10 Great Small Towns to Retire

Small town retirement

When a small town has a high quality of life and a good economy, it often begins to draw new residents. Small cities allow you to escape the crowds and traffic of large metro areas but still retain the stores, services and health care options that make life in retirement easier. Here's a look at the fastest-growing small cities in the U.S. with between 50,000 and 100,000 residents, according to Census Bureau data. These potential retirement spots provide natural beauty, entertainment options and convenient access to a larger city when you need it.

Leander, Texas

This Austin suburb is the fastest-growing small city in the U.S., according to Census Bureau data. Leander's population has grown by 12% over the past year to 62,608 in 2019. Retirees can choose to pursue the city pleasures of nearby Austin, play a round of golf at the Crystal Falls Golf Club or explore the surrounding Texas Hill Country at the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. The city organizes events and trips for residents age 55 and older, including hikes, wine tastings, museum visits and river cruises.

Apex, North Carolina

This small city has grown by 10% over the past year to a population of 59,300 in 2019. Located about 15 miles outside of Raleigh, Apex is part of the Research Triangle area that is anchored by three major research universities: North Carolina State University, Duke University and the University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill. This part of North Carolina has a highly educated population and a strong economy fostered by partnerships between the universities and private industry. Founded as a railroad town, the city has recently renovated some of its historic buildings from the late 1800s.

Doral, Florida

You'll never need to suffer through another winter if you head to Florida for retirement. This southern Florida city is just a 30-minute drive from Miami. Doral's population has increased by 8% over the past year to 65,741 people in 2019. For those who plan to travel in retirement, Doral provides convenient access to the Miami International Airport and is the headquarters for the cruise operator Carnival Corporation. A bonus: There's no state income tax in Florida.

Bentonville, Arkansas

Bentonville is best known as the headquarters for Walmart, which is the largest employer in the area. The city has grown by 7% over the past year and had a population of 54,909 in 2019. The free-admission Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art includes works by Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Georgia O'Keeffe, as well as walking and biking trails throughout the 120-acre Ozark landscape. The nearby city of Bella Vista is a popular retirement destination known for its lakes and golf courses.

Georgetown, Texas

Georgetown is a haven for the old and the young. This college town is the home of Southwestern University, the oldest higher education institution in Texas. There's also a massive retirement community for those age 55 and older called Sun City Texas, which has over 15,000 residents. Georgetown's population has increased 7% over the past year to 79,604 people in 2019. The city has a charming town square with historic buildings that is frequently bustling with festivals and events. Georgetown also provides convenient access to the scenic rivers and lakes of the Texas Hill Country. Plus, the live music and barbecue of Austin are only 30 miles away.

Buckeye, Arizona

About 45 minutes outside of Phoenix, Buckeye is a fast-growing small city. The population grew by 7.1% over the past year to 79,620 in 2019. The hot desert climate appeals to retirees who are looking to avoid winter weather, but air conditioning is a necessity during the hottest summer months. The city provides a free Fitness in the Park program that includes yoga, pilates and Zumba, and the Rusty Spurs Social Softball Club is open to those age 50 and older. Nearby White Tank Mountain Regional Park provides hiking trails among cacti, desert flowers, archaeological sites and petroglyphs.

New Braunfels, Texas

Located between San Antonio and Austin, this Texas Hill Country town provides convenient access to both larger cities. The population was 90,209 in 2019, up 6.8% from 2018. Originally settled by German immigrants, the city celebrates its heritage at several annual festivals, including Wurstfest and Wassailfest. You can take your grandchildren to the Schlitterbahn Waterpark or on a safari through Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch and Caverns, both of which provide discounts to seniors. Locals often stay cool during the sweltering summers by tubing down the Comal and Guadalupe rivers.

Redmond, Washington

Located 15 miles from Seattle, Redmond is best known as the headquarters for Microsoft, which attracts many highly educated employees to the area. The city's population has grown by 7% since 2018 to 71,929 in 2019. Redmond has a four-season climate, but does not generally experience especially hot summers or much snowfall in the winter. Redmond's moderate weather allows for bicycling year-round, and the city has an extensive network of bike lanes and trails, bicycling clubs, an annual bike race and even a velodrome. The city is located along Lake Sammamish, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing and watersports.

Fort Myers, Florida

If your retirement dream involves beaches and palm trees, you may be able to find it in Fort Myers. Located along the Caloosahatchee River near Florida's Gulf Coast, Fort Myers is a relaxing beach retirement spot. The population has grown by 6% over the past year to 87,103 in 2019, and a third of the population is age 60 or older. This popular retirement destination topped the U.S. News list of Best Places to Retire in 2020. The affordable housing costs in Fort Myers make it easier for retirees on a budget to relocate to Florida.

Lehi, Utah

Originally settled by Mormon pioneers, Lehi is now a rapidly growing city about 30 miles from Salt Lake City. The area's population has grown by 6% over the past year to 69,724 in 2019. Lehi is located along the Jordan River near Utah Lake and is surrounded by mountains, including the Wasatch Mountains, White Mountains and Oquirrh Mountains. The summer months allow for hiking, fishing and mountain biking, while skiing is popular in the winter. The museum and garden complex Thanksgiving Point provides entertainment options ranging from a spa to movies to golf.

Small towns to consider for retirement:

-- Leander, Texas

-- Apex, North Carolina

-- Doral, Florida

-- Bentonville, Arkansas

-- Georgetown, Texas

-- Buckeye, Arizona

-- New Braunfels, Texas

-- Redmond, Washington

-- Fort Myers, Florida

-- Lehi, Utah