Top 5 Side Hustles for Retirees in Small Towns:
Low-Cost Business Ideas to Boost Your Retirement Income
Retirement can be a time of relaxation, but for many retirees, it’s also an opportunity to explore new passions, stay active, and even supplement their income. If you’re living in a small town, you might be surprised at the number of side hustle opportunities available that cater specifically to your community’s needs. Here are the top five side hustles that are not only low-cost to start but also well-suited to the small-town lifestyle.
1. Home Maintenance or Handyman Services
Why It’s Great: Small towns often have a limited number of professional services, making home maintenance or handyman services highly sought after. Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet, painting a room, or repairing a fence, these tasks are essential but often go unaddressed due to a lack of available help.
How to Start: Begin by offering your services to friends, family, and neighbors. Word of mouth is a powerful tool in small communities. You can also create simple flyers or business cards to distribute at local stores or community centers. Since this work requires minimal investment—basic tools you likely already own—you can start almost immediately.
Realistic image of a retiree in a small town, fixing a fence with cozy homes in the background, illustrating an active and fulfilling retirement side hustle
Averagepreneur Tip: Focus on building relationships with your clients. Offering reliable, friendly service will not only earn you repeat business but also referrals. Consider offering seasonal check-ups or maintenance packages to keep your services in demand year-round.
2. Freelance Gardening Services
Why It’s Great: Gardening is a rewarding activity that many retirees already enjoy. In small towns, where large yards and gardens are common, there’s a steady demand for help with lawn care, planting, and garden maintenance. This side hustle allows you to spend time outdoors while earning extra income.
How to Start: Offer basic services like mowing, weeding, and planting seasonal flowers. As you build a client base, you can expand into more specialized services, such as landscape design or vegetable garden planning. Advertise through local bulletin boards, social media groups, or by simply chatting with neighbors.
female retiree gardening in a small, cozy backyard, emphasizing a peaceful freelance gardening side hustle in a quiet small-town setting
Averagepreneur Tip: Leverage your knowledge of local plants and growing conditions to offer tailored advice to your clients. You could also partner with local nurseries to offer discounts on plants or materials, which can help you stand out from the competition.
3. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Why It’s Great: If you’re an animal lover, this side hustle might be perfect for you. Small towns often have fewer pet care options, making pet sitting and dog walking valuable services. This is a flexible and enjoyable way to spend your time, especially if you’re already accustomed to having pets around.
How to Start: Start by offering your services to people you know. As you gain experience, consider joining local pet care groups online or setting up a simple website to reach more potential clients. Ensure you understand any local regulations regarding pet care businesses.
retiree walking dogs in a small town, showcasing an authentic and fulfilling dog walking side hustle.
Averagepreneur Tip: To attract more clients, consider offering special rates for long-term care, such as when owners go on vacation. You could also expand your services to include basic grooming or training, depending on your skills and interests.
4. Bookkeeping for Small Businesses
Why It’s Great: Many small-town businesses are in need of affordable bookkeeping services. If you have a background in finance or are comfortable with numbers, freelance bookkeeping can be a lucrative and steady side hustle. It’s also work that can be done from the comfort of your home.
How to Start: Reach out to local businesses, including those run by friends or acquaintances, and offer your services. You can also advertise in local business directories or through community social media pages. Online tools and software like QuickBooks can help streamline your work.
Retiree working on freelance bookkeeping in a cozy home office, showcasing a peaceful and organized side hustle
Averagepreneur Tip: Offer a free initial consultation to small businesses to showcase your expertise and build trust. You could also consider offering workshops or training sessions to help business owners manage their finances better, which could lead to more business for you.
5. Local History Tours
Why It’s Great: Small towns are often rich in history, and retirees with a passion for storytelling and history can turn this into a unique side hustle. Offering guided tours of your town’s historical sites can attract both locals and tourists, making it an engaging and educational experience.
How to Start: Begin by researching your town’s history through local libraries, historical societies, or conversations with long-time residents. Plan out a tour route that highlights key locations and stories. Promote your tours through local media, social media, and community bulletin boards.
Realistic image of a retiree leading a local history tour near historic buildings in a small town, engaging a group of tourists
Averagepreneur Tip: Enhance the experience by partnering with local businesses, like cafes or gift shops, to offer discounts or special deals to your tour participants. You could also create themed tours, such as ghost tours or architectural tours, to attract different audiences.
Conclusion
Starting a side hustle as a retiree in a small town is a fantastic way to stay active, meet new people, and earn extra income. Whether you’re handy around the house, have a green thumb, or enjoy spending time with animals, there’s a side hustle out there that’s perfect for you. These five ideas are just the beginning—find what you love and turn it into a thriving small-town business.
Remember, the key to success is to start small, focus on quality service, and build relationships within your community. With time and effort, your side hustle could become an essential part of your town’s fabric.
