Many seniors heading into retirement are looking for a new, more relaxed way of life. Some find it by relocating and retiring to rural area communities.
Here’s how you can embrace a new pace in a rural town and how to find the right community for you.
Why retire to a rural area? While some seniors are looking for the hustle and bustle of the city during their retirement years, others prefer to focus on the simple pleasures in life.
Retiring to a rural area community has many benefits, including:
There are many small towns throughout the U.S. that fit the bill, especially in southern states such as Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Florida is particularly popular for retirement – in fact, NICHE compiled a list of the 2025 Best Counties for Retirement in America according to weather, cost of living, activities and other factors and all 10 counties listed were in Florida.
Not sure where you belong? Consider what you are looking for in your retirement lifestyle and which state and county could be the right fit for you.
Once you’ve decided where you’d like to retire, it’s important to consider what amenities are most important to you. Living in a rural area doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the perks of a more metropolitan area. A few of the most common priorities for seniors include:
Living in a more rural community often means having different access to healthcare services, such as smaller hospitals. That’s why it’s important to choose a community with robust healthcare options. It’s also a good idea to consider access to other care should you need it.
One benefit of living in a smaller community is that you will likely need less transportation as many amenities will be within walking distance. This can be especially helpful if you prefer not to drive or cannot for medical reasons. To prepare for this transition, consider whether you will still need a car and, if not, if any shuttle services or buses are available for your use.
In a smaller town, access to shopping malls and big box stores is often more limited. However, many small towns have easy access to these places via frequent shuttle trips to popular locations in nearby areas. On the other hand, rural towns often have hidden local gems such as farmers markets and boutiques with unique handmade items. In addition, there are countless options for online shopping and delivery right to your door.
While small towns naturally have a smaller population, that does not mean you’ll have fewer opportunities to make meaningful friendships during retirement. On the contrary, living in a close-knit community can be the key to fostering relationships. Take the first steps to join a club, group or class in your new rural retirement community to start meeting the people who are now your neighbors.
Rural living also comes with many chances to get outside and enjoy natural beauty that is untouched by urban development. Take advantage of everything your new home has to offer. Ask around with friends and community staff, keep an eye out for group trips and activities or simply ask a new friend if they’d like to take a stroll down a walking path. Many rural retirement communities even have exciting nature activities such as kayaking, fishing and birdwatching.
Florida has long been known as one of the best retirement destinations in the United States. For seniors who seek a warm climate, affordable housing and a lower cost of living — plus plenty of social opportunities and fun area attractions — it’s a perfect choice. More specifically, North Central Florida, located between Tallahassee and Jacksonville and down to Ocala, is a great region for seniors to live in. The real heart of Florida, cities such as Live Oak in Suwannee County offer small-town charm in a quiet atmosphere with plenty of things to do and see.
Once you have narrowed your search for the right rural retirement community, be prepared to tour your top options in person. Choosing your future home and lifestyle based on a brochure or website is not ideal. It’s important to get a feel for a senior living community, see what the quality of life is like for its residents and meet the staff.
You can use this helpful checklist to keep track of the communities you visit and what they offer.
If you’re looking to find peace and tranquility during your retirement years, it doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice excitement. Advent Christian Village is a faith-based community in Live Oak, Florida built on small-town values. Here, you can create your own lifestyle through a wide range of choices for housing and care while exploring opportunities to learn, serve and play. You’ll experience a community where neighbors truly care for one another, and you can age with meaning and purpose.
We’re pleased to bring together all the best parts of small-town living without sacrificing the opportunities of a larger community. You can keep up with the trends and stay connected with your family, all while enjoying the idyllic retirement you’ve always dreamed about. Perks include robust dining options, transportation services, live music and events and add-on services such as cleaning and housekeeping.
Want to experience a new kind of retirement for yourself? Call Advent Christian Village today to schedule a tour.
10680 Dowling Park Dr. Live Oak, FL 32060
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