One Of The Best Places For A Retiree Is A Picturesque College Town In Ohio

Although the name of this town might conjure up images of stunning architecture of Ye Olde England, it's solidly located in the heart of the Midwest in the United States. And, although it does have a bookish atmosphere, it's not that of Oxford University just outside of London. Instead, it's Oxford, Ohio, the location of Miami University — and home to many happy retirees. In 2024, Midwestern Traveler declared that Oxford is for everyone, not just college students. That same year, USA Today 10Best named Oxford the second-best small college town in the nation, also dubbing it the runner up in 2025. 

If, during retirement, the idea of a college-town ambiance appeals, Oxford is worth considering. Ohio is already of the cheapest states for retirement, and Wallet Hub listed Oxford as the fifth most affordable American college town in 2025 and 12th-best in its social environment ranking. According to Best Places, the cost of living is 12.5% lower than the national average in this quaint town of solid brick homes and wrought iron fences (although 5.8% more expensive than the average Ohio locale). A single person would need an average of $2,633 monthly (or $31,600 yearly) to live in Oxford, 44.8% less than the national average. Housing costs, specifically, are 14.6% lower than the national average, with a studio apartment averaging $680 monthly, one-bedrooms costing $790, and two-bedrooms priced at $1,020. If you want to buy, Zillow showed an average home value of $328,886 in December 2025, which is slightly below the national average of $359,241.

An optimal retirement place for one person may be less than satisfactory for another, with the preferred retirement lifestyle playing a key role. If you're looking for bright lights and round-the-clock entertainment availability, Oxford isn't your place. However, if you appreciate thoughtful visits to art museums, such as the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum, with its 17,500 permanent exhibits, five rotating galleries, and three acres of a surrounding sculpture park, along with numerous art co-ops and arts-and-crafts festivals, then you will probably love Oxford. Rich in history, the town invites you to stroll many of its lovely grounds on self-guided tours, including through Oxford University's Historic District with 33 sites in a nine-block area, originally made up almost entirely of residences. Eateries abound, too, whether you're after leisurely meals, cups of coffee, or tasty desserts. 

Plus, if you find that you want (or need) to work in your golden years, college towns can be great places to make money after retiring. From helping organize the many events that take place in colleges to teaching courses as an adjunct professor or serving as a career counselor, plenty of opportunities exist that leverage your work experience and interests. To find part-time work that could financially enhance your retirement years, check with the Oxford Chamber of Commerce and the Miami University.