This Highly-Rated Place To Retire In Michigan Is A Senior-Friendly Locale With Affordable Living And Outdoor Fun

There are plenty of reasons why Michigan is growing into a popular state for retirees. It's practically bursting with natural beauty, plus seniors can enjoy zero taxes on Social Security benefits. While there are plenty of Michigan counties that would make exciting retirement destinations, the picturesque region of Cass County in the southwest is perfect for seniors who enjoy rural charm. The nearest major hub is South Bend, Indiana, about 25 miles away, making the county feel secluded.

Cass County is a senior-friendly region near the Indiana state line. Out of Michigan's 83 counties, it has earned 13th place on Niche's ranking of Michigan's best counties for retirees, with one resident on Niche calling it "one of the greatest counties in Michigan," and adding that it's "filled with loving and caring people." Of Cass County's approximately 51,700 residents according to the U.S Census Bureau, 24% are 65 or older, meaning that retirees who choose to settle down there are joining a robust senior community full of resources and community events. 

The cost of living is also around 10% lower than the national average according to Market One, which connects people, investors, and organizations to improve the county's economy. Best Places, meanwhile, rates the county as over 15% more affordable than the U.S. average — making it an even more attractive option for cost-conscious retirees.

Cass County is home to a host of friendly communities, villages, and towns. The charming lake village of Cassopolis, which serves as the county seat, is right in the heart of the county. A quintessential Midwestern settlement with 1,700 residents according to World Population Review, it sits between Stone Lake and Diamond Lake, and has plenty to offer. History lovers will appreciate the abundance of museums, from Cass District Library's Local History Branch to the seasonal Pioneer Log Cabin Museum. Cassopolis is also where the beloved Cass County Fair has taken place each August since 1851. 

For a more rural, tight-knit atmosphere, there's the quaint village of Edwardsburg. Framed by lakes, this is "a very small town, where everyone knows everyone," according to a resident's review on Niche.

The family-friendly city of Dowagiac, which is home to museums and golf courses, is 8.5 miles farther north. Dowagiac, (pronounced duh-WAH-jack), is Cass County's only city and it is home to nearly 6,000 residents according to the U.S. Census Bureau, with 21% 65 or older. Retirees will find the Cass County Council on Aging, a non-profit organization that serves the county's senior communities with an abundance of resources, in Dowagiac and Cassopolis. According to its website, seniors can look forward to "active, engaging programs that promote community, lifelong learning and social connectedness." The organization has a packed calendar of events, ranging from knitting and crochet classes to group cardio sessions and guitar lessons. There are also opportunities for group travel, as it plans affordable excursions such as thrifting trips, as well as museum visits and cruises.

Regardless of which town retirees choose to settle down in, active seniors will appreciate Cass County's miles of winding trails and over 200 waterways — which give active seniors endless options to enjoy the outdoors. Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park, an International Dark Sky Park, is one of six county parks. Spanning 820 acres, it's renowned for stargazing thanks to the lack of light pollution it produces. The 13-acre Fred Russ Forest Park, which sits within the 580-acre Fred Russ research forest, is another popular county park. It offers several miles of hiking and horseback riding trails and access to the scenic Dowagiac Creek, a great fishing spot known for its brown trout.  

Speaking of fishing, anglers have plenty of options thanks to the hundreds of lakes and waterways around Cass County. There's the 1,078-acre Diamond Lake, a top option for warm-water fishing, offering anglers a chance to catch some bass or walleye. It's also ideal for canoeing, kayaking, or waterskiing. The smaller, spring-fed Birch Lake is farther east. Surrounded by stunning woodland, it's one of the region's deepest inland lakes. Anglers can catch trout in the warmer months or ice-fish for bass in winter. If you want your lake adventure to include a beach, head over to Stone Lake. The sandy shores of Stone Lake Beach has a 200-foot pier that offers panoramic lake views. 

Want to explore some more recreation options around Cass County? Visit the underrated Warren Dunes State Park along Lake Michigan. A little under an hour away, it's a stunning alternative to Indiana Dunes National Park, featuring 3 miles of gorgeous beach shoreline.