What Makes Midland, Michigan, the Best Place to Retire

Midland, Michigan, earned the No. 1 ranking in U.S. News & World Report's Best Places to Retire for 2026. It's one of 11 Michigan cities in the top 100. Seniors in Midland are in good company: 23% of its residents are over the age of 45 and 20% are over 65.

The 2026 edition of the Best Places to Retire evaluates 859 cities, up from 150 in 2025. Its methodology weighs data on economic and environmental factors that matter most to retirees, including quality of life, affordability, access to quality health care, retiree taxes, senior population/migration and the local job market. In addition to these metrics, retirees may also consider personal preferences and proximity to family when choosing where to retire.

The most heavily weighted factor in the retirement score for each city is quality of life, accounting for more than a quarter of the overall score.

"I was won over by the quality of life in Midland," Steven Arnosky, retired city councilman for the city of Midland, said in an email. He is not a Michigan native but came to Midland to work for The Dow Chemical Co., which is headquartered there. He worked for Dow for 32 years before retiring with his wife and staying in Midland, though their family doesn't live nearby.

Affordable and Tax-Friendly

The city ranks No. 11 for affordability, which is partly thanks to its median home value of $206,142 – much lower than the national average of $370,489. Midland’s median household income of $76,166 is only slightly lower than the national median household income of $79,466.

The area's homes are reasonably priced and not lacking in design. "One of Midland's most defining features is its reputation for midcentury modern architecture, much of which was shaped by the influence of renowned architect Alden B. Dow, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright," Tony Stamas, president and CEO of the Midland Business Alliance, said in an email.

In addition to the area's unique homes, "Midland also offers several independent senior living communities designed for older adults seeking affordable, maintenance-free living," he said.

For taxes, Midland ranks No. 18. The city does not impose a local sales or income tax. "The state does not tax Social Security income and is in the process of phasing out taxes on other forms of retirement income, including pensions, 401(k)s and IRAs," Stamas said.

Accessible Recreation

Part of the Great Lakes Bay Region, Midland is for nature lovers. The community's Dow Gardens features thousands of flowers each spring and a 1,400-foot-long canopy walk in the estate's Whiting Forest.

Nearby, the Chippewa Nature Center has 19 miles of trails and exhibits about local wildlife and ecosystems, and the Little Forks Conservancy promotes protecting the land while educating the community.

Midland's outdoor spaces enable seniors to be active, including along the paved 30-mile Pere Marquette Rail Trail. "You mostly see seniors walking or bike riding on the trail," Arnosky said.

In addition, the Greater Midland Community Center offers senior programs and a pool, spa, track, fitness classes, and courts for basketball, pickleball, tennis and volleyball. The center also hosts activities such as mah-jongg, billiards, line dancing, puzzles and a walking club.

Great Quality of Life

Midland ranks No. 8 for quality of life, an index encompassing crime rates, weather temperateness, environmental risk from extreme weather, culture and leisure accessibility, air quality and walkability.

Big draws for the intellectually or artistically inclined, Arnosky said, are the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library and the Midland Center for the Arts, which houses an auditorium, theater and recital hall to host concerts, theatrical performances, classes and more.

The arts center is a cultural hub, Stamas said. "Whether attending a symphony concert, taking a painting workshop or volunteering as a docent, retirees have many ways to connect through creativity and shared experiences."

Marcie Post, parks and recreation director for the city of Midland, echoed this sentiment. "There's a strong social heartbeat for seniors here in Midland," she said in an email.

City events, such as summer's Commons Live Music Series, bring neighbors together to enjoy music in downtown Midland, creating intergenerational spaces, Stamas said.

In addition, residents can enjoy a night at the ballpark to take in a minor league game. "We're also proud to have Great Lakes Loons right here in Midland," Post said.

Community Care

Health care is available at the city's University of Michigan-affiliated hospital. Residents have access to a full range of specialty services.

The Senior Services Council on Aging in Midland offers resources to support independent living and promote connection for older adults, Stamas said.

Seniors have mobility and independence throughout the community, he added, and can use the curb-to-curb Dial-A-Ride bus system.

"From investing in accessible parks and restrooms to providing safe living options," the city is intentional about making Midland an age-friendly community, Brad Kaye, Midland city manager, said in an email.

Making seniors feel valued and involved is important, Kaye said, as "retirees bring a wealth of experience and energy to Midland."

Culture of Volunteerism 

Midland is a small city of roughly 40,000 people that "punches above its weight due to the generosity of its citizens," Arnosky said.

Kaye agrees. "There's a genuine culture of engagement here – people participate, volunteer and show up for their community," he said.

Many residents work for Dow, which employs more than 35,000 people globally and 5,000 in Midland. It's not the largest employer in the area today, but Dow's headquarters and manufacturing plants remain in the community.

Though Midland isn't one of the top performers in the job market index, there are part-time jobs for retirees in retail and the service industry. Seniors can also stay engaged by volunteering with local organizations.

Stamas said, "With a wide range of flexible volunteer programs, older adults can share their time and talents while continuing to be an active part of the community."