News & Trending Real Estate News

15 Non-Beach Towns Retirees Are Moving to In Droves

Many places that lack surf and sand can still be exciting retirement destinations.

By Chris Lewis, CEPF , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Sept. 6, 2026

Add Us On Google

What's not to like about spending your golden years by the beach? Still, you don't need to be by a lake or the ocean to enjoy a stress-free retirement. Many people would love to retire in the mountains, wandering through fall foliage or enjoying the dry desert air.

If this sounds like you, here are some non-beach cities to consider for your retirement plan.

Editor's note: All real estate prices come from the real estate website Redfin.

Set up direct deposit - pocket $400

Set up an eligible direct deposit with SoFi Checking and Savings and you could pocket a bonus of up to $400. Make the switch, set up direct deposit, earn the bonus. It basically takes no extra work at all other than following these steps.

Why people are switching: This account earns up to an insane 4.00% APY¹ Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.90% APY Boost (added to the 3.10% APY as of 5/28/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/26. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#4">sofi.com/banking#4</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. on savings for up to six months (3.10% APY standard + 0.90% APY boost) on top of that $50 or $400 bonus.² New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/">sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/</a> That's way better than the measly 0.38% APY (as of 06/15/26)³ Based on <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/national-rates-and-rate-caps">this</a> FDIC data, as of 6/15/26. national average savings accounts offer.

No monthly fees and no surprises. Open your account and earn up to a $400 bonus

Fredericksburg, Texas

Median home price: $445,000

Fredericksburg is located in the middle of Texas. You'll find wineries and restaurants nearby and plenty of opportunities to travel to the other great cities the Lone Star State has to offer.

Housing can be a bit pricey for retirees, with a median sale price of $445,000 as of July 2026. However, the year-over-year median home price in Fredericksburg is actually down 6.6%.

Shopping for cheaper auto insurance? Enter your zip code here to get started.

Atlanta, Georgia

Median home price: $425,000

Atlanta is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country, and it offers plenty to do for retirees. Enjoy city parks or attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium or the World of Coca-Cola.

Housing costs are a little above the national median sale price.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Median home price: $500,000

Ann Arbor is a great college town that is home to the University of Michigan. This place might appeal to retirees who want to continue learning after retirement: the university has the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute for older residents.

Prepare for a little sticker shock when it comes to housing, however. The median sale price for a home in Ann Arbor is $500,000.

Greenville, South Carolina

Median home price: $523,000

Greenville is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers plenty of new restaurants and shops. Or, you can wander Falls Park on the Reedy.

You can also head into the mountains for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.

Madison, Wisconsin

Median home price: $448,000

Madison is another great college town. It's home to the University of Wisconsin and also serves as the state's capital. Wander the quaint downtown in search of restaurants, coffee shops, and microbreweries. Or, take in a performance in the city.

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Median home price: $393,000

Stroudsburg is located in the Pocono Mountains and offers everything from hiking to casino gambling. There are also many courses for golfers to try.

Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways you could build wealth after 40

Huntsville, Alabama

Median home price: $352,000

You'll have plenty of fun exploring Huntsville, which features the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The city also offers tours that explore the history of the civil rights movement.

Denver, Colorado

Median home price: $643,000

Colorado is known for its endless variety of outdoor activities, from skiing in the winter to hiking and golfing in the summer. Denver also has a world-class international airport for those who love to travel.

However, Denver has become a relatively expensive city. Ensure you're financially prepared before settling here for retirement.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Median home price: $260,000

Slow down during your retirement years in the speedy city of Indianapolis. The city is home to the Indianapolis 500 automobile race that takes place each May. However, you can take a more leisurely pace when you enjoy shops, theaters, and restaurants in the city's walkable downtown area.

Get instant access to hundreds of discounts

Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks like discounts on travel, dining, and even prescriptions.

Get 25% off membership — just $15 for your first year with auto-renewal — and a free gift if you join today.

Become an AARP member now

Las Vegas, Nevada

Median home price: $460,000

There is plenty to do in Las Vegas. From exciting casinos to beautiful natural wonders just outside the city limits, you will never be bored here. Take in a delicious dinner at one of the many restaurants in the city's casinos. Many offer great buffets.

Tucson, Arizona

Median home price: $325,000

Tucson is another popular destination for retirees in the Southwest. Explore nearby mountain ranges or take in desert landscapes. You can also check out museums in Tucson, including the Arizona State Museum on the University of Arizona campus.

Tucson has more affordable housing than Phoenix, which has a much higher median sale price of $460,000.

Sacramento, California

Median home price: $515,000

California can be a warm, inviting retirement destination, but coastal cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco can be expensive. Instead, try Sacramento, with its outdoor activities and more than 800 murals for art lovers.

The city's housing costs are higher than the national median sale price, but much cheaper than what you'll find in other cities in the state.

Supercharge your investments: See what could happen if you add fine art to your investment portfolio

Kansas City, Missouri

Median home price: $313,000

Kansas City is home to several art and historical museums, including the American Jazz Museum. Sports fans can also check out professional sports teams regularly or attend a race at the nearby Kansas Speedway.

Memphis, Tennessee

Median home price: $202,000

Head to Memphis to check out Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, and the National Civil Rights Museum. After a day in the city, grab a bite of some famous Memphis barbecue.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Median home price: $258,000

Enjoy the outdoor life in Tulsa, where you'll find plenty of trails and parks to explore. You can also get a tee time at one of the local golf courses.

Bottom line

When planning for retirement, you might dream of endless days relaxing on the beach. But living near the water can be expensive. And for some retirees, beach life is simply not their cup of tea.

Fortunately, there are many great non-beach towns that you can retire to, save some money, and still spend your golden years in a state of bliss.

More from FinanceBuzz: