The most fun places to retire in every state

Population: 19,064

Art galleries per 10k people: 0.52
Movie theaters per 10k people: 2.10
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 0.52
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 0.52
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 0.52

Known as "The Gibby" to locals and members, the Gilbert W. Perry Jr. Center for the Arts gives Middletown retirees the chance to channel their inner artist with a host of classes, workshops, exhibits and other happenings.

Population: 24,340

Art galleries per 10k people: 4.93
Movie theaters per 10k people: 1.23
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 1.23
Tennis courts per 10k people: 0.41
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 1.64

A rich sailing heritage paired with quaint downtown restaurants and shops makes Newport an inviting place for retirees to enjoy themselves. Newport’s famous Cliff Walk is characterized by the historical summer mansions of the Vanderbilts, Astors, and other notable families from America’s Gilded Age.

Population: 9,483

Art galleries per 10k people: 4.22
Movie theaters per 10k people: 1.05
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 1.05
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 1.05
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 2.11

Keep your eye on the pins ahead and your heart in the social spirit of one of Exeter Bowling Lanes' many men's, women's and mixed groups. An institution since 1946, Baby Boomers can appreciate the history this fun venue brings to keeping them active.

Population: 8,334

Movie theaters per 10k people: 1.20
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 2.40
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 1.20

Hone your hole-in-one skills by paying a visit to The Ridges at Village Creek State Park, where you can follow up your round of golf by enjoying the great outdoors with a camping excursion.

Population: 10,254

Art galleries per 10k people: 0.98
Movie theaters per 10k people: 2.93
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 0.98

Remember the good old days, before going to the movies meant navigating the multiplex with your GPS? The Burley Theater in Downtown Burley has its own vaunted history, with a single screen and many original features still intact from its time as a former vaudeville house.

Population: 7,485

Art galleries per 10k people: 1.34
Movie theaters per 10k people: 2.67
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 1.34
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 2.67

Both you and the grandkids can spend hours immersed in the wonders of the award-winning Jasmine Moran Children's Museum, with a science exhibit, castle maze and SuperSONIC express train.

Population: 6,250

Movie theaters per 10k people: 1.60
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 3.20

Upcoming for 2016 at the Main ARTery Kansas Fine Art gallery is a series of adult classes teaching everything from working with watercolors, stained glass and journaling. This community gallery may become a place to exhibit your work and sustain the presence of the arts in Ulysses.

Population: 10,222

Movie theaters per 10k people: 0.98
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 6.85
Tennis courts per 10k people: 1.96
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 0.98

Budding ornithologist or photographer post-retirement? Check out the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail along the Gulf Shores for a glimpse at as many ospreys, gulls, squalls and other species migrating to and from the shore. Every year, don't miss out on BirdFest to connect with others in your love of appreciating these winged wonders of wildlife.

Population: 5,840

Art galleries per 10k people: 3.42
Movie theaters per 10k people: 1.71
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 1.71
Tennis courts per 10k people: 1.71

An all-in-one spot with activities held year-round, the Simsbury Senior Center is the place to enjoy everything from casino field trips, to holiday meals, parties, recitals, happy hour, and exercise and computer courses to keep you sharp.

Population: 11,159

Art galleries per 10k people: 2.69
Movie theaters per 10k people: 1.79
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 1.79
Tennis courts per 10k people: 1.79
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 5.38

Who knew going back to school could be so entertaining? Visit Davidson College any time of the year and find a myriad of musicals concerts, lectures and stage shows, all with an intellectually stimulating flair.

Population: 10,080

Bowling establishments per 10k people: 4.96
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 0.99

Poker, slots, roulette - maybe even catch a show while visiting the Mardi Gras Casino and Resort, without having to trek to N'Awlins or Vegas for it. The casino also hosts a number of special functions, like your next retirement party at the venue's French Quarter restaurant.

Population: 5,984

Art galleries per 10k people: 1.67
Movie theaters per 10k people: 1.67
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 3.34

Population: 6,000

Art galleries per 10k people: 8.33
Movie theaters per 10k people: 3.33
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 1.67
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 1.67

In Alpine, Texas, the CatchLight Art Gallery is a place to catch a deeper look at the work of Big Bend artists, from painting, sculpture, mixed media and more. Make sure to "catch" the gallery's annual ArtWalk event exhibiting the best of the best.

Population: 6,720

Movie theaters per 10k people: 2.98
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 2.98
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 2.98

Hey Boo-Boo! Everyone knows that Yogi Bear is the main denizen of Jellystone National Park. There's one near Raintree Lake at Scottsburg, so come camping and reconnect with nature - check out the park's barbecue pits, fishing spots and other amenities, a perfect summer vacation for retired couples, or with the entire family.

Population: 6,619

Movie theaters per 10k people: 1.51
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 1.51
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 3.02
Tennis courts per 10k people: 1.51
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 7.55

Added to Valley City State University in 1992, Medicine Wheel Park is a walkable "horizon calendar" structured out of rocks, along with a nearby Native American Burial Ground, flower garden, and other scenic sights to see of Sheyenne River Valley nature.

Population: 6,044

Art galleries per 10k people: 1.65
Movie theaters per 10k people: 1.65
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 3.31
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 1.65

A Waupaca tradition for more than 83 years, don't miss grabbing a bite at Simpson's, a supper club-style restaurant whose lunch and dinner menu will satisfy any palate. (Fifteen beers on tap doesn't hurt, either.)

Population: 9,136

Art galleries per 10k people: 9.85
Movie theaters per 10k people: 2.19
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 1.09
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 4.38

It goes without saying that you should try the dinner at the Alchemy Bistro & Wine Bar, but not without sitting in for a performance of the Key City Public Theatre's "The Dog Logs," a monologue-driven production between two actors portraying 12 different canine characters. The dinner theater event features a four-course meal.

Population: 5,503

Movie theaters per 10k people: 1.82
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 3.63
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 1.82

The YMCA of the Prarie is touted as one of Nebraska's best, a perfect place for any retiree to take advantage of activities, classes and more. According to Nebraska Rural Living, the Holdrege Y "offers classes in art, personal finance, chess and skateboard basics along with traditional fitness programming like basketball, weight training, racquetball and swimming."

Population: 5,008

Movie theaters per 10k people: 2.00
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 3.99
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 2.00

Population: 8,463

Art galleries per 10k people: 1.18
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 3.54
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 1.18
Tennis courts per 10k people: 1.18
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 3.54

Incline Village is part of the greater Lake Tahoe community, so for active seniors, that means the chance for skiing, swimming and sauna. The Incline Village Parks and Rec Center offers the best of those options and more, plus senior-friendly activities like a digital photography club and the Conversation Cafe.

Population: 11,399

Art galleries per 10k people: 13.16
Movie theaters per 10k people: 2.63
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 0.88
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 0.88

Lahaina is one of Maui's most historic towns, so you won't want to miss out absorbing some of its interesting past, especially if you're retiring to Hawaii! Simply taking a walk down the Lahaina Historic Trail, or visiting the legendary, 60-foot Banyan Tree are sights to behold. And while most people would pay handsomely to visit Ka'anapali Beach just once, if you live here, take advantage of it as often as you can!

Population: 7,660

Art galleries per 10k people: 16.97
Movie theaters per 10k people: 1.31
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 1.31

Along with Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket embodies the New England splendor which draws tourists and visitors each summer. For those who've retired in a tourist spot, you get to live it every day - here, you'll want to step onto the course at the Miacomet Golf Club, and participate in the adult clinic to sharpen your skills on the green. Afterwards, hit the restaurant to celebrate getting under par.

Population: 24,340

Art galleries per 10k people: 4.93
Movie theaters per 10k people: 1.23
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 1.23
Tennis courts per 10k people: 0.41
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 1.64

A rich sailing heritage paired with quaint downtown restaurants and shops makes Newport an inviting place for retirees to enjoy themselves. Newport’s famous Cliff Walk is characterized by the historical summer mansions of the Vanderbilts, Astors, and other notable families from America’s Gilded Age.

Population: 12,902

Art galleries per 10k people: 3.10
Movie theaters per 10k people: 3.10
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 0.78
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 0.78
Tennis courts per 10k people: 1.55
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 0.78

St. Simons looks like something you'd find in the Caribbean, but it's actually part of Georgia, an island outlet with a lighthouse museum, maritime center and enough tropical-themed activities that make living on one of the Golden Isles an enriching experience.

Population: 6,691

Movie theaters per 10k people: 1.49
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 2.99
Tennis courts per 10k people: 1.49
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 7.47

Aspirations to score a 300 and get your name on the wall for posterity? The Cherry Lanes bowling alley offers open bowling plus leagues where you can mingle, socialize and team up with other seniors looking to stay active and fit. There's also the annual Lanes to Links tournament for those inclined to golf and bowling.

Population: 36,897

Art galleries per 10k people: 0.54
Movie theaters per 10k people: 0.27
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 5.42
Tennis courts per 10k people: 0.27
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 0.81

Art is timeless and ageless, which is why the Windemere Art Gallery is ideal for Mechanicsville residents young and old to take one of its transformative classes. Was painting something you never had time for during your career years? Turn over a new leaf at the historic gallery, where creation is the norm, not the exception.

Population: 5,217

Bowling establishments per 10k people: 5.75
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 1.92

Eating healthy is important at any age, and easy when you make a habit of visiting the Zimmerman Farmers Market for your Minnesotan grown fresh fare. The market, started new in 2015 regularly holds special events as a place to learn new recipes and ways to get the most out of clean living.

Population: 6,209

Movie theaters per 10k people: 3.22
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 3.22
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 1.61
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 4.83

Every town has that something special that makes it noteworthy. For Douglas, WY, it's the Jackalope, celebrated in the annual Jackalope Days Festival, marked by several events catering to the young, old, sober or imbibed. If that's not your scene, check out the High Plains Music Festival or Douglas Railroad Days as alternatives.

Population: 6,461

Art galleries per 10k people: 4.64
Movie theaters per 10k people: 1.55
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 3.10
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 3.10
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 1.55

Skiing, boating, fishing. If they've been your lifelong passion or something you're discovering in retirement, check out the Whitefish Lake Lodge (even if you're a local). Three times a week, enjoy live music at the Boat Club Lounge, or pay a visit to the spa or restaurant to satiate your appetite for luxury, quality and well-deserved relaxation.

Population: 7,743

Art galleries per 10k people: 15.50
Movie theaters per 10k people: 2.58
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 2.58

If art is something that feeds your soul, the Kimball Art Center recently announced a new location and a renewed presence in Park City. Come take advantage of a painting or ceramics class, and marvel at the handiwork of others that grace the walls of this local cultural fixture.

Population: 6,672

Art galleries per 10k people: 7.49
Movie theaters per 10k people: 6.00
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 3.00

Giving your swanky new retirement home some added ambiance is simple through Ambiance, Belfast's resident antique shop home to some vintage and classic finds. Deco, colonial, post-modern or minimalist - there's something to be found here for all people of all styles.

Population: 8,986

Art galleries per 10k people: 1.11
Movie theaters per 10k people: 4.45
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 1.11
Tennis courts per 10k people: 2.23
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 2.23

If you're tired of the franchised eats at the Mall at Short Hills, nearby Chatham's cozy downtown is home to Angie's Family Restaurant, a homespun diner and luncheonette catering to comfort foods and comforting service. Chatham's location in premium Morris County is one of the gems that gives New Jersey its moniker as The Garden State.

Population: 7,142

Art galleries per 10k people: 1.40
Movie theaters per 10k people: 4.20
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 1.40
Tennis courts per 10k people: 1.40
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 4.20

Find a deeper eye for the picturesque at the Vermont Center for Photography, which hosts a number of workshops, events and exhibits to immerse yourself in imagery that inspires the imagination.

Population: 8,160

Movie theaters per 10k people: 2.45
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 4.90
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 1.23

By bike or by foot, stag or grouped up, hit the Tanglefoot Trail for 44 miles of scenic beauty, starting in New Albany and ending in Houston, MS. According to Visit New Albany, "Mississippi

Population: 8,129

Art galleries per 10k people: 1.23
Movie theaters per 10k people: 4.92
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 2.46
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 1.23

What's all the racket about the Spindle Tree Racquet Club? Simply because it's known as one of the best tennis outfits in South Carolina. The 30-year-old club is the place for community members to get their game on and learn from some of the most talented and respected instructors in the sport.

Population: 5,150

Art galleries per 10k people: 1.94
Movie theaters per 10k people: 5.83
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 1.94
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 9.71

Don't let the name fool you: the Homer Spit is like the Eighth wonder of the world right here in Alaska, a natural, small peninsula catering to fishing, boating, swimming, and bird watching for the eagle eyed. "Take long walks, take photos, check out the boats returning with their huge catches, or cast a line for salmon yourself at The Fishin' Hole," notes Alaska.org.

Population: 5,648

Art galleries per 10k people: 3.54
Movie theaters per 10k people: 3.54
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 3.54
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 1.77

Population: 6,952

Art galleries per 10k people: 1.44
Movie theaters per 10k people: 1.44
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 5.75

This western Pennsylvania town is home to a number of winding bike paths unencumbered by cars and congestion, but abundant in hills, dips, nature and scenery to take in.

Population: 9,518

Art galleries per 10k people: 5.25
Movie theaters per 10k people: 4.20
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 3.15
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 3.15

A museum, a movie theater, or a jail? All three play a triple role as the star of the Oregon Film Museum, Astoria's historic hub for all things committed to celluloid in the great Beaver State.

Population: 5,075

Movie theaters per 10k people: 1.97
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 5.91
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 1.97

The all-inclusive Harlan Golf & Country Club is perfect for novices and experts, members and non-members alike who want to share their love of the links. Of note is the annual Senior Men's tournament each summer.

Population: 6,769

Art galleries per 10k people: 7.39
Movie theaters per 10k people: 2.95
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 1.48
Tennis courts per 10k people: 2.95

Population: 6,717

Art galleries per 10k people: 4.47
Movie theaters per 10k people: 2.98
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 4.47
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 1.49

The 1-screen Central Theater harkens back to those days when going to the movies was an event, and the film of the day was the star. If you're looking to keep your movie-going habits simple, you can't go wrong with this downtown treasure.

Population: 6,577

Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 4.56
Tennis courts per 10k people: 6.08

Population: 8,523

Art galleries per 10k people: 25.81
Movie theaters per 10k people: 1.17
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 2.35
Tennis courts per 10k people: 1.17

Population: 5,162

Art galleries per 10k people: 1.94
Movie theaters per 10k people: 3.87
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 3.87
Tennis courts per 10k people: 1.94

Landscaped and sculpted more than 84 years ago, the Chardon Lakes Golf Course has a venerable history you can feel just stepping out onto the green. It's more than a golf course, but an experience.

Population: 5,279

Movie theaters per 10k people: 3.79
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 7.58
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 9.47

Population: 10,741

Art galleries per 10k people: 3.72
Movie theaters per 10k people: 12.10
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 0.93
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 2.79
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 2.79

Welcome aboard the Titanic - it's the message bearing the name of the official Titanic Museum, dedicated to the vessel ship which lost more than 1,500 passengers after sinking on its 1912 maiden voyage. The museum hosts a number of seasonal and holiday musical events, but the piece de resistance is the chance to see the authentic Hartley violin, recused from the wreckage of the real Titanic.

Population: 5,304

Art galleries per 10k people: 18.85
Movie theaters per 10k people: 5.66
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 1.89
Tennis courts per 10k people: 1.89

Vail's reputation as one of the U.S.'s ski capitals precedes itself, so before hitting the piste, pay homage to the grand sport by frequenting the Colorado Ski Museum, a must-visit place for what U.S. News & World Report coins those "powder hounds" amongst us.

Population: 10,069

Art galleries per 10k people: 35.75
Movie theaters per 10k people: 0.99
Golf and country clubs per 10k people: 1.99
Tennis courts per 10k people: 1.99
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 3.97

If you've settled down to retire in Sedona, a stay at a resort might not seem feasible, so go for a day spa instead; the New Day Spa offers all sorts of holistic, exotic treatments like hot stone massage, and facials using the Pevonia Botanica line.

Population: 5,711

Art galleries per 10k people: 50.78
Movie theaters per 10k people: 5.25
Bowling establishments per 10k people: 1.75
Colleges and universities per 10k people: 5.25

The Taos Center for the Arts showcases art and shows independent films.