Retirement Retirement Planning

12 Best Cities To Retire in if You Love Snow

Not everyone dreams of sun, sand, and sea as the backdrop of their golden years.

By Cat Lafuente

Edited by Michael Kurko

Updated Dec. 17, 2024

Conventional wisdom tells us that retirement is best spent in a warm locale with abundant sunshine. But what about those of us who adore winters? Good news: There are great places to retire if you love snow.

While these cities get a lot of the white stuff, that’s not the only reason you should consider them when planning your retirement.

Other factors, such as activities, healthcare, and quality of life, rank high in these destinations, making them well-rounded places to call home.

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Ann Arbor, Michigan

Annual Snowfall: 57 inches

The main draw of Ann Arbor is the University of Michigan, which offers a variety of classes and programs for older adults, including top-of-the-line healthcare facilities and services for retirees.

This snowy college town also has gorgeous outdoor spaces, enriching cultural events, winter sports, a walkable downtown, and a year-round farmer’s market.

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Billings, Montana

Annual Snowfall: 54 inches

Montana is famous for its unparalleled outdoor beauty, but that’s just one reason to retire in this sparsely-populated state.

The bustling city of Billings, in particular, has some serious perks: a lower-than-average cost of living, excellent healthcare, and relatively low taxation rates

Billings is also blessed with abundant restaurants, shops, parks, and green spaces.

Bismarck, North Dakota

Annual Snowfall: 50 inches

Retirement looks different for everyone, as some folks pick up a second career, and Bismarck is a great place for that. It’s also fitting if you don’t plan to work and simply want to explore the outdoors.

Health care is highly rated in this state capital, and the cost of living sits below the national average.

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Burlington, Vermont

Annual Snowfall: 72 inches

The cost of living may be higher for this list, but Burlington’s beautiful outdoor setting is a dream for ski enthusiasts. Burlington is also ideal for eco-conscious folks with a community-oriented mindset.

The University of Vermont, a great place to keep your mind sharp, doesn't charge tuition to retirees over 65.

Casper, Wyoming

Annual Snowfall: 70 inches

Snowy Casper made WalletHub’s list of the top ten places to retire in 2024, and with good reason. For one, it’s extremely affordable across the board, including healthcare, in-home services, and taxation.

Casper also has abundant green spaces, a ski area for outdoor enjoyment, and a robust community of older adults.

Des Moines, Iowa

Annual Snowfall: 35 inches

Des Moines is a great compromise if you’re seeking a big city to retire to but don’t want to pay big city prices. The cost of living is lower than average, as is the rate of taxation. As for age-related issues, health care is easy to find.

You won’t get bored in Des Moines thanks to the many cultural attractions and thriving downtown.

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Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Annual Snowfall: 30 inches

U.S. News & World Reports ranked Harrisburg as the number one place to retire in the U.S. for 2024-2025. Criteria for inclusion were general happiness, quality of healthcare, cost of living, and tax rates.

Residents of this small city on the Susquehanna River get the perfect mix of metro and nature, the best of both worlds.

Juneau, Alaska

Annual Snowfall: 93 inches

By far the snowiest city on our list, Juneau is bursting with outdoor splendor, including unique wildlife and the Northern Lights. Tax laws favor the retired, and the city gives you free bus rides when you apply.

15% of the population is 65 or older, so you’ll be in good company in this gorgeous and remote paradise.

Madison, Wisconsin

Annual Snowfall: 52 inches

With a thriving economy and no shortage of museums and libraries, Madison is an excellent place to call home during your golden years. Anchored by the University of Wisconsin, you’ll have no trouble getting top-tier healthcare and services.

Older adults will also enjoy the many green spaces like parks and lakes to connect with nature.

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Minneapolis, Minnesota

Annual Snowfall: 54 inches

Minneapolis has some of the best gerontologists, nursing homes, and mental health care services in the country. It’s also an affordable big city with job opportunities for older adults who still plan to work after retirement.

Minneapolis also has a thriving community spirit, gorgeous green spaces, and no shortage of things to do.

Portland, Maine

Annual Snowfall: 69 inches

If you dream of a retirement spent staring at the wintry sea, Portland is calling you. With a mom-and-pop vibe and a lack of traffic, the small city is calm and quiet while remaining lively and filled with arts and leisure opportunities.

The city also welcomes older adults and strives to accommodate their needs as they age.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Annual Snowfall: 45 inches

Sioux Falls is growing and thriving, affordable, uncrowded, and ready for pickleball enthusiasts. The economy is healthy, and unemployment is low, which bodes well for retirees who might want to work. Plus, the tax laws are in your favor here.

As for healthcare, there are plenty of options for older adults.

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Bottom line

Sure, moving to Arizona or Florida promises a stress-free retirement in the sun. But with the cost of living (and the temperatures) rising in those areas, heading to snowy destinations for retirement has a whole new appeal.

Of course, there’s more than one season in northern destinations, so you’ll get to enjoy spring, summer, and autumn, all of which have their appeal. Just one more perk to add to the list.

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