median home price: $300,000
- Median household income: $55,000
- Gardening zone: 5b
#14: Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman offers a unique mountain-town gardening experience. The town’s climate and community focus on sustainability make it an ideal place for gardening enthusiasts. Numerous community gardens and local resources provide support for retirees interested in gardening.
- Population: 49,831
- Median home price: $450,000
- Median household income: $60,000
- Gardening zone: 4b
#13: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Chapel Hill is a vibrant college town with a strong community focus on gardening and sustainability. The mild climate and fertile soil make it perfect for year-round gardening. Local gardening clubs and community gardens offer plenty of opportunities to connect with other enthusiasts.
- Population: 64,051
- Median home price: $400,000
- Median household income: $70,000
- Gardening zone: 7b
#12: Missoula, Montana
Missoula combines a vibrant arts scene with a strong community focus on gardening. The town’s unique climate allows for a variety of gardening opportunities, from xeriscaping to vegetable gardening. Community gardens and local markets provide support and resources.
- Population: 75,516
- Median home price: $350,000
- Median household income: $50,000
- Gardening zone: 5a
#11: Ashland, Oregon
Ashland is known for its beautiful natural setting and strong community focus on outdoor activities, including gardening. The town’s temperate climate and rich soil make it perfect for growing a wide variety of plants. Local gardening clubs and nurseries provide ample resources for gardening enthusiasts.
- Population: 21,281
- Median home price: $450,000
- Median household income: $50,000
- Gardening zone: 8a
#10: Marquette, Michigan
Marquette offers a beautiful natural setting with a strong community focus on gardening and local agriculture. The town’s climate is perfect for growing a variety of plants, including fruits and vegetables. Community gardens and local markets offer ample opportunities for gardeners to thrive.
- Population: 20,629
- Median home price: $200,000
- Median household income: $45,000
- Gardening zone: 5a
#9: Prescott, Arizona
Prescott offers a unique high-desert gardening experience. The town is known for its artistic community and sustainable living practices, including gardening. The local climate is perfect for xeriscaping and growing drought-resistant plants, making it an excellent choice for retirees interested in innovative gardening techniques.
- Population: 44,299
- Median home price: $400,000
- Median household income: $55,000
- Gardening zone: 7a
#8: Ithaca, New York
Ithaca is known for its vibrant arts scene and strong community focus on sustainability, including gardening. The town’s temperate climate and fertile soil make it perfect for growing a wide range of plants. Numerous community gardens and local markets offer ample opportunities for gardeners to share and learn.
- Population: 30,569
- Median home price: $275,000
- Median household income: $50,000
- Gardening zone: 5b
#7: Charlottesville, Virginia
Charlottesville offers a rich history, beautiful natural setting, and strong community focus on gardening. The mild climate and fertile soil make it perfect for gardening. Numerous community gardens and local events provide plenty of opportunities for retirees to engage in gardening activities.
- Population: 47,266
- Median home price: $375,000
- Median household income: $60,000
- Gardening zone: 7a
#6: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Fayetteville combines a vibrant college town atmosphere with a strong community focus on gardening. The mild climate and fertile soil make it an ideal location for year-round gardening. Local gardening clubs and community gardens provide plenty of opportunities to connect with other enthusiasts.
- Population: 89,540
- Median home price: $250,000
- Median household income: $45,000
- Gardening zone: 6b
#5: Madison, Wisconsin
Madison is known for its beautiful natural setting and strong community focus on outdoor activities, including gardening. The town’s temperate climate and rich soil make it perfect for growing a wide variety of plants. Local gardening clubs and nurseries provide ample resources for gardening enthusiasts.
- Population: 259,680
- Median home price: $350,000
- Median household income: $65,000
- Gardening zone: 5a
#4: Boulder, Colorado
Boulder offers a beautiful mountain setting with a strong community focus on sustainability and gardening. The town’s unique climate allows for a variety of gardening opportunities, from xeriscaping to vegetable gardening. Community gardens and local markets provide support and resources.
- Population: 105,673
- Median home price: $700,000
- Median household income: $70,000
- Gardening zone: 5b
#3: Bellingham, Washington
Bellingham is known for its beautiful natural setting and strong community focus on outdoor activities, including gardening. The town’s temperate climate and rich soil make it perfect for growing a wide variety of plants. Local gardening clubs and nurseries provide ample resources for gardening enthusiasts.
- Population: 90,665
- Median home price: $450,000
- Median household income: $55,000
- Gardening zone: 8a
#2: Corvallis, Oregon
Corvallis offers a vibrant community with a strong emphasis on local agriculture and gardening. The town is home to several community gardens and offers various workshops and events for gardening enthusiasts. The cooler climate is ideal for growing a variety of plants, including perennials and cool-season vegetables.
- Population: 58,885
- Median home price: $350,000
- Median household income: $60,000
- Gardening zone: 8a
#1: Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is renowned for its thriving arts scene and strong community focus on sustainability, including gardening. The town’s temperate climate and rich soil make it perfect for growing a wide range of plants. Numerous community gardens and local markets offer ample opportunities for gardeners to share and learn.
- Population: 93,272
- Median home price: $400,000
- Median household income: $50,000
- Gardening zone: 7a
These small towns offer a mix of community support, ideal climates, and resources that make them perfect for retirees who love gardening.
