Have you considered a mountain retirement?

A lot of people believe that retirees are all flocking to the beach towns, but have you ever stopped to consider the mountains?

These peak places are all piquing the interest of more and more American retirees, and it would be a shame not to take a peek!

And while they are not truly on a peak, they are all in the heart of the mountains, full of fresh, crisp air and surrounded by nature.

They are the perfect places that are full of everything you may need, from the rugged outdoors and picturesque landscapes, but still holding onto the city style and hustle and bustle that a lot of us have gotten used to.

These mountain cities are the best thing when it comes to being surrounded by nature and basking in the calm that it offers while still living in a city and being able to enjoy all that it brings you in terms of infrastructure and opportunities.

From the Sierras to the Appalachians, we have taken a look at some of the best mountain cities out there that are turning into retirement locations and what makes them the best choice for older adults!

That way you can take a peek at them and then see if they sound like the place for you. Generally speaking, mountain communities are the best if you are into skiing, biking, hiking, fishing, swimming, and even golfing, but the fun does not stop at these activities!

If you want to see how culturally rich and entertaining these perfect retirement mountain destinations are, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive right into them!

Would you consider a retirement in the mountains? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Lake Placid, New York

• Elevation: 1,858 feet
• Located: Adirondack Mountains
• Population (estimated): 2,200 (based on 2020 figures)
• Percentage of older adults (65 and older): 19%

What better place to start than the two-time host of the Winter Olympics? Lake Placid, despite its somewhat famous nature, remains a rustic spirit that blends beautifully and harmonically with modern times.

From swimming and paddling on the lake to winter skiing on the nearby mountain, retirees who choose to make Lake Placid their new home can enjoy all sorts of activities all year round!

Not to mention, you will always be able to feel the Olympic spirit, as it continues to live on at the Lake Placid Legacy Sites.

Visit and be part of the community where, in the Olympic Center back in 1980, the “Miracle on Ice” hockey game took place, and know you have all the time in the world to explore other Olympic sites, like the Olympic Jumping Complex, the Olympic Museum, and Mount Van Hoevenberg.

At some of these sites, you can also get the chance to zipline back into town and admire the state-of-the-art bobsled and skeleton combined track!

The city is also a jewel that still shines, with unique dining choices, amazing shopping spots, and an atmosphere so quaint you will feel at home in no time.

The state of New York does not tax retirement benefits coming from Social Security, and the likes of private pensions and any income from retirement accounts are deductible up to $20,000 on your tax forms, so retirees do not have to worry too much!

Fayetteville, Arkansas

• Elevation: 1,408 feet
• Located: Ozark Mountains, which run through Missouri and northern Arkansas
• Population (estimated): 102,000 (based on 2023 figures)
• Percentage of older adults (65 and older): 9%

Have you always wanted to live in the mountains and also be close to a university town? Then Fayetteville is the best town for you!

While some may be intimidated by this town due to the low percentage of older residents, it is still an amazing modern town, surrounded by nature that will keep your young spirit alive!

The outdoor lovers are going to love this bike city, and they will love the area surrounding the town as it is full of golf, hiking, boating, and fishing opportunities.

Likewise, a little 40-mile trip away, the Razorback Greenway trail (which is mostly paved) connects the Fayetteville Mountain Regional Park to another beautiful city, Bella Vista.

Not to mention, the fact that this is a university town gives it a big attraction point for retirees since they can continue or restart their education. Residents of the state of Arkansas aged 60 and up can enroll in University of Arkansas for credit courses, tuition-free, all based on availability.

Likewise, the on-campus Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers classes to all retirees and older adults who want to enroll in them on various topics from understanding homicide to history!

There’s plenty of culture all around Fayetteville, along with amazing opportunities for nightlife, fine arts and live music, boutique shopping, and, of course, diverse dining delights, just to name a few!

Like New York, Arkansas also does not tax Social Security benefits, and they also excuse the first $6,000 of a retiree’s income from IRA distributions or pensions from being taxed.

Spokane, Washington

• Elevation: 1,903 feet
• Located: at the intersection between North Cascade Range to the west and the Selkirk Mountains
• Population (estimated): 229,000 (based on 2023 figures)
• Percentage of older adults (65 and older): 16%

This location in Washington is known for its amazing four-season climate and impressive golf courses, and this is just the start of scratching the surface of what you can do here!

If you love Broadway shows but also want to keep active in a place that also has access to hiking, fishing, and skiing, then you can easily put Spokane on your list!

Home to the latest urban waterfall in the United States, Spokane is also known for the two dams on the length of the Spokane River and the 100-acre downtown, which makes up the Riverfront Park.

This park is an older railyard that has been reconstructed for the 1974 World’s Fair, which has since been turned into a venue that hosts all sorts of events, from theater plays and concerts to various sightseeing activities and many others!

Likewise, a little down from this venue you have the Riverside State Park, which hosts a number of interesting activities in the form of rock climbing, hiking, and even horseback riding!

This is another university town, with two of them being hosted here, Washington State and Gonzaga, which gives the city a certain vibrancy and vitality that is bound to infuse everyone with energy! If you are a Zags basketball fan, then Spokane is definitely your perfect mountain town!

The state of Washington does not have any taxes on income, and you do not have to worry when it comes to healthcare, as the two medical schools and a Veterans Affairs hospital will ensure you are in good hands no matter your health issues.

No matter which mountain location you choose for your retirement, they are going to be getting cold and snowy during the winter months. This is why you should have some reliable mountain boots with you no matter where you are. We love these ones, which you can get on Amazon for a pretty good price!

Ashland, Oregon

• Elevation: 1,949 feet
• Located: at the base of the Cascade range and the Siskiyou Mountains (which is a subrange of the Klamath Mountains)
• Population (estimated): 21,000 (based on 2023 figures)
• Percentage of older adults (65 and older): 28%

High in the mountain, Ashland is nestled on a rocky formation with the same name, giving it a spectacular placement when it comes to skiing in the region.

Ashland is known to buzz with cultural activities, which are headlined by the amazing Oregon Shakespeare Festival! Likewise, the town offers an amazing range of dining options in the walkable downtown and other cultural activities, along with shopping and outdoor activities.

People love to come to Ashland as a getaway, and they love the hiking and bike trails, fishing opportunities, and any other outdoor sports; you can swim or play pickleball in the nearby 100-acre Lithia Park, and if you’d like to only bask in the beauty of nature, the Japanese tea garden is perfect for that.

Moreover, you can find amazing natural hot springs in Ashland, which will give you the chance to rejuvenate at the several spas in the area.

Like with other cities on our list, the town is home to a university, Southern Oregon University, which also has an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Here you can take classes in a relaxed environment on a myriad of topics, including writing, hiking, investing, theatre, art, and many more, if you are aged 50 and up!

Residents over 65 can also audit many of the SOU classes free of charge!

While Oregon does not tax any income from Social Security, all other retirement income is taxed. Yet, the state does not have any sales tax, so many retirees find that a consolation.

Sometimes it is not about retiring to the mountains or the sea; sometimes it is all about the continent or the country. Some adventurous retirees set their eyes on foreign countries. However, which ones are the best, and where can you retire on a budget? To answer these and more, check out this article here: Exotic Retirement! 6 Beautiful Locations for Only $1,500 Monthly.