35 College Towns That Are Ideal for Retiring Professors and Book Lovers

5. St. Andrews, Scotland – A Seaside Scholar’s Dream

Famous for being Scotland’s oldest university town and the birthplace of golf, St. Andrews is a picturesque and intellectually stimulating retreat for retired academics. Located on Scotland’s scenic east coast, this historic town combines a deep literary heritage with breathtaking seaside views, making it an ideal home for book lovers who enjoy both culture and nature. The University of St. Andrews is at the heart of the town’s intellectual life, offering lectures, book talks, and cultural events that retirees can attend. Bookstores like Topping & Company and J & G Innes are treasure troves for those who love classic literature and academic texts. The town’s literary scene is enriched by annual events like StAnza, Scotland’s International Poetry Festival, which brings poets and writers from all over the world.