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Choosing the right town to retire in is a momentous decision, especially for seniors who prioritize safety and quality of life. Across the United States, many towns offer secure environments, vibrant communities, and amenities for older adults. This article highlights nine of the safest U.S. towns that are ideal for senior living, considering factors such as low crime rates, healthcare accessibility, reasonable housing prices, and senior-friendly amenities.

Pinehurst, North Carolina

Pinehurst, in Moore County, North Carolina, best known as the home of American golf, is very attractive for senior living. Just an hour from Fayetteville and two hours from Charlotte, Pinehurst's crime rate is low. Moreover, crime in Pinehurst has steadily been decreasing over the past five years, per the FBI Crime Data Explorer. With nearly 40% of the town's population of 17,581 over the age of 65 (per the U.S. Census Bureau), Pinehurst is the ideal town for seniors to relocate, whether they are golfers or not.

Although the median home listing price as of January 2025 is a bit higher than average, at $517,000, Pinehurst makes up for that with its low crime rate, large population of senior citizens, and desirable amenities. The Moore County Senior Center in Pinehurst supplies socialization opportunities for those age 50 and above. A shuffleboard court, two-lane walking track, and table tennis are available there. If seniors desire to live among other seniors in a supportive environment, Pinehurst is full of retirement villages, including Quail Haven; and assisted living facilities, like Fox Hollow. Moreover, FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, a 402-bed acute care center, is located within the town to serve most medical needs.

Seniors living in Pinehurst can also take advantage of the amenities at the famed Pinehurst Resort, such as a highly rated championship golf course, spa services, and delectable food and drink. Town history can be explored at Tufts Archives in Given Memorial Library. Seniors will also enjoy Pinehurst's Village Center, with shops and eateries such as Village Wine Shop, Corner Store, and Monkees. With all this at hand in Pinehurst, why would a senior want to live anywhere else?

Frankfort, Kentucky

The county seat of Franklin County, Kentucky, Frankfort is often referred to as "Kentucky distilled." Although there is more than one bourbon distillery in the town, Frankfort has other draws for seniors. A low violent and property crime rate, relatively low home listing price of $230,000, and 15% of its 28,602 residents being over the age of 65 are just a few of the reasons seniors are moving to Frankfort.

Frankfort's Capital City Activity Center invites those age 50 and over to partake of Meals on Wheels, daily lunch, exercise, trips, transportation, and more. Two top-notch hospitals, Frankfort Regional Medical Center and UK HealthCare, are conveniently located near Frankfort. The town also houses many retirement villages and senior living alternatives, such as Ashwood Place and Morning Pointe of Frankfort.

Seniors may wish to tour the Jim Beam Old Grand Dad Plant, or visit local bourbon distilleries including Buffalo Trace and J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery. Other sites to see in Frankfort include Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours and Museum, which has handcrafted chocolates since 1919 and the Frankfort Public Art Tour, examining the town's sculpture parks, historic architecture, murals, and unique Floral Clock. Seniors who relocate to Frankfort should never run out of things to do.

Dover, New Hampshire

Located on the border of Maine, in Strafford County, Dover, New Hampshire is conveniently just five miles from the towns of South Berwick, Maine, and Durham, New Hampshire. Crime is low in Dover, and, per FBI data, both property crimes and violent crimes have been steadily decreasing in the town since 2021. These factors make Dover attractive to seniors and others who wish to relocate to the small town of 32,741, 17% of whom are over the age of 65.

The Dover Community Senior Center offers activities, socialization, and more for seniors aged 50 and up. Recurrent weekly programs include Mahjongg, Bingo, and a book club. Medical care is available in Dover at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, an acute care hospital and the leading medical center in the area. Dover is also chock full of retirement communities, including Langdon Place and Spring Village, for those who wish to live among others in their age bracket.

As for activities, the Riverwalk trail extends from downtown Dover to the Cocheco River and is popular with walkers and hikers. Nearby, Little Bay is a peaceful water spot that should not be missed. Events held in Dover annually include Apple Harvest Day in October, the Cocheco Arts Festival in the summertime, and the town's annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration.

Fergus Falls, Minnesota

The county seat of Otter Tail County in west central Minnesota, Fergus Falls, is a small town of just 14,119 residents, nearly a quarter of whom are age 65 and above. Its low crime rate, reasonable housing price averaging $183,000, amenities, and proximity to Interstate 94 connecting the Great Lakes region with the Great Plains region of the U.S. are just a few of the reasons seniors are relocating to Fergus Falls.

The Fergus Falls Senior Citizens Program, Inc., delivers wellness services and social opportunities for those aged 55 and up. Exercise classes, nutrition services, and movies are just a small selection of free activities. Lake Region Healthcare, recognized by the National Rural Health Association as one of the country's top 100 rural and community hospitals, serves the area with general health and wellness services. Retirement living choices such as Park Gardens and The Cottages are also options for senior housing.

One of the most notable historic sites in Fergus Falls is Broken Down Dam, the ruins of a dam's collapse in 1909. The area is now a park which draws many visitors each year. Seniors will also enjoy numerous outdoor attractions across the Fergus Falls area. They include 10 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail, a footpath extending 4,600 miles from the East Coast through North Dakota. The Prairie Wetlands and Fergus Falls Wetlands Management District also provide exercise, photography, and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Montpelier, Vermont

It might surprise you to learn that the capital of Vermont is a safe town with low crime rates and is senior-friendly. Montpelier, the county seat of Washington County and the smallest U.S. capital, enjoys low violent and property crime rates. Twenty-four percent of its 8,074 population are classified as older adults. Although housing is a bit more expensive here, with a median listing price of $395,000, the safety, senior camaraderie, and amenities seem to make up for that.

The Montpelier Senior Activity Center serves meals daily to residents aged 50 and over. Recent events there have included self-defense training and a Memorable Times Cafe. The Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin is three miles from Montpelier and considered one of the region's best hospitals. For seniors who desire retirement living, Westview Meadows and The Gary Residence are just two of the many alternatives available.

Montpelier is full of culture and history to keep seniors busy and entertained. The Vermont History Museum in the downtown area features exhibits on the state's history. Art galleries such as the T.W. Wood Gallery, walking trails like the Path Cross VT Trail in the downtown area, and bodies of water ranging from Wrightsville Reservoir to Berlin Pond offer many opportunities for fun and recreation for seniors to keep them young at heart.

Beatrice, Nebraska

The small, friendly town of Beatrice, Nebraska, is the county seat of Gage County, and more than 20% of its 12,261 population is over the age of 65. Its violent and property crime rates are both low, and both rates have been steadily decreasing since 2020. With home prices averaging an affordable $170,000 and a location just 40 miles from the capital city of Lincoln, Beatrice is an attractive town in which seniors may wish to relocate.

Beatrice Senior Center serves lunch and sponsors activities such as Tai Chi and Bingo for those aged 55 and up. The Beatrice Community Hospital and Health Center is the largest rural hospital in Southeast Nebraska and conveniently located within town. Retirement living choices include The Villa at Flowing Springs, Parkview Village, and the Good Samaritan Society.

A historic and outdoor recreation site, Homestead National Historical Park in Beatrice is named for the passage of the Homestead Act in 1862. Its education center provides information on the history of homesteading, and the park itself contains over three miles of walking trails. Other outdoor activities for seniors can be found at Rockford Lake State Recreation Area, eight miles east and two miles south of Beatrice. Here, seniors can fish, boat, picnic, camp, swim, and hike if they wish.

Jonesborough, Tennessee

The county seat of Washington County in northeastern Tennessee, Jonesborough, is near the larger metropolitan area of Johnson City but retains its own small-town feel. Founded in 1779, Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee. Its population is 5,860, and nearly 21% of its residents are over age 65. With low violent and property crime rates, a median home price of $313,000, and Tennessee does not tax Social Security and retirement income, Jonesborough is a desirable southern town for seniors.

The Jonesborough Senior Center presents programs to benefit the health and well-being of residents age 50 and up. Watercolor classes, wreath making, and lunches are some of the planned events. Johnson City Medical Center, a Level 1 Trauma Center, is just six miles from town. Senior living selections include Cornerstone Village South Assisted Living and Dominion Senior Living of Johnson City.

Jonesborough is considered the International Storytelling Capital of the 海角社区, and the International Storytelling Center and Jimmy Neil Smith Storytelling Park are great places to visit to learn more about this unique distinction. The Jonesborough Washington County History Museum is another interesting place for seniors to tour. Here, they can see and understand the architectural, historical, and cultural heritage of the region.

Keene, New Hampshire

Situated in Cheshire County, Keene, New Hampshire's quality healthcare, low cost of living, beautiful natural surroundings, lack of income tax, and vibrant cultural scene are attracting many seniors to move to the town. Added to that, the town has a low crime rate, and 18% of its 23,047 residents are over age 65. Median home prices are a bit higher than average, at $325,000. However, Keene's proximity to the larger Vermont town of Brattleboro, along with the benefits noted above, is often enough for seniors who can afford it to overlook the housing prices and move to Keene.

The Keene Senior Center features services and programs for those age 50 and up, such as fitness classes, pool, and a Senior Singers choral group anyone can join. The 115-bed Cheshire Medical Center is found in Keene, and is part of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock healthcare network. Seniors in Keene may want to consider living in retirement villages such as Covenant Living and Langdon Place.

One of New Hampshire's most beautiful towns, Keene, lies in the Connecticut River valley. Hikers frequent Mount Monadnock and the town's many trails. The county's 22 square miles of water include Kilburn Pond in Pisgah State Park. Keene is full of year-round events to entertain seniors, including the Keene Music Festival in late summer, the Monadnock International Film Festival in October, and the Ice and Snow Festival in February.

Brandon, Mississippi

A suburb of the larger Jackson, Mississippi and the county seat of Rankin County, the town of Brandon houses 25,138 people, with 18% over the age of 65. It has a low crime rate, pleasant year-round weather, and a median home price of $272,000, all reasons why more seniors are looking to move to this southern U.S. town. The City of Brandon Senior Center provides services and activities for those aged 55 and up, including painting classes and monthly luncheons with entertainment. Merit Health Rankin, a 134-bed hospital, is also in Brandon.

Popular attractions in Brandon that seniors may wish to visit include the Brandon Amphitheater within The Quarry, a 250-acre park. The amphitheater has featured famous performers such as Willie Nelson, Rick Springfield, and Rod Stewart. For those who crave local theater, the Black Rose Theatre puts on plays and offers auditions year-round. Seniors who are thespians have yet another reason to move to Brandon.

Conclusion

Finding a safe town is a must for senior citizens who wish to live in a secure, pleasant environment. The towns discussed here all share low crime rates, favorable living conditions, and plenty of amenities that older adults will love. Whether you choose a welcoming southern community such as Jonesborough, Tennessee, a New England town like Dover, New Hampshire, or another of the nine choices on this list, you will be sure to find comfortable, protected, yet still lively surroundings.