11. Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines has quietly become one of the Midwest’s most desirable retirement cities — affordable, walkable, and genuinely livable. Average 1-bedroom rents sit around $981 per month, Iowa does not tax Social Security income, and the city’s infrastructure — healthcare, parks, dining, and arts — rivals cities twice its size.

The Ewing and Murle Kauffman Foundation’s investment in the local arts has transformed the city’s cultural scene, and the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a genuine gem for nature-loving retirees. Downtown’s Principal Riverwalk offers free outdoor entertainment all summer. Iowa Methodist Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center Des Moines both provide excellent senior healthcare close to most residential neighborhoods.

For retirees who want a full-service city experience without full-service prices, Des Moines is a top pick in 2026. The city’s consistent safety, well-maintained neighborhoods, and welcoming community culture make it especially attractive for retirees relocating from larger, more expensive metro areas in search of a better quality of life.