15 Non-Beach Towns Retirees Are Flocking To

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. 

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

Median home price: $535,500

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 $535,500 as of August 2025. That is a little below the $439,894 national median sale price for the same time period.

So make sure you have enough cash put away to afford the cost of housing before you retire.

Median home price: $399,950

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

Housing costs are also in line with the national median sale price.

Median home price: $505,500

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 to learn after retiring: 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 just over $500,000. 

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Median home price: $460,000

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.

Median home price: $407,500

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.

Median home price: $241,125

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

Median home price: $331,500

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.

Median home price: $575,000

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.

Median home price: $250,000

Slow down during your retirement years in speedy 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.

Median home price: $445,000

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.

Median home price: $311,000

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 affordable housing compared to Phoenix, which has a much higher median sale price of $445,000.

Median home price: $485,000

California can be a warm, inviting destination for retirement, 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 to see.

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.

Median home price: $285,000

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 go to a race at nearby Kansas Speedway.

Median home price: $185,000

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.

Median home price: $248,850

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.

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 and still spend your golden years in a state of bliss.