This article takes a look at the 5 best mountain towns for retirement. If you wish to check out our detailed analysis on retiree migration trends, you may go to 16 Best Mountain Towns for Retirement.
5. Berea, Kentucky
Insider Monkey Score: 41
Cost of Living Index: 83.9
Median Home Price: $340,000
Median Rent (1 bedroom): $1,150
Livability Score: 72
Tucked away in the Cumberland Plateau of Central Kentucky, Berea is considered a mountain town as it is part of the part of the broader Appalachian region, which includes diverse landscapes ranging from hills to mountains. This charming town is known for its rich history, deep artistic flair, well-established cycling trails, and loads of festivals.
4. La Grande, Oregon
Insider Monkey Score: 43
Cost of Living Index: 92.2
Median Home Price: $250,000
Median Rent (1 bedroom): $800
Livability Score: 76
Considered to be the midway point of the Blue Mountain Trails, La Grande offers retirees a peaceful and scenic environment to relish. It is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors, engage in plentiful recreational opportunities, and enjoy the simple things in life. The two most prominent features here are the Grande Ronde River and the Blue Mountains where retirees engage in activities such as hiking, fishing, and biking.
3. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Insider Monkey Score: 43
Cost of Living Index: 76.3
Median Home Price: $300,000
Median Rent (1 bedroom): $1,200
Livability Score: 66
Next on our list of best mountain towns for retirement is Eureka Springs. Situated in the heart of the Ozarks Mountains, this town has a small-town atmosphere with a close-knit community. Retirees appreciate it for its stunning natural scenery, vibrant arts community, and historic downtown area. There is so much to do here as well, from hiking and birdwatching to fishing and even attending the many local festivals, there isn’t a dull day in this town.
2. Staunton, Virginia
Insider Monkey Score: 45
Cost of Living Index: 79.6
Median Home Price: $355,000
Median Rent (1 bedroom): $1,100
Livability Score: 78
Ranking 2nd on our list, Staunton is deemed as one of the best small towns in Virginia owing to its picturesque location in the Shenandoah Valley, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town offers a rich historical and cultural experience to retirees, along with well-preserved architecture and a vibrant arts scene. Its moderate climate and proximity to outdoor activities, including hiking and scenic drives, make it one of the best destinations to retire to.
1. Huntsville, Alabama
Insider Monkey Score: 49
Cost of Living Index: 94.2
Median Home Price: $322,000
Median Rent (1 bedroom): $1,040
Livability Score: 81
Standing tall on our list of best mountain towns for retirement is Huntsville, Alabama. Huntsville is nestled amid the scenic beauty of the Appalachian foothills, revered for its lower-than-average cost of living, affordable housing, scenic beauty, and small-town feel. The town’s moderate climate provides a comfortable environment for those seeking a relaxed retirement. Renowned for its aerospace industry and technological advancements, it also offers retirees access to cultural attractions, recreational activities, and a thriving community.
Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily e-newsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also take a peek at 15 Countries with the Most Beautiful Castles in the World and 15 Developed Countries with Citizenship Tests.
