Best Midwest Cities for Retirees To Buy a Home in 2025
Written by
Chris Adam
Edited by
Angela Corry
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
The Midwest attracts retirees for many reasons. Its central location in the United States makes it an ideal retiree spot for those looking to be close to family and major cities like Chicago and Detroit.
At the same time, many Midwest cities are home to affordable housing markets and overall lower prices than in many towns on the east or west coasts. GOBankingRates spoke with real estate experts for their top picks for Midwest cities for retirees.
According to Harpreet Saini, CEO at We Buy Houses in Metro Detroit, “Retirees who choose Midwest cities for their golden years often find themselves pleasantly surprised by the combination of affordable living costs and high-quality amenities that match or exceed what they’d find in coastal metropolitan areas.”
Here are a few midwestern cities retirees should consider moving to.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Per Saini, Ann Arbor, Michigan, is certainly one of the best places to retire.
“The city combines excellent healthcare facilities from the University of Michigan Health System with a lively cultural scene,” Saini said. “Some of my most recent work with retiree clients shows that they really like the walkable downtown area and lower property taxes compared to other cities on either coast.”
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Saini said that Grand Rapids, Michigan, has gained popularity with retirement-age clients.
“It has a strong medical infrastructure, including Spectrum Health and Saint Mary’s, and very affordable housing prices, at an average of $250,000 for single-family homes,” per Saini. “I recently helped three retiring couples relocate here from the East Coast, and they praised the city’s blend of urban amenities and peaceful neighborhoods.”
Madison, Wisconsin
For retirees seeking a more active lifestyle, a place like Madison, Wisconsin, may be worth considering for its bike trails, countless parks and access to excellent healthcare, according to Saini.
“During my trip to Madison last month, on behalf of my retiring clients searching for properties, I was reminded of how this city retains a small-town feel but offers the conveniences of big-city living,” Saini said.
For Bubba Peek, a real estate investor and founder of Bubba Land Company, Madison is among the Midwest cities that stand out as a place for retirees to buy a home in 2025. Peek pointed to the stunning lakes, walkable neighborhoods and splendid healthcare systems as reasons for retirees to consider Madison.
Springfield, Missouri
In addition to Madison, Springfield, Missouri, ranks highly for Peek when it comes to cities in the Midwest that stand out for retirees in 2025.
“Springfield has lower-priced housing, milder winters compared to the North region and an emerging community atmosphere that gives retired people both affordability and a sense of connection,” Peek said.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
For retirees looking to buy a home in Minnesota, Minneapolis suburbs, particularly Eden Prairie, may offer retirees an ideal mix of nature and accessibility. Saini said housing costs here remain reasonable compared to similar communities on either coast.
Indianapolis
Juan Cava, a real estate investor and co-owner of Cash For Your Home, said median home prices below the national average and a good quality of life are among the reasons retirees may choose Indianapolis.
“Indianapolis offers an affordable cost of living paired with excellent healthcare access, including nationally ranked hospitals,” Cava said. “The city has an abundance of green spaces, cultural attractions and a welcoming community. Its central location also makes it easy for retirees to travel or visit family.”
More From GOBankingRates
