13 Great U.S. Small Towns to Retire if You Want Peace and Quiet

As you set yourself up for retirement, where do you see yourself? Do you find yourself dreaming about retiring early? Or maybe you just like to plan ahead. One thing anyone should consider is the type of community you hope to live in once you no longer have to worry about your work commute.

You may want a smaller town, perhaps someplace quiet with less traffic. At the same time, you don't plan to sit at home watching TV, so you want the town to offer fun things to do and local experiences.

These are some of the best U.S. small towns for retirement that offer a quiet place to live with plenty to do.

Editor's note: Housing data was taken from the website BestPlaces.net.

Population: 89,142

Cost of living: $65,000 per year

Often cited as one of the best places to live, Franklin is about 30 minutes from Nashville. While you can easily travel to Music City for entertainment, this smaller town, with local golf courses and a few art galleries, will keep you busy.

It's a more affluent community, so saving for retirement may require setting aside a bit more. However, the 16-block historic district, beautiful parks, and low state taxes help to make it well worth consideration.

Population: 19,674

Cost of living: $46,800

If the thought of warm weather throughout the year, incredible golf courses, and a quiet lifestyle sounds perfect, explore Coolidge, a small town about 60 miles away from Phoenix.

It's certainly warm here, but it's also a good place for those who want to hike in the desert, tour a few archaeological sites at the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, and spend some time supporting the local community. There are lots of community events here, including Calvin Coolidge Days and Cotton Days.

Population: 73,088

Cost of living: $39,200

Caldwell is a peaceful place to live outside the big city and surrounded by natural areas. It's a growing community with a lot of new development and boasts a planetarium, several wineries, and Indian Creek Park, which winds through the town.

It's only about 28 miles from Boise, which provides easy access to the airport and other amenities.

Population: 31,245

Cost of living: $36,800

Liberty is a fantastic place to call home for those who want to remain very active within their community, attending sporting events and entertainment, and exploring parks. The city is home to the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary, the ideal place for a walk.

It's easy to find good food and small shops in the city's downtown area, too. You can take in a show at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts or head off to one of the golf courses nearby. Being just outside Kansas City gives you access to a wide range of amenities.

Population: 31,568

Cost of living: $56,800

Let's say you love the thought of living in California and being close enough to the big cities, but want a quieter location to call home. Check out Paso Robles, a community tucked between Los Angeles and San Francisco with a vibrant farmers' market, wine tasting rooms, art galleries, and high-end dining.

The downtown area is quite walkable for an evening stroll. There are also several bike paths nearby, golf courses, and fishing.

Population: 44,432

Cost of living: $51,600

Burlington is a fantastic smaller community located in the northern portion of this New England state. If you want to live in an upscale community that's only a few hours from Boston, consider the value of this community.

As the home of the University of Vermont, there are coffee shops, art galleries, and smaller shops in the downtown area. You'll also find plenty of hiking and biking options. Its location on Lake Champlain means fishing and sailing, and kayaking for those who want to remain active. There are also fantastic wintertime activities nearby, including downhill skiing.

Population: 8,355

Cost of living: $37,200

If a remote town is the level of quiet you're looking for, Sitka is a good choice. It's 95 miles outside of Juneau and certainly quiet, with the mountains wherever you look.

The community is fabulous for retirement if you want to remain active. There are waterfront sailing opportunities and plenty of wildlife around every bend. It's certainly the type of community for those who want a cabin in the snow-covered woods.

Population: 5,383

Cost of living: $31,200

Hamilton is simply beautiful, a rural town that's tucked into the mountains with beautiful sunrises every morning. It's a community where you're far removed from the busy lifestyle and can easily get to know your neighbors (if you want to).

Missoula is the largest nearby town, about an hour's drive away. Hamilton has a few shops and restaurants, several historic buildings, and is home to Bitterroot College. If you want to live in a small town, in retirement, or in a ranch environment, check out this area.

Population: 5,819

Cost of living: $36,800

Quiet is the perfect word to describe the community of Stroudsburg, which is nestled in the Pocono Mountains. It's the perfect place for those who want to be close enough to outdoor adventures, like hiking and skiing, but also want their own slice of peace.

The downtown area is quite charming, with several small stores, a farmer's market, and antique shops, but it is also home to some fantastic small restaurants and coffee shops.

Population: 4,813

Cost of living: $34,000

The town of Luray is the quintessential small community. It sits on Lake Arrowhead, offering plenty of fun water activities, and is just a short drive from Shenandoah National Park.

Though the summers can get a bit busier, thanks to tourists who come to explore the Luray Caverns and the Appalachian Trail, it's still quite a small, peaceful place to live.

Population: 214

Cost of living: $30,800

When you say small, how about choosing a city to retire in that is home to just a couple of hundred people? Dillsboro has much to offer, even as a small community, including 100-year-old buildings, small shops, and a few artisan restaurants and coffee houses.

It's also a charmingly artistic community, hosting events throughout the year that draw tourists and nearby residents. Spend your days hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or head to Asheville for more modern shopping.

Population: 25,329

Cost of living: $51,600

If cold weather doesn't bother you, consider retiring in Mequon, a small town located just outside of Milwaukee on Lake Michigan. There are dozens of parks nearby, several golf courses, numerous fishing and boating opportunities, and a farmers' market.

The city also has locally owned shops and restaurants. There's a strong Lions Club presence and many smaller community organizations if you want community activity.

Population: 46,316

Cost of living: $39,600

Greer has seen some growth in recent years but still has a small-town feel, thanks to the various community events it hosts, including a farmer's market, festivals, and lots of holiday-themed programs. Greer has dozens of local parks and is close to lakes and parks for weekend trips.

The city is a short drive to the Greenville-Spartanburg airport and an Amtrak station. Or you can drive to Charlotte in less than two hours.

Choosing the wrong place to retire is one of the more common ways retirees can get into financial trouble. But you can stop throwing money away if you spend time planning ahead.

There's no need to retire in the big city or to deal with the noise of endless suburbia. Why not plan a retirement that's focused on a quiet, higher quality of life? Any of these locations could be a good option. Don't forget to consider international retirement destinations as well.