8 College Towns That Are Surprisingly Perfect for Retirees on Social Security

Plenty of seniors dream of retiring to cozy beachside towns, but have you ever considered retiring to a college town? It might seem contradictory at first, but cities that are home to universities aren't just great for college students: they often offer perks like affordable housing, free cultural events, and access to great hospitals that benefit retirees just as much as they do 20-somethings.

As of October 2025, the average social security monthly benefit was $1,869.20. Keep reading for our list of college towns across the country that can help you stretch your retirement dollars further and offer the best benefits for seniors, from low housing costs to vibrant communities.

Editor's note: Unless otherwise noted, all rent prices are from Apartments.com, and all average home prices are from Zillow.com. 

Average rent: $984

Average home price: $319,579

Lawrence is home to the beautiful University of Kansas (home of the Jayhawks for sports fans). The city invests heavily in its senior community, offering a lifelong recreation program for everyone over 50.

Senior strength training courses help retirees stay active, while senior-centric day trips to butterfly farms, local community theater productions, and historic sites help foster a strong sense of community.

Average rent: $900

Average home price: $269,322

Like many of the universities on our list, Iowa State University offers lifelong learning programs with discounted tuition rates for retirees. Through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, you can take classes in person or via Zoom on topics that range from authentic Italian home cooking to nonverbal communication.

Plus, while snowy winters may keep you inside, the city's Parks and Rec department hosts opportunities to join an indoor sports team for slow-pitch softball, pickleball, and more.

Average rent: $1,291

Average home price: $281,507

As a liberal arts college, Jacksonville University hosts year-round cultural events that showcase its students' skills. The vocal arts Winter Fest performance is a great way to kick off the holiday season, but choir concerts, student gallery exhibits, and dance performances happen frequently throughout the year.

Jacksonville is also located on the Atlantic Coast, so opportunities to enjoy the Sunshine State's mild climate and gorgeous beaches abound.

Average rent: $1,176

Average home price: $333,100

The University of Georgia in Athens is one of the top-rated public research institutions in the country. Much of its research and grants are funneled directly into the local community, and university funds have helped revitalize Georgia's small towns, provide sustainable ecotourism services, and increase local access to fresh foods.

Plus, if you love to travel, Athens is a great home base. Atlanta is just over an hour away, and its bustling regional airport can quickly connect you to just about any destination in the world.

Average rent: $1,078

Average home price: $307,148

Brookings may have fewer than 25,000 full-time residents, but thanks to South Dakota State University, there's no shortage of arts, restaurants, cafes, and sports events to keep you busy. The campus and town are full of family-owned restaurants that showcase local cuisine, and you can catch college football games in person on campus or at one of the downtown sports grills.

Brookings' cost of living is 5% lower than the national average, so you'll save plenty on transportation, housing, and food costs. Note that rental data was sourced from Apartments.com.

Average rent: $1,213

Average home price: $312,956

The University of Missouri in Columbia (locally known as Mizzou) is a top public university that dates back to the mid-1800s. While it's a good locale for students, Columbia was also named one of Forbes' top 25 places to retire in 2024.

Crucially, the university offers top-tier health care, connecting community members with primary care services and offering cutting-edge specialty care in areas like cancer, cardiology, and geriatric medicine.

Average rent: $958

Average home price: $289,402

The Bluegrass State is known for its rich culture and fascinating music history. In Richmond, home to Eastern Kentucky University, it's easy to connect to the state's musical roots through campus guitar concerts, student showcases, and bigger concerts with stars like Jason Derulo.

Kentucky as a whole is one of the five most affordable states in the U.S. With the money you save on rent and food, you can enjoy shopping in the historic downtown or visit one of the many scenic vineyards in the area.

Average rent: $1,251

Average home price: $291,911

The University of Florida is well known for its highly ranked athletic teams. But even if you aren't a Gators fan, the university offers plenty of benefits to community members.

For instance, a partnership with the city's first responders allowed the university to release the PulsePoint smartphone app, which alerts nearby users when individuals experience a cardiac event. Neighbors can help keep each other safe while building a strong sense of community, which makes the area ideal for seniors who want connection.

While living in a seniors-only community is a dream life for some, don't discount the idea of an all-ages community where you get the benefits of college life with none of the drawbacks (like student loans or a dramatic dating life).

Plus, if you love having family and friends around, your new college home could be the right place to be, not just for your budget but for your social life as well.

It may be worth grabbing your best travel credit cards and booking a trip to visit these cities before making the move.