Best Old House Neighborhoods 2010: Retirees

For our third annual Best Places to Buy an Old House contest, what we looked for was simple: oft-overlooked neighborhoods populated by people who share an appreciation of finely crafted homes that have plenty of past and lots of future. And what we found—with the aid of our friends at PreservationDirectory.com, who helped us contact thousands of neighborhood groups, real estate agents, residents, and preservationists for nominations—was mighty impressive.

Here are 12 places where homeowners can live out their golden years in smaller homes surrounded by friendly villages and stimulating college activities.