Why Travel-Loving Retirees Are Choosing This Midwestern Gem for a Perfect Small Town Experience

While it might not be on your retirement radar yet, Platte City, Missouri, is a midwestern town with close proximity to some big city amenities. If you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful, and relaxed retirement, this small town might deserve a closer look. 

Located about 25 minutes north of Kansas City, Platte City offers retirees a chance to stay connected to the world while still enjoying a slower pace of life.

Let’s explore what makes this small town of around 4,800 such an attractive option for avid travelers in retirement.

Travel Accessibility

Platte City is located near the Kansas City International Airport. It’s just a 10-minute drive from downtown, or four miles as the crow flies. While the airport isn’t big, it does offer nonstop service to many major hubs throughout the United States, along with limited international flights to destinations in Canada and Mexico.

Travelers can access most major airlines through Kansas City International, including American, Delta, Southwest, and United.

Public Transportation

Retirees will need a car to get around Platte City and other areas of Kansas. The city does not have a train station, but Amtrak service is available into and out of Kansas City from other destinations. Again, this is about a 25-minute car ride from Platte City. 

While public transit options are limited, a bus route does connect Platte City to Kansas City. Realistically, though, you’ll need to drive or use rideshares (though these are limited) to get around—especially if you’re planning day trips or traveling frequently between towns in the rural Midwest.

Cost of Living and Affordability

With a median household income of $95,748, Platte County residents earn well above the national median of $80,610. This may be a strong indicator of regional economic health, and good news for those looking to relocate in retirement.

Housing in Platte City is also reasonably priced, particularly for retirees moving from more expensive areas. The median home value in Platte County is $317,600, which is notably higher than Missouri’s statewide average of $262,355 (as of June 30, 2025), but comfortably below the national median of $410,800 (Q2 2025).

Whether you’re looking to purchase a modest single-family home or downsize into something more manageable, the local real estate market may offer more flexibility than you’d expect from a town this close to a major city.

On average, retirees in the area spend around $1,410 on monthly housing costs, which include mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities, and taxes. Transportation costs are also relatively reasonable at $1,343. However, they may be higher in areas with greater access to public transportation.

Platte County residents spend around $812 a month on taxes, though the state is somewhat tax-friendly for retirees. The average property tax rate is around 0.88%, which is right in line with the national average of around 0.91%. Social Security benefits, however, are not taxed at the state level—meaning you get to keep more guaranteed income in your pocket during retirement.

Lifestyle Considerations for Retirees

While Platte City offers the quiet appeal of small-town life, it’s not short on personality. Retirees can enjoy an afternoon at one of the local wineries, go antique shopping, or visit several small museums that celebrate regional history and culture. The town’s relaxed pace can be a welcome contrast to the hustle of larger cities, making it ideal for retirees looking to unwind without disconnecting entirely.

If you enjoy spending time in nature, you might also appreciate the area’s rolling hills, as well as its local parks and nearby trails. You’ll find plenty of places to take a leisurely walk, birdwatch, or go biking. For those looking to enjoy more diverse restaurants, a sports game, or a big-ticket concert, Kansas City is less than half an hour away.

Having that proximity to a major metropolitan area is certainly a plus. Should you choose to relocate to Platte City in retirement, you won’t have to sacrifice easy access to entertainment, dining, and culture in the process.

Other Things To Consider

Keep in mind, Missouri is really not part of the Sun Belt (rather, it’s part of the Rust Belt). If you’re hoping for a more traditional, year-round warm-weather retirement, this might not be the destination for you.

Platte City experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Average highs in the summer can reach the upper 80s, while winter temperatures often dip below freezing. Expect some humidity and rainstorms as well. The area receives about 30 inches of rain annually and occasional snowfall in the colder months.

While these risks are lower than in parts of the deep South or along the Gulf Coast, they’re still worth considering when selecting a home and insurance coverage.

Population Growth and Density

Platte County has grown steadily in recent years, but it hasn’t experienced the explosive development seen in other parts of the country (including the Sun Belt). Some suburban development is creeping north from Kansas City, but Platte City still retains its rural feel. Overall, residents are still able to maintain a strong sense of community.

Traffic is minimal, especially compared to larger metro areas. This makes it easier for retirees to get around town and means they’re likely to be exposed to lower noise levels. And with no rush hour, most people move at a slower, more relaxed pace. 

The Bottom Line

If you’re a retiree who loves to travel but prefers to come home to a quiet, affordable, and community-oriented town, Platte City could be your ideal destination. With easy airport accessibility, reasonable housing costs, and a pleasant blend of rural charm and proximity to a larger metro area, this Missouri town checks many of the boxes for a travel-friendly retirement.

Before making a move, consider spending a few days in Platte City. Explore the surrounding countryside, visit the airport to test how easy it is to navigate, and take a day trip to Kansas City. You may find that this lesser-known gem offers just the right mix of comfort and convenience for your retirement years.