Wisconsin might conjure up images of cozy lakefront cottages and quiet Midwestern living, but not every town in the Badger State is ideal for retirees. New data from 2025 tells a different story—one where many older adults are quietly steering clear of certain areas, drawn instead to places with better access to healthcare, quieter streets, or a stronger sense of community.
This ranking uses our proprietary Overall Retirement Score (ORS), which blends data on quietness, walkability, cultural life, transportation, and more. The lower the score, the tougher the town is for retirees to thrive in. Some towns are just too car-dependent, while others fall short on senior-friendly amenities or feel too chaotic for a restful retirement.
Here are the 18 towns in Wisconsin where retirement might be more frustrating than fulfilling.
18. Sheboygan – Low Transit Access in a Lakefront City
Sheboygan sits on the western shore of Lake Michigan and has long been known for its scenic waterfront and strong German heritage. It’s a hub for watersports, bratwurst festivals, and even surfing—yes, surfing on Lake Michigan. But under the surface charm, retirees may find daily life more complicated than expected.
Though Sheboygan scores well on car-friendliness and walkability, its public transit system is very limited, making it tough for those who no longer drive. Healthcare options are decent but not extensive, and while cultural life is middling, it may not be enough to keep retirees engaged long-term. For seniors who rely on public transportation or crave a quiet environment, Sheboygan may prove less than ideal.
Sheboygan – ORS 46.63
- Overall Retirement Score: 46.63
- Quietness: 42.28
- Walkability: 72.19
- Cultural amenities: 50.66
- Vibrancy: 65.06
- Car-Friendliness: 83.08
- Transit-Friendliness: 18.66
With low transit access and modest quietness ratings, Sheboygan may not offer the ease or peace that many retirees are looking for. It’s better suited for active adults who still drive and want to stay involved in mid-sized city life.
17. Sobieski – Isolated and Lacking Energy
Sobieski is a tiny rural enclave just outside Green Bay, often appreciated for its peaceful countryside and low population density. On paper, it sounds like a retiree’s dream—but the reality is a bit different. While quiet and safe, Sobieski offers little in the way of community engagement, healthcare access, or walkable infrastructure.
Its near-zero transit score and lack of vibrancy mean retirees may find it isolating, especially without a car. There are few social or recreational activities, and errands often require long drives. This town is best for independent, rural-minded folks, not those seeking a connected retirement.
Sobieski – ORS 46.62
- Overall Retirement Score: 46.62
- Quietness: 80.32
- Walkability: 20.55
- Cultural amenities: 61.93
- Vibrancy: 6.55
- Car-Friendliness: 96.43
- Transit-Friendliness: 0
Sobieski may be peaceful, but its low vibrancy and nonexistent transit options make it one of the more isolating towns for retirees in Wisconsin.
16. Gilman – Rural and Resource-Limited
Gilman is nestled in the northwestern region of Wisconsin, surrounded by forests and farmland. While the scenery offers a picturesque escape from city bustle, the town’s isolation presents serious drawbacks for retirees. Medical services are sparse, public events are rare, and there’s little to do beyond the basics of small-town living.
With extremely low vibrancy and minimal walkability, daily life in Gilman requires a car—and a willingness to travel for essentials. It’s quiet, yes, but that peace can easily drift into monotony or even loneliness for those used to a more connected lifestyle.
Gilman – ORS 45.53
- Overall Retirement Score: 45.53
- Quietness: 92.68
- Walkability: 15.49
- Cultural amenities: 30.43
- Vibrancy: 2.44
- Car-Friendliness: 86.75
- Transit-Friendliness: 3.21
Despite its scenic calm, Gilman struggles with infrastructure and activity levels that make it a poor fit for retirees who need or want regular engagement and access to services.
15. Kenosha – Noisy and Overcrowded
Situated right on the Illinois border, Kenosha has grown rapidly thanks to its location between Milwaukee and Chicago. While this has spurred economic development and cultural growth, it’s also led to congestion, noise, and rising housing costs—all red flags for retirees seeking peace and ease.
Kenosha’s bustling nature may appeal to younger crowds, but for older adults, the low quietness rating and moderate transit infrastructure could complicate daily routines. Despite walkable areas and decent cultural amenities, Kenosha can feel overwhelming and lacking the kind of community pace many retirees crave.
Kenosha – ORS 44.46
- Overall Retirement Score: 44.46
- Quietness: 29.32
- Walkability: 76.73
- Cultural amenities: 50.22
- Vibrancy: 71.75
- Car-Friendliness: 81.72
- Transit-Friendliness: 33.97
Kenosha offers energy and access, but its noise levels and urban sprawl make it less appealing for those entering a quieter phase of life.
14. Thorp – Not Enough Going On
Located in central Wisconsin, Thorp is another rural town that offers serenity but little else. It’s an old farming community with strong Polish roots, but much of the younger population has moved away, leaving fewer services and limited cultural outlets.
For retirees, this means long drives for healthcare, groceries, and social opportunities. While it’s relatively quiet and friendly for drivers, its walkability and transit scores are too low to make life convenient without a vehicle.
Thorp – ORS 43.8
- Overall Retirement Score: 43.8
- Quietness: 77.93
- Walkability: 26.82
- Cultural amenities: 29.78
- Vibrancy: 21.42
- Car-Friendliness: 76.76
- Transit-Friendliness: 0
Thorp’s isolation and lack of activities make it more suitable for people who enjoy solitude and have strong support networks elsewhere.
13. Augusta – Fairchild – Scenic But Sparse
These neighboring communities in western Wisconsin are known for natural beauty—rivers, forests, and outdoor recreation—but their charm doesn’t quite translate into retirement readiness. Augusta and Fairchild have very little public infrastructure or services tailored to older adults.
Transit is nonexistent, and cultural options are thin. While the area may appeal to those who value solitude and outdoor hobbies, it doesn’t offer the kind of day-to-day support many retirees depend on, especially those who no longer drive.
Augusta – Fairchild – ORS 43.25
- Overall Retirement Score: 43.25
- Quietness: 82.07
- Walkability: 20.34
- Cultural amenities: 30.41
- Vibrancy: 6.65
- Car-Friendliness: 76.09
- Transit-Friendliness: 0
Without community programming or reliable transportation, Augusta-Fairchild is a quiet but challenging place for older adults to settle into long-term.
12. Colby – Very Quiet, But Too Isolated
Colby may be famous for the cheese that bears its name, but the town itself is far from bustling. This small community in central Wisconsin feels stuck in time. It’s quiet and car-friendly, but not particularly welcoming to anyone without a vehicle—or in need of cultural or social engagement.
There are limited local healthcare options, few entertainment outlets, and next to no transit. The slower pace may appeal to lifelong residents, but it’s hard to recommend for seniors relocating without strong local ties.
Colby – ORS 43.05
- Overall Retirement Score: 43.05
- Quietness: 84.91
- Walkability: 26.5
- Cultural amenities: 37.43
- Vibrancy: 20.22
- Car-Friendliness: 92.4
- Transit-Friendliness: 0
Colby is ideal only for self-sufficient retirees who prefer rural living and don’t require nearby medical care or frequent social activity.
11. West Allis – Busy and Built-Up
West Allis is essentially a dense inner-ring suburb of Milwaukee. It has strong walkability and solid public transit, but that comes at the cost of noise, congestion, and a generally hectic atmosphere. Retirees looking for a calm, restful environment might find themselves overwhelmed here.
Cultural access is decent, and there’s plenty to do—but the tradeoff is a lifestyle that often feels rushed. The quietness score is among the lowest on this list, which says a lot about the challenges of retiring here comfortably.
West Allis – ORS 42.13
- Overall Retirement Score: 42.13
- Quietness: 34.97
- Walkability: 83.18
- Cultural amenities: 54.81
- Vibrancy: 77.74
- Car-Friendliness: 80.5
- Transit-Friendliness: 52.96
West Allis may suit active retirees who still thrive in an urban pace, but for most, it’s simply too loud and fast.
10. Beloit – Struggling with Safety and Services
Beloit sits along the Illinois border and has a rich industrial past, but it’s struggled in recent decades with economic shifts that have impacted everything from healthcare access to public safety. For retirees, that means less predictable surroundings and fewer reliable services than you’d find in more stable Wisconsin towns.
Although moderately walkable with fair car access, Beloit’s healthcare and recreational offerings are limited. Vibrancy is middling and transit is weak, making it a challenging environment for older adults without a car. The city is making improvements, but for now, it remains a tough retirement destination.
Beloit – ORS 41.12
- Overall Retirement Score: 41.12
- Quietness: 48.23
- Walkability: 60.11
- Cultural amenities: 40.08
- Vibrancy: 50.44
- Car-Friendliness: 82.71
- Transit-Friendliness: 11.98
Beloit may appeal to budget-conscious retirees, but concerns about infrastructure and amenities keep it far from ideal.
9. Somers – Commuter Suburb with Limited Charm
Somers lies just north of Kenosha and has grown in recent years as a commuter-friendly suburb. But for retirees, its strengths in car-friendliness and proximity to bigger cities don’t make up for its lack of cultural depth or engaging community life.
Transit options are poor, and most errands require a drive. While the town does offer access to medical care nearby, there’s little to keep retirees busy on a daily basis unless they’re commuting elsewhere. The overall vibe leans suburban sprawl rather than cozy retirement village.
Somers – ORS 39.83
- Overall Retirement Score: 39.83
- Quietness: 42.38
- Walkability: 53.67
- Cultural amenities: 53.34
- Vibrancy: 56.07
- Car-Friendliness: 81.7
- Transit-Friendliness: 16.91
Somers might work for mobile retirees with a car and a connection to nearby cities—but it lacks the heart and services many seniors seek close to home.
8. Green Bay – Sports Town, Not Retirement Town
Green Bay is a city defined by Packers football and community pride—but that same youthful energy and constant activity can make it less relaxing for retirees. It’s lively, which helps with vibrancy, but the low quietness score and moderate transit options don’t offer much relief for those seeking serenity.
Healthcare and services are available, but the city’s size and layout make it car-dependent, and it can feel chaotic during peak sports or tourism seasons. There’s also a lack of robust cultural programming tailored specifically to seniors.
Green Bay – ORS 38.12
- Overall Retirement Score: 38.12
- Quietness: 33.76
- Walkability: 65.88
- Cultural amenities: 38.45
- Vibrancy: 72.63
- Car-Friendliness: 76.76
- Transit-Friendliness: 30.3
Green Bay’s energy makes it fun for visitors and sports fans, but retirees may find themselves exhausted by the pace and lack of senior-centered amenities.
7. Elk Mound – Very Quiet, Very Empty
Elk Mound is a small community in Dunn County with a relaxed pace and plenty of open space—but also very little infrastructure. While it scores high on car-friendliness and quietness, its nearly nonexistent vibrancy and cultural offerings put it at a disadvantage for retirees seeking engagement or access to regular activities.
With no public transit and limited walkability, it’s not practical for seniors who don’t drive. And for those looking for social outlets or healthcare without traveling to Eau Claire, Elk Mound may feel a little too removed.
Elk Mound – ORS 37.78
- Overall Retirement Score: 37.78
- Quietness: 74.58
- Walkability: 21.6
- Cultural amenities: 58.23
- Vibrancy: 6.91
- Car-Friendliness: 97.87
- Transit-Friendliness: 0
Elk Mound is great for peace and nature, but the lack of community life and transportation options make it a hard sell for most retirees.
6. Menasha – Walkable, But Worn Down
Menasha, part of the Fox Cities region, has seen better days. While it boasts decent walkability and a semi-urban setup, it struggles with low quietness and a lack of appeal for retirees. The city’s infrastructure feels aged, and newer developments often cater more to families and commuters than seniors.
The vibrancy here doesn’t always reflect senior-friendly amenities, and while healthcare is accessible, entertainment, programming, and public space feel limited or underutilized.
Menasha – ORS 36.64
- Overall Retirement Score: 36.64
- Quietness: 37.05
- Walkability: 73.67
- Cultural amenities: 41.31
- Vibrancy: 65.46
- Car-Friendliness: 77.64
- Transit-Friendliness: 19.28
Menasha is more practical than pleasant for retirees—it may be manageable, but it doesn’t offer the enriching or restful experience many older adults want.
5. Racine – City Life Without the Comfort
Racine is perched on Lake Michigan and has industrial roots that still shape much of its cityscape. While walkable and vibrant, the city feels noisy and congested in parts, and it hasn’t invested enough in making retirement-friendly spaces or services widely accessible.
Cultural venues exist but are unevenly distributed, and transit options are limited beyond the downtown core. Many retirees here may find themselves facing rising costs and fewer community resources than expected for a city of its size.
Racine – ORS 36.53
- Overall Retirement Score: 36.53
- Quietness: 27.81
- Walkability: 80.16
- Cultural amenities: 43.9
- Vibrancy: 73.53
- Car-Friendliness: 78.15
- Transit-Friendliness: 27.26
Racine’s fast pace and patchy services make it less inviting for seniors looking for low-stress living in their later years.
4. Paddock Lake – High Access, Low Engagement
Paddock Lake is car-friendly and decently located for those who want to stay connected to bigger cities like Kenosha, but the town itself has little to offer in terms of cultural life or vibrancy. It’s quiet and safe but lacks walkable infrastructure and completely misses the mark on public transportation.
While a fine option for retirees who are fully independent and don’t mind driving everywhere, it can quickly become isolating for those looking to stay active and socially engaged.
Paddock Lake – ORS 32.53
- Overall Retirement Score: 32.53
- Quietness: 70.98
- Walkability: 49.1
- Cultural amenities: 69.72
- Vibrancy: 47.15
- Car-Friendliness: 95.09
- Transit-Friendliness: 0
Paddock Lake is livable for the mobile, but its lack of senior-specific programming and services may leave many retirees feeling unmoored.
3. Bloomfield – Limited Access in a Remote Setting
Located in southeastern Wisconsin near the Illinois border, Bloomfield has a rural-suburban blend that appeals to some—but retirees may find it isolating. There’s almost no public transit, and local services are thin. The quietness is appealing on paper, but it comes with a tradeoff: long drives for groceries, medical care, or social interaction.
The town’s cultural amenities are modest, and vibrancy is low. It may suit fiercely independent retirees, but most older adults will find it lacking in both community life and convenience.
Bloomfield – ORS 29.95
- Overall Retirement Score: 29.95
- Quietness: 68.61
- Walkability: 36.63
- Cultural amenities: 45.73
- Vibrancy: 28.53
- Car-Friendliness: 97.59
- Transit-Friendliness: 0
Bloomfield is quiet, but the lack of transit, activities, and nearby healthcare means it falls short for most retirees seeking a balanced and supportive environment.
2. Milwaukee – Loud, Busy, and Uneven
Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin, packed with culture, restaurants, festivals, and access to world-class healthcare. But that comes with the downsides of urban living: high noise levels, pockets of crime, and increasing cost of living. For retirees seeking calm and simplicity, Milwaukee can feel like too much.
Though transit and walkability scores are relatively strong, the city’s size and disparities in neighborhood safety and amenities make it a mixed bag. For those who don’t thrive in big-city environments or need peace and predictability, Milwaukee may quickly lose its appeal.
Milwaukee – ORS 21.6
- Overall Retirement Score: 21.6
- Quietness: 18.02
- Walkability: 86.6
- Cultural amenities: 39.33
- Vibrancy: 76.68
- Car-Friendliness: 68.35
- Transit-Friendliness: 56.03
Milwaukee has energy and options—but for older adults seeking low-stress living, the city’s hustle can feel more exhausting than exciting.
1. West Milwaukee – Wisconsin’s Toughest Spot to Retire
Topping the list as the worst town in Wisconsin for retirees is West Milwaukee. Sandwiched between major roads and rail lines just outside downtown Milwaukee, the area scores the lowest in quietness and cultural richness. While it’s walkable and fairly transit-accessible, it lacks green spaces, healthcare hubs, and community offerings that cater to seniors.
The high vibrancy score here doesn’t reflect senior activity—it reflects density and noise. With low cultural amenities and limited services tailored to older adults, West Milwaukee presents more stressors than supports.
West Milwaukee – ORS 10.28
- Overall Retirement Score: 10.28
- Quietness: 22.11
- Walkability: 82.03
- Cultural amenities: 19.57
- Vibrancy: 93.5
- Car-Friendliness: 78.64
- Transit-Friendliness: 46.16
West Milwaukee’s density, lack of senior-focused infrastructure, and noisy surroundings make it the least retirement-friendly town in the state.
Sources and References
- U.S. Census Bureau – American Community Survey Data
- Zillow – Zillow Home Value Index
- Redfin – Redfin Housing Market Data
- Wisconsin Department of Transportation – Wisconsin Transit Reports
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Healthcare Provider Directories
- City of Milwaukee – Comprehensive Planning & Community Data
