
More Americans are opting for small-town retirement. In a GOBankingRates survey we conducted of 997 people across the country, spanning different generations, 26% of respondents said they’d prefer to retire in a small town rather than a beach community (19%) or a large city (10%).
However, with the national median housing list price at $405,967 as of October 31, 2025, per Zillow data, you may wonder if it’s possible to afford a small-town lifestyle after age 65. The good news? It is.