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Missouri's mild climate, rich cultural heritage, affordable living cost, and access to the great outdoors make it an ideal retirement destination. The Show-Me State offers numerous charming small towns that cater perfectly to retirees seeking a relaxed lifestyle. Whether you want to settle near a major city with amenities or in a quaint rural community, there is an excellent choice waiting.

From historic river towns to Ozark Mountain villages, all boast accessible healthcare, recreational activities, and friendly neighbors. Whether you seek art and history, pastimes in nature, or a thriving local community, there is a town well-suited as your golden years home base. So, for anyone ready to truly unwind after working years, consider investing in a new hometown among these top-rated towns for retirement in Missouri.

Platte City

Platte City is a wonderful choice for retirement if you enjoy the outdoorsy lifestyle. With a rich network of parklands and nature spaces, it presents an array of recreation opportunities in the wilderness, starting at Prairie Creek Greenway Trailhead. This route is perfect for seniors to exercise on foot or a bike and cuts its way through a wooded section, with a beautiful waterfall being the highlight for sightseers. The town is also home to Platte Falls Conservation Area, which straddles over 2,300 acres and presents a raft of fun activities, including hunting, hiking, fishing, birding, and canoeing.

Meanwhile, pensioners who prefer more laid-back pursuits can have a satisfying experience testing their swing at Shiloh Springs Golf Course, surrounded by gently rolling hills and lots of greenery. Nothing complements Platte City's relaxed vibe than a tasty glass of wine, and Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery allows for tasting tours in an awesome atmosphere. The town is also a short distance from Kansas City, providing quick access to all its big-city amenities. Also, the median home price in Platte City is $422,500.

Poplar Bluff

Commonly referred to as "The Gateway to the Ozarks," Poplar Bluff is a bustling community with a slew of niceties to offer incoming retirees. The town is not only price-friendly, with a median house price below the United States average at $187,500, but also packs a punch of delightful attractions. Mo-Ark Regional Railroad Museum stands out for train enthusiasts and harbors a collection of train memorabilia depicting the town's railroad exploits in past eras. There is more interesting history to explore inside Poplar Bluff Museum, whose exhibits focus on the town's rich past and that of the surrounding Butler County.

Poplar Bluff provides a good share of outdoor spaces to address senior citizens' recreational needs. From Ferguson Grove Park to Ray Clinton Park, retirees can revel in a well-maintained green space with opportunities for activities like picnicking, trekking, sightseeing, and nature viewing. They can also join peers at Westwood Hills Country Club for a sense of belonging and take advantage of access to one of the region's finest golf courses.

Smithville

This quaint Kansas City suburb ensures retirees have access to all the urban amenities they need in the famous city while providing them with a relaxed rural environment to call home. Smithville houses the Smithville Lake, a 7,190-acre reservoir on the Platte River that charms residents with endless aquatic adventures. This summer hotspot is a go-to for swimmers, boaters, anglers, sailors, and shoreline picnickers. Just next to the lake, Paradise Pointe offers a unique golfing experience in a cozy natural atmosphere with breathtaking views of the lake.

Several park areas in Smithville provide enough room for outdoor recreation, allowing seniors to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. At Heritage Park, the setting is ideal for stress-free strolls, while Smith Fork Campground presents the ultimate outdoor experience of sleeping under the stars. The town also looks out for its elderly population using a variety of assisted living centers, including the nearby Benton House of Staley Hills to ensure they are never abandoned in their advanced years. Finally, the average price for real estate properties in the town is $339,000.

Crystal City

Sitting a short distance from the city of St. Louis, Crystal City residents do not have to travel far to access top urban amenities. Back home, they enjoy a charming rural feel with few people to bump into and less crime to deal with. The context is ideal for those considering retirement in Missouri. Crystal City is famous for its underground attractions, which promise newcomers a unique experience. At Crystal City Underground, guests explore a mystic cave by engaging in fun kayaking and canoeing tours.

Above ground, retirees will have a fun time hunting for unique souvenirs and antique collectibles at Clastique. Alternatively, they can head to Rusty Rooster Mercantile for more antiques and collectibles, featuring glassware, furniture, pottery, and home decor. Seniors in the town also benefit from vital programs at different retirement communities, including Quad Cities Senior Center. And for those looking to purchase a home in Crystal City, the median house listing cost is $219,900.

Holts Summit

Holts Summit delivers laid-back country living for retirees looking to get away from the urban hustle and bustle. However, it is only 7 miles from the capital, making sure that they can access any desirable social amenities and health facilities in Jefferson City. The town provides amazing golfing opportunities for outdoorsy seniors with the presence of Holts Summit Disc Golf Course. It also hosts Railwood Golf Club, which particularly stands out for its colorful greens and exquisite natural surroundings.

When not practicing their swing, retirees can find inspiration at Showme Exotics Holts Summit Zoo. The cute private zoo hosts a variety of animal residents that visitors can get up close with for awesome encounters and show them some TLC. Served by a well-developed transport network on the outskirts of the state capital, Holts Summit residents enjoy uninterrupted communities, allowing them to seek further recreation and adventures in neighboring towns with ease. Holts Summit's average home cost is $325,000 for those planning to invest in a house.

Jackson

This small Cape Girardeau County village offers a charming balance between indoor and outdoor pursuits, ensuring retirees have something fun to do wherever they find themselves. For adventures in the great outdoors, Jackson is home to the Trail of Tears State Park, which spans more than 3,400 acres of pure wilderness. The park features a mix of picnic sites, hiking trails, and equestrian routes, with angling opportunities at Lake Boutin and the Mississippi River. When the grandkids visit, pensioners can opt for Jackson City Park, which offers a more family-friendly environment with diverse facilities for kids to play with.

Away from the open spaces, the indoor inclined can visit the Cape Girardeau County Historical Society to get acquainted with the historical and cultural heritage of the town and surrounding area. And when craving to eat out, several eateries offer a pleasant atmosphere for a wholesome meal with friends and family, including Stooges Restaurant. Among the multiple health centers seniors can look to for reliable medical attention on their sick days is Saint Francis Clinic. Lastly, aspiring homeowners should be prepared to spend around $322,400 for a decent property in Jackson.

The Show-Me State of Missouri promises retirees a high quality of life in their sunset years thanks to its overall affordability, scenic outdoors, cultural heritage, and access to diverse recreations. The profiled destinations for retirement in Missouri are just a sample of the numerous gems across the state that deliver the perfect senior life environment. Whether you plan to settle in a historic river town, a culture-rich community, or a big city suburb with access to valuable urban luxuries, there is no shortage of fine options for seniors.