Top 10 Small Towns in America For Seniors

For many seniors, when it comes time to retiring, settling down and enjoying their golden years, there is no better place to do so than in a welcoming and inviting small town. Communities with less than 10,000 residents are often able to provide seniors with the low-key lifestyle they want when they are entering into this phase of their lives, while still ensuring they get the care they want and need.

While there are dozens of small towns throughout the United States that can provide seniors with the welcoming environment they are looking for, there are certain small towns that have proven to truly have the key features that can make life for these seniors even more enjoyable. Using the advanced SeniorScore™ tool, SeniorAdvice.com has been able to rank some of the top towns in the United States based on senior livability and come up with a list of the top 10 small towns for seniors.

Looking at scores such as health and safety features, crime statistics and recreation and leisure opportunities, SeniorScore™ has compiled their list of the best small towns for seniors with less than 10,000 residents.

1. Gibson Island, MD

The welcoming town of Gibson Island, Maryland earned a perfect score on the SeniorScore™ list after calculating more than 100 different livability variables. With numerous Medicare registered physicians in the area, four area hospitals and 51 senior living facilities, this small town has a large number of options for its seniors.

For seniors who are interested in recreation and leisure opportunities they will find 49 nearby golf courses, nine large parks and 196 different churches they can belong to. The area also ranks highly when it comes to the number of malls, markets, movie theaters and health clubs. Plus, this charming and notoriously private island escape is a quick boat ride away from nearby Baltimore and Annapolis, meaning big city amenities are always in reach.

For seniors who want to call this community home, they will not only find plenty of perks, but plenty of other seniors as well, with more than 54% of the population in the area being 65 and older.

2. Wheatland, OK

Located just outside Oklahoma City, Wheatland provides that small-town feel with access to big city amenities. For seniors settling in to the area, they will find that a large percentage of the population of Wheatland is other seniors.

With 34 area golf courses, plenty of shopping and grocery stores and countless parks nearby, there is always something to do for those who call Wheatland home. Seniors who really want to get out and enjoy the best the area has to offer can try an OKC Thunder basketball game or visit one of the town’s charming museums. Plus, seniors looking to carve out their own niche in the area can join one of the numerous area health clubs or one of the 210 different churches. All of which can help any senior feel more at home in wonderful Wheaton.

3. Villa Maria, PA

For residents of Villa Maria, PA who put health and safety as a top priority, there is plenty to be happy about in this small Pennsylvania town. Low crime rates and access to seven different hospitals, all makes life in Villa Maria easy on seniors. However, this PA town is about more than healthcare, this small town is known for its close-knit community and vast farmlands. Living here means fresh produce and locally grown treats are never far away.

The SeniorScore™ tool also ranked Villa Maria highly when it comes to recreational activities. Over 75 gyms, 8 movie theaters and eight shopping malls are all in the area, while seniors can also join one of the community's 174 churches. Those interested in spending some time outdoors will find there are 92 different golf courses and eight city parks.

Plus, this community is made up with mostly seniors, meaning there will be plenty of peers around for those looking for some social activities in the area.

4. Crescent, IA

The quaint town of Crescent, Iowa offers residents more than just Midwest charm, this small town has something for all of its senior residents.

For those worried about health and safety, plenty of Medicare physicians, pharmacies, home care specialists and hospitals are available in the small town. Plus, the cost of nursing homes, assisted living, home healthcare and adult daycare are all average or below average for Crescent seniors.

As an added bonus, the average life expectancy for seniors living in Crescent, Iowa is actually an entire year higher than the national average. For these seniors, there are not only plenty of opportunities to meet their peers, but there are also plenty of activities that are sure to keep any senior busy. Surrounded by lush farmlands, charming Crescent is known for its welcoming farmer’s markets that are a community event for many who call this small town home.

5. St Albans, MO

In St. Albans, Missouri, senior residents have access to everything that they need for a safe and healthy future. This means access to plenty of Medicare registered physicians and the opportunity to live in one of 49 senior living facilities in the area.

Cost of living is low in the area, as are many senior living options, which may explain why there is a high population of seniors in the area. The good news is, these adults have access to plenty to keep them busy. Churches, gyms, malls and movie theaters are relatively abundant in this small town, and the area is known for its vast number of golf courses. Plus, St. Albans is a quick drive to St. Louis and Chesterfield, Missouri, two large meccas in the state with many fun and entertaining activities for seniors.

6. Millwood, VA

Access to 20 different senior living facilities and numerous home healthcare providers are just a few of the many benefits of living in charming Millwood, VA. Plus, members of this community actually have a higher life expectancy than the national average.

With affordable cost of living, and plenty of senior-friendly options, many older adults choose to call this small town home. For example, seniors can enjoy adult daycare services in Millwood for just $15,600 per year, on average.

This may be why Millwood has such a high percentage of seniors. Here, these seniors can visit one of the five area parks, 27 community golf courses or visit one of the 18 shopping malls that dot this charming Virginia town. However, for those who do call Millwood home, they will tell you that it is the city’s unique history that makes it such a fun and interesting place to reside. With no shortage of museums and historic sites, this charming Virginia town is a truly unique place to live.

7. Casanova, VA

In Casanova, Virginia, residents can enjoy perks of living in this small town, such as access to plenty of home health care providers and an average life expectancy that is even higher than the country's average. This isn't the only thing that makes this Virginia community special for seniors. When it comes to cost of senior living, seniors can enjoy reasonably low costs for their post-retirement care.

Senior living options are easy to access in this Virginia town with dozens of senior living facilities and plenty of home health care providers. Seniors who are looking for a little fun can visit one of the four malls, 12 gyms or 52 golf courses in the area. Seniors who want a little more adventure in their lives can visit the Casanova Historic District, an area of town that is on the National Register of Historic Places and that is filled with plenty of local amenities including churches, post offices and amenities that make life in Casanova easy for any senior.

8. Harmans, MD

In quaint Harmans, Maryland, health and safety are of great importance to the residents who call this community home. With a high number of Medicare physicians, area hospitals, senior living communities and home healthcare providers operating in the area, there are plenty of opportunities for seniors to get the care they need.

As for their senior living options, seniors not only have plenty to choose from, but they will generally find these senior living opportunities are quite affordable when compared to the area's cost of living.

When it is time to relax and unwind, seniors will have just as many opportunities for fun. With nearby parks and over 67 golf courses within driving distance, seniors can easily enjoy the great outdoors. Situated in the heart of Maryland, senior residents are just a quick ride away from bustling Baltimore and alluring Annapolis, meaning there is never a shortage of things to see or do in Harmans. When seniors are ready to get away from bigger city life, they will find this rural community is a very welcoming place for older adults to call home.

9. Port Costa, CA

Port Costa, California scored even higher than their home state average on the SeniorScore™ tool, this is because the community has countless features and facilities meant for seniors. Healthcare is never an issue in Port Costa, with a large number of Medicare physicians, area hospitals, pharmacies and senior living facilities.

As for the average senior resident, their life expectancy is over two years longer than the national average in Port Costa. With a very high percentage of seniors in the population, there is no shortage of senior-friendly activities, from golf courses and gyms to area parks and more. Of course, the warm California weather doesn’t hurt either.

As for senior assisted living options, there are plenty available for the many seniors that call this small town home, and the cost of these communities is relatively affordable when compared to national costs. While this town is very small, its location near the water and small-town charm is perfect for any senior looking to escape the normal California scene and relax in a secluded neighborhood with gorgeous scenery.

10. Bay Pines, FL

Many seniors will flock to Bay Pines, Florida for the warm weather, but there is more than sunny skies there to keep seniors happy and healthy. Thanks to an extremely high number of Medicare registered physicians, hospitals and 190 senior living facilities, seniors never have to look far when they need medical care.

The average life expectancy of this senior friendly town is above the national average, while more than half of the residents in the area are seniors. Assisted living and nursing homes are fairly affordable for seniors as well.

Whether it’s hitting the links at one of the dozens of area golf courses, strolling along the beach or just soaking up the warm Florida weather, it is easy to see why Bay Pines is such a hub for seniors. The area also has a high livability score thanks to the number of amenities that are close to this small town. However, for those that call Bay Pines home it is the local shops and cafes and waterfront location that makes this Florida town so wonderful for many seniors.