College Towns That Make Great Retirement Locations

Universities are often the beating heart of their hometowns, bringing energy and opportunity to the surrounding community. By promoting the arts, hosting sporting events, supporting local hospitals, and providing opportunities for higher education, college towns offer an engaging lifestyle for active adults who consider themselves lifelong learners.

Many universities offer programs that allow retirees to participate in campus life through tuition-free classes, seminars, lectures, and community events. For retirees who enjoy cultural activities, continuing education, and the energy of a college community, these towns can make ideal retirement destinations.

To help you explore some of the best college towns for retirement, we’ve put together this guide to destinations that offer plenty of opportunities for lifelong learning.

Boston, MA

Boston University / Harvard (Cambridge) / MIT (Cambridge)

Well-suited for active adults who enjoy history and big-city amenities, Boston is a retirement destination with some of the most renowned colleges and universities in the country. Thanks to a robust public transportation system and a high walkability factor, residents can easily reach world-class entertainment, dining, and health care without a car.

Both Harvard and MIT can be found adjacent to Boston in Cambridge, one of the best college towns for retirees seeking an area dense with shops and restaurants. Retirees will find options for lifelong-learning opportunities at Boston universities, such as Harvard’s Institute for Learning in Retirement that offers 120+ courses annually and requires no previous affiliation to the school.

Active Adult Communities in the Boston Area:

• Quail Ridge – Acton, MA
• Hatter’s Point – Amesbury, MA
• Riverside Woods – Andover, MA
• The Lanterns at Warren Woods – Ashland, MA
• Mallard Lane Condominiums – Bolton, MA
• Hawthorn Preserve – Braintree, MA
• 30 Coppersmith – Canton, MA
• Garrison Place – Carlisle, MA
• Westbrook Crossing – Dedham, MA
• Duxbury Estates – Duxbury, MA
• Millwood Preserve – Framingham, MA
• Northside Meadows – Framingham, MA
• The Village at Shepley Hill – Groton, MA
• Whitestone Village – Groveland, MA
• Spring Meadow – Hanover, MA
• The Elms of Hanover – Hanover, MA
• Liberty Woods – Hanson, MA
• Stonebridge Commons – Hanson, MA
• Trail Ridge at Harvard – Harvard, MA
• The Seasons at Salisbury – Holden, MA
• The Village at Westminster Place – Holden, MA
• Balancing Rock – Holliston, MA
• Brooksmont – Holliston, MA
• Holliston Woods – Holliston, MA
• The Trails – Hopkinton, MA
• Enclave at Hudson – Hudson, MA
• WestRidge – Hudson, MA
• Arbor Hills – Kingston, MA
• Blue Heron Pond – Lancaster, MA
• Willis Brook at Lynnfield – Lynnfield, MA
• Regency at Assabet Ridge – Marlborough, MA
• The Villages at Crane Meadow – Marlborough, MA
• Peregrine Woods – Marshfield, MA
• Preserve at Emerald Pines – Methuen, MA
• Regency at Emerald Pines – Methuen, MA
• Regency at Methuen – Methuen, MA
• Stone Castle Estates – Methuen, MA
• Oak Point – Middleborough, MA
• North Meadow Village – Middleton, MA
• Brierly Pond Village – Millbury, MA
• Regency at Glen Ellen – Millis, MA
• Wolcott Woods – Milton, MA
• Martins Landing – North Reading, MA
• The Village at Northridge – North Reading, MA
• Bigelow Farm – Northborough, MA
• Pheasant Hill – Northborough, MA
• Red Mill Village – Norton, MA
• Donovan Farm – Norwell, MA
• Center Commons – Pembroke, MA
• Chilton Park Village – Plymouth, MA
• Great Island – Plymouth, MA
• Kensington at The Pinehills – Plymouth, MA
• Rolling Mill – Plymouth, MA
• Sawyer’s Reach – Plymouth, MA
• Seton Highlands at The Pinehills – Plymouth, MA
• Summer Reach – Plymouth, MA
• Tara Woods – Plymouth, MA
• Reading Woods – Reading, MA
• Rockland Glen – Rockland, MA
• Harmony Place – Rutland, MA
• Seaside at Scituate – The Carriage Collection – Scituate, MA
• Woodcrest Run – Sharon, MA
• 59 North Main – Sherborn, MA
• Adams Farm – Shrewsbury, MA
• The Village at Orchard Meadows – Shrewsbury, MA
• Wyman Farms – Shrewsbury, MA
• Northwoods at Sudbury – Sudbury, MA
• English Commons at Topsfield – Topsfield, MA
• Rolling Green at Topsfield – Topsfield, MA
• Rockwood Meadows – Upton, MA
• Upton Ridge – Upton, MA
• Forest Glen – Uxbridge, MA
• Bates Quarry – Walpole, MA
• Brookside Village – Walpole, MA
• Pennington Crossing – Walpole, MA
• New England Commons – Webster, MA
• Angell Brook Village – West Boylston, MA
• Del Webb Chauncy Lake – Westborough, MA
• Orchard Hill – Westborough, MA
• The Villages at Walker Meadow – Westborough, MA
• Village at Silver Hill – Weston, MA
• Villages at Weathervane – Weymouth, MA
• Woodstone Crossing – Weymouth, MA
• The Village at Auburnville – Whitman, MA

Austin, TX

The University of Texas at Austin

As a popular Texas retirement destination, Austin offers active adults a thriving arts and entertainment scene, a warm climate ideal for outdoor recreation, and plenty of opportunities for lifelong learning. From the nightlife along Sixth Street to scenic views along the Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail, retirees can enjoy a variety of activities while exploring 55+ communities in the area.

For retirees, The University of Texas at Austin provides several opportunities for lifelong learning. Adults 65 and older can take up to six credit hours of undergraduate or graduate courses with a tuition exemption. Active adults can also explore university-affiliated programs through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Active Adult Communities in Austin:

• ArborView Circle C Ranch
• Everleigh Lakeline
• Heritage Estates at Wells Branch
• Jovie Belterra
• Overture Arboretum
• Overture Domain
• Overture Mueller

Athens, GA

University of Georgia

Located about 75 miles east of Atlanta, Athens is the home of the University of Georgia and holds a rich historical culture. Athens feels like a small, picturesque college town but offers the attractions of a bigger city, such as Bear Hollow Zoo, the Georgia Museum of Art, and the Georgia Theatre.

Adults 50 and older can pursue non-credit courses at the University of Georgia through the school’s well-established OLLI@UGA. Georgia residents 62 and older can also earn a degree at UGA for free through a University System of Georgia tuition assistance program that allows active adults to take online classes with no charge.

Active Adult Communities in the Athens Area:

• Ryland Park
• Trove

Knoxville, TN

University of Tennessee

Known for its Appalachian charm and devoted sports culture surrounding the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is an appealing college town for retirement. Residents can find restaurants and shops in downtown’s Market Square, greenways along the Tennessee River, and popular attractions in nearby Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Tennessee residents who are 60 and older can audit classes at the University of Tennessee without paying tuition or receiving academic credit. Those who are 65 and older can take courses for academic credit at a reduced rate of $7 per semester hour. Lifelong learners 50 and older can also explore the university’s Seniors for Creative Learning program, an educational and social opportunity featuring lecture-based courses taught by UT faculty and local experts.

Active Adult Communities in the Knoxville Area:

• Fairfield Glade – Crossville, TN
• Cottages at Pryse Farm – Farragut, TN
• The Grove at Cedar Hills – Lenoir City, TN
• Tellico Village – Loudon, TN
• Rarity Bay – Vonore, TN

Columbia, SC

University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina is located in the heart of Columbia and contributes greatly to the city’s culture and atmosphere. In addition to everyday conveniences and accessible health care, residents enjoy attractions like the Riverside Zoo and Botanical Garden, the South Carolina State Museum, and a thriving sports scene provided by the university.

South Carolina residents 60 and older can take courses at the University of South Carolina for free through the state’s non-degree-seeking program. The university also offers Carolina Classroom, a program offering personal interest “short” courses for an affordable price that range in topics from the arts to finance to the great outdoors.

Active Adult Communities in the Columbia Area:

• Kalmia Landing – Aiken, SC
• Woodside Plantation – Aiken, SC
• Muller Ridge – Blythewood, SC
• The Ponds at Cobblestone Park – Blythewood, SC
• Executive Courtyards at Lake Carolina – Columbia, SC
• Inspire Sandhill – Columbia, SC
• Waterside at Pine Island – Columbia, SC
• ClubRidge at Woodcreek Farms – Elgin, SC
• Peach Grove Villas – Elgin, SC
• Cross Creek – Lexington, SC
• Lexington Villas – Lexington, SC
• The Woodlands District at Saluda River Club – Lexington, SC
• Savannah Lakes Village – McCormick, SC
• Hulon Greene – West Columbia, SC

Durham, NC

Duke University / North Carolina Central

According to WalletHub, the Durham-Chapel Hill metropolitan area is one of the most educated in the country, ranking No. 2 among the 150 largest U.S. metropolitan areas in 2026. The area is home to several major universities, including Duke University, North Carolina Central University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Durham also has a diverse dining scene, a rich history, and access to nationally ranked health care through the Duke Health system. Duke University Hospital was ranked No. 1 in North Carolina and No. 1 in the Raleigh-Durham area for 2026 to 2027.

Active adults have several opportunities to continue learning at local universities, including the OLLI program at Duke University. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers non-credit courses, lectures, special-interest groups, and social activities for adults interested in lifelong learning. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, lifelong learners can also explore educational programming through the William and Ida Friday Center Community Classroom.

Active Adult Communities in Durham:

• Carolina Arbors
• Creekside at Bethpage
• Falls Village
• Fendol Farms
• Ovation at Sweetbrier
• The Courtyards at Andrews Chapel
• The Courtyards at Oak Grove
• The Courtyards at Southpoint

Princeton, NJ

Princeton University

Princeton is a quaint East Coast college town with an identity closely tied to Princeton University. Residents can find an eclectic mix of local restaurants and coffee shops, health care through Penn Medicine Princeton Health, and outdoor recreation at nature preserves like Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge. Princeton is also conveniently located between New York City and Philadelphia, with New York City approximately 50 miles away and the Jersey Shore within a relatively short drive.

Active adults looking to enrich themselves with affordable courses at Princeton University can take advantage of the institution’s Community Auditing Program (CAP). For $250 a course, the program allows residents of New Jersey that live within 50 miles of the university to audit non-credit courses.

Active Adult Communities in Princeton:

• Princeton Windrows

Minneapolis, MN

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis is one of the most livable cities in the U.S. for retirees due to its strong public transportation system, vibrant arts scene, and the bustling campus atmosphere of the University of Minnesota. Residents enjoy the conveniences of a large Midwestern city, along with accessible greenways along the Mississippi River and access to major health care systems.

In addition to OLLI at the University of Minnesota, retirees can take advantage of the school’s Senior Citizen Education Program. Minnesota residents 62 and older can audit eligible courses free of charge or take courses for credit at $20 per credit hour. Additional course fees, such as laboratory or material fees, may apply.

Active Adult Communities in the Minneapolis Area:

• Fields of Winslow Cove – Andover, MN
• Lexington Waters – Blaine, MN
• SummerCrest – Brooklyn Park, MN
• Adelwood – Chaska, MN
• Brooks Ridge – Chaska, MN
• Bellwether by Del Webb – Corcoran, MN
• Tavera Twinhome – Corcoran, MN
• Tavera Villa – Corcoran, MN
• Creekside in Edina – Edina, MN
• Forest Hills Preserve – Forest Lake, MN
• Cedar Hills Villa – Lakeville, MN
• Watermark Villas – Lino Lakes, MN
• Four Seasons at Rush Creek – Maple Grove, MN
• The Villas at Rush Hollow – Maple Grove, MN
• The Villas at River’s Edge – Rogers, MN
• Bards Crossing of Evermoor – Rosemount, MN
• Anton Village Villa – St. Michael, MN
• Hidden Pathways – White Bear Lake, MN

Charlottesville, VA

University of Virginia

Situated in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville is a small city with a vibrant college-town atmosphere. The dense town center features the Downtown Mall, a car-free pedestrian hub with more than 150 restaurants, shops, museums, coffee shops, and theaters. Charlottesville is also the home of historic Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s estate. Jefferson also helped design the University of Virginia’s original campus.

Under Virginia’s Senior Citizen Waiver Program, Virginia residents ages 60 and older who have been legally domiciled in the state for at least one year can audit eligible courses or take non-credit courses tuition-free, subject to availability. Those whose taxable income was $23,850 or less in the preceding year can also take courses for academic credit without paying tuition or required fees, although course-material fees may apply. Retirees can also join the OLLI@UVA program for access to lifelong-learning courses, special presentations, and group excursions.

Active Adult Communities in the Charlottesville Area:

• University Village – Charlottesville, VA
• Downey Knolls – Elkton, VA
• Heritage Estates – Harrisonburg, VA
• Village at Meadow Pointe – Harrisonburg, VA
• The Villages at Nahor – Palmyra, VA
• Four Seasons at Charlottesville – Ruckersville, VA

Gainesville, FL

University of Florida

Gainesville blends the lively atmosphere of a Southern college town with the warm climate of North Central Florida. In addition to performances, sports, and lectures at the University of Florida, active adults can enjoy diverse entertainment downtown, access to health care at UF Health Shands Hospital, and outdoor recreation at the numerous parks, trails, and lakes in and around the city.

Active adults living in Gainesville can audit eligible courses at the University of Florida without paying tuition if they are Florida residents ages 60 and older and complete the required non-degree application and registration process within the designated timeframe. Course eligibility and space availability may vary.

Lifelong Learning Programs and Tuition Waivers

Active adults can pursue their lifelong learning goals through programs like The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), a membership-based program offered through colleges and universities across the country. Designed for adults ages 50 and older, OLLI programs offer non-credit courses, lectures, study trips, special events, and opportunities to connect with other lifelong learners. Membership and course fees vary by location, but many programs are designed to be affordable. OLLI programs are available at institutions including Duke and UT Austin and cover a wide variety of subjects and interests.

Lifelong learners can also take advantage of tuition-waiver programs and opportunities to audit college courses at some public universities. Course auditing allows students to attend a class without earning academic credit or receiving a grade. According to BestColleges, auditing a course does not necessarily mean taking it for free, as some schools charge tuition or fees for audited courses. Requirements also vary by institution, but auditors typically are not required to complete assignments or exams.

University-Based Retirement Communities vs. Active Adult Communities

A University-Based Retirement Community (UBRC) is a community that has a formal arrangement with a university and integrates residents into university life through academic courses, sporting events, and mentorship opportunities. University retirement communities are different from a standard active adult community in a few ways, including differences in how residents’ contracts and fees are structured.

The housing within a UBRC may include options for co-living with other residents, which is a rare situation for homeowners in a traditional active adult community. Additionally, residents of a UBRC enjoy the benefits of living on a university campus, while traditional active adult communities offer amenities and lifestyle activities exclusive to homeowners within their respective communities.

Though the communities listed on 55places are active adult communities and not UBRCs, interested homebuyers can still find many active adult communities on 55places.com that promote lifelong learning and continued education options.

Cost of Living and Taxes in College Towns

Since cost of living varies greatly from city to city and state to state, active adults should dismiss the notion that all college towns across the country are inherently affordable. For example, the cost of living in Columbia, South Carolina (home to University of South Carolina) is 9% less than the national average, according to Payscale, while Harvard’s hometown of Cambridge, Massachusetts is 75% higher than the national average, per Payscale.

A city’s affordability is one of the most important considerations when choosing a retirement destination, and 55+ homebuyers should understand local and state taxes before making a move. Among the states featured in this guide with notable retirement college towns, Minnesota is the only one that does not fully exempt Social Security benefits from state income taxes. However, Minnesota offers a Social Security Benefit Subtraction that can eliminate or reduce the state tax on these benefits. For tax year 2026, the subtraction begins to phase out when adjusted gross income exceeds $110,780 for married couples filing jointly, $86,410 for single filers or heads of household, and $55,390 for married couples filing separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best college towns for retirement?

The best college towns for retirement depend on climate, affordability, proximity to family, and how involved you want to be in university life. Popular options include Boston, Austin, Athens, Knoxville, Columbia, Durham, Princeton, Minneapolis, Charlottesville, and Gainesville. Each pairs a major university with lifelong learning opportunities for active adults.

Why are college towns good places to retire?

College towns put arts, sporting events, local hospitals, and higher education in one place. Many universities also let retirees join campus life through tuition-free classes, seminars, lectures, and community events. That mix appeals to lifelong learners who want an engaging lifestyle.

Can retirees take college classes for free?

In some states, yes. Virginia residents 60 and older can audit eligible courses tuition-free at the University of Virginia, and Florida residents 60 and older can audit eligible courses at the University of Florida without paying tuition. Requirements and fees vary by school, so confirm eligibility and any course-material fees before enrolling.

What is OLLI?

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is a membership-based program offered through colleges and universities across the country for adults 50 and older. OLLI programs offer non-credit courses, lectures, study trips, special events, and opportunities to connect with other lifelong learners. Programs are available at schools including Duke, UT Austin, the University of Georgia, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Virginia. Membership and course fees vary by location.

What does it mean to audit a college course?

Auditing a course means attending a class without earning academic credit or receiving a grade. Auditors typically are not required to complete assignments or exams. However, according to BestColleges, auditing does not always mean free, because some schools charge tuition or fees for audited courses.

Is Austin a good place to retire for lifelong learners?

Yes. Adults 65 and older can take up to six credit hours of undergraduate or graduate courses at The University of Texas at Austin with a tuition exemption, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers additional programs. Starting prices at the active adult rental communities featured in the area range from $1,000/mo at Heritage Estates at Wells Branch to $2,106/mo at Overture Arboretum.

Is Durham a good place to retire?

Yes, especially for active adults who value education and health care. The Durham-Chapel Hill area ranked No. 2 among the 150 largest U.S. metropolitan areas for education in 2026, according to WalletHub, and Duke University Hospital was ranked No. 1 in North Carolina for 2026 to 2027. The area also offers OLLI courses at Duke and eight active adult communities with homes from the high $300ks to the mid $800ks.

Can you retire in Boston without a car?

Yes. Boston has a robust public transportation system and a high walkability factor, so residents can reach entertainment, dining, and health care without a car. Retirees also have lifelong learning options such as Harvard’s Institute for Learning in Retirement, which offers 120+ courses annually and requires no previous affiliation with the school.

Are college towns affordable for retirees?

Not always. Cost of living varies greatly by city and state, so active adults should not assume every college town is affordable. For example, Columbia, South Carolina is 9% less than the national average according to Payscale, while Cambridge, Massachusetts is 75% higher.

Does Minnesota tax Social Security benefits?

Among the states with college towns featured above, Minnesota is the only one that does not fully exempt Social Security benefits from state income taxes. The state offers a Social Security Benefit Subtraction that can eliminate or reduce the tax. For tax year 2026, the subtraction begins to phase out when adjusted gross income exceeds $110,780 for married couples filing jointly and $86,410 for single filers or heads of household.

Can retirees audit classes at Princeton University?

Yes, through the Community Auditing Program (CAP). The program costs $250 a course and allows New Jersey residents who live within 50 miles of the university to audit non-credit courses. Princeton Windrows, an active adult community with 294 homes, is located in the area.

Is Athens, Georgia a good place to retire?

Yes, for active adults who want a small college-town feel with big-city attractions. Athens is about 75 miles east of Atlanta and is home to the University of Georgia, the Georgia Museum of Art, and the Georgia Theatre. Georgia residents 62 and older can earn a UGA degree for free through a University System of Georgia tuition assistance program, and adults 50 and older can take non-credit courses through OLLI@UGA.

How much does it cost to take classes at the University of Tennessee as a retiree?

Tennessee residents 60 and older can audit classes at the University of Tennessee without paying tuition or receiving academic credit. Residents 65 and older can take courses for academic credit at a reduced rate of $7 per semester hour. Lifelong learners 50 and older can also join the Seniors for Creative Learning program.

What is a university-based retirement community?

A University-Based Retirement Community (UBRC) has a formal arrangement with a university and integrates residents into campus life through academic courses, sporting events, and mentorship opportunities. UBRCs differ from standard active adult communities in how contracts and fees are structured, and they may include co-living options. Communities listed on 55places are active adult communities rather than UBRCs, but many promote lifelong learning and continued education.

How do I find active adult communities near a college town?

Browse active adult communities on 55places.com by city to compare options in college towns such as Austin, Durham, or Princeton. Narrow your list by climate, affordability, proximity to family, and how involved you want to be in university life. A 55places real estate expert can also help you make an informed decision.

Which College Town Is Best for Retirement?

The best college towns that make great retirement locations depend heavily on personal preference. In addition to factors like climate, affordability, and proximity to family, active adults who are lifelong learners need to consider exactly how involved in university life they want to be during retirement.

Retirees can easily browse active adult communities on 55places.com to find options in college towns that fit their individual needs. To help narrow down your options, connect with a 55places real estate expert to help you make an informed decision. Contact 55places.com today!