The Best Places to Retire in Every State

Americans are known to be some of the hardest workers in the world. Clocking in long hours, taking little time off and being constantly glued to their work e-mails during off hours, when it comes time for an American professional to settle down to a life of peaceful, relaxing (and well-deserved) retirement, they want to plant their roots in cities or towns that they feel connected to.

In a recently published article titled The Most Fun Places to Retire in Every State, MSN’s Natalie Moon breaks down a per-state description of the best places for retirees to settle down.

Here are Moon’s picks:

50. DELAWARE: MIDDLETOWN

Population: 19,910

Percentage over the age of 65: 9.7 percent

Why We Love It:  With several of Delaware’s most popular active adult communities in Middletown, over 52 percent of the town will remain open land, leaving acres of parkland, tree-lined streets and an American small town feel. Middletown’s community events calendar is always full, including Christmas in Odessa, the Peach Festival, the Hummer Parade and the Big Ball Marathon.

49. RHODE ISLAND: NEWPORT

Population: 24,089

Percentage over the age of 65: 14.2 percent

Why We Love It: A seaside city, Newport boasts the America’s Cup yacht race, Cliff Walk and many breathtaking mansions. Newport is dotted with colonial architecture and hosts a wide range of festivals including the Newport jazz and folk festivals. It is also home to many seasonal festivals including Christmas in Newport, the Labor Day Irish Festival and January’s Newport Winter Festival.

48. NEW HAMPSHIRE: EXETER

Population: 9,483

Percentage over the age of 65: 15.4 percent

Why We Love It: With an active Senior Center, Exeter loves to offer amenities to their retirees. This includes a Meals on Wheels Program for aged 60+, transportation programs through a Taxi Ticket, and wonderful day and overnight trips through the Exeter Parks and Recreation that will keep retirees enjoying baseball games, museum tours, trips to the casino and more.

47. ARKANSAS: WYNNE

Population: 8,150

Percentage over the age of 65: 15.6 percent

Why We Love It: A small town with the motto “The City with a Smile,” Wynne residents don’t stay strangers for long. With 8 parks, the Cross County Historical Society, and ongoing activities at The Ridges at Valley Creek State Park, residents can enjoy a relaxing life where everybody knows your name.

46. IDAHO: BURLEY

Population: 10,480

Percentage over the age of 65: 13.6 percent

Why We Love It: Burley has a colorful outdoor community perfect for the adventurous retiree. Featuring mountain biking trails, the Snake River, the Pomerelle Ski Resort, a beautiful golf course and the City of Rocks, Burley attractions are some of the best in the nation. For more relaxing days, the Burley Theater in Downtown Burley has its own vaunted history, with a single screen and many original features still intact from its time as a former vaudeville house.

45. OKLAHOMA: SEMINOLE

Population: 7,486

Percentage over the age of 65: 15.8 percent

Why We Love It: Grandchildren will love visiting their grandparents in Seminole. Home to the award-winning Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum, both children and their grandparents will be kept entertained for hours as they get lost in a world full of learning and fun!

44. KANSAS: ULYSSES

Population: 6,160

Percentage over the age of 65: 10.7 percent

Why We Love It: With six parks, the Bentwood Golf Course and the Frazier Lake/Camping grounds, Ulysses is a beautifully scenic town full of lush gardens and helpful residents. If you have knack for the arts, the Main ARTery Kansas Fine Art gallery offers a series of adult classes that teaches everything from working with watercolors to stained art and journaling.

43. ALABAMA: GULF SHORES

Population: 10,963

Percentage over the age of 65: 17.2 percent

Why We Love It: A secret (until now), Alabama’s picturesque Gulf Shores borders the Gulf of Mexico, lined with white sand beaches, golf courses and countless retirement communities. Retiring to the Gulf Shores offers endless opportunities for sailing, surfing, saltwater angling, or simply lounging shore side.

42. CONNECTICUT: SIMSBURY CENTER

Population: 5,840

Percentage over the age of 65: 17.5 percent

Why We Love It: The Simsbury Senior Center is an all-in-one dreamland for retirees. With a wealth of events and activities including casino trips, holiday meals, field trips, happy hour, exercise classes and parties, this place is will easily be the perfect home. Not the mention the foliage of Connecticut is unreal. If leaf-peeping is your thing, you’re in the right place.

41. NORTH CAROLINA: DAVIDSON

Population: 11,981

Percentage over the age of 65: 12.5 percent

Why We Love It: The Tour de Food Walking Tour – need we say more?

40. WEST VIRGINA: CROSS LANES

Population: 10,080

Percentage over the age of 65: 13.9 percent

Why We Love It: The Mardi Gras Casino and Resort will leave any gambling fan fulfilled. The casino also hosts a number of special functions, like your next retirement party at the venue’s French Quarter restaurant.

39. LOUISIANA: INNISWOLD

Population: 5,984

Percentage over the age of 65: 10.8 percent

Why We Love It: As an area within East Baton Rouge Parish, residents can take advantage of numerous fun activities that the Baton Rouge area provides. With Louisiana State University located in Baton Rouge, the LSU Rural Life Museum and LSU Tiger Stadium are two attractions retirees can enjoy. The USS Kid is stationed there, as well, and visiting the old and new Louisiana state capitol buildings can make for an educational afternoon for when the grandchildren visit.

38. TEXAS: ALPINE

Population: 5,967

Percentage over the age of 65: 15.1 percent

Why We Love It: In Alpine, Texas, the CatchLight Art Gallery is a place to catch a deeper look at the work of Big Bend artists, from painting, sculpture, mixed media and more. The Alpine Country Club Golf Course serves as a great place for residents to relax, and the Big Bend Brewing Company has a great brewery tour and tasting for the beer lovers.

37. INDIANA: SCOTTSBURG

Population: 6,662

Percentage over the age of 65: 15.9 percent

Why We Love It: The Raintree Lake at Scottsburg offers outdoor adventure, so come camping and reconnect with nature by checking out the park’s barbecue pits, fishing spots and other amenities, a perfect summer vacation for retired couples, or with the entire family.

36. NORTH DAKOTA: VALLEY CITY

Population: 6,676

Percentage over the age of 65: 22 percent

Why We Love It: Added to Valley City State University in ‘92, Medicine Wheel Park is a walkable horizon calendar structured out of rocks, along with a nearby Native American Burial Ground, flower garden, and other scenic sights to see of Sheyenne River Valley nature.

35. WISCONSIN: WAUPACA

Population: 6,018

Percentage over the age of 65: 20.1 percent

Why We Love It: A Waupaca tradition for more than 83 years, don’t miss grabbing a bite at Simpson’s, a supper club-style restaurant whose lunch and dinner menu will satisfy any palate. (Fifteen beers on tap don’t hurt, either.) If outdoor adventures are more your style, the Crystal River Canoe trips will surely satisfy you.

34. WASHINGTON: PORT TOWNSEND

Population: 9,255

Percentage over the age of 65: 24.5 percent

Why We Love It: Surrounded almost entirely by water, Port Townsend hosts frequent boating races, including the annual Wooden Boat Festival. There are also numerous parks dotted around the city along with an Art Walk for the art lovers.

33. NEBRASKA: HOLDREGE

Population: 5,508

Percentage over the age of 65: 19.3 percent

Why We Love It: The YMCA of the Prarie is touted as one of Nebraska’s best, a perfect place for any retiree to take advantage of activities, classes and more. According to Nebraska Rural Living, the Holdrege Y “offers classes in art, personal finance, chess and skateboard basics along with traditional fitness programming like basketball, weight training, racquetball and swimming.”

32. MICHIGAN: ALLEGAN

Population: 5,070

Percentage over the age of 65: 12.1 percent

Why We Love It: The Allegan County Fair is a major event that takes place in Allegan each September. At Oval Beach, riding the Saugatuck dunes and Mount Baldhead Park are just a fewof adventurous activities outdoor loving retirees can enjoy, while Fenn Valley Vineyards and Butler Street offer a much more leisurely experience.

31. NEVADA: INCLINE VILLAGE

Population: 8,463

Percentage over the age of 65: 17.7 percent

Why We Love It: Part of the greater Lake Tahoe community, active seniors get the chance for skiing, swimming and the sauna. The Incline Village Parks and Rec Center offers the best of those options and more, plus senior-friendly activities like a digital photography club and the Conversation Cafe.

30. HAWAII: LAHAINA

Population: 11,399

Percentage over the age of 65: 11.9 percent

Why We Love It: One of Maui’s most historic towns, you won’t want to miss out absorbing some of its interesting past, especially if you’re retiring to Hawaii. Simply taking a walk down the Lahaina Historic Trail, or visiting the legendary 60-foot Banyan Tree are breathtaking sites. And let’s face it: it’s Hawaii…

29. MASSACHUSETTS: NANTUCKET

Population: 7,660

Percentage over the age of 65: 10.7 percent

Why We Love It: Along with Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket embodies the quintessential entities that make New England a summer hotspot. For those who’ve dreamed of retiring in a tourist location, you’ll get to live it every day here. The course at the Miacomet Golf Club serves as a perfect outing, and participating in the adult clinic will sharpen your skills on the green.

28. TENNESSEE: PIGEON FORGE

Population: 6,132

Percentage over the age of 65: 15.5 percent

Why We Love It: A picture-perfect mountain town, Pigeon Forge is home to Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s Appalachian-themed park. In fact, there are over 40 attractions in Pigeon Forge, so if you want to be a refuge for your family and grandkids to visit, you’ll always have something to do.

27. GEORGIA: ST. SIMONS

Population: 12,902

Percentage over the age of 65: 25 percent

Why We Love It: St. Simons looks like something you’d find in the Caribbean, but it’s actually part of Georgia and is one of the state’s largest barrier islands. With a historic lighthouse museum, 99 hole golf, restaurants, charming shops, tennis courts and bike trails, retirees will feel like they’re living in a resort town – which they basically are.

26. SOUTH DAKOTA: MADISON

Population: 7,126

Percentage over the age of 65: 17.3 percent

Why We Love It: Madison’s 67,000 square foot Community Center provides an abundance of health, wellness and recreational needs. With a fitness area, aerobic studio, walking track, two wooden courts, multi-purpose gym, racquetball courts, climbing wall, family center, swimming pool, 85ft. water slide, spray ground, hot tub, dry sauna; men’s, women’s, family locker rooms, and a lobby area, it really is a one-stop-shop for activities.

25. VIRGINIA: MECHANICSVILLE

Population: 36,897

Percentage over the age of 65: 13.7 percent

Why We Love It: For retirees who love art and didn’t have enough time to dedicate to it during your career, the Windemere Art Gallery offers amazing classes.

24. MINNESOTA: ZIMMERMAN

Population: 5,297

Percentage over the age of 65: 4.6 percent

Why We Love It: For animal lovers, the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory or the Minnesota Zoological Gardens would offer perfect day trips. For farm fresh lovers, the local Farmers Market sells amazing produce and locally grown products, making fresh eating an art.

23. WYOMING: DOUGLAS

Population: 6,423

Percentage over the age of 65: 10.8 percent

Why We Love It: Home to the beautiful Ayres Natural Bridge and the Pioneer Memorial Museum, Douglas is a quaint town that offers great local eats and natural beauty. 

22. MONTANA: WHITEFISH

Population: 6,864

Percentage over the age of 65: 14.3 percent

Why We Love It: Nestled in the mountainous state of Montana, Whitefish is the perfect retirement spot for those who dream of relaxing days of boating, fishing or skiing. Enjoy numerous hiking trails, water sports and the warm atmosphere of a tight-knit community.

21. UTAH: PARK CITY

Population: 8,058

Percentage over the age of 65: 8.6 percent

Why We Love It: Jam packed with things to do, there’s more to Park City than just skiing. With spas, art galleries, museums, shopping at historic Main Street, resorts, award-winning restaurants and the esteemed Sundance Film Festival, you’ll always find something enjoyable to take part of in Park City… but if winter sports are your thing, you’ve got plenty of that too.

20. MAINE: BELFAST

Population: 6,677

Percentage over the age of 65: 21.9 percent

Why We Love It: Snuggled up in Mid-coast Maine, Belfast is a small town with a big heart. For breathtaking coastal views, walk the Belfast Harborwalk or visit the Belfast City Park. For a unique Belfast experience, visit the local antique shops, adorning quaint fixtures and timepieces that would be perfect in your new home.

19. NEW JERSEY: CHATHAM

Population: 9,022

Percentage over the age of 65: 10.2 percent

Why We Love It: With old-fashioned Main Street lined with mom and pop shops, a cozy downtown and tree-lined streets, Chatham offers a small-town feel that’s just a 45 minute drive from Lower Manhattan. 

18. VERMONT: BRATTLEBORO

Population: 7,142

Percentage over the age of 65: 15.9 percent

Why We Love It: A beloved New England town, Brattleboro offers in depth photography classes at their Vermont Center of Photography, perfect to capture memories in the picturesque landscape of the town. With an Art Deco theatre, amazing cheese and world-famous ski mountains, there’s always something to do in Brattleboro.

17. MISSISSIPPI: NEW ALBANY

Population: 8,708

Percentage over the age of 65: 16.3 percent

Why We Love It: The Tanglefoot Trail has 44 miles of scenic beauty, starting in New Albany and ending in Houston, MS. According to Visit New Albany, “Mississippi’s longest Rails to Trails conversion is a paved ten foot wide biking and hiking trail that meanders through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area.”

16. SOUTH CAROLINA: SENECA

Population: 8,246

Percentage over the age of 65: 18.9 percent

Why We Love It: Home to one of the best tennis outlets in South Carolina, Seneca is a town for community members to truly bond in the 30 year old Spindle Tree Racquet Club. Also home to the Ram Cat Alley Historic District and the McGuire Nuclear Station, retirees will find no shortage in activities.

15. ALASKA: HOMER

Population: 5,415

Percentage over the age of 65: 14.5 percent

Why We Love It: A natural, small peninsula catering to fishing, boating, swimming, and bird watching for the eagle eyed, the Homer Spit leaves for endless hours of outdoor activities. “Take long walks, take photos, check out the boats returning with their huge catches, or cast a line for salmon yourself at The Fishin’ Hole,” notes Alaska.org.

14. MARYLAND: MARLOW HEIGHTS

Population: 5,648

Percentage over the age of 65: 11.8 percent

Why We Love It: Located just across the Potomac River, Marlow Heights is a perfect marriage between the nation’s capital and charming Old Town Alexandria.

13. PENNSYLVANIA: HOMEACRE-LYNDORA

Population: 6,952

Percentage over the age of 65: 21.2 percent

Why We Love It: With numerous parks, and winding bike paths, Homeacre-Lyndora is full of scenery, foliage, dips and hills.

12. OREGON: ASTORIA

Population: 9,521

Percentage over the age of 65: 17.1 percent

Why We Love It: Situated on the coast of Oregon, Astoria is home to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, The Long Beach Peninsula, colorful festivals and amazing seafood. For history buffs, the Oregon Film Museum is a must.

11. IOWA: HARLAN

Population: 5,013

Percentage over the age of 65: 21.8 percent

Why We Love It: The all-inclusive Harlan Golf & Country Club is perfect for novices and experts, members and non-members alike who want to share their love of the sport. Harlan’s lakefront Prairie Rose State Park offers scenic hiking trails, kayaking, a campground, and movie nights (with free popcorn!).

10. NEW YORK: GREAT NECK PLAZA

Population: 6,918

Percentage over the age of 65: 30.6 percent

Why We Love It: The historic Village of Great Neck Plaza is a modern suburban community with easy access to New York City and beautiful old-world historic buildings. With cozy restaurants, charming shops and the Long Island Sound, it’s both a picture-perfect getaway and a convenient connection to NYC.

9. ILLINOIS: GENESEO

Population: 6,537

Percentage over the age of 65: 21.6 percent

Why We Love It: The one-screen Central Theater brings you back to those days when going to the movies was an event, and the film of the day was the star. If you’re looking to keep your movie-going habits simple and classic, you can’t go wrong with this downtown treasure.

8. CALIFORNIA: DEL MONTE FOREST

Population: 6,577

Percentage over the age of 65: 15.3 percent

Why We Love It: Situated on the water, Del Monte Forest offers spectacular waterfront views. Close to the greater Bay Area, retirees will have close access to the famed Pebble Beach Resorts and an abundance of water activities.

7. FLORIDA: PALM BEACH

Population: 8,503

Percentage over the age of 65: 55.8 percent

Why We Love It: With over half of its residents over 65 years old, Palm Beach is clearly a favorite among retirees. With beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, exciting casinos, amazing shopping and award-winning cuisine, it’s no surprise that retirees find themselves soaking in the ample sunshine of Florida.

6. OHIO: CHARDON

Population: 5,186

Percentage over the age of 65: 17.7 percent

Why We Love It: Find hidden treasures amongst the many shops of Antiques on the Square, or explore the Maple Highlands Trail. If you’re a golfer, the Chardon Lakes Golf Club is beautifully sculpted and landscaped.

5. KENTUCKY: HAZARD

Population: 5,346

Percentage over the age of 65: 14.5 percent

Why We Love It: Home to abundant wildlife, numerous parkland, hunting, horse trails and fishing, Hazard boasts enough recreational sports to keep you loving your new home.

4. MISSOURI: BRANSON

Population: 11,340

Percentage over the age of 65: 19.6 percent

Why We Love It: Home to the official Titanic Museum, Branson offers a wide range of activities. From water sports at Branson White Water to walk through history at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, to a helicopter ride or kayaking Table Rock Lake, Branson will leave adventure-seekers happy. The hopping music scene makes this a lively locale.

3. COLORADO: VAIL

Population: 5,328

Percentage over the age of 65: 10.5 percent

Why We Love It: Vail’s reputation as one of the U.S.’s ski capitals is well known, so before hitting the slopes, learn more about the grand sport by checking out the Colorado Ski Museum, a must-visit place for what U.S. News & World Report coins those “powder hounds” among us.

2. ARIZONA: SEDONA

Population: 10,281

Percentage over the age of 65: 29.2 percent

Why We Love It: One of the widely regarded most beautiful places in America, Sedona’s infamous Red Rocks are something that has to be seen in person. A town said to be swirling with spiritual energy, spiritual healing, meditation, psychics and tarot card readers can be found all over the city.

1. NEW MEXICO: TAOS

Population: 5,766

Percentage over the age of 65: 19 percent

Why We Love It: Famous for its striking scenery, Taos has a small-town vibe and breathtaking landscapes. Home to quintessential Southwestern cuisine, hiking trails and art showcases, Taos is a place that can satisfy all types of retirees.