Some of the best retirement communities are located in small towns! My wife and I left our home of 36 years to move to one out on the far edge of the metro area, away from the suburbs. I knew life would be different, but boy was I surprised it was even better than we had imagined! Here are all of my observations so far from our time in a small town retirement community!
Less traffic and less noise!
It’s so funny because we used to chuckle when people complained about traffic, thinking they just weren’t used to city-living. Now we say the same thing and have downright enjoyed getting away from traffic jams and the general hustle and bustle. Most suburban homes in metro areas always have a hum from traffic noise that you might not notice until you get out of that environment. Once we did, we realized how nice and relaxing the quiet can be!
More land equals more active adult community fun.
In an urban environment, the land is so expensive that the retirement communities are built in high rises or very small clusters that don’t offer nearly as much entertainment or fun as those that are built in small towns. Small towns have more land and better prices, meaning that the large retirement communities have room to build. In turn, this makes way for tons of amenities! Active adult communities in small towns feature all sorts of great things like softball fields, bocce ball, picked ball, tennis courts, walking trails, and clubhouses.
More scenic. Better exploring!
When you move to a retirement community, you may want to explore and enjoy the surrounding areas; especially natural beauty! I love driving out of our back community gate, passing barns and farmhouses and a lamas farm! Fishing, hiking trails, small-town shopping, arts and crafts fairs, mountains, and wineries – can’t do these things living in a big city! Our subdivision has plenty of nice wide sidewalks. Out on the main street, there are wide sidewalks too. And, the high school track is even open after hours to anyone!
Small town retirement communities are the best of both worlds!
There is much to be said about small-town living meshed with retirement community living! You really do get the best of both worlds! We enjoy all the luxuries and amenities of our active adult community, plus all the fun small towns have to offer. Parades, arts, community theaters, football games, plenty of restaurants, and community fairs! The list can go on!
Let’s not forget that just because we’re in a small town, it doesn’t mean that we’ve moved to the middle of nowhere. Medical services are still close by and Amazon Prime works just fine here too! (Hey, my dentist is only 5 minutes away!)
The people are friendly.
The people who move to a retirement community in a small town are genuinely excited about the new lifestyle. Not to mention, those out in public seem more relaxed and considerate. There’s really a sense of neighborly love here! And, people just seem to show their personalities more than when they’re in fast-moving urban places.
Related: Is Small Town Retirement For You?
Are you considering a small town retirement community?
I haven’t noticed anything that I miss from my old neighborhood, except some friends that I don’t see as often. There was a risk in moving out to a more rural area but my wife and I are pleased to have made the change!
We love living in a small town!
Is it for you?
Looking for senior housing? Check out our local directories!
Want to read more great articles? Then, start with our Retirement Lifestyle Blog!
Do you need help with retirement planning? Then, visit Bob Carlson’s Retirement Watch.
