A Guide to 55+ Active Living Communities in Minnesota

 

Explore Outdoor Sports and Diverse Retirement Communities in Minnesota

Looking to retire to an affordable senior friendly community where the very landscape encourages you to stay active? Look no further than Minnesota!

Hunting and fishing are two of the most popular outdoor activities in Minnesota. Water sports are also common on the more than 10,000 lakes and Lake Superior, which borders the state in the northeast. Winter ushers in cross-country skiing and snowmobiling opportunities, with spectacular views of the Aurora Borealis on clear evenings. 

Cultural and ethnic diversity is a natural part of Minnesota culture. The indigenous population gives the state its name. The state has a large Southeast Asian and a fast-growing African population.  There are also notable communities of Scandanavians who’ve curated close-knit communities in between their farms. .

Minnesota is known for its community potluck dinners, where everyone will bring their favorite ‘hot dish’ to share. The people are warm and welcoming, while respecting the privacy of one another. There’s a reason the term “ Minnesota nice” was adopted and still hold true to this day. 

Minnesota ranks highly when it comes to senior health. It’s one of the best states in the nation for accessible and quality healthcare. It’s a popular choice for seniors with chronic pain management or assisted living community needs.

Minnesota has numerous waterfront community options for 55+ active adults who want to live on a lake. These communities, many of which are age restricted communities, make it easy to enjoy water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding.

For those looking to retire close to entertainment and shopping opportunities, consider living near the Twin Cities’ of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Luxury 55+ communities and condominiums in and around the cities offer retirees the convenience of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences just outside their front door. 

When travel is an important part of your retirement plan, Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is Minnesota’s largest airport in the state. You can catch daily flights to destinations within the state, within the country, and to locales beyond. The state has a well-maintained road system that’s perfect for traveling by car.

 

The Best Areas for Seniors to Retire

Minnesota is known as the “ Land of 10,000 Lakes”. It’s the origin of the great Mississippi River and home to the Mayo Clinic. Professional sports enthusiasts have a home team to cheer on in every sport and season. Speaking of seasons, the four seasons are alive and well in this state, with something to do every day to keep active older adults fit and healthy.

Heartland

Minnesota’s Heartland is known for its bike trails and state parks. Bemidji is conveniently located between Lake Bemidji and the Mississippi Headwaters State Park. If enjoying all the benefits of nature is how you envision your retirement years, the beauty of the Heartland region is unsurpassed. 

Southwest of Bimidji is the Township of Detroit. This small town offers affordable living in all ages communities.  

Arrowhead

The Arrowhead region encompasses the rugged northeastern section of Minnesota. This area is full of parks and waterfalls.

Bordering Lake Superior, this rural region is perfect for the most adventurous spirit. The port town of Duluth is the heart of the region. Just south of Duluth is the town of Hinckley, where residents are equi-distance between Duluth and Minneapolis-St. Paul.  

Twin Cities Metro

Twin Cities Metro is named after the two big cities of  Minneapolis and St. Paul. This is the metropolitan heart of the state. Residents living here are able to enjoy shopping, dining, cultural events and quality of healthcare that are afforded to other metropolitan city residents. The housing options in the city and surrounding suburbs run the gamut that fit any active older adult lifestyle. 

The suburban towns nearby offer easy access to the downtown areas with a lower cost of living. Some of these suburbs are ranked in the Top 50 places to live in the Twin Cities Metro area. Chaska borders the Minnesota River and is home to the Hazeltine National Golf Club.The nearby suburbs of Prior Lake and Lakeville share a similar lifestyle. 

Many retirees call Edina and Minnetonka home because they want easy access to the finer things urban living offers, while enjoying the safety of the suburbs.Low maintenance communities of luxury apartment rental and condominium communities are popular with active older adults who live in the area. 

Chanhassen is centrally located with new developments for a modern lifestyle. The suburbs of Victoria, Minnetrista, and Carver all share a love of year round fishing and exploring the local trails. 

If a friendly neighborhood is what you’re looking for, Woodbury, Stillwater, Rosemount, White Bear Lake, and Lino Lakes are great suburbs to consider. Hugo, Shakopee, and Inver Grove Heights combine affordability with a friendly neighborhood lifestyle. 

The most affordable suburbs that are conveniently located and affordable are Anoka, Cambridge, Blaine, Cottage Grove, Ramsey, and Champlin. The most diverse suburbs include Brooklyn Park, Fridely, Corcoran, Otsego, and Maple Grove.

The quiet suburbs to consider are Delano, St. Michael, and Forest Lake. 

Southern

Southern Minnesota is beloved by active adults who want to spend their days outside. It’s full of rivers and lakes for trout fishing. It also has hiking trails and bike paths. The region is rural with views of seemingly endless fi elds of grain. 

This region is home to the Mayo Clinic, one of the country’s best medical centers, making it an attractive area for seniors who value conveniently located quality healthcare.  

Byron is popular with active older adults due to its condominium and golf course communities. It’s very convenient to the Mayo Clinic without being in the heart of the urban area. 

Jordan is located on the northern edge of the Southern Minnesota region. It's a quiet town with many antique shops and local eateries. 

The region has affordable suburbs like Kilkenny, and Luverne for active older adults looking to live their best years on a budget. 

 

Keeping Busy During Retirement

If your perfect version of retirement is full of outdoor sports, Minnesota is the state for you. Explore the state’s parks and lakes, or stay busy without leaving your 55+ community!

Onsite Activities Within Senior Communities

Minnesota’s senior friendly communities offer a wide range of activities designed with retirees in mind! These include active pursuits like exploring the trails around the property or playing basketball on the community basketball courts.

Waterfront communities let you enjoy water sports like kayaking and fishing without having to travel. Many 55+ communities for active adults offer indoor or outdoor pools for swimming and low impact water aerobics.

Spend Time at the Clubhouse

Visiting the community clubhouse is an excellent way to connect with your like-minded neighbors in a 55+ community. The clubhouse is the heart and soul of the community. Neighbors gather here year round to partake in community events like celebratory breakfasts, barbeques, and watching professional sports. Some clubhouses host live performances, craft guilds, and community poker nights. Of course, euchre is the game of choice and many a clubhouse has a night reserved weekly for this much anticipated event. 

Hit the Fitness Center

Looking to stay in shape during retirement? Having a fitness center that’s safe, convenient, and clean is a major plus. Workout by yourself on the treadmill while watching your favorite show. Share accountability with your neighbor by lifting weights. It’s a real advantage to have a dedicated space for gym equipment. 

Play Pickleball

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing senior friendly sports! Play a few rounds against friends at community pickleball courts. You can even train for Minnesota’s local senior tournaments.

Explore Activities Around Minnesota

For those who want to spend their days trying their luck, Minnesota is home to a number of friendly casinos. You can’t go wrong with a visit to Mystic Lake, the largest casino in the state. Others include Grand Casino and the Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel.

Enjoy Minnesota Water Sports

Water sports like boating and kayaking are popular along Minnesota’s waterways. Head out to Lake Superior or visit one of the state's more than 10,000 lakes where you can enjoy sailing and paddle boarding. Adventurous retirees can also go rafting down calmer sections of the Mississippi River.

Fishing is a popular pastime that Minnesotans partake in no matter the weather. In the spring and summer months, anglers practice their lake and fly fishing while dodging mosquitoes and admiring the birdlife. In the fall, fishing is accompanied by the majestic flocks of birds flying south for the winter. And fishing in the winter is perfect for the heartiest of anglers as they make their way onto the frozen lakes for a bit of ice fishing. 

Take Part in Winter Sports

Minnesota has a booming winter sports scene. Downhill and cross country skiing are especially popular. Snowshoeing and snowmobiling are also senior accessible activities. You can even watch a dog sledding race!

 

How to Know if Minnesota is Right for Your Golden Years

Minnesota’s outdoor activity scene is a draw for many 55+ active adults. The state is renowned for its fishing and hunting. Its shopping options are similarly attractive, with stores ranging from upscale boutiques to antique shops.

Cultural diversity is another of Minnesota’s selling points. You’ll find communities of Native Americans, Swedes, Hmong, and Somalis. This diversity lends itself to the state’s more progressive feel. It also contributes to its food culture, with many ethnic dishes and farm fresh favorites available.

Minnesota’s affordable housing options and top-notch healthcare also makes it appealing to seniors.

 

Minnesota’s 55+ Communities

There’s lots to love about the senior friendly housing options in Minnesota! There are quaint neighborhoods to explore, as well as master planned communities featuring single story homes designed for empty nesters.

Age Restricted Communities

Live out your retirement with like-minded neighbors in an age restricted community, some of which are manufactured homes communities. These communities are often popular with seniors looking for affordable housing options.

Waterfront Communities

Live on the lakeside when you buy a new home in a Minnesota waterfront community!

You can boat and fish with ease when your new home is near the water. Some of Minnesota’s waterfront communities are located along Lake Superior, while others are smaller lakefront or riverside neighborhoods located throughout the state.

Luxury Apartments

Luxury rental apartments are often on a single floor, come in multiple floor plans and include high-end interior touches. Communities often include a fitness center and community pool.

Apartments are a great choice for seniors looking to downsize and live a low maintenance lifestyle. Grounds keeping and snow removal are often included at luxury apartment communities.

Condominiums

Looking to “right size” rather than downsize? Condominiums (condos) offer an affordable way to retire close to entertainment venues and outdoorsy attractions alike. HOA’s cover exterior maintenance and snow removal.

 

Unparalleled Healthcare for 55+ Adults

Minnesota is renowned for its high quality, affordable healthcare. It’s the hub for the Mayo Clinic, one of the biggest and most well-regarded care facilities in the nation. The state is also home to the University of Minnesota’s M Health.

Abbott Northwestern Hospital services the Twin Cities region. Duluth has Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center, offering an array of healthcare specialties to seniors.