Looking for a place where retirement actually feels like freedom? According to Forbes Magazine, Columbia, Missouri just ranked among the Top 10 Best Places to Retire in 2025, and it’s easy to see why. With affordable living, great healthcare, and a welcoming atmosphere, Columbia checks all the right boxes for retirees ready to downsize stress without sacrificing quality of life.
And if you’re wondering where to settle once you arrive, Regal Communities proudly offers Creekwood Estates, a peaceful 55+ manufactured home community in the heart of Columbia. With decades of real estate experience and a presence from Arkansas to Pennsylvania, Regal is committed to providing affordable, well-managed housing options across the U.S.
Our approach is rooted in integrity, service, and lasting value. We don’t just build communities, we help people find places they’re proud to call home.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly what makes Columbia such a standout retirement city, and how Creekwood Estates by Regal Communities brings that lifestyle to life.
Columbia, Missouri Just Made Forbes’ Top 10 Retirement Cities
Columbia wasn’t chosen by chance. Forbes evaluated over 800 cities across key retirement factors — affordability, healthcare, taxes, air quality, climate, and safety, and Columbia stood out for offering a well-rounded, low-stress lifestyle.
Here’s what helped Columbia make the list:
- Cost of Living: About 10% below the national average, with lower prices for groceries, utilities, and healthcare
- Home Prices: Median price sits around $306,000, roughly 24% less than the U.S. average
- Healthcare Access: Home to the University of Missouri Hospital and a high number of doctors per capita
- Tax Perks: No state tax on Social Security benefits, a top income tax rate of just 4.7%, and no estate or inheritance taxes
- Clean Environment: Strong air quality and minimal industrial pollution
- Disaster Safety: Low risk for hurricanes, wildfires, and floods
- Mid-Sized Community Perks: Just over 130,000 residents, offering urban amenities without congestion or noise
Columbia delivers what many retirees are looking for — lower costs, reliable care, and a high quality of life without the big-city headaches.
What Retirees Can Expect from Daily Life in Columbia
A Balanced Lifestyle with Cultural and Educational Opportunities
Columbia is home to three universities, including the University of Missouri, which adds energy and culture to daily life. Retirees here enjoy access to concerts, galleries, sporting events, and free or low-cost learning programs.
It’s a place where you can stay mentally sharp and socially connected. Unlike larger cities, everything feels more personal, less noise, more neighborly.
Comfortable Climate and Clean Air Throughout the Year
Columbia experiences four true seasons, but none of them are extreme. Winters are shorter, summers are warm without being oppressive, and fall and spring are stunning.
The air quality is clean, making it easier for those with respiratory concerns to stay active outdoors. The city also ranks low for natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.
Access to Comprehensive, Local Healthcare Services
Healthcare access in Columbia is one of the city’s strongest points. The University of Missouri Hospital is nationally recognized and just minutes from most neighborhoods.
Forbes cited Columbia’s high number of doctors per resident as a major advantage. That means shorter wait times, better access to specialists, and peace of mind as you age.
Creekwood Estates: A Peaceful 55+ Community in Columbia
If you’re looking for a quiet place to enjoy your retirement years, Creekwood Estates offers just that — a calm, well-kept neighborhood designed for adults 55 and over. Tucked away on Clark Lane, this community has 102 home sites, friendly neighbors, and streets safe enough for a morning walk or a golf cart ride.
The homes are single-story, easy to care for, and built with comfort in mind. Every home has off-street parking, dusk-to-dawn yard lighting, and access to a private mail station.
The community also includes an onsite laundry room, regular snow removal in the winter, and a watch program to help everyone feel secure. There’s even an onsite manager to keep things running smoothly. And if you have a small cat or dog, they’re welcome too.
Simple Living That Won’t Stretch Your Budget
One of the biggest benefits of Creekwood Estates is how affordable it is. You own your home and lease the land, which keeps costs more predictable and easier to manage over time.
It’s a straightforward setup that makes budgeting simpler — no surprise fees, no extra headaches.
Close to What Matters Most
Creekwood Estates is just minutes from grocery stores, hospitals, parks, and restaurants — so you’re never far from the things you need. And when you feel like getting out, Columbia offers beautiful spots like the Katy Trail, Devil’s Icebox Cave, and even local day trips to towns like Hermann or Boonville.
Whether you like football Saturdays, quiet evenings, or fresh air and nature, it’s all right here.
Why More Seniors Are Choosing Mobile Home Retirement Communities
A Smarter Way to Downsize
Many retirees are choosing manufactured homes for one simple reason: they make life easier. These homes are designed to be comfortable, efficient, and easier to maintain than traditional houses.
Single-floor layouts remove the need for stairs and reduce daily strain. Smaller spaces also mean quicker cleaning and fewer home-related expenses.
Key benefits include:
- Easier mobility and safer movement around the home
- Lower utility costs and simpler maintenance
- More time to enjoy retirement, not manage repairs
You don’t need a big house to live well. You just need a space that fits your lifestyle.
The Value of Age-Qualified Communities for Senior Living
55+ communities bring people together who share the same stage of life. That creates a natural sense of understanding and comfort.
It’s easier to meet neighbors, make friends, and feel at home when everyone around you values the same things. Social ease is part of the design, not just a bonus.
What residents often say they enjoy:
- Friendly, familiar faces
- Quiet evenings and respectful routines
- The right mix of privacy and connection
It’s more than just a place to live. It’s a lifestyle that supports the way you want to feel every day.
Ready to See Why Columbia Is a Top Retirement Choice?
Columbia offers the right balance of cost, comfort, and care for today’s retirees. Creekwood Estates adds the feeling of home with a calm, welcoming 55+ community right in the middle of it all.
You get the benefits of a top-ranked retirement city without the high price tag or big-city pace. And with Regal Communities behind it, you can expect quality, reliability, and support every step of the way.
If you’re ready to see what life could look like here, we’d love to show you around. Creekwood Estates is open for tours, and our team is here to answer any questions.
Call us at (321) 252-8095 or contact us online to schedule a visit. Find your next home in a place that puts comfort and connection first.