Surround yourself with rolling hills and beautiful sunsets when you retire to Kentucky, the Bluegrass State. Kentucky is an affordable and beautiful state for retirees who want to enjoy a tranquil lifestyle and reconnect with nature.
NewHomeSource is highlighting the top 10 cities for retirees in Kentucky. We want to make it easy for you to find the perfect community for your dream retirement in Kentucky — and find the perfect new retirement home! And don’t forget to cross-reference this list with our list of safest Kentucky cities to make sure you’re moving to your ideal city.
Top 10 Cities to Retire in Kentucky
1. Middlesboro
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.4%
Median Home Value: $91,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 24
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 366
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 4
Enjoy a scenic retirement when you make your home in the heart of the Cumberland Gap. Middlesboro, KY gives outdoorsy adults plenty of ways to stay healthy and enjoy Mother Nature. From hiking up to the Tri-State Peak to spending the day boating on the beautiful Fern Lake, you’ll always have something to do in Middlesboro.
2. Mayfield
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.3%
Median Home Value: $100,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 51
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 467
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 4
Mayfield is a delightful community in Western Kentucky, in the southern part of the state. Retirees looking to enjoy a peaceful and affordable retirement can live a laid back and serene life in this cozy town without worrying about busting their budget.
3. Ashland
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.3%
Median Home Value: $102,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 73
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 813
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 6
Sitting on the shores of the Ohio River is Ashland, KY, a great city to call home during your retirement. This safe and affordable city has a fun culture, so be sure to visit the historic Camayo Arcade and the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center. Ashland’s Central Park has great walking trails for nature lovers.
4. Shively
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.8%
Median Home Value: $107,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 54
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 533
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 7
Shively is a thriving Louisville suburb that is about a 15-minute drive from famous Churchill Downs. Most of the residents have Derby Fever year-round, not just on the first Saturday in May when thoroughbreds run for the roses. This great community allows you to sample Derby City’s funky culture and skip the constant noise and high price tags that come with living in an urban hub.
5. Covington
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.4%
Median Home Value: $111,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 188
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,176
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 18
Covington, KY lets retirees enjoy an exciting urban retirement, while still providing you with a peaceful and serene place to call home. Covington’s great placement as a Cincinnati suburb gives active adults a private community, without sacrificing urban entertainment and amenities.
6. Owensboro
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.5%
Median Home Value: $113,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 135
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,432
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
Retirees looking to invest in a fun urban retirement should consider living in Owensboro, KY. This lovely city on the banks of the Ohio River has many local parks, so you can stay healthy and enjoy nature. Owensboro also has a thriving culture of museums – like the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum – so you can enjoy the great indoors, too!
7. Hopkinsville
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.4%
Median Home Value: $116,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 90
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,084
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
Just because you’re retired, doesn’t mean you have to be boring. When you make your home in Hopkinsville, you can stay active and enjoy a fun rural retirement. Nature lovers can go hiking in Jeffer’s Bend Recreation Area. The Casey Jones Distillery is a great way for active adults to take a walk on the wild side.
8. Somerset
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.1%
Median Home Value: $118,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 35
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 258
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
Near the shores of the Cumberland River lies Somerset, KY, a funky community that is perfect for retirees who want to enjoy a fun lifestyle. General Burnside State Park is a lush river island that gives you plenty of opportunities to enjoy boating, swimming, and hiking. If you want to explore an eccentric vibe and learn more about things that go bump in the night, you will want to visit the International Paranormal Museum and Research Center – if you dare.
9. Paducah
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.5%
Median Home Value: $118,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 71
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,306
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 3
Paducah is nestled along the Ohio River and Kentucky-Illinois border. The city is known for supporting both performing and visual arts, so those with a creative disposition will love retiring here. Called “Quilt City USA”, Paducah has a long history of quilting, and the Quilt Museum attracts visitors from across the globe. Here you can immerse yourself in exhibits and learn techniques from the experts. You will want to carve out time to attend a workshop or the annual quilting events.
10. Henderson
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.6%
Median Home Value: $120,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 81
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 747
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 4
Henderson is located along the Ohio River, near the intersection of the Kentucky-Indiana borders. Notable attractions here include John James Audubon State Park, OVAL Gallery, and the annual barbecue and blues festival. Stroll along the historic downtown streets of Henderson and sit a spell at a café and enjoy a meal of freshly caught fish.
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Common Questions About Retiring in Kentucky
Yes Kentucky is a tax friendly state for retirees. Social Security income is not taxed and income from other retirement income like pensions, 401(k)s, and IRAs are exempt from taxes up to $31,110 per person.
| City Name | People Over 65 | Violent Crimes | Property Crimes | Access to Doctors | Median Home Price |
| Middlesboro | 17.4% | 24 | 366 | 4 | $91,500 |
| Mayfield | 16.3% | 51 | 467 | 4 | $100,200 |
| Ashland | 18.3% | 73 | 813 | 6 | $102,800 |
| Shively | 16.8% | 54 | 533 | 7 | $107,000 |
| Covington | 12.4% | 188 | 1,176 | 18 | $111,500 |
| Owensboro | 17.5% | 135 | 2,432 | 2 | $113,400 |
| Hopkinsville | 16.4% | 90 | 1,084 | 2 | $116,600 |
| Somerset | 19.1% | 35 | 258 | 2 | $118,800 |
| Paducah | 19.5% | 71 | 1,306 | 3 | $118,400 |
| Henderson | 17.6% | 81 | 747 | 4 | $120,700 |
| Glasgow | 20.9% | 26 | 433 | 2 | $121,600 |
| Bardstown | 14.6% | 15 | 348 | 4 | $123,500 |
| Madisonville | 17.4% | 30 | 294 | 2 | $125,000 |
| Winchester | 16.7% | 45 | 826 | 9 | $128,200 |
| Radcliff | 13.0% | 68 | 812 | 3 | $129,100 |
| Lawrenceburg | 12.9% | 4 | 123 | 7 | $131,100 |
| Frankfort | 16.1% | 96 | 1,013 | 6 | $130,900 |
| Erlanger | 14.5% | 16 | 156 | 15 | $136,100 |
| Berea | 13.2% | 26 | 229 | 2 | $139,300 |
| Newport | 13.8% | 37 | 547 | 18 | $144,000 |
Access to Doctors is calculated by finding the number of hospitals, discounting children’s hospitals and VA hospitals within one mile of the city.
Other Kentucky Resources
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
Why Americans Are Leaning Toward Smaller Homes