Wisconsin's 8 Best Retirement Towns Ranked
When it is time to put down roots after a long career, Wisconsin offers plenty of options to guarantee peace and comfort in your golden years. America's Dairyland is more than its sweet cheeses and Green Bay Packers games; it hosts idyllic retirement pads across its exquisite lakes and lush forests tailored for this fragile phase of life. Besides reconnecting with nature, pensioners enjoy a slower pace of life and a strong sense of community without being alienated from vital social and health amenities.
The icing on the cake is that there are enough outdoor opportunities across the four seasons to keep them physically active and mentally stimulated, culminating in a high quality of life. Whether you prefer to relax by the river in Marinette or wallow in the wilderness of Grantsburg, these are Wisconsin's 8 best retirement towns.
Shawano
This tiny village of Shawano County boasts wonderful natural surroundings that allow retirees to spend the sunset years in a quiet and laid-back setting. It lies on the banks of the 6,200-acre Shawano Lake, which fuels an array of aquatic fun seniors will fancy, including boating, swimming, and paddleboarding.
The Shawano County Historical Society gets incoming residents up to speed with the history and culture of the region. At the same time, the Shawano Recreation Center serves as a communal gathering spot where the young and old meet for fun recreational opportunities, helping to solidify interpersonal bonds. Finally, the median home price in the locality is $269,900, below the national average.
Montello
An hour from Madison, Montello is a tiny river town in Marquette County with a surreal natural atmosphere and is famed for housing Wisconsin's largest tree. The community presents an eye-opening account of its yesteryears at the Montello Historic Preservation Society, which newcomers can tour to browse a collection of artifacts, documents, and testimonials. Meanwhile, outdoorsy seniors have plenty of options for whenever they crave recreation, including the restored Montello Granite Quarry. This reclaimed mine site is a delightful natural sanctuary with exquisite waterfalls and a serene atmosphere tailored for unplugging.
Ready access to the Fox River has enabled a thriving craft brewery scene, inviting enthusiasts to catch up with peers over a refreshing pint in the pleasant setting of the Montello Brewing Company. While the region's median home price is $249,500, seniors can access more affordable living conditions at the Residences on Forest Lane alongside vital assisted living services.
Durand
This Pepin County community lies on the Mississippi-Chippewa River confluence, resulting in a tranquil setting with access to beautiful nature and recreational activities. It has enough green areas for outdoor-loving octogenarians, who can stay fit through constant walks along the stunning Chippewa River State Trail. Alternatively, they can always relax on the lush grounds of Memorial Park for a more easygoing pursuit. The park allows residents to bring along their furry friends, making for quality time in the open spaces.
The Riverview Community Center encourages cordial interactions among townsfolk, fostering a strong feeling of camaraderie. However, pensioners can mingle with other people while enjoying a hearty meal at the many local restaurants, including delicious baked potatoes at Perkz Cafe. Those planning to invest in a home can set aside around $227,500 for a decent abode.
Antigo
This hidden gem lies in the heart of the Wisconsin Northwoods, offering a suitable environment for retirees who envision a quiet life amidst a rich nature. Antigo borders the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forests, which entices ardent adventures with activities like fishing, hunting, and hiking. However, seniors who prefer to stay within the town limits can dwell in the modest yet gratifying Rockin Red Robin Park. This offers a quiet space to spend time with the grandkids or sit alone and meditate.
The Langlade County Historical Society is where new residents visit to learn more about the community's heritage and what happened in the earlier years. Elsewhere, the elderly benefit from crucial care services by the Senior Center of Langlade County, such as health checkups, free meal programs, and recreational trips. Antigo is affordable, given an average home cost of $169,500.
Algoma
Algoma's winning mix of pocket-friendly cost of living, lakeside charm, and a vibrant arts and culture scene puts it among Wisconsin's 8 best retirement towns. The town lies on the shores of Green Bay, spoiling residents with sandy beaches and spectacular water views. A stroll along the Crescent Beach Boardwalk allows pensioners to not only keep fit but also revel in the fresh breeze and tranquil environment. The downtown has several art galleries where cultured retirees can stop by to browse local pieces, and the Robert Ray Gallery stands out for its contemporary fine art collection, featuring paintings, sculptures, drawings, jewelry, and more.
Shopping at Wienke's Market brings a sense of place among fresh residents, thanks to the many opportunities to socialize amicably with fellow community members in a relaxed context. Senior citizens will also be glad to learn that the median housing price in Algoma is $212,500, below the United States average.
Marinette
This relaxed rural community on the Menominee River banks entices fresh retirees with its small-town feel and natural appeal. Its variety of park spaces, including Stephenson Island Park, allows pensioners to stay busy with walks and picnics for their physical and mental health. The park has a gazebo, pavilion, playground, and terrific river views. The Marinette County Historical Logging Museum documents the region's logging heritage through interesting artifacts, some dating as far back as the Menominee Indian occupation.
Elsewhere, seniors can enjoy a quality movie experience with family or peers inside the Mariner Theatre at affordable ticket prices. Marinette residents access reliable health care at the Aurora Medical Center Bay Area, which boasts a 99-bed capacity. Also, the average cost of a decent home is $204,900.
Mayville
Mayville is a town along the shores of the Rock River, known for its rich natural ecosystem, where an array of wildlife thrive an hour from Milwaukee. This means retirees have all the reasons to step outside and explore the scenic trails winding through the expansive Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. The sanctuary is a habitat for more than 300 bird species, cultivating exciting birding excursions. Mayville is also home to Ziegler Park, which is closer to the urban center and provides a great alternative to feeble legs that can't sustain extended, remote walks.
Those interested in the area's heritage can find valuable resources at the Mayville Historical Society, with archives and documents providing a vivid window into the past. The town also has the Senior Center to look after pensioners who can no longer live independently. Meanwhile, a home will cost you around $217,500.
Grantsburg
Grantsburg is popularly known as the "Gateway to Crex Meadows," Wisconsin's largest wildlife area, resulting in endless outdoor opportunities for senior citizens. The town harbors the Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area, which sprawls over 30,000 acres across wetlands and forested prairie. Activities range from wildlife watching and hunting to hiking and camping. More opportunities await ardent outdoorsmen at the Governor Knowles State Forest, which provides 32,500 additional acres for campers, paddlers, horseback riders, and backpackers.
Away from the great outdoors, Grantsburg has a quaint downtown with an eclectic mix of businesses, allowing foodies to enjoy delicious flavors at trendy restaurants like Country Cafe on Main. For those feeling under the weather, Burnett Medical Center is always on hand to handle health emergencies. Lastly, the median home cost is $260,000, less than the state average.
Final Thought
Whether you plan to wake up to mesmerizing lake views in Algoma or make the most of rare wildlife interactions in Grantsburg for the rest of your life, Wisconsin's 8 best retirement towns allow you to do that and even more. They assure pensioners a safe landing spot after a lifetime career in the urban centers, providing a more peaceful and relaxed rural environment tailored for retirement living. With the strong community ponds, affordable living, and access to medical facilities, seniors can look forward to smooth sailing to their sunset years in the United States.
