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15 Non-Beach Towns Retirees Are Moving to In Droves

Many places that lack surf and sand can still be exciting retirement destinations.

By Chris Lewis, CEPF , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Sept. 6, 2026

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What's not to like about spending your golden years by the beach? Still, you don't need to be by a lake or the ocean to enjoy a stress-free retirement. Many people would love to retire in the mountains, wandering through fall foliage or enjoying the dry desert air.

If this sounds like you, here are some non-beach cities to consider for your retirement plan.

Editor's note: All real estate prices come from the real estate website Redfin.

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Fredericksburg, Texas

Median home price: $445,000

Fredericksburg is located in the middle of Texas. You'll find wineries and restaurants nearby and plenty of opportunities to travel to the other great cities the Lone Star State has to offer.

Housing can be a bit pricey for retirees, with a median sale price of $445,000 as of July 2026. However, the year-over-year median home price in Fredericksburg is actually down 6.6%.

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Atlanta, Georgia

Median home price: $425,000

Atlanta is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country, and it offers plenty to do for retirees. Enjoy city parks or attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium or the World of Coca-Cola.

Housing costs are a little above the national median sale price.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Median home price: $500,000

Ann Arbor is a great college town that is home to the University of Michigan. This place might appeal to retirees who want to continue learning after retirement: the university has the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute for older residents.

Prepare for a little sticker shock when it comes to housing, however. The median sale price for a home in Ann Arbor is $500,000.

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Greenville, South Carolina

Median home price: $523,000

Greenville is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers plenty of new restaurants and shops. Or, you can wander Falls Park on the Reedy.

You can also head into the mountains for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.

Madison, Wisconsin

Median home price: $448,000

Madison is another great college town. It's home to the University of Wisconsin and also serves as the state's capital. Wander the quaint downtown in search of restaurants, coffee shops, and microbreweries. Or, take in a performance in the city.

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Median home price: $393,000

Stroudsburg is located in the Pocono Mountains and offers everything from hiking to casino gambling. There are also many courses for golfers to try.

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Huntsville, Alabama

Median home price: $352,000

You'll have plenty of fun exploring Huntsville, which features the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The city also offers tours that explore the history of the civil rights movement.

Denver, Colorado

Median home price: $643,000

Colorado is known for its endless variety of outdoor activities, from skiing in the winter to hiking and golfing in the summer. Denver also has a world-class international airport for those who love to travel.

However, Denver has become a relatively expensive city. Ensure you're financially prepared before settling here for retirement.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Median home price: $260,000

Slow down during your retirement years in the speedy city of Indianapolis. The city is home to the Indianapolis 500 automobile race that takes place each May. However, you can take a more leisurely pace when you enjoy shops, theaters, and restaurants in the city's walkable downtown area.

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Las Vegas, Nevada

Median home price: $460,000

There is plenty to do in Las Vegas. From exciting casinos to beautiful natural wonders just outside the city limits, you will never be bored here. Take in a delicious dinner at one of the many restaurants in the city's casinos. Many offer great buffets.

Tucson, Arizona

Median home price: $325,000

Tucson is another popular destination for retirees in the Southwest. Explore nearby mountain ranges or take in desert landscapes. You can also check out museums in Tucson, including the Arizona State Museum on the University of Arizona campus.

Tucson has more affordable housing than Phoenix, which has a much higher median sale price of $460,000.

Sacramento, California

Median home price: $515,000

California can be a warm, inviting retirement destination, but coastal cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco can be expensive. Instead, try Sacramento, with its outdoor activities and more than 800 murals for art lovers.

The city's housing costs are higher than the national median sale price, but much cheaper than what you'll find in other cities in the state.

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Kansas City, Missouri

Median home price: $313,000

Kansas City is home to several art and historical museums, including the American Jazz Museum. Sports fans can also check out professional sports teams regularly or attend a race at the nearby Kansas Speedway.

Memphis, Tennessee

Median home price: $202,000

Head to Memphis to check out Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, and the National Civil Rights Museum. After a day in the city, grab a bite of some famous Memphis barbecue.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Median home price: $258,000

Enjoy the outdoor life in Tulsa, where you'll find plenty of trails and parks to explore. You can also get a tee time at one of the local golf courses.

Bottom line

When planning for retirement, you might dream of endless days relaxing on the beach. But living near the water can be expensive. And for some retirees, beach life is simply not their cup of tea.

Fortunately, there are many great non-beach towns that you can retire to, save some money, and still spend your golden years in a state of bliss.

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