Wisconsin has more to offer retirees than delectable cheese and Green Bay Packers games, although who wouldn’t like that? Thanks to its exquisite lakes and forest, this iconic state makes it easy to reconnect with nature during your retirement. The cherry on top is the presence of all four seasons. Urban retirees will love Milwaukee and Madison’s exciting cultures.
NewHomeSource has rounded up the top 10 cities for retirees in Wisconsin. Explore these amazing communities in Wisconsin to find the perfect place for your ideal retirement lifestyle.
Top 10 Cities to Retire in Wisconsin
1. Merrill
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.4%
Median Home Value: $106,118
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 2.25
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 21.85
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 100
Merrill is a peaceful community in Central Wisconsin, sitting on the banks of the Wisconsin River. Retirees looking to kick back and relax during their golden years will love Merrill’s tranquil scenery and incredibly low cost of living.
2. Columbus
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.4%
Median Home Value: $108,953
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 11.60
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 28.50
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 102
Columbus is a delightful small town just a short drive away from Madison, WI. This historic community combines a beautiful natural setting that delivers the best the Midwest has to offer. Retirees can enjoy the day at Lazy Lake fishing, hiking, or just having a picnic. You can take advantage of a close knit community and a slowed down pace of life when you retire to Columbus.
3. Rhinelander
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.9%
Median Home Value: $112,908
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 1.69
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 13.48
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 366
You’ll love retired life in Rhinelander. This beautiful community in the heart of the Great Lakes gives you a wonderful life. Who wouldn’t love easy access to the lakes, a quaint downtown, and fun shopping? The The Briar House, Mel’s Trading Post, and Rouman Cinema are fun places to shop and visit in the heart of the town. Fourth Floral and ArtStart are also fun places to explore in Rhinelander.
4. Antigo
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 21.5%
Median Home Value: $117,481
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 1.87
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 21.23
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 146
Antigo has a fun take on the Wisconsin Cheese-head stereotype by being the region’s largest producer of Italian cheese! Retirees can enjoy tasty treats and a beautiful home when they make their home in Antigo. Lake Antigo offers beautiful dining opportunities as picturesque as the local hiking. The Langlade County Historical Museum is a great place to visit to learn about your new home!
5. Bristol
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.4%
Median Home Value: $119,861
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 6.90
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 18.10
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 360
Bristol, WI is the perfect place for retirees who aren’t in the mood to be boring! This Chicago suburb on the shores of Lake Michigan gives residents easy access to the benefits of city living without the price tag or noise. You can also enjoy lakeside living in Bristol, as well as getting to enjoy a quaint hometown.
6. Mayville
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.6%
Median Home Value: $139,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 10.60
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 23.80
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 109
Mayville is a charming town in rural Wisconsin, perfect for retirees that want to live in a close knit community that offers exciting entertainment. The Mayville Historical Society and the Mayville Limestone School Museum let you explore your new home’s history. Enjoy the great outdoors at Mayville Park Pavilion.
7. Marinette
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.7
Median Home Value: $139,684
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 4.16
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 17.56
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 132
Who says lakefront living has to be expensive? Marinette is an unbelievably affordable town on the shores of Green Bay that makes it easy for active adults to live a life they adore at a price they can afford. When you retire to Mariette, you can spend your days on the beach or exploring the many surrounding parks.
8. Berlin
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.6%
Median Home Value: $142,314
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 1.43
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 9.80
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 170
Are you ready to take time to smell the roses during your retirement? If so, Berlin (not the one in Germany) is the perfect Wisconsin town for you. This close knit community has a charming historic downtown that you can explore during your newfound free time. You’ll love getting to spend your time with your loved ones in Berlin.
9. Rothschild
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.3%
Median Home Value: $148,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 10.70
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 30.60
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 258
If you’re hoping to get out and get active during your retirement, you will love life in Rothschild, WI. Numerous local parks let you enjoy all four seasons of the Midwest, giving you easy access to hiking, skiing, fishing, and more! Rib Mountain State Park, Granite Peak Ski Area, and Nine Mile Forest are just a few of the parks you can visit in Rothschild.
10. Shawano
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.3%
Median Home Value: $150,561
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 2.70
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 23.26
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 80
Shawano is a great place to live if you love nature. Retiring in Shawano gives you access to some of the most beautiful lakes in the state, and some of the best hiking in the Midwest! If you want to learn more about your new hometown, the Shawano County Historical Society is the perfect place to meet new friends, engage with your community, and expand your horizons.
Common Questions About Retiring in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is not a tax friendly state for retirees. Income from pensions and annuities, and distributions from IRAs and 401(k) plans are taxable.
People over the age of 65 can claim an additional $250 personal exemption deduction from their property taxes.
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 Wisconsin Resources
Drew Port is a writer for NewHomeSource. She writes on the homebuying process, as well as informing readers on homeownership.
David lee
How good is Sheboygan Falls m wi. For retirees