Retirement means you can live anywhere you choose.
The Southwest USA is a great area with beautiful nature and a deep history. It has many small towns that are perfect for a relaxed and happy life.
These towns range from quiet mountain spots to lovely coastal areas. Let’s discover 17 of the best small towns in the Southwest where you might love to retire.
17. Ruidoso, New Mexico
Ruidoso is a town in the Sierra Blanca Mountains.
It has cool summers and beautiful mountain weather. Retirees can visit the Lincoln National Forest or go to the Ruidoso Downs Race Track. The town has lovely streets with small shops and places to eat, giving it a cozy feeling.
For those who love nature and a quiet life, Ruidoso is a pretty place to live. Homes with 3-4 bedrooms in Ruidoso cost between $335,000 and $600,000. This makes it a good choice for people who like mountains and want to save money.
16. Sun City, Arizona
Sun City was one of the first communities made just for retirees. It has many golf courses, places for activities, and clubs for different hobbies. People can watch shows at the Sun Bowl Amphitheatre or make crafts at the Bell Craft Club.
Sun City is full of life, making it easy for retirees to find things to do and make friends. Homes with 3-4 bedrooms in Sun City are priced from $220,000 to $420,000. This makes living there affordable for retirees.
15. Mesilla, New Mexico
Mesilla is a charming town known for its old adobe buildings and rich history. It was once a stop on the Butterfield Stagecoach Line.
The town center has a plaza with shops and restaurants in historic buildings. The famous San Albino Basilica is a beautiful church in the plaza. It adds to the old-time feel of the town. Mesilla is a great place for retirees who like history and a quiet life.
Homes with 3-4 bedrooms in Mesilla cost between $361,116 and $525,000. This makes Mesilla a great place to invest in a home with historic charm.
14. Kerrville, Texas
Kerrville is in the middle of Texas Hill Country.
It’s known for its beautiful scenery and friendly people. The Guadalupe River flows through the town, creating lovely parks for picnics and fishing. Retirees can enjoy community events like the Kerrville Folk Festival, a popular music festival each year.
Kerrville’s beautiful nature and friendly community make it a great place to live. Homes with 3-4 bedrooms in Kerrville are priced between $225,000 and $420,000. Kerrville is an affordable place to live with the charm of hill country.
13. Silver City, New Mexico
Silver City is a lively town next to the Gila National Forest.
Retirees can have fun at events like the Silver City Clay Festival and visit unique shops in the historic downtown. Nearby, the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument shows how ancient people lived.
Silver City has a strong arts scene and many community events, keeping retirees busy and happy. Homes with 3-4 bedrooms cost between $350,000 and $400,000, making it affordable for those who love arts and culture.
12. Tubac, Arizona
Tubac is a peaceful town along the Santa Cruz River, perfect for retirement.
It’s known for its art, with many galleries and studios where local artists sell their work. The historic Tubac Presidio State Historic Park shows the history of Arizona’s oldest European settlement.
Tubac is quiet and full of art, making it a calm place to live away from the busy city. Homes with 3-4 bedrooms in Tubac cost between $450,000 and $575,000, offering a mix of beauty and a creative community.
11. St. George, Utah
St. George is sunny with beautiful red cliffs, making it a great place for outdoor fun. Retirees can play golf at many courses or visit places like Zion National Park.
The city has many trails, like the scenic Virgin River Trail, great for walking and biking. St. George is perfect for retirees who want to stay active and enjoy nature.
Homes with 3-4 bedrooms cost between $450,000 and $625,000, showing how popular this outdoor paradise is.
10. Horseshoe Bay, Texas
Horseshoe Bay is on the shores of Lake LBJ and offers beautiful views of the water. It is famous for its excellent golf resorts, including courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. You can enjoy water activities like boating and fishing.
The town is peaceful with high-end amenities, making it a luxurious place to retire. Homes with 3-4 bedrooms in Horseshoe Bay cost between $550,000 and $700,000, ideal for retirees who want luxury and quiet by the lake.
9. Bisbee, Arizona
Bisbee is a charming town high in the Mule Mountains.
It used to be a mining town but is now known for its art. The town has beautiful Victorian buildings and colorful houses on the hills.
Retirees can tour the historic Queen Mine or learn about the town’s history at the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum.
Bisbee has cool weather and fun events that make it special. Homes with 3-4 bedrooms cost between $350,000 and $450,000, making it an affordable place for retirees who like art and history.
8. Las Cruces, New Mexico
Las Cruces is a budget-friendly city with a warm climate and beautiful nature.
The nearby Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is great for hiking and taking photos. The city has a lively arts scene, including a popular Farmers & Crafts Market held twice a week.
With low living costs and plenty of sunshine, Las Cruces is appealing for retirees watching their budget. Homes with 3-4 bedrooms are priced from $250,000 to $350,000, making it an economical choice for retirement in New Mexico.
7. Fredericksburg, Texas
Fredericksburg is a beautiful town with German roots, nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country. It’s famous for its vineyards and wineries, like Becker Vineyards, where you can tour and taste wines.
Main Street has unique shops and buildings with Bavarian-style architecture that show off its German heritage. Fredericksburg is perfect for retirees who want peace and a touch of European charm.
Homes with 3-4 bedrooms cost between $350,000 and $610,000, making it a great place for wine lovers and those looking for a calm life.
6. Prescott, Arizona
Prescott experiences all four seasons, which is unusual for Arizona. It has pine forests and granite mountains for a beautiful setting. Its historic downtown area has Whiskey Row, once known for saloons and now filled with shops and restaurants.
If you like the outdoors, you can hike the Thumb Butte Trail for great views. Prescott is a great place for active retirees who enjoy adventure and community.
Homes with 3-4 bedrooms range from $400,000 to $750,000, offering options for those seeking a mountain retreat.
5. Port Aransas, Texas
Port Aransas is a beautiful beach town on Mustang Island.
It has clean beaches and a relaxed feel. Retirees can go on fishing trips, watch dolphins, or relax by the Gulf of Mexico.
Another special place is the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, where you can watch many kinds of birds in their natural home. The town is friendly and charming, making it a great place for those who want to relax by the sea.
Homes with 3-4 bedrooms in Port Aransas cost between $550,000 and $700,000, offering a lovely coastal life for retirees.
4. Taos, New Mexico
Taos is a town that combines Pueblo culture with an artistic spirit.
It is home to the historic Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that people have lived in for over a thousand years.
Art lovers will enjoy the many galleries and the annual Taos Fall Arts Festival.
Set against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos has stunning views and a rich cultural setting for retirees. Homes with 3-4 bedrooms in Taos cost between $570,000 and $750,000, showing its value as a scenic and cultural place to live.
3. Green Valley, Arizona
Green Valley is a peaceful town built especially for retirees.
It offers a relaxing lifestyle with lots of fun activities. There are more than a dozen golf courses and many social clubs. Nature lovers can visit nearby Madera Canyon to watch birds and hike. Green Valley is a great place to slow down and enjoy life.
Homes with 3-4 bedrooms cost between $280,000 and $340,320, making it an affordable choice for retirement in the desert.
2. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the United States and is known for its beautiful adobe buildings and rich history.
Retirees can explore the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum or walk through the historic Plaza, which has been around since the early 17th century.
Santa Fe is sunny for over 300 days a year and has a gentle climate. It’s a great mix of history, culture, and modern comforts.
Homes with 3-4 bedrooms in Santa Fe cost between $440,000 and $750,000, making it appealing for those who love history and a lively community.
1. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is tucked between beautiful red rock formations and is a peaceful place for those who love nature. The town lights up with amazing colors at sunset and has a lively art community with over 80 galleries featuring local artists.
For a special visit, go to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a church built right into the cliffs. Sedona has a mild weather and many hiking trails, making it perfect for retirees who want to stay active in a calm setting.
Homes with 3-4 bedrooms in Sedona cost between $800,000 and $1,750,000, showing it’s a popular place for those who want to live in this beautiful desert area.