7 Affordable Towns Where Retirees Can Ditch Their Cars

Imagine strolling to a nearby cafe for your morning coffee. Or running daily errands on two wheels instead of four. If this sounds appealing, retiring to a walkable city might be ideal for you.

Walkable cities can make everyday life easier and help retirees stay engaged and connected. Walkability reduces the need to own and maintain a car, which can save thousands of dollars annually. It also makes daily routines more convenient, encourages physical activity, and reduces environmental impact. If you're planning for retirement, take a look at these walkable cities where staying active and engaged are achievable and affordable.

Unless otherwise noted, all rent payments were pulled from Apartments.com and all sales prices were pulled from Realtor.com.

Monthly rent payment: $1,254

Median sale price: $325,000

The Scenic City isn't just blessed with great outdoors and a subtropical climate — Chattanooga is highly walkable and bike-friendly. In recent years, the city has made a concerted effort to increase bike lanes and pedestrian safety.

Many condos and townhomes are located downtown and in the Southside district, within walking distance of many entertainment venues, restaurants, parks, and shopping. The Northshore district is also conducive to life on foot or bike. For errands that are a little bit further away, bicycles and electric bikes are welcome.

Monthly rent payment: $1,182

Median sale price: $230,000

Buffalo is an underrated gem for retirees looking to go carless without sacrificing mobility. The city's walkable neighborhoods — like charming Elmwood Village and Allentown — offer convenient access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Downtown Buffalo features pedestrian-friendly commercial areas and public spaces that make staying active easy.

Additionally, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) provides reliable public transit across the city via buses and a light rail system. In the warmer months, Buffalo becomes especially bike-friendly, with designated lanes in popular areas and plenty of bike-specific parking.

Monthly rent payment: $1,710

Median sale price: $670,400

This Atlanta suburb is gaining attention as a small city on the rise, and for good reason. With a growing network of sidewalks and trails, including the popular Alpha Loop and the Big Creek Greenway, Alpharetta offers retirees an easy way to stay active without a car.

The Alpha Loop connects the charming Downtown area to Avalon, a walkable luxury development filled with restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. The city also boasts access to top-tier healthcare in Atlanta, making it both a practical and vibrant place to settle in retirement.

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Monthly rent payment: $1,411

Median sale price: $449,500

Eugene offers retirees a balance of livability and mobility, with a focus on walkability, bikeability, and public transit. While the overall cost of living is slightly above the national average, many residents find that living car-free helps offset that expense.

The city also embraces the concept of "20-minute living," which means essentials like groceries, healthcare, and recreation should be accessible within a 20-minute walk. A reliable bus system and well-connected bike lanes make getting around simple, encouraging a lifestyle that's both active and environmentally friendly.

Monthly rent payment: $1,471

Median sale price: $410,000

If a bicycle is your preferred method of transportation, Madison is a standout option. Consistently ranked as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, Madison features a high density of bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and a compact layout that makes walking and cycling practical and safe.

The presence of the University of Wisconsin — a Platinum-level Bike Friendly University — adds to the city's vibrant, accessible atmosphere. With a median home price near the national average and a growing retiree population, Madison offers a healthy balance of affordability, activity, and small-city charm.

Monthly rent payment: $2,112

Median sale price: $308,000

This northeastern college town offers retirees a walkable lifestyle with a strong cultural heartbeat, thanks to its proximity to Yale University. The downtown area is easy to navigate on foot and packed with shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the picturesque New Haven Green. Being near a university campus also means access to lectures, performances, and museums, making it ideal for retirees who want to stay intellectually and socially engaged.

While rental costs are above the national average, the housing market remains relatively affordable — though prices are rising, making now a potentially smart time to buy.

Monthly rent payment: $795

Median sale price: $149,600

With 15.5% of its population aged 65 and older, Toledo offers a supportive environment for aging adults, along with a wide range of healthcare options. Efforts to improve walkability and bikeability are underway, and the city already features plenty of parks, outdoor spaces, and cultural attractions like the Toledo Zoo and Museum of Art.

Proximity to Lake Erie adds opportunities for recreation. With both rent and home prices well below national averages, Toledo makes it easy to stretch a retirement budget without sacrificing quality of life.

If you're aiming for a stress-free retirement, moving to a walkable city can be a practical step in the right direction. Whether you're drawn to the charm of a historic downtown or the convenience of a connected trail system, these cities offer retirees a chance to enjoy their golden years with less stress and more freedom.

As you plan your next chapter, think about the kind of living arrangements that suit you best. Many cities also offer senior living communities where it's easy to build connections and find a sense of belonging.