Best Places to Retire in the Midwest in 2026, Ranked by What Retirees Value Most

The Motley Fool analyzed every U.S. county using primary and secondary data, including survey insights from 2,000 retired Americans, to identify the best retirement locations in the Midwest

By Christy Bieber – Updated Jan 21, 2026 at 11:34 AM EST | Fact-checked by Jack Caporal

Key Points

Retiree preferences on housing, healthcare, and quality of life determine best retirement spots.
Midwestern cities ranked based on affordable living and access to recreational activities.
Cleveland tops the list, with its low cost of living, cultural venues, and public transport options.

What's the best place to retire? To answer that question, The Motley Fool surveyed 2,000 retired Americans to understand what matters most in retirement and used those insights to rank the best places to retire across the United States.

Based on the survey results, The Motley Fool identified seven key retirement factors and weighted each according to retiree preferences: quality of life (31%), healthcare access and quality (15%), housing affordability (13%), crime and safety (12%), weather and climate (12%), state and local taxes (11%), and non-housing affordability (6%). These weightings were applied to secondary data from eight public and institutional datasets to calculate a final retirement score for every U.S. county, reflecting real retiree needs and preferences rather than assumptions about where people “should” retire. Counties were excluded if their population was below 40,000, their quality-of-life score was below 35, or their housing affordability score was below 35. The full methodology and data sources are available at the end of the report.

The Motley Fool’s Best Places to Retire list reflects what retirees value most on average, but there’s no single “right” retirement destination for everyone. The best place to retire depends on personal priorities and expected retirement income. For some, that means keeping costs low so that savings and investments in their retirement accounts go further. Others may place more weight on access to amenities or choosing a more expensive location with great weather.

With that in mind, here's The Motley Fool’s Best Places to Retire in the Midwest list.

The Best Places to Retire in the Midwest

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1. Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Cleveland is an affordable city that's rich in culture and history, with a low cost of living and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Pros: Low cost of living and affordable housing in attractive neighborhoods, including Lakewood, Ohio City, and Tremont; Edgewater Park offers lakefront recreation, while the "Emerald Necklace” trail system is great for hikers; the greater Cleveland RTA rail and bus system provide public transport options to reduce car dependence; and cultural institutions including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Cleveland Museum of Art offer opportunities for cultural enrichment.
Cons: City and state income taxes impose a higher burden on retirees than some other Sun Belt destinations; housing stock is older, so more renovations may be required; and winters can be very cold and snowy.

2. Saint Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota

Saint Paul is the quieter of the Twin Cities, but it offers plenty of cultural enrichment opportunities as well as riverfront parks and attractive neighborhoods to enjoy.

Pros: Extensive park and trail network, including Como Park, Indian Mounds Regional Park, and the Mississippi National Rivers and Recreation Area; Saint Paul Public Library system offers community programs for seniors; many historic neighborhoods; cultural amenities including the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts; a very low cost of living; and good local healthcare options, including Regions Hospital and United Hospital, although overall healthcare outcomes are subpar.
Cons: Taxes are above average, including high property taxes; housing costs are on the rise in many of the most in-demand neighborhoods; and the winters can be cold and snowy.

3. Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

Great Lakes scenery and historic breweries are Milwaukee's biggest claims to fame, but the walkable city also offers unique attractions like the Harley-Davidson Museum.

Pros: Veterans Park, Bradford Beach, and Oak Leaf Trail offer opportunities for lakefront fun; Summerfest and other festivals throughout the year create a vibrant community atmosphere; the cost of living is below the national average; and there are walkable historic districts, including the East Side, Bay View, and Third Ward.
Cons: High crime in some areas, especially the North Side; limited options for public transportation; many homes are older and may require more investments in repairs; and the winters are very cold with snowy and windy conditions, including lake-effect snow.

4. Lapeer, Lapeer County, Michigan

Lapeer provides urban/suburban living with low housing costs, access to affordable housing, and a historic downtown.

Pros: Housing costs and overall costs of living are lower than in many other metro areas in Michigan; classic small town feel but with some historic downtown shops and restaurants to enjoy; and Lapeer State Game area and Hunters Creek Park provide plenty of outdoor recreational activities.
Cons: Getting specialty medical care may require a trip to Detroit; limited public transportation means you'll be car dependent; shopping and dining options are fewer than in more major cities; and the winters can be very cold, with rural snow removal sometimes slow.

5. Lorain, Lorain County, Ohio

Lorain has a strong industrial heritage and an enviable location along Lake Erie and offers quick access to Cleveland for an abundance of recreational opportunities.

Pros: Lakefront housing options with low prices; Lakeview Park and Lorain Harbor offer waterfront recreational opportunities; Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital offers local healthcare; the cost of living is below that of metro Cleveland; and some nearby areas offer many options for shopping and dining, including Westlake, Avon, and Elyria, each of which is just a short drive away.
Cons: Industrial history means there are some areas of urban blight; limited access to public transportation; fewer local opportunities for dining, culture, and retail without visiting a larger city; and expect winter weather for the area, including lake-effect snow.

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6. Chicago, Cook County, Illinois

Chicago is one of the most vibrant cities in the Midwest, with many iconic cultural institutions to enjoy, as well as waterfront recreation and lifelong learning opportunities at major universities.

Pros: Unmatched cultural enrichment opportunities, including the Field Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago; world-class healthcare at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the University of Chicago Medical Center; plentiful dining, shopping, and retail opportunities; and lakefront recreation at Millennium Park, the Chicago Lakefront Trail, and Lincoln Park.
Cons: High taxes; above-average crime in some neighborhoods, although countywide rates are manageable; city fees can be high; parking can be difficult and expensive; tourists can cause overcrowding; and winters are harsh with windy lake conditions.

7. Port Huron, St. Clair County, Michigan

Port Huron offers the classic comfort of small-town life, with affordable housing and scenic trails, but also adds waterfront attractions and a strong maritime history.

Pros: Blue Water Bridge, Lighthouse Beach, and Lakeside Park provide waterfront recreational opportunities; Port Huron Museum and Huron Lightship Museum showcase maritime history; housing prices are below those of other metro areas in Michigan; downtown is walkable and offers scenic river views, and local healthcare is available at McLaren Port Huron Hospital.
Cons: More limited shopping and cultural amenities compared with larger cities; limited access to public transportation; seasonal tourism can lead to large crowds; and the winter is cold, with the potential for snow.

8. Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana

Fort Wayne's downtown revitalization has provided an abundance of new amenities, including retail and dining, to complement cultural institutions like the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.

Pros: Low cost of living; affordable housing; access to cultural enrichment at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art and Embassy Theatre; riverfront amenities like Promenade Park, Headwaters Park, and Rivergreenway Trail offer outdoor recreational activities; and Fort Wayne International Airport offers over a dozen nonstop destinations and connections worldwide to make travel easy.
Cons: Limited public transportation options; higher crime rates in certain areas, though countywide rates are low; lacks the variety of amenities that larger cities offer; and the weather isn't great, with humid summers and harsh winters.

9. Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota

Minneapolis has something for everyone, from the Walker Art Center for culture aficionados to Lake Harriet, Minnehaha Falls, and an abundance of other urban lakes and parks for outdoor lovers.

Pros: Many options for outdoor recreational activity; light rail access via the Blue Line connects you to St. Paul and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport via public transportation for easy travel; many cultural amenities, retail establishments, and dining options; and a walkable and bikeable urban layout.
Cons: Higher taxes than many retirement destinations in the Sun Belt; subpar overall health outcomes for the county; congested traffic conditions on major roadways; above-average crime in some areas of the city, though countywide rates are manageable; and winters that are long, snowy, and cold.

10. Grand Forks County, North Dakota

The University of North Dakota enriches life in Grand Forks County, providing ample access to cultural opportunities and fostering strong civic engagement in this affordable area.

Pros: Affordable housing, extremely low average cost of living; low crime; Chester Fritz Auditorium and the North Dakota Museum of Art offer cultural enrichment opportunities; Riverside Park and the Greenway Trail system provide outdoor recreational opportunities; and the University of North Dakota anchors a vibrant and engaged community.
Cons: Limited travel options at Grand Forks International Airport; fewer local healthcare options, especially for specialists; car-dependent layout with limited public transportation; flood risk due to the Red River; and harsh winter weather, including extreme cold and a high blizzard risk.

11. Oakland County, Michigan

Oakland County offers an easy drive to Detroit but with a much more suburban environment that includes parks and lakes as well as local upscale shopping and dining options.

Pros: Shopping and dining opportunities; outdoor recreational opportunities at Kensington Metropark, Independence Oaks, and the Bloomfield area lakes; very low cost of living and manageable taxes; low crime rates relative to state and national rates; and easy access to Detroit for shopping, art museums, theater, and healthcare services.
Cons: Housing costs are high in the most in-demand suburbs, traffic can be very heavy on I-75; limited public transportation and a car-dependent lifestyle; higher-than-average property taxes; and cold winters.

12. Wood County, Ohio

Wood County offers small-town charm, a college-town feel thanks to Bowling Green State University, and access to healthcare and other amenities a short drive away in Toledo.

Pros: Many cultural events connected to the university, including lectures and events at the BGSU Wolfe Center for the Arts; outdoor recreation at W.W. Knight Preserve and Wintergarden Woods; and a very low cost of living.
Cons: Minimal public transportation leads to high dependence on cars; fewer museums and cultural options than other major cities; a small employment base limits public tax revenue and public services; and the winter brings cold weather and potential for snow.

13. Johnson County, Missouri

Johnson County is home to the University of Central Missouri, which provides options for lifelong learning and cultural enrichment.

Pros: The University of Central Missouri offers cultural and academic events; many community events in the Johnson County area occur each year, including local festivals; outdoor recreational activities are plentiful at Cave Hollow Park and Lion’s Lake; and a low cost of living, including affordable housing costs.
Cons: Limited access to specialty healthcare locally; car-dependent lifestyle with limited public transportation; crime rates are relatively high; fewer major theatres and museums compared to a larger city; summers are hot and winters are cold.

14. Aurora, DuPage County, Illinois

A revitalized downtown in the affordable suburb of Aurora means you don't have to visit nearby Chicago to enjoy dining, cultural activities, and recreation.

Pros: Paramount Theatre, Aurora Regional Fire Museum, and the SciTech Hands-On Museum offer cultural enrichment opportunities; cost of living and housing expenses are lower than in many Chicago suburbs, although not below the national average; RiverEdge Park, Phillips Park, and Fox River Trail offer opportunities for outdoor recreation; and commuter rail access to downtown Chicago is available via Metra BNSF lines.
Cons: High traffic on local roads, including I-88; countywide healthcare outcomes are lacking; high property taxes compared to other retirement locations; public transportation is available only in the downtown area; and accessing plentiful retail, dining, and cultural opportunities requires a visit to Chicago.

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Methodology

How The Motley Fool Identified the Best Places to Retire in America

Choosing where to retire is a deeply personal decision, but retirees consistently prioritize a few key needs: affordability, safety, access to healthcare, and quality of life.

The Motley Fool’s Best Places to Retire Index combines secondary data about each location with primary data on what retired Americans say matters most when picking where to live.

This hybrid approach creates a ranking that is both data driven and human centered – a methodology built by retirees for retirees.

Survey-Informed Weights

The Motley Fool surveyed 2,000 retired Americans aged 55 and above in December 2025 via Pollfish and employed a constant-sum approach (100 points), allowing respondents to clearly allocate points across the factors that mattered most to them when choosing a place to retire. Their average point allocations formed the weights given to scores for each retirement-location factor.

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Ranking	Retirement Factor	Weight (%)
1	Healthcare access & quality	14.47
2	Housing affordability	13.10
3	Crime & safety	12.13
4	Weather & climate comfort	11.56
5	Taxes (state + local burden)	11.45
6	Nonhousing affordability (everyday expenses)	5.93

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Ranking	Quality of Life	Weight (%)
	Total	31.35
1	Restaurant options	6.48
2	Walkability	5.49
3	Access to outdoor recreation	5.45
4	Access to retirement communities	4.14
5	Arts & entertainment options	3.77
6	Proximity to an airport	3.11
7	Public transit access	2.91

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Final scores reflect what retirees value most, not what we assume they value.

Survey Method Details

Survey was conducted online on Dec. 2, 2025, via Pollfish.
Survey respondents were U.S. retirees 55 years and older.
Survey results were post-stratified to reflect nationally representative data based on age and gender.
Pollfish employs organic random device engagement sampling, a statistical method that recruits respondents through a randomized invitation process across various digital platforms. This technique helps to minimize selection bias and ensure a diverse participant pool.

How Each Factor Was Scored

Scores were computed at both the county and state levels. All data were normalized on a min–max scale before applying survey weights.

Each factor below includes the justification readers care about most: why it matters to retirees.

Healthcare Access & Quality

Why it matters: Aging well requires reliable care, specialists, and strong healthcare outcomes. Healthcare outcomes measure whether people get healthier, live longer, and maintain a good quality of life.
Sources:

University of Wisconsin County Health Rankings (local outcomes & access)
United Health Foundation’s 2025 Senior Report (state-level system performance)

Housing Affordability

Why it matters: Home costs are the No. 1 expense in retirement and drive relocation decisions.
Source: Zillow Home Value Index (October 2025)

Nonhousing Affordability

Why it matters: Day-to-day expenses – food, transportation, utilities – determine how far savings stretch.
Source: Economic Policy Institute Family Budget Calculator

Taxes

Why it matters: State and local tax burdens directly affect retirement income sustainability.
Sources:

Tax Foundation (effective tax burden)
EPI Family Budget Calculator (county-level effective rates)

Weather & Climate Comfort

Why it matters: Retirees seek comfortable climates that support year-round activity.
Source: NOAA NCEI temperature & precipitation averages (2020–2025)

Crime & Safety

Why it matters: Personal safety ranks as a top emotional and financial priority.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer – violent, property, and social offense rates

Quality-of-Life Components

Retirement isn’t only about saving money, it’s about living well.

We measured features that enable connection, mobility, recreation, and fulfilling lifestyles:

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Component	Why It Matters	Source
Restaurant options	Local culture, social connection	Census County Business Patterns NAICS 722
Arts & entertainment	Enrichment & active lifestyles	Census County Business Patterns NAICS 71
Walkability	Independent mobility, aging-in-place	EPA National Walkability Index
Public transit access	Car-free access to essentials	EPA Transit Accessibility Tool
Access to outdoor recreation	Active aging & well-being	CDC NEPHTN
Access to retirement communities	Supportive aging options	Census County Business Patterns NAICS 6233
Proximity to airport	Travel access to family/friends	USDOT County Transportation Profiles

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Data sets were spatially aligned to counties and aggregated to states when necessary for consistency and national comparison.

Counties with a quality-of-life score below 35 were excluded.

Counties with a population of less than 40,000 were excluded.

About the Author

Christy Bieber is a contributing Motley Fool retirement and Social Security expert covering retirement planning, 401(k)s, IRAs, and other personal finance topics. Christy has written about finance since 2008 and previously taught business courses at Bryant & Stratton College. She holds a law degree from UCLA and a bachelor’s degree in English, media, and communication with a certificate in business management from the University of Rochester. In law school, she earned three CALI Awards for Excellence for the highest scores in civil procedure and contract law exams.

TMFChristyB

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The Best Places to Retire in the Midwest in 2026, Ranked by What Retirees Value Most

The Motley Fool analyzed every U.S. county using primary and secondary data, including survey insights from 2,000 retired Americans, to identify the best retirement locations in the Midwest

Key Points