Across the nation an increasing number of people are retiring to college towns. The atmosphere of college towns is extremely attractive to retirees. You get a little bit of everything in a college town — cultural activities, athletic events, educational opportunities, and excellent medical facilities — which make them perfect places to retire. It’s no wonder that they are becoming some of the most popular retirement destinations.
Great college towns have a spark that comes not only from young blood, but from jazz clubs, literary events, musical performances, theater arts, book stores and cafes. They are intellectual, cultural and economic hubs, balancing tradition with new business growth. Often they mix urban amenities and small-town charm.
The campuses in small and medium-size towns and cities have become magnets for their surrounding communities for culture as well as commerce. And as our population has aged, increasing focus has been given to including retirees in the enjoyment of culture. Communities have started to realize that the senior of today — a more active, curious and affluent group than ever before — have potential to aid their communities by their experiences, their energies, and their willingness to participate. Most of the colleges and universities listed below offer educational opportunities for adults. In some cases seniors may audit courses but frequently there are limits on the number of people that can enroll in a class and there are other rules that may limit class participation. With the proliferation of senior housing options, it is likely that the area will have an active adult community, a continuing care retirement community, or an assisted living facility.
To find one, check our Directory of Great Places to Retire, talk to a local Realtor, or look in the local Yellow Pages. Listed below are 99 great college towns for retirement — with links to their municipal Web site and the local college or university Web site.