The 12 best small towns to retire in 2026

By Muhammad Ejaz·Finance content creator·22 October 2026

Say you are 67 and married, with $500,000 saved and the average Social Security check. Of the 37 small towns ranked here, Fredericksburg, Texas comes out on top for you. Second is Pella, Iowa, and third Staunton, Virginia. The winner is strong on four of five measures and weak on none.

A small town here has 8,000 to 60,000 people and a town government and downtown of its own. Most are the main town of their area. A few sit inside a larger metro area, and their sections say so. Each town is measured on five things. They are how far $500,000 goes, how safe the streets are, the best hospital within 20 miles, neighbors your age and natural hazard risk. A measure in the top third of the towns is a pro, and one in the bottom third is a con. The towns are ordered by pros minus cons, so the first town is strong on the most measures and weak on the fewest.

Each town below also gets a short word on its state's taxes, things to do, the immigrants who shaped it and life for LGBTQ retirees. Every figure comes from an official source, and the method is at the bottom of the page.

The twelve best small towns to retire, at a glance

Here are the twelve in order, with the five measures behind their pros and cons.

The household is a couple at 67 with $500,000 in an IRA. Social Security pays the national average for a retired couple. They spend $6,000 a month at US-average prices. Money lasts to: the state study's engine, with each area's 2024 price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Crime: the FBI's figures for the town police, for 2025 or the latest full year. Best hospital: Medicare's overall star rating, for hospitals within 20 miles. Residents 65+, rent and birthplaces: the Census Bureau's 2020-2024 survey. Risk: FEMA's National Risk Index for the county.

Number 1 of 37 · score 79 of 100

1. Fredericksburg, Texas: strong on four of five measures, weak on none

German settlers founded Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country in 1846. Its Marktplatz still centers on the octagonal Vereins Kirche, the town's first church, school and meeting hall.

Why it is here: 11,419 residents, and the main town of its own area.

• Money lasts to94for a couple
• Median rent$1,386a month
• Violent crime75per 100,000
• Best hospital4 starswithin 20 miles
• Residents 65+32.0%Census
• January47°Faverage

Pros

• The couple's $500,000 lasts until 94, with local prices and state tax counted.
• Crime is low: 75 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2025, against 269 in the middle town.
• Many neighbors are your age: 32.0% are 65 or older, against 20.4% in the middle town.
• FEMA rates the county's natural hazard risk relatively low.

Cons

None among the five measures.

Everyday prices run 12.2% below the US average in the parts of Texas outside metro areas, by the Bureau of Economic Analysis count. A couple at 67 with $500,000 and the average Social Security check has money until 94 here. Median rent is $1,386 a month. The median home is worth $460,300.

The state. Texas rates as "very tax-friendly" on this site's Texas page. In the first year the state takes no income tax from the couple.

Things to do. Favorites include Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, National Museum of the Pacific War and Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. For company and classes, look up Golden Hub and Fredericksburg Parks & Recreation events.

Immigrant heritage. Of the people who live here, 4.7% were born abroad, most often in Mexico, Guatemala and the Philippines. The German settlers of 1846 still shape the town, through the Vereins Kirche on the Marktplatz, the Pioneer Museum and Oktoberfest.

LGBTQ life. The Census Bureau counts about 15 same-sex couples here, 0.6% of couples. On a number this small the survey's margin is wide.

Good to know. January averages 47°F and July 82°F. The nearest airline airport is San Antonio International Airport.

Social Security

Not taxed

Pensions

Not taxed

IRA and 401(k)

Not taxed

Property tax

1.4% of home value, state average

Number 2 of 37 · score 84 of 100

2. Pella, Iowa: $500,000 lasts to 99

Dutch settlers founded Pella in 1847, between the Des Moines and Skunk rivers in central Iowa. Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake, is on its edge.

Why it is here: 10,720 residents, and the main town of its own area.

• Money lasts to99for a couple
• Median rent$1,046a month
• Violent crime81per 100,000
• Best hospital4 starswithin 20 miles
• Residents 65+18.8%Census
• January21°Faverage

Pros

• The couple's $500,000 lasts until 99, with local prices and state tax counted.
• Crime is low: 81 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2025, against 269 in the middle town.
• FEMA rates the county's natural hazard risk very low.

Cons

None among the five measures.

Everyday prices run 15.9% below the US average in the parts of Iowa outside metro areas, by the Bureau of Economic Analysis count. A couple at 67 with $500,000 and the average Social Security check has money until 99 here. Median rent is $1,046 a month. The median home is worth $292,700.

The state. Iowa rates as "very tax-friendly" on this site's Iowa page. In the first year the state takes no income tax from the couple.

Things to do. Favorites include Tulip Time, Vermeer Windmill and Pella Historical Village, Lake Red Rock and Pella Opera House. For company and classes, look up Pella Community Center, Senior Art Class and Tulip Time and museum volunteers.

Immigrant heritage. Of the people who live here, 3.6% were born abroad, most often in Mexico, the Netherlands and India. The Dutch settlers of 1847 still shape the town, through Tulip Time each May, the Vermeer Windmill and the Pella Historical Village.

LGBTQ life. The Census Bureau counts about 12 same-sex couples here, 0.5% of couples. On a number this small the survey's margin is wide.

Good to know. January averages 21°F and July 75°F. The nearest airline airport is Des Moines International Airport.

Social Security

Not taxed

Pensions

Exempt from age 55

IRA and 401(k)

Exempt from age 55 — 401(k) and IRA withdrawals included

Property tax

1.33% of home value, state average

Number 3 of 37 · score 69 of 100

3. Staunton, Virginia: low natural hazard risk

Staunton is a small city in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, known for its red-brick downtown and the Blackfriars Playhouse.

Why it is here: 25,948 residents, and the main town of its own area.

• Money lasts to90for a couple
• Median rent$1,024a month
• Violent crime169per 100,000
• Best hospital4 starswithin 20 miles
• Residents 65+21.3%Census
• January34°Faverage

Pros

• The couple's $500,000 lasts until 90, with local prices and state tax counted.
• Crime is low: 169 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2025, against 269 in the middle town.
• FEMA rates the county's natural hazard risk very low.

Cons

None among the five measures.

Everyday prices run 8.9% below the US average in the Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA metro area, by the Bureau of Economic Analysis count. A couple at 67 with $500,000 and the average Social Security check has money until 90 here. Median rent is $1,024 a month. The median home is worth $259,200.

The state. Virginia rates as "tax-friendly" on this site's Virginia page. In the first year the state takes no income tax from the couple.

Things to do. Favorites include Blackfriars Playhouse, Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum and Shenandoah National Park. For company and classes, look up VPAS Cafe in Staunton, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library volunteers and JMU Lifelong Learning Institute.

Immigrant heritage. Of the people who live here, 3.5% were born abroad, most often in Jamaica, Japan and Argentina. The Frontier Culture Museum recreates farms from England, Ireland and Germany, where many of the valley's settlers came from, and from West Africa, where many enslaved Virginians were taken from.

LGBTQ life. The Census Bureau counts about 157 same-sex couples here, 3.1% of couples. Staunton Pride holds a festival in Gypsy Hill Park each October, the city's tourism office says.

Good to know. January averages 34°F and July 74°F. The nearest airline airport is Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport.

Social Security

Not taxed

Pensions

Taxable, less an age deduction of up to $12,000 at 65+ that is reduced as income rises

IRA and 401(k)

Same age deduction applies

Property tax

0.78% of home value, state average

Number 4 of 37 · score 67 of 100

4. Kerrville, Texas: plenty of neighbors your age

Kerrville lies on the Guadalupe River in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, northwest of San Antonio.

Why it is here: 24,755 residents, and the main town of its own area.

• Money lasts to94for a couple
• Median rent$1,086a month
• Violent crime197per 100,000
• Best hospital4 starswithin 20 miles
• Residents 65+28.2%Census
• January46°Faverage

Pros

• The couple's $500,000 lasts until 94, with local prices and state tax counted.
• Crime is low: 197 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2025, against 269 in the middle town.
• Many neighbors are your age: 28.2% are 65 or older, against 20.4% in the middle town.

Cons

None among the five measures.

Everyday prices run 12.2% below the US average in the parts of Texas outside metro areas, by the Bureau of Economic Analysis count. A couple at 67 with $500,000 and the average Social Security check has money until 94 here. Median rent is $1,086 a month. The median home is worth $303,400.

The state. Texas rates as "very tax-friendly" on this site's Texas page. In the first year the state takes no income tax from the couple.

Things to do. Favorites include Kerrville Folk Festival, Museum of Western Art, Kerrville-Schreiner Park and Kerrville River Trail. For company and classes, look up Dietert Center, Kerrville Parks and Recreation and Club Ed.

Immigrant heritage. Of the people who live here, 5.9% were born abroad, most often in Mexico, India and Zimbabwe.

LGBTQ life. The Census Bureau counts about 82 same-sex couples here, 1.4% of couples.

Good to know. January averages 46°F and July 81°F. The nearest airline airport is San Antonio International Airport. The city says a catastrophic flood struck on July 16, 2026, and recovery from the 2025 flood is still under way at its riverside park.

Social Security

Not taxed

Pensions

Not taxed

IRA and 401(k)

Not taxed

Property tax

1.4% of home value, state average

Number 5 of 37 · score 78 of 100

5. Oxford, Mississippi: $500,000 lasts to 100

Oxford is built around a historic courthouse square and is home to the University of Mississippi and Rowan Oak, William Faulkner's house.

Why it is here: 26,411 residents, and the main town of its own area.

• Money lasts to100for a couple
• Median rent$1,071a month
• Violent crime140per 100,000
• Best hospital4 starswithin 20 miles
• Residents 65+13.9%Census
• January41°Faverage

Pros

• The couple's $500,000 lasts until 100, with local prices and state tax counted.
• Crime is low: 140 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2025, against 269 in the middle town.
• FEMA rates the county's natural hazard risk relatively low.

Cons

• Few neighbors are your age: only 13.9% are 65 or older, against 20.4% in the middle town.

Everyday prices run 16.4% below the US average in the parts of Mississippi outside metro areas, by the Bureau of Economic Analysis count. A couple at 67 with $500,000 and the average Social Security check has money until 100 here. Median rent is $1,071 a month. The median home is worth $385,700.

The state. Mississippi rates as "very tax-friendly" on this site's Mississippi page. In the first year the state takes no income tax from the couple.

Things to do. Favorites include Rowan Oak and the Bailey Woods Trail, The Square and Square Books, Double Decker Arts Festival and Oxford Park Commission Leisure Lifestyles classes. For company and classes, look up Leisure Lifestyles / Senior Involvement and Lifelong Learning @UM.

Immigrant heritage. Of the people who live here, 4.4% were born abroad, most often in Vietnam, China and the Bahamas.

LGBTQ life. The Census Bureau counts about 233 same-sex couples here, 5.1% of couples.

Good to know. January averages 41°F and July 81°F. The nearest airline airport is Tupelo Regional Airport.

Social Security

Not taxed

Pensions

Not taxed

IRA and 401(k)

Not taxed from 59½; withdrawals before 59½ are taxed

Property tax

0.58% of home value, state average

Number 6 of 37 · score 75 of 100

6. Brookings, South Dakota: among the safest towns measured

Brookings sits on Interstate 29 in east central South Dakota, near the Minnesota border. It is home to South Dakota State University and its McCrory Gardens.

Why it is here: 23,948 residents, and the main town of its own area.

• Money lasts to95for a couple
• Median rent$889a month
• Violent crime113per 100,000
• Best hospital4 starswithin 20 miles
• Residents 65+12.1%Census
• January13°Faverage

Pros

• The couple's $500,000 lasts until 95, with local prices and state tax counted.
• Crime is low: 113 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2025, against 269 in the middle town.
• FEMA rates the county's natural hazard risk relatively low.

Cons

• Few neighbors are your age: only 12.1% are 65 or older, against 20.4% in the middle town.

Everyday prices run 13.3% below the US average in the parts of South Dakota outside metro areas, by the Bureau of Economic Analysis count. A couple at 67 with $500,000 and the average Social Security check has money until 95 here. Median rent is $889 a month. The median home is worth $265,500.

The state. South Dakota rates as "very tax-friendly" on this site's South Dakota page. In the first year the state takes no income tax from the couple.

Things to do. Favorites include McCrory Gardens, Dakota Nature Park, Brookings Summer Arts Festival and South Dakota Art Museum. For company and classes, look up Brookings Activity Center, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of South Dakota and Brookings Summer Arts Festival volunteers.

Immigrant heritage. Of the people who live here, 7.4% were born abroad, most often in the Czech Republic or Slovakia, India and China.

LGBTQ life. The Census Bureau counts about 49 same-sex couples here, 1.1% of couples. On a number this small the survey's margin is wide.

Good to know. January averages 13°F and July 71°F. The nearest airline airport is Sioux Falls Regional, less than an hour's drive by the city's count.

Social Security

Not taxed

Pensions

Not taxed

IRA and 401(k)

Not taxed

Property tax

1% of home value, state average

Number 7 of 37 · score 73 of 100

7. Spearfish, South Dakota: low natural hazard risk

Spearfish sits at the mouth of Spearfish Canyon in the northern Black Hills, with Spearfish Creek running through its city parks and Lookout Mountain rising over town.

Why it is here: 12,930 residents, and the main town of its own area.

• Money lasts to95for a couple
• Median rent$963a month
• Violent crime232per 100,000
• Best hospital4 starswithin 20 miles
• Residents 65+20.7%Census
• January26°Faverage

Pros

• The couple's $500,000 lasts until 95, with local prices and state tax counted.
• FEMA rates the county's natural hazard risk relatively low.

Cons

None among the five measures.

Everyday prices run 13.3% below the US average in the parts of South Dakota outside metro areas, by the Bureau of Economic Analysis count. A couple at 67 with $500,000 and the average Social Security check has money until 95 here. Median rent is $963 a month. The median home is worth $346,200.

The state. South Dakota rates as "very tax-friendly" on this site's South Dakota page. In the first year the state takes no income tax from the couple.

Things to do. Favorites include Spearfish Canyon Nature Area, Spearfish Recreation Trail and Spearfish City Park, D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives and Lookout Mountain Park. For company and classes, look up Spearfish Senior Center, Spearfish Rec & Aquatics Center and D.C. Booth hatchery volunteer hosts.

Immigrant heritage. Of the people who live here, 2.6% were born abroad, most often in Mexico, China and Lebanon.

LGBTQ life. The Census Bureau counts about 43 same-sex couples here, 1.6% of couples. On a number this small the survey's margin is wide. The nearest LGBTQ center is the Black Hills Center for Equality in Rapid City.

Good to know. January averages 26°F and July 71°F. The nearest airline airport is Rapid City Regional Airport.

Social Security

Not taxed

Pensions

Not taxed

IRA and 401(k)

Not taxed

Property tax

1% of home value, state average

Number 8 of 37 · score 52 of 100

8. Port Townsend, Washington: plenty of neighbors your age

Port Townsend sits at the tip of the Quimper Peninsula, with water and bluffs on three sides. Its Victorian buildings date from its years as the Customs Port of Entry for Puget Sound.

Why it is here: 10,438 residents, and the main town of its own area.

• Money lasts to85for a couple
• Median rent$1,578a month
• Violent crime214per 100,000
• Best hospital3 starswithin 20 miles
• Residents 65+43.6%Census
• January42°Faverage

Pros

• Crime is low: 214 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2025, against 269 in the middle town.
• Many neighbors are your age: 43.6% are 65 or older, against 20.4% in the middle town.
• FEMA rates the county's natural hazard risk relatively low.

Cons

• The best-rated hospital within 20 miles, Jefferson Healthcare, has 3 stars from Medicare.

Everyday prices run 2.6% below the US average in the parts of Washington outside metro areas, by the Bureau of Economic Analysis count. A couple at 67 with $500,000 and the average Social Security check has money until 85 here. Median rent is $1,578 a month. The median home is worth $543,400.

The state. Washington rates as "very tax-friendly" on this site's Washington page. In the first year the state takes no income tax from the couple.

Things to do. Favorites include Fort Worden Historical State Park, Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival, Centrum and Jefferson County Historical Society. For company and classes, look up ECHHO volunteer drivers, Aging & Adult Services of Coastal Washington and Friends of Fort Worden Trail Team.

Immigrant heritage. Of the people who live here, 4.2% were born abroad, most often in the United Kingdom, Germany and Mexico. The Rothschild House Museum keeps the 1868 home of a Bavarian immigrant merchant and his German-born wife. In Fort Worden State Park, the Chinese Gardens mark land Chinese immigrants farmed from the 1880s to 1925.

LGBTQ life. The Census Bureau counts about 94 same-sex couples here, 4.2% of couples. Port Townsend Pride fills Pope Marine Park each June, with vendors and a boat parade.

Good to know. January averages 42°F and July 63°F. The nearest airport with airline flights is Paine Field in Everett. Shuttles run between Port Townsend and Seattle-Tacoma International.

Social Security

Not taxed

Pensions

Not taxed

IRA and 401(k)

Not taxed — the capital gains tax does not apply to retirement account withdrawals

Property tax

0.75% of home value, state average

Number 9 of 37 · score 67 of 100

9. Worthington, Minnesota: $500,000 lasts to 96

Worthington is a prairie town in southwest Minnesota, where Interstate 90 meets Highway 60. Lake Okabena and its parks are inside the city.

Why it is here: 13,780 residents, and the main town of its own area.

• Money lasts to96for a couple
• Median rent$938a month
• Violent crime270per 100,000
• Best hospital4 starswithin 20 miles
• Residents 65+16.4%Census
• January14°Faverage

Pros

• The couple's $500,000 lasts until 96, with local prices and state tax counted.
• FEMA rates the county's natural hazard risk relatively low.

Cons

• Few neighbors are your age: only 16.4% are 65 or older, against 20.4% in the middle town.

Everyday prices run 14.1% below the US average in the parts of Minnesota outside metro areas, by the Bureau of Economic Analysis count. A couple at 67 with $500,000 and the average Social Security check has money until 96 here. Median rent is $938 a month. The median home is worth $210,300.

The state. Minnesota rates as "middle of the pack" on this site's Minnesota page. In the first year the state takes no income tax from the couple.

Things to do. Favorites include Lake Okabena and the lakeside parks, Memorial Auditorium Performing Arts Center, Worthington International Festival and Nobles County Pioneer Village and Heritage Center. For company and classes, look up Center for Active Living and Nobles County Historical Society.

Immigrant heritage. Of the people who live here, 28.3% were born abroad, most often in Guatemala, Mexico and El Salvador. Each July the Worthington International Festival brings Mexican, Lao, Ethiopian and Eritrean, Afro-Peruvian and Ukrainian music and dance to town.

LGBTQ life. The Census Bureau counts about 3 same-sex couples here, 0.1% of couples. On a number this small the survey's margin is wide.

Good to know. January averages 14°F and July 71°F. The nearest airline airport is Sioux Falls Regional Airport.

Social Security

Taxed, with a subtraction that is full below $86,410 AGI (single) / $110,780 (joint) in 2026 and phases out above

Pensions

Fully taxable

IRA and 401(k)

Fully taxable

Property tax

1% of home value, state average

Number 10 of 37 · score 60 of 100

10. Fairhope, Alabama: among the safest towns measured

Fairhope sits on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. It began as a single tax colony, built on the ideas of the economist Henry George.

Why it is here: 24,190 residents, and the main town of its own area.

• Money lasts to87for a couple
• Median rent$1,689a month
• Violent crime141per 100,000
• Best hospital4 starswithin 20 miles
• Residents 65+26.0%Census
• January49°Faverage

Pros

• Crime is low: 141 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2025, against 269 in the middle town.
• Many neighbors are your age: 26.0% are 65 or older, against 20.4% in the middle town.

Cons

• FEMA rates the county's natural hazard risk relatively high, led by hurricanes.

Everyday prices run 5.3% below the US average in the Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL metro area, by the Bureau of Economic Analysis count. A couple at 67 with $500,000 and the average Social Security check has money until 87 here. Median rent is $1,689 a month. The median home is worth $430,900.

The state. Alabama rates as "middle of the pack" on this site's Alabama page. In the first year the state takes $241 of income tax from the couple.

Things to do. Favorites include Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival, Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Meaher State Park and Fairhope Public Library. For company and classes, look up James P. Nix Center.

Immigrant heritage. Of the people who live here, 3.2% were born abroad, most often in Guatemala, Germany and Cuba.

LGBTQ life. The Census Bureau counts about 26 same-sex couples here, 0.4% of couples. On a number this small the survey's margin is wide. Coloring the Eastern Shore organizes Pride festivals and support around the Eastern Shore. It grew out of a Pride chalk gathering in a Fairhope park.

Good to know. January averages 49°F and July 80°F. The nearest airline airport is Mobile International Airport.

Social Security

Not taxed

Pensions

Defined-benefit pensions are fully exempt

IRA and 401(k)

Taxable, less a $6,000 exclusion at 65+

Property tax

0.37% of home value, state average

Number 11 of 37 · score 60 of 100

11. Mankato, Minnesota: a 5-star hospital in town

Mankato sits in the Minnesota River valley, with Minneopa State Park and its waterfall and bison herd on the edge of town.

Why it is here: 45,473 residents, and the main town of its own area.

• Money lasts to90for a couple
• Median rent$1,132a month
• Violent crime290per 100,000
• Best hospital5 starswithin 20 miles
• Residents 65+12.7%Census
• January15°Faverage

Pros

• The couple's $500,000 lasts until 90, with local prices and state tax counted.
• Medicare gives 5 stars to Mayo Clinic Health System - Mankato, in town.

Cons

• Few neighbors are your age: only 12.7% are 65 or older, against 20.4% in the middle town.

Everyday prices run 9% below the US average in the Mankato, MN metro area, by the Bureau of Economic Analysis count. A couple at 67 with $500,000 and the average Social Security check has money until 90 here. Median rent is $1,132 a month. The median home is worth $261,700.

The state. Minnesota rates as "middle of the pack" on this site's Minnesota page. In the first year the state takes no income tax from the couple.

Things to do. Favorites include Minneopa State Park, Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail and the Minnesota River Trail, CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour and Kiwanis Holiday Lights. For company and classes, look up VINE Adult Community Center, VINE volunteers and Mankato Area Lifelong Learners.

Immigrant heritage. Of the people who live here, 7.4% were born abroad, most often in Somalia, Ethiopia and Mexico.

LGBTQ life. The Census Bureau counts about 70 same-sex couples here, 0.8% of couples. South Central Minnesota Pride holds Mankato Pridefest each September.

Good to know. January averages 15°F and July 72°F. The nearest airline airport is Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Social Security

Taxed, with a subtraction that is full below $86,410 AGI (single) / $110,780 (joint) in 2026 and phases out above

Pensions

Fully taxable

IRA and 401(k)

Fully taxable

Property tax

1% of home value, state average

Number 12 of 37 · score 59 of 100

12. State College, Pennsylvania: a 5-star hospital in town

State College is a borough whose downtown borders Penn State's main campus. It has two historic districts on the National Register, and three state forests lie nearby.

Why it is here: 41,050 residents, and the main town of its own area.

• Money lasts to86for a couple
• Median rent$1,273a month
• Violent crime153per 100,000
• Best hospital5 starswithin 20 miles
• Residents 65+6.8%Census
• January27°Faverage

Pros

• Crime is low: 153 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2024, against 269 in the middle town.
• Medicare gives 5 stars to Mount Nittany Medical Center, in town.

Cons

• Few neighbors are your age: only 6.8% are 65 or older, against 20.4% in the middle town.

Everyday prices run 3.2% below the US average in the State College, PA metro area, by the Bureau of Economic Analysis count. A couple at 67 with $500,000 and the average Social Security check has money until 86 here. Median rent is $1,273 a month. The median home is worth $437,800.

The state. Pennsylvania rates as "very tax-friendly" on this site's Pennsylvania page. In the first year the state takes no income tax from the couple.

Things to do. Favorites include Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State, Centre Region Parks and Recreation and Black Moshannon State Park. For company and classes, look up Centre Region Active Adult Center, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Penn State and RSVP of Centre County.

Immigrant heritage. Of the people who live here, 12.5% were born abroad, most often in China, India and Korea. Global Connections has welcomed Penn State's international students and families since 1961. It holds cultural meals, a weekly discussion group and a yearly International Poetry Night.

LGBTQ life. The Census Bureau counts about 66 same-sex couples here, 2.1% of couples. The county's LGBTQ community center is downtown and runs support and social groups. It also presents State College Pride each June.

Good to know. January averages 27°F and July 72°F. State College Regional Airport has nonstop flights to Philadelphia, Charlotte, Chicago and Washington Dulles.

Social Security

Not taxed

Pensions

Not taxed

IRA and 401(k)

Not taxed on distributions after 59½

Property tax

1.26% of home value, state average

Where the other 25 towns land

A town outside the twelve can still suit a particular budget or taste. Here is the rest of the pool, in order.

The FBI has no full-year 2025 figures for State College (2024), Venice (2020), Sedona (2024), Durango (2024) and St. Augustine (2023). Their crime rates come from the latest full year it publishes.

The FBI's 2025 table leaves out Key West, though the police reported all twelve months. Those figures come from the FBI's Crime Data Explorer.

Where LGBTQ retirees find the largest communities on this list

No official file measures how welcoming a town is. The Census Bureau does count same-sex couples, and five towns in the pool stand out.

Among the twelve best, Oxford has the largest share: 5.1% of couples, about 233 in all.

Each share is the same-sex couples among all married and unmarried couples living together, from the Census Bureau's 2020-2024 survey. Each town's own section names local groups where they were found.

How the ranking works, and what it weighs

Each town gets a place on each measure, from best to worst in the pool. A place in the top third is a pro, and one in the bottom third a con. The list is ordered by pros minus cons. Towns level on that count are ordered by a score out of 100, which adds up their places with the weights below.

• 40%How long $500,000 lasts, from prices and state tax
• 25%Violent crime, lower is better
• 15%The best Medicare star rating within 20 miles
• 10%Share of residents 65 and over
• 10%FEMA natural hazard risk, lower is better

Money gets the most weight because it decides whether the rest is possible. It is one number that carries both local prices and state income tax. It is run month by month, the same way as the study How long $500,000 lasts in every state.

The pool is 37 towns chosen to cover every region and price level, from classic retirement towns to college towns. All 37 have 8,000 to 60,000 residents and every measure, so all are ranked. The pool is this page's choice, and any other town can be measured the same way.

What this list cannot tell you

• Your street. Every figure is a town or county average. A crime rate says nothing about the block you would live on.
• The weather you like. The temperatures are shown and not scored, because one person's mild is another person's dull.
• Things to do and culture. No official file measures them, so the list names some and scores none.
• Care farther away. Only hospitals within 20 miles count, and a small hospital may send serious cases to a city.
• Crime reporting. Police agencies count and report differently. The FBI itself warns against ranking places on crime rates alone.

The list shows what official figures say about places. It is not advice about where you should live, because I do not know your life. I can show you every number and where it came from.

Three questions before you move to a small town

1. How far is the hospital you would need on your worst day? A town's own hospital handles a lot, but heart surgery and cancer care often mean a drive to a city.
2. What does your own budget say? Run your balance and spending through the state study's "Your numbers". Then price a rental or a home there.
3. Have you spent a week there in its worst month? A town that charms in October can feel very different in a January snow or an August heat.

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