25 Book-loving College Destinations That Retiring Professors Could Call Home

There’s something undeniably appealing about a quiet town with a strong sense of learning woven into its streets. Many professors naturally gravitate toward places that echo their reflective spirit and lifelong love of books. These global towns offer just that kind of atmosphere; here are 25 worth knowing about.

St. Andrews, Scotland

Few towns balance seclusion with substance like this coastal Scottish gem. Beyond the university walls, retired scholars can attend talks or browse rare books in total peace. It’s where even the weather encourages introspection, yet nothing ever feels too far away.

Bergen, Norway

Bergen has a respected university and a coastal setting known for its relaxed pace. The frequent rain showers create the ideal weather for reading. Retiring lecturers looking for fresh air, calm surroundings, strong coffee, and some seriously scenic walks usually find what they’re after here.

Tartu, Estonia

Posters for lectures and book events fill the windows downtown. Conversations spill out of small cafés as locals read or debate ideas. Centered around the University of Tartu, founded in 1632, the city’s historic libraries and bookstores provide a welcoming space for retired academics to continue their engagement with learning.

Tainan, Taiwan

In Tainan, centuries-old temples stand beside bustling noodle stalls, creating a city that blends calm with vibrancy. Although students come from across Asia to study here, the city’s gentle rhythm and warm, reflective atmosphere draw retired professors seeking a quieter, more thoughtful pace.

Poitiers, France

Stone facades meet student energy in this lesser-known gem. The local university dates back to the Middle Ages, but the mood stays light thanks to film festivals and great bakeries. Former academics appreciate the balance in Poitiers, where historic charm remains untouched by tourist crowds and daily life moves steadily without the push of big-city rushes.

Jyvaskyla, Finland

Snowflakes drift in winter, and lakes sparkle in summer, but the university’s long-standing focus on education and teacher training is the real attraction for scholars. A strong literary culture, built around public libraries and regular book fairs, makes the town especially appealing to retired academics.

Brno, Czech Republic

Brno appeals to retired academics with its serious academic foundations. Here, Masaryk University fosters international research and the University of Technology leads in innovation across engineering fields. The town’s atmosphere fosters uninterrupted work, with reflective spaces and a culture that values time spent in focused thought.

Uppsala, Sweden

Long summer evenings draw people to Uppsala’s riverbanks, where the cathedral and university reflect the town’s centuries-old academic tradition. Retirees drawn to culture often settle into this scholarly town’s old-world charm. Beyond campus, academics enjoy museum gardens, local theaters, or taking the train to Stockholm in under an hour.

Lviv, Ukraine

Cafés regularly serve more pages than pastries in this city. Lviv is filled with old bookstores, poetry readings, and coffeehouses that seem to belong in a novel. Book lovers who admire architecture and conversation usually settle in quickly; some even pick up a second language for fun.

Valdivia, Chile

At Universidad Austral, research moves beyond the lab and into the nearby river ecosystems. The setting supports it: sea lions rest on docks, and library visits blend into long walks and restful afternoons. Valdivia’s strong reputation in environmental and marine sciences makes it a rewarding place for retired academics.

Bologna, Italy

The University of Bologna, established in 1088, remains one of the oldest centers of learning in the world. Arcaded streets throughout the city offer spaces for reading and reflection. Many retirees stay involved by attending campus events or mentoring. Others find meaning in discussions that shaped their earlier work.

Dunedin, New Zealand

Wooden homes and quiet streets give this town a laid-back feel, with seabirds drifting overhead and people moving at their own pace. Bookstores and cafés stay busy, often hosting author talks and poetry readings. That same easy rhythm flows through the University of Otago, which has shaped Dunedin’s character for generations.

Guelph, Canada

The University of Guelph focuses on sustainable agriculture and environmental science, while the town’s peaceful atmosphere complements its academic community with a community-driven lifestyle. Residents often bike to markets or read under trees in the central park. Many professors also settle here for the opportunity to engage in ongoing research.

Pecs, Hungary

Lifelong learning is strongly supported in Pecs, as the university offers public courses and cultural access to locals. The town’s rhythm appeals to former academics who enjoy historical surroundings and an intellectually stimulating atmosphere. Pecs also hosts the International Film Festival and has art galleries that offer enriching cultural experiences.

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Tall oaks line the sidewalks and mountain views peek through town. In Stellenbosch, academics enjoy a close-knit community with numerous opportunities to immerse themselves in nature. With a range of activities to stay intellectually active, those who settle here ease into slow mornings before attending local talks and gatherings.

Galway, Ireland

Street musicians play near the water, and bookstores are never far apart. While students head to campus, retired professors can participate in literary talks or enjoy laid-back afternoons near the bay. The town’s intense creative scene and walkable size make it easy to settle in without missing a beat.

Marburg, Germany

Marburg’s staircases and narrow bridges wind along streets in which history feels as present as the people passing by. Bookshops and restful corners give the town a rhythm that suits reflective living. Overlooking it all, the university has been part of the town’s backdrop since 1527, shaping its steady, thoughtful pace.

Padua, Italy

Sunlight filters through archways that line the city center, creating plenty of shady spots to read or relax. Padua is home to Italy’s second-oldest university, where Galileo once taught. Those who’ve spent their lives in academia appreciate the easy access to lectures and the familiar feel of places that encourage reflection.

Aix-en-Provence, France

Academic tradition runs deep in Aix, home to a university founded in the early 15th century. Retirees often remark that the thoughtful setting feels natural, seamlessly integrated into museums and cafés. Time seems to stretch in this sunlit town, where a slower pace is the way to go.

Cuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca draws newcomers with its gentle weather, but what holds them is something more profound. Public libraries stay active, and the arts scene is always within reach. The local university adds momentum, creating opportunities to stay involved without returning to full-time work.

Coimbra, Portugal

Retired professors are drawn to Coimbra for more than its relaxed setting. They’re stepping into the legacy of one of Europe’s oldest universities, founded in 1290. Here, academic presence shapes daily life, from the University of Coimbra’s historic Joanina Library to peaceful gardens perfect for reading.

Perugia, Italy

Life moves slowly through Perugia’s stone alleys and hilltop views. The atmosphere remains calm despite the hum of a large university nearby. Public events invite long-time locals and newcomers, creating a space where retired academics feel welcomed and engaged.

Leuven, Belgium

Leuven’s slower seasons attract those who value focus and tranquility. Public squares stay lively yet never feel rushed, and locals know how to slow down while maintaining momentum. Since its founding in 1425, the Catholic University of Leuven has continued to play a central role in supporting the town’s thoughtful approach to daily life.

Greifswald, Germany

Locals regularly cycle to the harbor or pause beside the Ryck River with a book. Anchored by a centuries-old university, the town has a serene academic rhythm. Greifswald’s historic library, rich in Baltic and Scandinavian studies, and events like the Nordischer Klang Festival, make it a lively home for scholars.

Olomouc, Czech Republic

Quiet cafés and cobbled lanes give Olomouc a classic feel that suits reflective living. Palacký University’s presence keeps ideas in motion, but the town rarely feels hectic. Former scholars appreciate how daily life naturally encourages curiosity while making few demands in return.