Retirement is the beginning of a new chapter, one that is full of leisure, exploration, and the opportunity to establish a house of one’s own.
For retirees seeking to savor life’s small joys, Iowa’s picturesque scenery—from undulating plains to serene lakes—creates a serene environment.
The state provides a balance of comfort and convenience with its four seasons, affordable cost of living, and hospitable small communities.
These 5 Iowa towns are highly regarded for retirement because they offer access to high-quality healthcare, social events, and outdoor leisure.
Elkader
Retirees seeking a slower pace of life will love this tranquil river village nestled amid northeastern Iowa’s undulating hills.
Seniors can explore antiques at the Turkey River Mall, a former 29-room hotel that is now a retail center, or see the historic Keystone Bridge, a rare stone arch structure that spans the Turkey River.
The magnificently renovated Elkader Opera House hosts plays, concerts, and community activities all year long, while the Motor Mill Historic Site features 19th-century milling for history buffs.
MercyOne Elkader Medical Center provides healthcare, giving seniors peace of mind.
While the Elkader Senior Dining Center brings senior citizens together for meals and socialization, the Elkader Care Center offers both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care.
The oldest continually running grocery shop west of the Mississippi, Wilke’s, has everything you need for everyday life.
Oskaloosa
Retirees can enjoy the outdoors and a tight-knit community in Oskaloosa, an unspoiled town. Events like Art on the Square and the Southern Iowa Fair will make it simple for retirees to get settled and make new friends.
Similar to this, downtown events like the Lighted Christmas Parade in December and the Sweet Corn Serenade in July unite neighbors and offer a wealth of chances to mingle and enjoy small-town life.
Crystal Heights Care Center and Homestead of Oskaloosa are two options for seniors in need of additional support; both provide considerate care in a friendly setting.
As of February 2025, the average property value in Oskaloosa was $167,402, which makes it a desirable option for retirees.
The serene surroundings of Lake Keomah State Park, with its forested trails and placid waters providing a tranquil haven, are ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors.
Oelwein
MercyOne Oelwein Medical Center provides dependable healthcare to Oelwein retirees, guaranteeing that their medical needs are satisfied without having to go far.
Arlington Place at Oelwein is an assisted living community that offers individualized care in a friendly setting for those who need more assistance.
With 21.8% of the population over 65, seniors will have a strong peer network around them. Furthermore, with the average home price of $99,102 as of February 2025, homeownership is still within reach.
The Hub City Heritage Corp. Railway Museum offers an interactive look at old train cars and artifacts to give visitors a view into the town’s railroad heritage.
In a similar vein, City Park, which is 69 acres in size, is a wonderful place for outdoor events, picnics, and leisurely walks.
Seniors can shop locally and make new friends at the farmers’ market, which is open from May to October and fills the town with the aroma of fresh vegetables and handcrafted crafts.
Keokuk
Keokuk’s history and everyday life are shaped by its close ties to the Mississippi River, making it a peaceful yet interesting location to live.
There’s a strong senior community in Keokuk, where 21% of the population is 65 or older. While River Hills Village offers assisted living, Keokuk Area Hospital Home Health offers healthcare.
Keokuk Senior Lofts, which is intended for seniors who desire a sense of community, offers comfort to those seeking independent living. With home values of about $81,308, it’s a reasonably priced area to live by the river.
Rand Park, which spans 57 acres, is ideal for leisurely afternoons spent with loved ones. It has a reflecting pond, picnic spaces, and an outdoor entertainment pavilion.
Visitors can take a trip back in time at the nearby George M. Verity Riverboat Museum, where they can examine a fully restored steam-powered towboat that serves as an intriguing reminder of Keokuk’s history as a river town.
Fort Madison
Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center Fort Madison Campus offers high-quality healthcare to seniors in Fort Madison, while River Valley Place provides assistance to those in need of assisted living.
To help elders be comfortable, Fort Madison Home Care also offers expert in-home care services like meal preparation, personal care support, and housekeeping.
Retirees will be in excellent company, as 21.3% of the population is over 65. With the median home value of $103,597 as of February 2025, homeownership is still a financially sensible choice.
Old Fort Madison, a military stronghold that offers a window into the early 1800s, will appeal to history aficionados.
In the meanwhile, the Sheaffer Pen Museum showcases the town’s background in exquisite writing tools, and the North Lee County Historical Society maintains local heritage through interesting displays.
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