If you’re looking for peaceful living in your golden years, check out Iowa; the Hawkeye State is packed with natural beauty. Iowa has many cities located along the Mississippi River and its tight-knit communities are fueled by spirited state fairs and community events. NewHomeSource.com has found the top 10 cities to retire in Iowa, making it easy to find the ideal retirement destination and perfect new home for your new life.
1. Marion
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.9%
Median Home Value: $67,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 68
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 519
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
Our top pick for Iowa retirement is none other than the city of Marion. This Cedar Rapids Metropolitan city has experienced rapid growth in the past 20 years, making it a bustling, vibrant place to call home. Marion is a hub of historical sights, sports fields, and arts centers, allowing you to experience a little bit of everything.
2. Ottumwa
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.9%
Median Home Value: $74,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 134
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,009
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1
Ottumwa is a north-central city split by the Des Moines River. The city is known for its diversity in population, restaurants, and activities. Spend a day playing mini-golf or cooling down at the famous water park, Beach Ottumwa.
3. Fort Madison
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.8%
Median Home Value: $81,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 69
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 205
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 3
A city of 10,500 residents, Fort Madison sits along the Mississippi River and Iowa-Illinois border and is named after a historic 1800s fort. Here, folks can step back in time and visit the old riverside establishment. You can savor a drink with family and friends at Lost Duck Brewing Company, enjoy a leisurely walk in one of the many parks, and sample a diverse menu at local restaurants.
4. Keokuk
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.8%
Median Home Value: $81,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 84
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 524
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
Iowa’s southernmost city of Keokuk is one of the best places to retire in the state. Known as the Geode Capital of the World, Keokuk is home to one of the most diverse, abundant collections of geodes around; the city even holds an annual festival in honor of the geodes. Historical sights encompass the city – an old theatre, the Miller House Museum, and Veterans Memorial Park.
5. Burlington
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.3%
Median Home Value: $93,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 214
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 792
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
Burlington is another lively city located along the Mississippi River. Retirees here can stroll through the shop-lined downtown streets, play golf at one of the courses, or try their luck at a casino. The multiple picturesque parks scattered across the city means you have your choice of where to go for your morning walk.
6. Fort Dodge
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.2%
Median Home Value: $93,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 101
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 724
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1
Located in northern Iowa, Fort Dodge is a welcoming community of over 25,000 residents and plenty of activities. When you live in Fort Dodge, you will be close to museums, golf courses, and parks – including a natural amphitheater. A local favorite is the family-owned Community Orchard, which includes a mouth-watering bakery and a shop.
7. Marshalltown
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18%
Median Home Value: $94,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 105
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 674
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
There’s a lot to love about Marshalltown. Fans of the arts will love the community theaters and art gallery, and outdoors enthusiasts will enjoy walking the trails along the Iowa River that snake along the city’s northern border. Work up a sweat at the aquatic center and cool down at the local brewery; no matter what you choose, you’re bound to have fun in Marshalltown.
8. Oskaloosa
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.7%
Median Home Value: $96,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 54
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 204
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1
Oskaloosa has grown from a small coal-mining town to a close-knit suburban city. Retirees can look forward to several annual community events, ranging from art festivals to a Christmas parade. There are parks galore, giving you ample opportunity to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy some fresh air. A fan of golf? You will love having three golf courses in your city.
9. Muscatine
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15%
Median Home Value: $110,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 47
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 320
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
Muscatine is a Mississippi River community with a little bit of everything. Art galleries, museums, breweries, sports complexes – you name it, Muscatine’s got it all. The city hosts multiple annual community events, allowing you to experience diverse entertainment; from film festivals to a Founder’s Day parade, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to engage with members of your community and have fun.
10. Clinton
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.8%
Median Home Value: $111,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 77
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 911
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1
Finishing up our list is Clinton, a city that offers a wealth of activities, including a casino, an arboretum, and several riverside parks. There’s small-town charm everywhere you go, accented by local craft shops and live theater. Be sure to check out Eagle Point Park, which features a mini castle that overlooks the river.
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.
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.
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