Looking to retire without leaving the Northeast behind—or draining your Social Security?
Hellertown, Pennsylvania, just landed on Investopedia’s latest ranking of the top 29 most charming U.S. small towns for retirement and low-cost living.
Located roughly 80 miles (a 90-minute drive) from New York City, this quiet Northampton County borough blends rich historic appeal with incredible outdoor access—all at a price point that makes stretching a retirement budget realistic.
Hellertown, PA at a glance
- Drive from Midtown: ~1 hr 30 mins (80 miles)
- Median Home Price: ~$350,000 (vs. $800k+ NYC metro average)
- Vibe: Historic, walkable, outdoor-centric
- Claim to Fame: Home to Lost River Caverns & Saucon Rail Trail
Why Hellertown made the list
- Real Affordability: Unlike high-cost retirement hubs in New York or New Jersey, Hellertown features a median home price hovering around $350,000. That makes securing a cozy home vastly more accessible for retirees looking to downsize
- Charming & connected: Hellertown’s historic Main Street is compact and easy to navigate on foot, lined with local shops, small eateries, and a close-knit community atmosphere
- Lehigh Valley Access: Residents enjoy quiet borough living while staying just minutes from Bethlehem and Allentown, giving quick access to top-tier healthcare networks, regional shopping, and dining
- Outdoor & Seasonal Charm: From low-traffic streets to community gatherings, the town offers a relaxed, unhurried pace of life tailored to retirees who want to stay active
Things to do in Hellertown
- Tour the Lost River Caverns: Explore a natural underground limestone cave complete with crystal formations and an active underground river
- Walk the Saucon Rail Trail: Bike, jog, or stroll along this flat, scenic multi-use path connecting Hellertown to neighboring Lehigh Valley communities
- Relax at Water Street Park: Spend afternoons along the creek, utilize the sports courts, or catch seasonal events hosted in the park
- Shop the Saucon Valley Farmers’ Market: Pick up fresh produce, artisanal baked goods, and handmade crafts every Sunday morning (May through November) at Water Street Park
- Explore Local History: Visit the Hellertown Historical Society to tour the historic Grist Mill property and learn about the region’s early colonial roots
The top 29 most charming U.S. small towns to consider for retirement and a lower cost of living
- Delaware: Lewes, Rehoboth Beach
- Florida: Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Cypress Lake, Englewood, Homosassa Springs, Indialantic, Sebring, South Beach, Southgate
- Iowa: Algona, Corning, Knoxville, Pella
- Michigan: Niles
- New Hampshire: Conway
- Pennsylvania: Hellertown, Hermitage, Johnstown, Mechanicsburg, New Cumberland, Wilson
- South Dakota: Gregory, Pierre
- Tennessee: Paris
- Washington: Omak, Pomeroy
- Wyoming: Evanston