While many active adults choose a retirement destination with year-round warm weather, some retirees prefer the nostalgia and festiveness of snowy winters. A certain charm comes with white Christmases and cities that come to life with holiday lights. This is why many retirees search for the best places to live with snow.
Luckily, retirement hotspots like Florida, Arizona, and Texas aren’t the only states with 55+ communities. Active adults seeking amenities, low-maintenance lifestyles, and innovative homes can find age-restricted communities throughout the country, including in northern cities with consistent snowfall. Retirees who love winter weather can relocate to cities that offer traditional snowy holidays and all of the fun and festivities of the colder months.
We’ve compiled a list of wintery retirement destinations to help active adults find a place with festive local culture, holiday markets, and snow-covered landscapes, complete with communities that often enjoy snowy winters.
1. Buffalo, New York
One of the best places for a white Christmas in the U.S. is Buffalo, New York, a historic city on the state’s western border. Residents of Buffalo experience regular snowfall each winter, with a historical average of 95.4 inches. While last year’s snowfall accumulated to 77.6 inches, this year’s forecast estimates a considerable 90 to 100 inches, according to AccuWeather.
There is a wide variety of winter events and holiday attractions to experience in Buffalo. Retirees can enjoy Holiday Pops performances by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra or ice skate downtown on the frozen Erie Canal. For unique Christmas gifts, the Buffalo Holiday Market offers a four-week-long shopping series featuring local artisans and makers. NFL fans can catch a Buffalo Bills game at Highmark Stadium.
In addition to wintertime events like Christmas light shows and hot chocolate hikes, retirees can find year-round attractions such as the world-famous Niagara Falls, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, and the Buffalo Zoo. The city also offers convenient access to day-to-day conveniences, such as health care and grocery stores, making it an ideal destination for retirement in the northeast. With its location in Western New York, Buffalo residents can easily travel to Toronto, Canada, providing access to international winter activities and increasing the chances of experiencing a white Christmas.
2. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Active adults looking to retire in a place with picturesque winters should consider Minneapolis, Minnesota. The city’s affordability, highly ranked hospitals, and friendly culture make it a good fit for retirees. Several 55+ communities call the area home, including Bellwether by Del Webb, Four Seasons at Rush Creek, and Adelwood. These age-restricted neighborhoods put active adults within easy reach of the holiday wonder of Downtown Minneapolis.
Minneapolis comes alive in the winter with seasonal events and holiday fun for all ages. Winter events in Minneapolis include the Minneapolis Christkindl Market, the U.S. Pond Hockey Championship, and a free outdoor ice sculpture exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Ice. The city celebrates its Scandinavian roots through events like dramatic retellings of winter legends at the American Swedish Institute and Vintervfest, a celebration of Nordic winter traditions.
Residents of Minneapolis can expect an estimated 48 to 55 inches of snow this winter, more than last year’s 29.2 inches. This year’s forecast aligns with the city’s historical average of 51.2 inches of snow. The city experiences four distinct seasons, ideal for retirees seeking seasonal variety.
3. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah, is a retirement destination that offers residents snow and a variety of wintertime activities. From drive-by light shows to holiday markets to yuletide performances, active adults can indulge in the city’s festive atmosphere. Locals flock to see Christmas lights at Temple Square and stay for an impressive performance by the Tabernacle Choir. Skiers can find ten ski resorts within an hour of Salt Lake City International Airport. Also, runners can find many holiday-themed races to enjoy.
Salt Lake City experiences four seasons. The hot summers reach temperatures in the 90s, and the cold winters historically average 51.9 inches of snow. Last year’s snowfall was far below average, with only 18.1 inches of snow, but this year’s forecast expects between 44 and 48 inches. The cold, snowy winters bring crisp, fresh air, making it possible to participate in festive indoor and outdoor activities.
Many active adults prefer to enjoy their winter in a 55+ community with included amenities, well-designed homes, and a low-maintenance lifestyle. Luckily, the Salt Lake City area has several active adult communities with easy access to holiday fun, such as SpringHouse Village, Garden Park at Daybreak, and Teton Village.
4. Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado, nicknamed the Mile High City, offers retirees snowy winters and the possibility of white Christmases. The historical average snowfall in Denver in past winters is 49.4 inches. This year’s snowfall forecast estimates 42 to 48 inches, which aligns with last year’s total snowfall of 47.1 inches.
Winter-loving retirees enjoy Denver for its picturesque mountain views, more than 4,000 acres of city parks, and year-round entertainment. Active adults can find sought-after 55+ communities in the Denver area, including Heritage at Eagle Bend Golf Club, Skyestone, and The Reserve at Green Valley Ranch.
Denver’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains makes it one of the best places to retire if you love to ski. Residents can enjoy skiing at resorts such as Keystone Resort, Breckenridge Ski Resort, and Vail Ski Resort. Denver hosts several winter festivities, like a holiday-themed drone show, the Cherry Creek Holiday Market, and the Dashing Thru LoDo Fun Run.
5. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is ideal for active adults seeking retirement in a large New England city with consistent snowfall each winter. Age-restricted communities like Reading Woods, Westbrook Crossing, and Wolcott Woods provide residents with easy access to Boston and all it has to offer.
The historical average snowfall in Boston is 49.2 inches, despite only 28.1 inches falling last year. Residents can expect between 36 and 40 inches of snow this coming winter based on this year’s forecast.
Boston is the ultimate winter playground, with a series of festive events that make up a city-wide celebration called Frostival. The holiday attractions include ice skating on Frog Pond in Downtown Boston, touring Christmas trees and lights on the Freedom Trail, and hearing holiday classics performed by the world-class Boston Symphony Orchestra.
6. Spokane, Washington
Spokane, in Eastern Washington, offers residents a busy schedule of winter activities. Active adults can visit five ski resorts in the region, sample seasonal beverages at local wineries and breweries, and even try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the mountains. Annual events include the Numerica Skate Ribbon and the BrrrZAAR holiday market. Visit the historic Davenport Hotel to see its two-story Christmas tree. Also, don’t miss the annual Christmas Tree Elegance fundraiser, which showcases beautifully designed trees.
Nearby 55+ communities, such as Pinnacle at Stonehill, Golden Spike Estates, and Leisure Park, offer quick access to Spokane and its conveniences. Age-restricted communities in this region offer residents an abundance of outdoor recreation that can be enjoyed year-round.
Spokane experiences snowfall each winter, with last year’s accumulation adding up to 29.6 inches. The city’s historical average is 45.4 inches of snow, and this year’s forecast estimates 35 to 40 inches. Retirees wanting to settle down somewhere with snow will not be disappointed by Spokane and its frosty weather.
7. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois, embraces its cold and snowy winters by hosting a wide range of seasonal events. The Windy City averages 38.4 inches of snow each winter, with last year’s snowfall only being 17.6 inches. Residents can expect 32 to 38 inches of snow this year to accompany the city’s winter festivities.
In winter, Chicago welcomes visitors with unique attractions like hot-tub cruises on the Chicago River and ice skating in iconic Millennium Park. Active adults looking for sweeping views of the city can visit several heated rooftop restaurants and bars with fire pits, igloos, and holiday decorations. For indoor entertainment, Chicago is home to cutting-edge museums, theatres, and shopping centers.
The Chicagoland area is a retirement hotspot with dozens of 55+ communities. Communities like Sun City Huntley, Carillon, and Saddlebrook Farms offer seclusion from the city’s hustle and bustle while maintaining easy access to the conveniences and attractions Chicago offers.
8. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, can enjoy a wide range of wintertime events and activities. Retirees can get cozy in an independent coffee shop, ice skate downtown at The UPMC Rink at PPG Place, and celebrate the start of the holiday season on Light Up Night.
With a historical average snowfall of 44.1 inches, Pittsburgh is one of the best places to retire for winter-loving active adults. Last year’s snowfall was 34 inches, while this year’s forecast predicts 28 to 35 inches. The consistent snowfall offers opportunities for skiing at parks like Boyce Park.
Blueberry Hill, Traditions of America Southpointe, and Sewickley Crossing are some of the sought-after 55+ communities in the Pittsburgh area. Active adults should not wait until Spring to find their dream home, as there are many benefits to buying in winter.
9. New York, New York
Retirees dreaming of a white Christmas might envision the quintessential winter scenes of New York City. With its iconic Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, extravagant holiday window displays in world-famous department stores, and flurries of snow, New York City offers one of the best places to retire near the magic of the Christmas season.
The snowfall forecast this year estimates 17 to 21 inches. That’s enough to enjoy scenic snow flurries and wintry landscapes without feeling weighed down by the snow. Last year’s residents saw even less snow at 12.9 inches, although historical averages come closer to 29.8 inches. In a city so used to snow, retirees can easily get around by public transportation. Also, the clear roads and sidewalks are ideal for walking, driving, and traveling.
With the entire city decked out in holiday lights and decorations, retirees can enjoy a community atmosphere with plenty of activities. See the famous Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, enjoy New York City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, and walk around Winter Village at Bryant Park, which showcases more than 100 holiday vendors.
10. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The largest city in Pennsylvania, known for its celebration of U.S. history, comes alive during the winter holidays. The city comes together to enjoy festive light shows, holiday markets, seasonal activities, and themed restaurants that make it easy to feel the Christmas spirit. Despite a historical average of 23.1 inches of snowfall, residents saw just 8.1 inches last year. Current predictions range from 14 to 18 inches of snowfall this year, increasing the chances of a white Christmas.
Retirees can bundle up for outdoor activities such as Christmas Village in LOVE Park, Winter at Dilworth Park, and Holidays in Franklin Square. LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo dazzles with more than one million lights throughout themed displays. Active adults can access the best seasonal activities the area has to offer from 55+ communities such as The Villages at Pine Valley in Philadelphia, Athertyn at Haverford Reserve in Haverford, and Foxfield in Garnet Valley.
FAQ: Best Places to Retire With Snow
1. What are the best states to live in if I love snow?
Some of the best snow-filled states include Colorado, Minnesota, New York, Utah, Washington, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. These states offer reliable winter weather, major cities, and 55+ communities.
2. What is the best place to retire if I want snowy winters?
Popular snowy retirement destinations include Denver, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Buffalo, Spokane, and Boston. Each offers snowy seasons, cultural amenities, and access to 55+ communities.
3. What city gets the most snow in the U.S.?
Rochester and Buffalo often compete for the title of the snowiest major city, with annual totals frequently exceeding 90 inches.
4. Which snowy cities have the best winter activities for retirees?
Denver and Salt Lake City are ideal for skiing; Minneapolis excels in seasonal festivals; Buffalo and Boston offer classic holiday markets, ice skating, and cultural events.
5. What snowy areas have the least severe winters?
Cities like Philadelphia, New York City, and Chicago offer moderate snowfall without the extreme cold found in interior northern states.
6. Which snowy cities have the best public transportation?
New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia offer substantial, snow-ready transit systems so retirees don’t have to drive in winter weather.
7. What snowy cities are best for outdoor recreation?
Denver, Salt Lake City, Spokane, and Minneapolis are known for abundant winter sports, parks, groomed trails, and easy access to ski resorts.
8. Where can I enjoy a guaranteed white Christmas?
Buffalo, Minneapolis, Spokane, and higher-altitude Colorado cities typically offer the best odds of snow during the holidays.
9. What should retirees consider before moving to a snowy climate?
Key considerations include property maintenance (snow removal), heating costs, local winter services, road safety, and access to indoor amenities during storms.
10. Are snowy cities good for active retirement lifestyles?
Yes. Snowy cities offer holiday events, winter recreation, and strong community traditions. Many also have thriving indoor amenities, museums, fitness centers, and age-restricted communities that keep residents active year-round.
Enjoy Charming Snowy Winters in Your Dream Home!
A place with warm winters may not be the right fit for retirees who enjoy snow-covered landscapes. There is a festive appeal to seeing light shows, meandering through craft markets, ice skating in the midst of a city, and hitting the slopes at a ski resort, all with the good company of family and friends.
The best places to live with snow come down to personal preference. Whether retirees prefer a quaint mountain town or a snow-dusted big city, 55places can help homebuyers find their dream home. Contact us today to connect with a local real estate expert who can help you find your ideal retirement destination!
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