Best Affordable Places to Live in Missouri for Retirees

The lower cost of living in Missouri is a big draw for retirees, but there is so much more this Midwestern state has to offer seniors including beautiful landscapes, a milder climate, thriving communities, and a vibrant cultural scene. Here we’ll discuss several of the best and most affordable places for retirees to live in Missouri. 

Cost of Living: Generally, Missouri’s cost of living is lower than the national average and may draw more retirees who are on a fixed income. Healthcare and housing costs are also lower than in many other states. 

Nature & Climate: Several forests and lakes break up the scenic countryside making outdoor activities boundless. Retirees can enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking as well as sightseeing through many of the small towns filled with cultural heritage and history. Some would not call Missouri’s climate mild with its hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters. However, it has a more moderate climate than other Midwestern states. 

Activities: Missouri is filled with museums, art galleries, performing arts venues, and even sporting arenas. Retirees can plan day trips throughout the state and visit historic landmarks and festivals throughout the year including the Ozark Empire Fair, Missouri State Fair, and Oktoberfest. 

1. Kennett (Dunklin County)

Found along the shores of the Little River Conservation Area, Kennett is a close-knit community perfect for those seeking to retire away from big cities. The affordable cost of living and beautiful landscapes make Kennett in Dunklin County, Missouri perfect for retirees. 

Memphis, Tennessee is only about 100 miles from Kennett and is the perfect day trip when looking for big-city excitement. Otherwise, enjoy swinging on a porch swing and watching the days go by at a slower pace while savoring retirement. The Gateway to the Bootheel, as Kennett has been nicknamed, is a haven for retirees. 

Senior centers offer a wide range of activities ranging from continuing education classes to card games and crafting circles. Day trips arranged through the senior centers offer great ways to meet new people and participate in activities such as sightseeing, heading to Memphis, or attending a concert. 

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2. Sedalia (Pettis County)

Right in the heart of Missouri is Sedalia, filled with historic charm and modern conveniences. It is only about 90 miles to the east of Kansas City. Affectionately called the Queen City of the Prairie, Sedalia is perfect for retirees looking for down-home living with a touch of adventure. 

Tourists descend upon Sedalia year-round for events and concerts, but it is perhaps the best known for hosting the Missouri State Fair. The Katy Depot is a fully restored train station turned visitor center and museum. State Fair Community College is home to the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art. 

Retirees who enjoy the great outdoors will love spending time in Liberty Park, meandering along the walking trails that wind around a serene pond and among lush greenery. Knob Noster State Park is a short drive from Sedalia.

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3. Mexico (Audrain County)

Retirees can retire to Mexico and never have to leave the United States. Mexico, Missouri, in picturesque Audrain County, is approximately halfway between St. Louis and Columbia. Mexico is best known for embracing its industrial heritage. It was once home to the leading producer of firebricks. 

Surrounded by parks, lakes, and beaches, retirees can enjoy a lot of outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, and camping. Spend time exploring the iconic Mark Twain State Park. Mexico, Missouri has a community theater and performing arts center that encourages everyone to get involved in community art projects. 

There are plenty of opportunities for retirees to volunteer at the Audrain County Historical Society Museum, the performing arts center, or the community theater. Retirees will stay busy when they move to Mexico, Missouri, but there will be plenty of downtime for relaxing and enjoying beautiful sunsets. 

The Audrain Community Hospital provides excellent medical services to the county and several doctors within driving distance provide specialized senior services. Columbia also has quality medical services including cancer and cardiovascular care. 

4. Poplar Bluff (Butler County)

Most Missourians do not think of Poplar Bluff when considering places to retire. Being tucked away in the Bootheel of Missouri and just a stone’s throw from the Arkansas border, it is known as the Gateway to the Ozarks and is home to Big Spring, one of the first state parks in Missouri. 

The Black River Coliseum is the place to head for educational programs, art classes, live shows, concerts, and other fun and exciting events. Poplar Bluff provides rural living with big cities within driving distance. The slower pace is perfect for retirees and anyone wishing to live a simpler life than what larger cities offer. 

There are plenty of parks for hiking, birdwatching, camping, fishing, or communing with nature. The strong sense of community will encourage retirees to stay active, enjoy life, and build lasting friendships. 

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5. Carthage (Jasper County)

Located in the heart of Jasper County, Carthage, Missouri is about 15 miles northeast of Joplin. It embodies country living with the convenience of a large city minutes away. This peaceful rural community will embrace retirees and make them feel welcome. 

Local parks beckon and encourage seniors to stay active. Spend nice days hiking, fishing, hunting, or birdwatching. There are so many outdoor activities to enjoy. Historic monuments showcase the community’s history. Carthage’s historic charm filled with Victorian architecture and a down-home, warm and welcoming feel is the perfect place for retirees to spend their golden years. 

The biggest draw in Carthage is the Precious Moments Chapel. Created by artist Samuel J. Butcher, the chapel is decorated with hand-painted murals and Precious Moments figurines. Visitors from around the world come to Carthage to visit this chapel. Tourists also love seeing the historic Route 66 Drive In Theater, one of only ten drive-in theaters in Missouri. 

Being only about 50 miles to the east of Springfield–the third largest city in Missouri–great healthcare, amenities, and services are close enough in case of an emergency or when craving the hustle and bustle of a bigger city. 

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6. Neosho (Newton County)

If spending retirement amid the rolling hills of the Ozarks sounds like heaven, Neosho is the place to go. Nicknamed the City of Springs and the Flower Box City, Neosho is filled with beautiful parks and natural springs. Big Spring and the Bicentennial Conservation Area are just outside the city limits, and Joplin is only about 20 miles away. 

Day trips to Springfield, Missouri will give you plenty of excitement in a bigger city. The third largest city in Missouri is only about two hours away from Neosho. This small town has beautiful well-maintained gardens and plenty of places for retirees to spend their days. 

The slower pace of Neosho will give retirees a chance to catch their breath after spending years in the rat race of life. The Newton County Historical Museum and the Neosho National Fish Hatchery Visitor Center provide a peaceful and educational outing. 

The Freeman Neosho Hospital offers innovative and comprehensive medical services. Joplin also has a hospital complete with a cancer care unit, cardiovascular unit, and top-notch emergency services.

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7. Jennings (St. Louis County)

Located in St. Louis County, Jennings, Missouri sits near the Mississippi River and is an affordable suburb of St. Louis. The Midwest charm of Jennings draws retirees who want to be close enough to the city pulse but not live inside a big, bustling city. 

The quietness of Jennings is in stark contrast to St. Louis, but it still has plenty of activities for retirees to enjoy including nearby tennis courts, golf courses, and pickleball courts. Bird watchers will enjoy the nearby state parks.

During the summer months, you can grab fresh produce from Thies Farm and Greenhouses, and there are several annual parades, fairs, and festivals that come to Jennings. 

There are multiple options for top-notch healthcare services, with and Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Mercy Hospital minutes away from Jennings. 

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8. Overland (St. Louis County)

This St. Louis suburb is affordable and has a true sense of community where you will feel like you’ve lived there your entire life. With numerous parks, retirees can get out in the fresh air during the warm months. Neighbors look out for each other in this private, peaceful city located just north of St. Louis. 

Overland, Missouri hosts an annual summer block party where neighbors come together and catch up on each other’s lives. Being near St. Louis, the access to theaters, museums, and sporting events will keep retirees active. Forest Park is a great green space within the urban sprawl of St. Louis and offers walking trails and other wonderful activities. 

Visit the Overland Community Center where a host of activities geared toward keeping retirees active and enjoying life awaits. Social events, continuing education classes, and other indoor activities are regularly scheduled. There are tennis courts, pickleball courts, and golf courses for retirees looking to stay active outdoors.

9.  St. Ann (St. Louis County)

Not far from St. Louis Lambert International Airport is the small city of St. Ann, Missouri. This quiet community is filled with adorable and affordable homes, urban conveniences, and tranquility. The well-kept neighborhoods and sense of community are what keep people rooted in St. Ann. 

With Downtown St. Louis only about 15 miles to the east, St. Ann’s proximity to the bustling city allows residents to enjoy all that the big city has to offer while living in a peaceful suburb that embraces community.

The Bridgeton Recreation Center is not far from St. Ann and offers many programs for people of all ages and walks of life. Spend nice days in Tiemeyer Park soaking up the sun and visiting with others in the community. Walking trails wind throughout the park, giving you ample opportunity to get out and move. Enjoy fishing and picnicking or head to the St. Ann Golf Course for a round of golf. 

The Saint Louis Art Museum, Science Center, and Missouri History Museum are only a short drive from the city. For sports enthusiasts, St. Louis is home to major league baseball, national league hockey, major league soccer, and arena football.  

Conclusion

With so much to offer by way of tranquil communities and scenic natural wonders, Missouri may be a great option for your retirement. Whether you seek a cheaper or finer option, or you want to live over or under the radar, the state of Missouri has certainly got you covered.