Best Small Towns to Retire in 2025: Affordable, Safe, and Beautiful

Discover the best small towns for retirement offering low cost of living, excellent healthcare, vibrant communities, and four-season beauty.

Published: 10/16/2025

Towns Featured in This Guide

Moss-draped Lowcountry gem where antebellum mansions overlook coastal waterways. Forrest Gump's bench and Pat Conroy's literary home.

Gilded Age opulence meets Atlantic waves along the legendary 3.5-mile Cliff Walk. Vanderbilt mansions and Jazz Festival by the sea.

William Faulkner's hometown where Square Books anchors a thriving literary scene. Ole Miss football and James Beard-nominated restaurants.

Utopian single-tax colony turned arts haven on Mobile Bay. Moss-draped oaks and spectacular sunsets over the pier.

Where Red Wing boots are born beneath Mississippi River bluffs. Climb Barn Bluff for stunning valley views.

Colorado's largest historic district surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks. World-class Arkansas River rafting and natural hot springs.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival headquarters with year-round performances. 93-acre Lithia Park and Pacific Crest Trail through town.

Sun Valley's more affordable neighbor with authentic Idaho character. Historic Main Street breweries and Wood River Trail biking.