12 Best Small Towns in America for Active Retirees Who Love the Outdoors

The allure of a charming and affordable small town attracts many people looking to relocate for a dream retirement, but one of the common concerns about small-town living is that you may feel cut off or like you won't have access to much beyond town limits.

Luckily, there are many areas around the U.S., in a range of regions and climates, that offer small-town charm and easy access to natural beauty and outdoor recreation.

For outdoorsy types, these 12 small towns may be the perfect retirement destinations.

Editor's note: Unless otherwise noted, all data listed below on rent and housing costs came from Zillow.

Boone is a charming town located in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. It's not cheap mountain living. The average home price is about $470k, but it does provide proximity to seemingly endless natural beauty.

Residents have easy access to Grandfather Mountain, one of the tallest in the Blue Ridge range, plus caverns, ski resorts, and the famed Blue Ridge Parkway.

Retirees drawn to the Pacific Northwest will find plenty of natural wonders in Ocean Shores, nestled along Washington's Pacific shoreline.

Though the state is not known for affordability, home prices in Ocean Shores are actually below the national average at around $335k, and residents have easy access to miles and miles of beaches.

This small town in New Mexico is located at the base of the Raton Pass and offers easy access to a range of outdoor recreation, like hiking, fishing, golfing, or simply taking in stunning mountain and mesa views.

The cost of living is another draw, with the average home price in the town just over $146,000, making it a great choice for retirees living on Social Security.

Hot Springs offers the best of both worlds, with a lively city environment alongside the natural wonders of Hot Springs National Park's geothermal springs.

Despite its draws, like "Bathhouse Row," surrounding mountains, and miles of hiking trails, the town is still affordable, with average home prices at $240k, while the population has remained under 38,000.

Located in southern Florida's Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast, Punta Gorda is a picturesque beach town that's maintained relative affordability compared to many other retirement hot spots in the state.

The average home price in the town is about $330k, and, according to Apartments.com, the average rent is $1,494 a month.

Traverse City offers bayside living, easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (with stunning views of Lake Michigan), and a delightful range of wineries and dining options.

The average home price in the small, beachy town is just over $420k, while rentals average $1,513 a month, according to Apartments.com data.

Located in central Colorado, Cañon City is surrounded by natural attractions perfect for outdoorsy types. The Royal Gorge valley and its famed suspension bridge may be the most well-known.

Residents also get to enjoy the Arkansas River, Pike-San Isabel National Forest, and affordability. The average home price in Cañon City is about $324k, well below the national average.

Sedona is, by far, the most expensive town on this list, with average home prices at around $885k. But it is a small town, with a population of less than 10,000, and has long been a draw for nature enthusiasts and active retirees alike.

It's nestled among Arizona's stunning red rock formations and offers plenty of opportunity for hikes, stargazing, nature retreats, and so much more.

For retirees dreaming of a life out west, particularly one that puts you right in the Greater Yellowstone region, Cody could be the perfect destination. The small northern Wyoming town, however, is a bit more expensive than many of the other towns on this list. The average home price is just over $455k.

Mount Dora is located just 35 minutes northwest of all the hustle, bustle, and many theme parks of Orlando, but also offers a respite for nature lovers as it's nestled on the shores of Lake Dora.

Beyond the pleasant weather and affordable housing prices averaging below $400k, this Florida town offers other perks for retirees. There is no state income tax, so Social Security benefits and any other retirement income are all untaxed.

Located in western South Dakota, Custer is an extremely small town that puts residents and visitors right in the center of Black Hills beauty.

The city is close to big draws like Mouth Rushmore and Custer State Park, and while home prices exceed the national average, but not by much, sitting at $460k. However, rents are very cheap, averaging just $850 a month.

There are many small towns scattered across New York State that could be perfect destinations for active retirees, but Watkins Glen is an ideal choice for nature lovers on a budget.

Located in the Finger Lakes region, residents have easy access to Watkins Glen State Park and its stunning trails and waterfalls. The area also offers affordable housing, with the average home price just over $220k.

Whether you're dreaming of an affordable apartment in a close-knit beach town or a lavish ranch out west, relocating to an area full of small-town charm and natural beauty in retirement can be feasible.

Before making any commitments, though, be sure to check your retirement readiness by reviewing your retirement accounts, Social Security details, and state tax information for the state you have your eye on.