14 Midwest Cities for Retirees Looking to Balance Rural Charm with City Life

Finding the perfect place to retire is no easy feat. Many retirees want to avoid the hustle and bustle of major cities but still be close enough to great dining, entertainment, and healthcare.

To help you prepare for retirement, consider these 14 Midwestern cities that blend quaint rural or suburban life with the perks of their nearby cities.

Ankeny is a suburb of Des Moines where retirees can enjoy all the benefits of being close to a big city — like entertainment, access to healthcare, and more — without the drawbacks.

It’s a small town packed with beautiful trails, golf courses, top restaurants, and craft beer, so there’s plenty to do even without making the trek into the city.

Home to Indiana University, Bloomington also has plenty of features that attract retirees — from stunning natural beauty to art and museums to a top-notch dining scene.

The cost of buying a home is less than the national average, and the city is about a one-hour drive from Indianapolis.

Eau Claire touts itself as the “Indie Capital of the Midwest” and could be an excellent retirement location for outdoorsy and artsy types.

Where the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers meet, residents can enjoy plenty of water activities, hiking, an array of art galleries and museums, breweries, and much more.

Located in northeastern Indiana, Fort Wayne offers many of the perks of a city while maintaining a small-town vibe and low cost of living. There is an eclectic mix of neighborhoods, plenty of great places to eat, and many outdoor attractions.

It’s also within driving distance of Toledo, Indianapolis, and Columbus.

Even if you’re not a football fan, Green Bay has plenty of perks for retirees. The city offers a low cost of living, a walkable downtown, plenty of restaurants and shops, and access to healthcare facilities.

Plus, another Midwestern gem, Milwaukee, is less than a two-hour drive away.

Just about a half-hour drive from Kansas City, Lawrence is attractive for retirees for a few reasons.

While it can be lively — with a thriving arts scene, festivals and parades, plenty of restaurants, and live music — it offers a sense of tranquility with just enough distance from the city.

Lincoln may be a larger city than many of the others on this list, but with a low cost of living, access to healthcare and social services, and plenty to do, it’s still a top option in the Midwest.

Nebraska’s capital city is packed with stunning parks and trails, an array of restaurants and shops, a thriving arts scene, and more.

If you can handle the winters, Mankato is a great retirement destination for those who love to spend time outdoors.

It’s packed with parks, trails, and prairies — and it’s developing its offerings of shops, restaurants, and entertainment lately as well. Plus, it’s just about 80 miles from Minneapolis.

While Medina is close to some of Ohio’s major cities — including Cleveland and Akron — it offers a calmer life and a healthy distance from the city.

With a lively historic Main Street, hundreds of acres of parks, and proximity to museums, theater districts, and more, it’s an excellent choice for retirees looking to stay connected (or just connected enough).

From restaurants to shops to museums and entertainment, there’s just enough going on in Peoria to keep retirees happy and fulfilled.

The small city is located in central Illinois, but if retirees ever find themselves missing those big city vibes, the drive to Chicago is just about two and a half hours.

Just outside of Kansas City, Prairie Village offers a healthy mix of suburban tranquility and urban excitement.

The city is known for being one of the safest in the Kansas City area, and it has plenty to entertain retirees of all sorts, from beautiful parks to golf courses to local festivals.

Aside from having Mount Rushmore and the Badlands in your backyard, there are plenty of other reasons to consider Rapid City for retirement.

The cost of buying a home in the city is lower than the national average, and according to data from U.S. News and World Report, residents 65+ make up 20% of the population.

Known as the “Birthplace of Minnesota,” Stillwater is a small town in Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.

The city sits on the bank of St. Croix River and has plenty of beautiful trails for outdoorsy types. It also has a lively downtown area with art, museums, and plenty to eat and drink.

A suburb of Detroit, Troy is located about 22 miles north of the city’s downtown area.

The proximity means that residents will have easy access to all the healthcare, great dining, entertainment, and sports the city has to offer — but only when they want it.

Relocating to a city or state with a better tax situation and/or lower cost of living is often touted as one of the best money moves for homeowners looking to retire. Still, quality of life should be considered as well.

Each town on this list offers its own charm and is close to the convenience of larger cities.