Where Should You Retire? New Report Picks This American Small Town Edward ClarkAugust 25, 2025 at 11:28 PM Choosing the right place to retire involves more than sunny weather or golf courses. That's why Maplewood, Missouri—a suburb just outside St.
- - Where Should You Retire? New Report Picks This American Small Town
Edward ClarkAugust 25, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Choosing the right place to retire involves more than sunny weather or golf courses. That's why Maplewood, Missouri—a suburb just outside St. Louis—recently topped a national list as the best small town to retire in. Maplewood has a population of over 8,000, and it checks many boxes. Here's what makes it stand out for retirees across the country.
Affordable Living Without Sacrificing Access
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Retiring on a fixed income doesn't mean giving up quality of life. In Maplewood, the average monthly cost of living is about $2,810, according to GoBankingRates. That includes housing, transportation, and healthcare, without needing to move hours from a major city.
Homes That Still Feel Like a Deal
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Maplewood offers bungalows, Tudors, and colonials, many priced between $300K and $500K. Nearby suburbs might run three times as much, so yes, the architecture here might come with a livable mortgage.
Proximity to Top-Ranked Hospitals
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For retirees, being near good medical care isn't optional. Maplewood's location gives residents easy access to top-tier hospitals like Washington University and Saint Louis University. Finding care here is embedded in the local infrastructure, with over 100 hospitals in the region.
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Maplewood's livability score is 87 out of 100. Being so close to St. Louis might suggest a higher incidence, but Maplewood's neighborhoods remain low-key and residential. The feeling is closer to a classic suburb, and neighbors actually watch out for each other.
Transit That's Useful
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MetroLink runs right through town, connecting residents to the airport, hospitals, and downtown St. Louis. The train station is walkable, and rides cost just $3. For retirees who'd rather not drive everywhere, public transit here is reliable and easy to use.
A Walkable Downtown
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The downtown is compact and easy to navigate. Anywhere, you'll spot small businesses, local restaurants, and even a butcher. This part of town offers simple pleasures without long commutes. Sidewalks are shaded and maintained, and you won't always need a car to do things.
Restaurants That Locals Brag About
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Maplewood has become a destination for food lovers, with standouts like Acero, Boogaloo, and Reeds American Table getting citywide attention. Some restaurants have even landed on "best of" lists in local publications. Best part? You can walk to nearly all of them.
A Brewery With Its Schedule of Events
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Schlafly Bottleworks, located right in Maplewood, hosts concerts, seasonal food events, and a year-round farmer's market. The taproom features locally sourced food, and daily tours are free. It's a favorite gathering spot for retirees who like craft drinks or community events.
Local Events That Happen
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Officials make space for people to show up and stay connected. Taste of Maplewood, Let Them Eat Art, and the Christmas Tree Walk are just a few examples of the town's community events. These aren't touristy one-offs, either; They're regular happenings with real turnout from residents.
Parks That Are Close to Home
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Several parks lie within walking or short driving distance of central Maplewood. These include spots with playgrounds and picnic spaces. While not sprawling, they're well-kept and easy to enjoy year-round. Seniors with dogs, grandkids, or a morning walking habit will find these local parks more than sufficient.
A Library That's More Than Books
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The Maplewood Public Library sits in the middle of town and offers much more than rows of paperbacks. For retirees, it doubles as a quiet retreat and a low-key social hub. Plus, it's walkable from most homes in the area and doesn't require a complicated parking situation.
The Farmers Market Feels Like a Ritual
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The Maplewood farmers market is held regularly at Schlafly Bottleworks. It offers produce, meats, baked goods, and handmade items from local vendors. You're as likely to pick up fresh herbs as you are to pick up neighborhood news while browsing the booths.
A Community That Knows Your Name
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Maplewood is the kind of place where shopkeepers remember your order and your neighbor offers to water your plants. It's just how people live. Whether you're brand-new or from three ZIP codes away, you won't stay a stranger for long.
A History That's Still Visible
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You'll see early 20th-century architecture, preserved storefronts, and residential blocks that chain stores or significant developments haven't overtaken. It doesn't feel over-designed or overly trendy. The neighborhood looks like it grew slowly, and that's part of its charm.
You Can Still Get Toasted Ravioli
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St. Louis is known for its regional quirks, and toasted ravioli is one of them. Maplewood is close enough to claim it as a local tradition. If a neighbor ever asks which high school you went to while handing you fried pasta, that's just part of the welcome.
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