Plenty of seniors dream of retiring to cozy beachside towns, but have you ever considered retiring to a college town? It might seem contradictory at first, but cities that are home to universities aren’t just great for college students: they often offer perks like affordable housing, free cultural events, and access to great hospitals that benefit retirees just as much as they do 20-somethings.
As of October 2025, the average social security monthly benefit was $1,869.20. Keep reading for our list of college towns across the country that can help you stretch your retirement dollars further and offer the best benefits for seniors, from low housing costs to vibrant communities.
Editor’s note: Unless otherwise noted, all rent prices are from Apartments.com, and all average home prices are from Zillow.com…