The Best Small Towns for Retirement in 2026, According to New Rankings

Every year, millions of Americans dream about where to spend their retirement. Big cities get a lot of attention. But small towns often offer something better: a slower pace, lower costs, and neighbors who actually know your name.

Several new rankings came out in early 2026. They looked at things like cost of living, health care access, safety, weather, and how welcome retirees feel. We pulled from the best of those lists to bring you this year’s top picks.

Here are the small towns worth a closer look.

Brevard, North Carolina

Brevard sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. The town has about 8,000 people and a downtown full of local shops, galleries, and restaurants.

What makes it special for retirees:

Low cost of living. Housing costs run well below the national average. A nice two-bedroom home can still be found for under $300,000.
Outdoor access. Pisgah National Forest is right at the edge of town. There are hundreds of waterfalls nearby.
Strong health care. Transylvania Regional Hospital serves the area, and Asheville’s larger medical centers are just 35 miles away.
Culture and community. The Brevard Music Center hosts summer concerts. The library runs active programs for older adults.

The mild four-season climate is a big draw. Summers stay warm but rarely hit extreme heat. Winters bring light snow but not the harsh cold of the far north.

Sequim, Washington

Sequim (say “skwim”) sits on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state. It gets far less rain than nearby Seattle, thanks to a “rain shadow” created by the Olympic Mountains.

Why retirees love it:

Mild weather year-round. Average highs stay between 45 and 70 degrees. Very little snow.
Active community. The town has a strong network of clubs, volunteer groups, and fitness classes aimed at older adults.
Lavender farms. Sequim is the “Lavender Capital of North America.” The annual festival draws visitors from around the world.
Safety. Crime rates are well below the national average.

The town has about 8,000 residents. Many are retirees who moved there for the climate and quiet lifestyle. You will not feel out of place.

Fairhope, Alabama

Fairhope sits on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. It has warm weather, beautiful sunsets, and a charming downtown.

What stands out:

Affordable living. Alabama has no state tax on Social Security benefits. Property taxes are among the lowest in the country.
Walkable downtown. Shops, cafes, and a public pier line the streets. Many errands can be done on foot.
Arts scene. Fairhope has a long history as an artists’ colony. Galleries, theater groups, and writing workshops are easy to find.
Health care. Thomas Hospital is in town, and larger facilities in Mobile are about 20 miles away.

The population is around 23,000. The community is known for being friendly and welcoming to newcomers. Several active 55-plus groups meet regularly.

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Las Cruces sits in southern New Mexico, near the Organ Mountains. The sun shines about 350 days a year here.

Retiree highlights:

Very low cost of living. Housing, groceries, and health care all cost less than the national average.
Sunshine. If you are tired of gray skies, this is your town. The desert climate is dry and warm.
New Mexico State University. The university brings cultural events, lectures, and continuing education classes that retirees can join.
No tax on Social Security. New Mexico stopped taxing Social Security benefits, which helps stretch retirement income.

The population is about 115,000, which makes it the largest town on this list. But it still feels small. Traffic is light. People are friendly. The pace is relaxed.

One thing to know: summers get hot, often above 100 degrees. But the dry heat feels different from humid heat, and most people adjust quickly.

Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City sits on Grand Traverse Bay in northern Michigan. It is known for cherry orchards, vineyards, and stunning lake views.

Why it made the list:

Natural beauty. The bay, the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and miles of trails make this one of the prettiest spots in the Midwest.
Strong health care. Munson Medical Center is a regional hospital with a good reputation.
Four seasons. If you enjoy fall colors, snowy winters, and warm summers on the water, this town delivers all of it.
Food and wine. Local wineries, craft breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants give the town a foodie reputation.

The cost of living is moderate. Housing prices have gone up in recent years, but they are still lower than coastal towns of similar quality. The population is about 16,000, with a larger metro area of around 100,000.

Winters are cold and snowy. That is the trade-off. But many retirees say the beauty of the other three seasons makes it worth it.

Hendersonville, North Carolina

North Carolina shows up twice on this list for good reason. Hendersonville is about 25 miles south of Asheville, in the same mountain region as Brevard.

What retirees like:

Walkable Main Street. The downtown is one of the best in the Southeast. Independent shops, restaurants, and a historic theater line the street.
Moderate climate. The elevation keeps summers cool. Winters are mild by mountain standards.
Health care access. AdventHealth Hendersonville is in town. Asheville’s larger hospital system is a short drive north.
Low crime. The town consistently ranks as one of the safest in the state.

The population is about 16,000. The cost of living is slightly higher than some other towns on this list, but still well below places like Florida’s coastal cities.

Fredericksburg, Texas

Fredericksburg sits in the Texas Hill Country, about 70 miles west of Austin. German settlers founded the town in 1846, and that heritage still shows in the architecture and local festivals.

Why retirees are moving here:

Small-town charm. Main Street is lined with shops, restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and galleries. The pace is slow and the people are kind.
Wine country. The Hill Country is Texas’s wine region. Over 50 wineries are within a short drive.
No state income tax. Texas has no income tax at all. That is a real advantage for retirees on a fixed income.
History and culture. The National Museum of the Pacific War is here. So are farms, orchards, and seasonal wildflower fields.

Housing costs have risen in recent years as the town has become more popular. But compared to Austin or San Antonio, it is still a bargain.

Beaufort, South Carolina

Beaufort (say “BYOO-furt”) is a small coastal town in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Spanish moss hangs from the live oaks. The historic homes are stunning. The seafood is fresh every day.

What makes it special:

Affordable compared to Charleston. Beaufort offers a similar coastal lifestyle at a much lower price.
Mild winters. The climate is warm most of the year, with short, gentle winters.
Military community. Beaufort is home to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and the nearby Parris Island recruit depot. Veterans find a welcoming community here.
Outdoor living. Kayaking, fishing, biking, and birdwatching are all easy to do year-round.

The population is about 14,000. The town is small enough to feel personal but has enough restaurants, shops, and medical services to be comfortable.

How to Choose the Right Town for You

Rankings are helpful, but the best town for you depends on what matters most in your daily life. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

What is your budget? Some towns on this list are very affordable. Others cost a bit more but offer extras like better health care or cultural activities.
How important is weather? Do you want warm year-round, or do you enjoy four seasons? Can you handle summer heat or winter snow?
Do you have family nearby? Being close to children or grandchildren matters to many retirees. A great town loses its appeal if you feel isolated from loved ones.
What do you do for fun? Think about your hobbies. Do you want hiking trails, art classes, a golf course, or a fishing pier?
How is the health care? As we age, having a good hospital nearby becomes more and more valuable. Check what is available before you commit.

Try Before You Buy

The smartest move is to visit before you decide. Rent a place for a month or two. Walk the streets. Talk to people. Eat at the local diner. See how it feels on a Tuesday morning, not just a sunny weekend.

Many retirees say they wished they had spent more time in a town before moving. A vacation visit and a daily-life visit are very different things.

The Bottom Line

Small towns offer retirees something that big cities often cannot: peace, affordability, and a real sense of community. The towns on this list represent some of the best options in 2026. But the best town is the one that fits your life, your health needs, and your budget.

Take your time. Do your homework. And when you find the right place, you will know it.

Reported by Dorothy Marshall with additional research from the SeniorDaily editorial team. For corrections or updates, please contact us.

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