10 Best Places to Retire in the Midwest U.S.

Gregory, South Dakota

Tranquility and a strong sense of community are the main draws in this small town in south central South Dakota. Multiple parks, a golf course, and proximity to the Missouri River provide its 1,219 full-time residents with plenty of ways to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.

Another reason to consider settling down there is affordability. Gregory County has one of the most affordable housing markets on this list, with the county median home value at just over $129,000 and estimated monthly food costs at $645. Additionally, South Dakota doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, and it’s one of the states with zero tax on any other type of retirement income.

Toledo, Ohio

“The Glass City” has drawn attention in recent years for being a haven for retirees, thanks to its affordable cost of living and sizable senior community; almost 16 percent of the city's population (263,646 residents) is 65 or over. The median home value in Lucas County is $155,200, with monthly housing costs running in the mid-$900s and monthly food expenses at approximately $600. For seniors concerned about access to health care, Toledo offers a wide range of service providers and facilities, including more than 80 hospitals in the county.

However, the city’s appeal is broader: It has sports venues, 19 parks, and 200 miles of hiking trails—not to mention nearby Lake Erie.

Poplar Bluff, Missouri

As the gateway to the Ozarks, this small southeast Missouri town is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The number of natural landmarks in the area is astounding—from the Mark Twain National Forest, which surrounds the town, and Elephant Rocks State Park, with its billion-year-old rock formations, to Greer Spring, Missouri's second-largest spring, and the beautiful Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, a 21,000-acre reserve that’s open for hiking, fishing, and bird-watching. The destination also has a lovely historic downtown with independent shops and restaurants, while those seeking a bit more culture may be interested in the Margaret Harwell Art Museum, which displays local and state talent.

Relocating to Poplar Bluff, which is home to about 16,000 full-time residents, is also fairly affordable. Within Butler County, the median home value is $138,800, and the monthly taxes are $587. Missouri doesn’t tax Social Security income, but other forms of retirement income are at least partially taxed.

Corning, Iowa

Corning may be one of the smallest towns on this list, but that doesn't mean it lacks recreational or cultural offerings. The destination has its own opera house, a National Historic Register gem built more than a hundred years ago. Just three miles east is the French Icarian Village, settled in the 1800s by a group of French people who started a utopian community based on egalitarianism. The village now acts as a museum with artifacts in restored buildings.

Outdoor enthusiasts are also in luck: Just a few miles outside of town is the 650-acre Lake Icaria, which has a beach, two campgrounds, and picnic facilities, as well as boating, fishing, and hunting opportunities. There’s also a country club with a golf course.

Adams County has the cheapest real estate on our list; the median home value is $116,900. However, it also has the second-highest monthly transportation costs, at $1,455. Fortunately, Iowa is tax-friendly, since it exempts all types of retirement income, including Social Security.

Farmington, Missouri

Nestled among nine of Missouri’s beautiful state parks, about 70 miles south of St. Louis, Farmington is an absolute gem of a town, offering abundant outdoor recreation, including many golf courses, scenic hiking trails, parks with pickleball and tennis courts, and two dozen rivers and streams that are perfect for fishing and watersports. Two wineries in the city are stops on the scenic Route du Vin wine trail.

Farmington has its own senior center, providing retirees with an opportunity to socialize and participate in activities like line dancing, games, and various arts and crafts clubs; it also offers health screenings.

St. Francois County is on the affordable side when it comes to real estate, with median home values at $155,100 and median monthly housing costs at $805. Retirees should account for about $577 in monthly food expenses and $1,239 in transportation costs. The county also fares well in terms of health care, with eight hospitals and more than 100 health care establishments, including outpatient care centers, primary-care physician and dentist offices, and home health care services.

Youngstown, Ohio

Youngstown may have once been at the center of America’s steel industry, but the town is now bustling with museums, including the Butler Institute of American Art, which showcases more than 300 years of American art, performing-arts venues, and a theater. There are even more options in Cleveland and Pittsburgh—about 75 and 67 miles from Youngstown, respectively.

Seniors can also look forward to an active lifestyle there. Mill Creek MetroParks, which total 5,000 acres, feature hiking trails, golf courses, and multiple lakes. It’s set to undergo major renovations to enhance its facilities and add a new events pavilion.

Youngstown is budget-friendly and has top-notch health care (Mahoning County has more than 500 health care offices and establishments and 10 hospitals). Homes in the county have a median value of $141,100; monthly transportation costs run about $1,181, and food expenses about $669.

Bay City, Michigan

There’s no shortage of beautiful water views in this laid-back historic town. Spilling onto the banks of the Saginaw River and with easy access to Lake Huron—famous for its Caribbean-like clear waters and white-sand beaches—Bay City is a dream for boating enthusiasts (it has a seasonal 100-boat slip marina). In town, residents can shop at Michigan’s largest antiques market, featuring more than 400 booths; explore trails along the river; catch a movie at the State Theatre, which dates back to 1908; or taste local flavors at the many eateries.

Bay City is one of those charming Michigan towns where residents don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the scenery and amenities. Home values stand at $135,100, monthly food costs come in at $588, and transportation lands at $1,193. Bay County is also less than two hours from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which connects the area to many domestic and international destinations.

Mason City, Iowa

Steeped in history, this northern Iowa city boasts the largest neighborhood of Prairie-style homes, hailed as the first truly American architectural style, which was inspired by the flat landscapes of the Midwest. Mason City is also home to the Historic Park Inn Hotel, the last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright–designed hotel in the world. And that's just the beginning when it comes to the town's cultural offerings.

Mason City has more than 80 public artworks, and you can also stroll the Meredith Willson Footbridge, featured in Willson’s 1957 musical The Music Man. In the summer, residents flock to Clear Lake, just a nine-mile drive west, for a refreshing dip or to fish, boat, or soak up the sun on its sandy beaches.

There are six hospitals in Cerro Gordo County, as well as more than 90 health care offices and establishments. And while homes in the county are one of the priciest on this list, at $154,100, they’re still quite affordable compared to the national average.

Saginaw, Michigan

About 15 miles south of Bay City lies Saginaw, a midsize city (population 42,876) that offers residents and visitors the perfect blend of entertainment and outdoor recreation in a serene setting.

The city is in the process of developing a 5.5-acre riverfront park in downtown, and that project will only add to the appeal of Saginaw, which already has scenic trails, independent shops in Old Town, and a bustling art scene with many murals, galleries, and museums (the Castle Museum and Saginaw Art Museum & Gardens are highlights). For a day out in nature, head to the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, a 10,000-acre protected area with wetlands, forests, and waterways.

With eight hospitals and more than 400 health care establishments, Saginaw County also considers senior well-being. For those who would like to invest in a house, the median home value is $139,400, though there are also several senior-living facilities to choose from. Estimated monthly food costs are $588, and transportation expenses are $1,211.

Muncie, Indiana

Muncie, located about 60 miles northeast of Indianapolis, is the second-largest city on our list after Toledo. Home to 65,000 full-time residents, the city, home to Ball State University, balloons when school is in session. The historic downtown has shops selling handmade products and restaurants serving local flavors, and it’s all infused with a healthy dose of Hoosier hospitality.

Seniors are attracted to Muncie and Delaware County for its low cost of living—monthly food expenses are the third lowest on this list ($579), transportation costs are the second lowest ($1,180), and the median home value is $127,600.