By Patricia Doherty | Travel + Leisure
There’s something about small towns that inspires nostalgia and the feeling that traditions of the past still exist on their quaint main streets. Many retirees look for that atmosphere, whether it recalls their own history or a long-imagined ideal place to settle down. There are also practical reasons to move to a small town upon retirement, including affordability, safety, wellness, culture, and comfort. Although not every town offers the ideal combination of these factors, there are many that meet the needs of retirees seeking a simpler life.
Definitions of small towns in terms of population vary from under 10,000 to several times that. Sometimes, towns are considered “small” based on their appearance, lifestyle, or sense of community. In creating this list of small towns, we looked at a variety of qualities (including cost of living, crime data, healthcare availability, senior housing, activities, transportation, and attractions and activities in the area) with the understanding that “best” is ultimately a matter of taste.
