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Home ยป 55+ ยป The 10 Best Places To Retire in Wisconsin in 2021

The 10 Best Places To Retire in Wisconsin in 2021

Wisconsin welcome sign

Wisconsin has more to offer retirees than delectable cheese and Green Bay Packers games, although who wouldnโ€™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 Madisonโ€™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

Skip Ahead
Top 10 Cities to Retire in Wisconsin
1. Marinette
2. Merrill
3. Beloit
4. Wisconsin Rapids
5. Two Rivers
6. Manitowoc
7. Racine
8. Sheboygan
9. Wausau
10. Superior
Common Questions About Retiring in Wisconsin

1. Marinette

A bridge over a scenic river in Marinette, Wisconsin

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19%

Median Home Value: $83,000

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 9

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 182

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1

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.

2. Merrill

Flowering fruit tree in Merrill, Wisconsin

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.9%

Median Home Value: $84,900

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 19

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 139

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1

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 Merrillโ€™s tranquil scenery and incredibly low cost of living.

3. Beloit

Rustic building with tulips in Beloit, Wisconsin

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.1%

Median Home Value: $87,400

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 171

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 979

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 6

Beloit is a thriving community in Southern Wisconsin that has a fun culture. If you want to spend your retirement exploring exciting art museums, while being surrounded by amazing scenery, you canโ€™t go wrong heading to Beloit for your retirement.

4. Wisconsin Rapids

Scenic view of a river in Wisconsin Rapids

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.6%

Median Home Value: $89,100

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 27

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 599

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2

Wisconsin Rapids is a charming northern city where retirees enjoy a relaxing and inexpensive lifestyle. Wisconsin Rapids serves up plenty of rural vistas, including many lakes and riverfront parks for you to explore. Places like the Wisconsin Rapids Municipal Zoo and the South Wood County Historical Museum ensure that you always have something new to experience.

5. Two Rivers

Kites flown at Two Rivers, Wisconsin

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 21.2%

Median Home Value: $93,100

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 36

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 136

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2

Two Rivers is an affordable lakefront community that gives retirees easy access to all types of fun on and alongside Lake Michigan. Active adults will love to know that adventures await them at every turn including Two Rivers, where they can go hiking, skiing and boating.

6. Manitowoc

Lighthouse in Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.6%

Median Home Value: $104,500

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 71

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 661

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2

Do you want to spend your retirement on a beautiful lake, surrounded by exciting things to do? If the answer is yes, then Manitowoc, WI is the perfect town for your retirement destination. This beautiful town on Lake Michigan has an affordable cost  of living, so you can invest in your quality of life without breaking the bank. 

7. Racine

Marina in Racine, Wisconsin

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.4%

Median Home Value: $108,700

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 291

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 990

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 15

Racine is a charming lakeside town that truly has something for everyone. When you retire to Racine, you get beautiful beaches, exciting museums, and even a zoo! Couch potatoes might feel overwhelmed with life in Racine, but active adults can live a life they love in this fantastic community.

8. Sheboygan

Lighthouse in Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.8%

Median Home Value: $114,500

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 172

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 783

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 3

Sheboygan is a funky community on the shores of Lake Michigan that gives retirees an unbeatable quality of life at an affordable price point, letting you build a home you love in Wisconsin. On days when you donโ€™t feel like spending time on the lake, you can expand your horizons by exploring Sheboyganโ€™s numerous art museums and historical sites.

9. Wausau

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.9%

Median Home Value: $118,300

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 119

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 626

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2

Beautiful parks are sprinkled across the city of Wausau, WI, making it the perfect retirement destination for the outdoorsy type. If you prefer to spend your golden years staying active and healthy, youโ€™ll never run out of new places to explore. Wausau has a low cost of living, making it an even better destination for retirees on a fixed budget.

10. Superior

wisconsin

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.8%

Median Home Value: $120,100

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 76

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,130

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 3

Enjoy lakefront living at its finest when you retire to Superior, Wisconsin. As implied in its name, this beautiful community on the shores of the Great Lakes can take your breath away. Itโ€™s ideal for active adults who donโ€™t want to slow down during their retirement. In the warmer months, the hiking trails may beckon you. And in the winter, take your pick of the ski slopes. In Superior, you will always find abundant activities awaiting you.

Common Questions About Retiring in Wisconsin

Is Wisconsin a tax friendly state for retirees.

Wisconsin is not a tax friendly state for retirees. Income from pensions and annuities, and distributions from IRAs and 401(k) plans are taxable.

Does Wisconsin offer property tax breaks for seniors?

People over the age of 65 can claim an additional $250 personal exemption deduction from their property taxes.

city name people over 65 violent crimes property crimes access to doctors median home price
Appleton 13.40% 212.00 1,088.00 9 $147,800
Milwaukee 10.50% 7,986.00 15,524.00 20 $122,100
Madison 11.60% 940.00 6,473.00 9 $246,300
Green Bay 12.80% 530.00 1,740.00 8 $135,900
Kenosha 12.90% 311.00 1,593.00 11 $152,500
Racine 12.40% 291.00 990.00 15 $108,700
Waukesha 13.60% 67.00 690.00 22 $212,700
Oshkosh 14.10% 195.00 1,097.00 11 $125,000
Eau Claire 14.00% 193.00 1,670.00 8 $155,000
West Allis 15.30% 217.00 1,723.00 21 $146,100
Janesville 16.40% 148.00 1,577.00 7 $142,500
La Crosse 13.80% 122.00 1,914.00 5 $142,500
Sheboygan 15.80% 172.00 783.00 3 $114,500
Wauwatosa 17.00% 62.00 1,335.00 22 $242,800
Fond du Lac 17.10% 134.00 797.00 7 $126,200
Brookfield 22.00% 31.00 691.00 22 $318,800
Wausau 17.90% 119.00 626.00 2 $118,300
New Berlin 21.20% 15.00 432.00 10 $250,300
Beloit 13.10% 171.00 979.00 6 $87,400
Greenfield 20.70% 67.00 903.00 11 $172,300
Manitowoc 20.60% 71.00 661.00 2 $104,500
Franklin 17.20% 16.00 532.00 12 $240,300
Oak Creek 12.60% 49.00 744.00 9 $221,700
West Bend 17.50% 56.00 528.00 5 $169,700
Superior 15.80% 76.00 1,130.00 3 $120,100
Stevens Point 12.40% 41.00 425.00 2 $136,000
Neenah 14.60% 34.00 307.00 4 $136,500
Mequon 23.40% 5.00 241.00 11 $391,700
Watertown 16.40% 46.00 220.00 6 $146,800
Muskego 16.30% 9.00 143.00 12 $281,200
South Milwaukee 16.50% 37.00 369.00 9 $158,500
De Pere 13.60% 38.00 205.00 4 $173,300
Fitchburg 11.60% 86.00 581.00 3 $306,400
Sun Prairie 13.00% 27.00 676.00 3 $226,600
Marshfield 20.40% 12.00 382.00 1 $136,700
Wisconsin Rapids 20.60% 27.00 599.00 2 $89,100
Cudahy 20.30% 25.00 224.00 11 $152,000
Menasha 14.20% 45.00 367.00 4 $129,000
Middleton 15.00% 52.00 276.00 4 $326,100
Beaver Dam 16.50% 25.00 239.00 2 $127,900
Menomonie 10.80% 28.00 350.00 0 $143,200
Onalaska 19.40% 6.00 415.00 2 $189,000
Whitewater 8.50% 25.00 127.00 4 $164,500
Glendale 24.90% 54.00 967.00 12 $216,600
Kaukauna 14.20% 26.00 138.00 3 $139,300
Chippewa Falls 18.40% 26.00 175.00 5 $123,500
Two Rivers 21.20% 36.00 136.00 2 $93,100
River Falls 12.10% 21.00 291.00 3 $185,100
Oconomowoc 15.80% 7.00 133.00 6 $251,200
Stoughton 15.90% 22.00 238.00 5 $202,000
Pewaukee 18.60% 13.00 113.00 12 $295,900
Marinette 19.00% 9.00 182.00 1 $83,000
Fort Atkinson 17.30% 25.00 169.00 3 $156,000
Cedarburg 18.30% 3.00 54.00 8 $296,200
Waupun 14.90% 12.00 92.00 2 $121,000
Hartford 14.90% 17.00 204.00 6 $121,000
Monroe 21.00% 11.00 127.00 1 $128,600
Baraboo 17.30% 24.00 358.00 3 $148,700
Port Washington 15.90% 19.00 73.00 3 $194,300
Merrill 19.90% 19.00 139.00 1 $84,900
city name people over 65 violent crimes property crimes access to doctors median home price

Access to Doctors is calculated by finding the number of hospitals, discounting childrenโ€™s hospitals and VA hospitals within one mile of the city.

Other Wisconsin Resources

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Home in Wisconsin
The Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in Wisconsin
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Wisconsin
Top 10 Safest Cities in Wisconsin
Drew Port

Drew Port is a writer for NewHomeSource. She writes on the homebuying process, as well as informing readers on homeownership.

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