Lifestyle
With tax-free Social Security income and tax exemptions on pensions up to a limit, Kentucky is a great place to call home after retirement. You’ll also get a sales tax break on groceries, which will help you keep more of your earnings in the bank.
Other than financial savings, is Kentucky a good place to retire? For those who love to experience the best of all four seasons, the Southern state can be a great option. Here are some of the best cities in the state for retirement.
Stephanie Faris
Published February 15th, 2022
Updated December 8th, 2022
Stephanie Faris
•
Published February 15th, 2022
•
Updated December 8th, 2022
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Kentucky has a low cost of living and tax-friendliness for retirees, making it an affordable option for retirement.
The state is a blend of small and mid sized towns, with plenty of suburban and rural options if you prefer.
The best Kentucky cities have plenty of arts and culture, combined with shopping and dining options and accessibility to healthcare.
With tax-free Social Security income and tax exemptions on pensions up to a limit, Kentucky is a great place to call home after retirement. You’ll also get a sales tax break on groceries, which will help you keep more of your earnings in the bank.
Other than financial savings, is Kentucky a good place to retire? For those who love to experience the best of all four seasons, the Southern state can be a great option. Here are some of the best cities in the state for retirement.
Louisville
CITY POPULATION: 766,757
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 16.7%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 8% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $33,251
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
Named as one of the best places to retire in Kentucky 2019 through 2021 in many lists, Louisville is great for those looking for city life. Louisville also offers easy access to both Indiana and Ohio. If you like having plenty of shopping and dining options, combined with arts and culture, Louisville could be the perfect choice for you.
Somerset
CITY POPULATION: 11,585
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 19.1%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 15% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $22,571
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
Those looking at the best small towns in Kentucky to retire should consider Somerset, a lakeside town with plenty of festivals and events. The area is also home to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in the state.
Mayfield
CITY POPULATION: 16,263
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 16.1%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 12% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $43,980
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
The small-town feel and affordability make Mayfield one of the best cities to retire in Kentucky. Located in the southwestern corner of the state, you’ll find historical monuments, parks, and plenty of beautiful farmland.
Lexington
CITY POPULATION: 323,152
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 4% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $34,442
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
Known as the “horse capital of the world,” Lexington is one of the best places to live in Kentucky for seniors who love all things equestrian. The many horse events each year attract visitors from all over, which means you’ll have access to a wide selection of restaurants and shops.
Ashland
CITY POPULATION: 20,146
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 18.3%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 11% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $24,096
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
One of the best places to live in Kentucky for retirees who want waterfront living, Ashland is a midsized city with plenty to offer. The downtown area is dotted with art installations and unique restaurants and boutiques.
Frankfort
CITY POPULATION: 27,755
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 16.1%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 11% above the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $29,288
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
For a more suburban retirement, Frankfort is one of the best towns to retire in Kentucky. Golfers will especially like the many golf courses that cover the area, and travelers will like the easy access to Cincinnati, Lexington, and Louisville.
Paducah
CITY POPULATION: 24,865
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 19.5%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 8% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $32,097
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
When you ask is Kentucky a good state to retire in, some locals will mention Paducah, a thriving suburb with a charming historical downtown area. Being in the suburbs means that you’ll have plenty of dining, shopping, and healthcare options.
Bowling Green
CITY POPULATION: 70,543
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 11%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 8% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $24,083
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
This charming college town is one of the best places to retire in Kentucky 2020 and 2021 due to its many hiking trails and parks. If you like live music, there are also quite a few venues to choose from, as well as outdoor concerts during warmer months.
Shelbyville
CITY POPULATION: 16,585
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 11.8%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 5% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $29,825
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
Located just a half an hour from Louisville, Shelbyville gives you plenty of affordable housing options and things to do. The city is home to Claudia Sanders Dinner House, as well as several other charming local restaurants and shops. The proximity to Louisville means you can always access bigger-city options if you’re looking for them.
Fort Thomas
CITY POPULATION: 16,263
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 16.1%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 12% below the national average
PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $43,980
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly
This Cincinnati, Ohio-area town is one of the best places to retire in Kentucky for its outdoor areas and history. Coney Island has the world’s largest recirculating pool, along with amusement park rides and restaurants, and the town is also home to a couple of military museums.
Final Thoughts
Retiring in Kentucky is ideal for those who like to experience all four seasons. You’ll get a lower-than-average cost of living and plenty of sights to see. But a Kentucky retirement won’t necessarily be the best fit for everyone. Retirable can help you take a look at your savings and map out a plan for achieving your all retirement dreams.
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Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. She spent nearly a year as a writer for a credit card processing service and has written about finance for numerous marketing firms and entrepreneurs. Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates.
Getting Started
Northeastern U.S. Best Places To Retire
Southern U.S. Best Places To Retire
Midwestern U.S. Best Places To Retire
Western U.S. Best Cities To Retire
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Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. She spent nearly a year as a writer for a credit card processing service and has written about finance for numerous marketing firms and entrepreneurs. Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates.
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