Florida has long been the destination-of-choice for Americans as they hit retirement, thanks to year-round sunshine, low taxes, affordable homes and ample opportunities for golf and other pastimes.
But the property deals in popular hotspots aren’t as attractive as they once were, and the fierce hurricanes that batter the Sunshine State, coupled with higher insurance premiums, are prompting many retirees to search elsewhere.
They are increasingly looking at other states across the South for a comparable climate, and in some cases, finding better, cheaper homes and lower taxes and living costs.
Though Florida remains the top-ranked retirement destination by comparison website WalletHub, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, and other Southern states can also help stretch pensions out by several years.
The research group’s analyst Chip Lupo says choosing a retirement spot is ‘incredibly stressful’ and that those relocating should consider costs and taxes to ‘help retirees’ budgets stretch as far as possible.’
About one in ten Americans relocate across state lines when they retire. They’re often influenced by the location of family, climate and passions for golf, sailing or other hobbies, as well as economic factors.
DailyMail.com examined data from Zillow, SmartAsset, WalletHub, GOBankingRates, Investopedia, US News & World Report and local realtors to list the 21 best places to retire in the South.
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Bargain-hunting retirees say Augusta, Georgia, has everything they need at a discount
Augusta, Georgia
Martin Orefice, CEO of Rent to Own Atlanta, rates August as one of the hidden gems of the South.
Property prices are rising there, but the median cost of $220,000 is still well below the national average.
That sum could snap up anything from a three-bedroom downtown condo apartment overlooking the Savannah River, to a cute newly built small home with a backyard south of the town center.
Orefice says he’s shocked that the ‘amazing’ community doesn’t get more attention, given the ‘good weather, great golf and plenty of natural beauty’ that’s available nearby.
Locals can also explore historic landmarks, attend festivals, or go hiking, boating or fishing along the Savannah River.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga, Tennessee, offers great views of mountains and the Tennessee River
Retirees are flocking to Chattanooga for its old-fashioned Southern charm and what locals describe as living in ‘one big family’, despite the southeastern Tennessee city’s population of nearly 200,000.
Former US Senator Bob Corker, who served as Chattanooga’s mayor and chose to return, calls it a ‘never-met-a-stranger community’, with lots of attractions, from an underground waterfall to a mountaintop railway ride.
Known for its stunning views of mountains and the meandering Tennessee River, the city offers endless outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and kayaking — perfect for those who want to stay active in retirement.
Evan Barron, of Evan Barron Homes, talks up the quiet new-built communities outside the city, where buyers get value for money, quality construction and ‘people are well acquainted with their neighbors.’
Homes typically change hands there for $378,000.
Newcomers have been known to take up everything from meditation, mixology, or cake decorating as they enjoy the welcoming and tranquil atmosphere and proximity to larger cities like Atlanta.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans could be the place to grow old disgracefully
Not all retires want to wind down quietly.
And, thanks to its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene, New Orleans can be an affordable place for a decadent retirement.
The Big Easy, as it’s known, boasts affordable property and living costs and lower-than-average taxes, year-round sunshine — and plenty of spicy, Creole food to boot.
Christopher Falvey, co-founder of Unique NOLA Tours, says New Orleans and its ‘deep, historic culture’ is the opposite to the planned retirement communities found in Florida and Arizona.
Properties typically change hands in New Orleans for $315,000.
That could buy you a one bedroom in a town house around the corner from the New Orleans Jazz Museum, or a four-bedroom freestanding clapboard home further out.
For those looking to enrich their lives in retirement, New Orleans offers affordable living, pleasant weather and an engaging cultural scene for an enjoyable next chapter.
Beaufort, North Carolina
Beaufort, North Carolina, is a ‘shorts-and-sandals’ town on the Atlantic coast
Retirees opting for Beaufort spend a lot of time gazing at the surrounding water — or playing around on it.
The shorts-and-sandals town’s stunning natural beauty boasts rivers, creeks, marshes, Cape Lookout National Seashore and the Atlantic Ocean for kayaking, beaches, boating, paddle boarding and fishing opportunities.
Others simply enjoy dining on fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant while watching a pod of dolphins splashing around in the distance.
Walt O’Berry, of Keller Williams Realty, talks up some of the waterfront gated communities located a few miles from the town, such as Plantation Harbor, with a boat ramp, clubhouse, pool, tennis courts and walking trails
In that area, $700,000 could by a 13-acre plot with a stunning, fully renovated four-bedroom clapboard family home with porches, water views, and an expansive modern kitchen with granite countertops.
‘It’s quiet, it’s private, and if you like being outdoors, it’s perfect,’ says O’Berry.
Homes typically change hands in Beaufort for $589,000.
Newcomers appreciate its relaxed pace of life, tight-knit community and affordable cost of living, especially in comparison to larger coastal cities.
Abingdon, Virginia
Abingdon, Virginia, offers small-town charm, a rich history and access to outdoor recreation
Nestled in the idyllic Blue Ridge Mountains, Abingdon is gaining popularity among retirees thanks to its small-town charm, rich history and access to outdoor recreation.
The town’s vibrant arts scene, anchored by the historic Barter Theatre, provides year-round entertainment, while locally-owned shops and restaurants add to its inviting and cozy atmosphere.
One of the biggest draws of Abingdon is its affordability.
Homes there most often change hands for around $300,000.
That kind of money could snap up an attractive three-bedroom, three-bathroom renovated family home with a two-car garage close to downtown.
Compared to larger cities in southwestern Virginia and further afield, the cost of living is lower and retirees can find reasonably priced homes in scenic settings.
‘If you’re looking for a new place to live and want to get out of the hustle and bustle of city life, Abingdon might be the place for you,’ says Scott Henninger of The Home Team.
Outdoors enthusiasts make a bee-line for the Virginia Creeper Trail, biking the challenging 34.3-mile route in small stretches or all at once. It can even be a starting point for a lengthy hike along the Appalachian Trail.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
The waterfront town of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, has a festival nearly every month
Retirees are increasingly flocking to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, thanks to its combination of Southern hospitality, white sand beaches, locally owned shops and restaurants, and lively cultural options.
It has become so popular that Southern Living ranked it as one of the South’s retirement hotspots in 2024.
The waterfront town has a festival nearly every month, including the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival in November, which is the Magnolia State’s biggest extravaganza of art and dining.
Located along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, the town also boasts the Live Oaks Bicycle Route, and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Diners can enjoy fresh-off-the-boat seafood in the harbor.
Homes there typically change hands for $289,000.
And as there is no state tax on Social Security benefits as well as affordable housing options, retirees find their 401(k) dollars stretch further in this coastal hub.
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Picturesque landscapes, a mild climate and a vibrant community characterize Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Blowing Rock in North Carolina is gaining popularity among retirees thanks to its picturesque landscapes, mild climate, vibrant community and arts scene.
Both World Atlas and TheTravel recently ranked the town as a top retirement destination.
Residents enjoy everything from outdoor bluegrass concerts to stargazing at the Dark Sky Observatory and the 25 miles of carriage trails through cove and spruce-fir forests in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park.
Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Parkway, retirees can enjoy year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing and scenic drives to see the New River flowing north and the Yadkin to the south.
The town’s crisp mountain air and mild summers provide a refreshing escape from the sweltering heat of lower-altitude areas.
It doesn’t come cheap: Blowing Rock properties sell for $1.14 million on average.
But newcomers appreciate the charming mountain town’s low crime rate and welcoming atmosphere. Older and infirm residents benefit from the highly-rated medical facilities in nearby Boone and Hickory.
Greenville, South Carolina
The overall cost of living in Greenville, South Carolina, is lower than the national average
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville, South Carolina, was ranked by the US News & World Report in 2024 as one of the best retirement destinations in the state.
It is fast carving out a niche for itself as a local destination for food lovers, serving shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles and other classic Southern delicacies.
Another big draw for Greenville is its affordability. South Carolina offers a tax-friendly environment for retirees, including no tax on Social Security benefits and a generous retirement income deduction.
The overall cost of living in Greenville remains lower than the national average, making it an attractive choice for those on a fixed income who also want a high quality of life and some Southern charm. Homes change hands for $358,000, on average.
Meanwhile, the city’s award-winning downtown features walkable streets and a thriving arts scene, including the Peace Center for the Performing Arts, the Greenville Museum of Art and several other galleries.
Outdoor enthusiasts can walk, run or bike along the 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail or head off to nearby state parks for hiking and fishing.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine, Florida, is America’s oldest continuously-inhabited city
History fans might appreciate spending their retirement years in St. Augustine, Florida, the nation’s oldest continuously occupied city, with its charming cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture.
Those who really get sucked in to the area’s tradition end up running demonstrations of canons and other historic weapons at the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fortress in the US.
With its mild winters and sunny skies, St. Augustine also allows retirees to enjoy outdoor activities year-round, including walks, fishing and dining at the pristine St. Augustine Beach and nearby Vilano Beach.
They can explore the Lightner Museum’s collection of fine art, Tiffany lamps, and Victorian instruments, and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The city also hosts year-round festivals, concerts and art events.
St. Augustine is not the cheapest destination on this list, with homes there selling for $514,600 on average. But GOBankingRates and Florida for Boomers rank it as among the top retirement destinations in the state.
Compared to other Florida cities, St. Augustine boasts a reasonable cost of living. Meanwhile, the absence of a state income tax across Florida also makes it easier for retirees to stretch out their savings.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Quiet Eureka Springs, in Arkansas, does not even have a stoplight on its thoroughfare
Those looking to wind down in a quiet, stress-free and pretty place would do well to look at Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, this town of some 2,200 people does not even have a stoplight on its thoroughfare, and it takes just 15 minutes to go from one side of it to the other.
The small number of residents have plenty to choose from when it comes to eating out – with more than 100 eateries, many of them mom-and-pop businesses.
The town’s fresh water tradition is also alive and well, with more than 60 springs, most of them owned by the city. Lake Leatherwood City Park has miles of trails and an 85-acre, spring-fed lake.
Retirees not only get a thriving cultural scene, but can also make savings, with one of the lowest costs of living in the country.
Properties are reasonably priced, selling for just $220,600 on average, earning it a nod from Southern Living as a budget retirement option.
Also, property taxes are low, and Arkansas does not tax Social Security benefits, making it even more appealing for those on a fixed income.
Lexington, Kentucky
The ‘Horse Capital of the World’ has plenty of non-equine attractions for retirees
Lexington is known as the ‘Horse Capital of the World’, but the city is also making a name for itself as a destination for those looking to retire some place affordable with culture and scenic beauty.
Entertainment options range from Lexington Opera House to art galleries and year-round festivals, and there’s also the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, a historic center for the religious community.
Meanwhile, whiskey enthusiasts can raise a glass and learn about bourbon at Maker’s Mark Distillery.
With homes typically selling for $303,800, Lexington makes for an affordable option. It’s been recognized as a strong retirement city by US News & World Report.
For those who love the outdoors, the city’s many parks, walking trails and proximity to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail make for endless recreational opportunities.
The city’s mild climate, with four distinct seasons, allows for comfortable living without the harsh winters found in many northern states.
Savannah, Georgia
Bargains can still be had on historic properties in Savannah, Georgia
Spanish moss hanging from trees and the gracious fountain of Forsyth Park are among the iconic images of Savannah, Georgia, and the American South.
It’s no wonder that retirees increasingly consider this charming waterfront city, with its affordable cost of living, mild climate and vibrant cultural scene.
Residents enjoy the historic homes, the Savannah Music Festival, the Telfair Museums and the offerings of the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Others opt for casual strolls along historic River Street, the coastal breezes of Tybee Island, tours of Bonaventure Cemetery, catching a classic movie at an old theater or visiting Leopold’s Ice Cream store.
Meanwhile, property prices can be relatively affordable, changing hands for $350,000 on average, with options both in the historic downtown areas to quiet waterfront communities.
Local realtor Luis Bruno says newcomers looking to spend less than $300,000 should head to Colonial Oaks on the south side for older single-storey ranch-style homes built in the 1960s onwards.
Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama, has more than rockets to attract retirees
Huntsville, Alabama, is frequently voted as one of the best places in the country to retire, thanks to its strong economy, affordable living and high quality of life.
The Appalachian home to some 226,000 people also has a track record with the US military and space exploration industry, earning it the nickname ‘Rocket City’.
It’s home to the US Space & Rocket Center, the Adult Space Academy and The Intuitive Planetarium. Locals can even be seen sipping beers beneath a Saturn V rocket in an outdoor drinking venue.
For the arts, the Von Braun Center puts on theater and events, while the Huntsville Museum of Art has a large collection of art by American women. The Huntsville Botanical Garden meanwhile is known for its butterfly house.
Those shopping for properties in Huntsville say buyers get a lot more for their money than in other US cities, with a median sales price of $358,700. US News & World Report ranked Huntsville among America’s retirement hotspots in 2024.
With a strong sense of community, low crime rates and access to top-tier healthcare facilities, Huntsville is proving to be an ideal location for those looking to enjoy their golden years in comfort and style.
Fort Worth, Texas
Retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down and giving up on big city life
Not all retirees seek a quiet life, and big cities such as Fort Worth, Texas, can offer more for those seeking restaurants and culture, while also providing a decent dose of Southern charm.
With its rich culture, low cost of living, and abundance of recreational activities, Fort Worth offers something for everyone in their retirement years.
As well as such big hitters the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, the city has quirky offerings, such as the John Wayne ‘experience’ and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.
Fort Worth has nearly 300 parks, meaning most residents live within walking distance of one.
The best-known include Trinity Park, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and the Water Gardens, with its terraced steps, pools and fountains.
The city’s cost of living is lower than the national average, making it an attractive choice for those looking to stretch their retirement savings. SmartAsset in 2024 ranked it as a top choice for retirees.
Property prices are reasonable, with homes selling for $340,000 on average, with options ranging from charming suburban homes to modern apartments in the busy downtown area.
West Palm Beach, Florida
Sandy beaches, shopping, and low-tax living in West Palm Beach, Florida
West Palm Beach is for many retirees an ideal spot to enjoy the warm weather, sandy beaches and take advantage of the state’s tax friendliness.
There is no personal income, estate or inheritance tax in Florida, making pension funds and Social Security payouts go further. Homes change hands here for $450,000 on average.
Candela Devesa, a realtor with Destination Group, says its a ‘beautiful area’ and one of the best places to live in Florida. Buyers and renters can decide between waterfront apartments, townhouses and family homes further on the outskirts.
West Palm Beach’s cultural offerings include the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Norton Museum of Art, and Palm Beach Opera and the waterfront music event SunFest.
Locals also enjoy a lively shopping and dining scene, taking in everything from the luxury boutiques on Worth Avenue to casual restaurants on the waterfront.
Outdoors enthusiast can head to nature preserves such as Okeeheelee Park and Grassy Waters Preserve, while golfers can tee off at West Palm Beach Golf Course, the PGA National Estate Golf Course or other courses.
The area also offers an affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in Florida, making it a financially attractive choice for retirees.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Studious seniors can keep their brains whizzing with further education classes in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Contrary to popular opinion, Chapel Hill is more than just a college town.
The Research Triangle, as the collection of academic institutes is known, has a lot to offer those looking for a peaceful yet active retirement.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute allows retirees to further their education on many subjects, while the University of North Carolina Medical Center is ranked as the second-best hospital in the Tarheel State.
Chapel Hill also has a lively downtown, with plenty of restaurants, bars, theaters and galleries.
They include Carolina Performing Arts, the Ackland Art Museum, the Carrboro Music Festival and the Festifall Arts Market.
Outdoorsy types might prefer the Carolina Botanical Garden, birdwatching at Jordan Lake or driving out of town to the nearby ocean or the mountains.
Homes here typically change hands for $646,500. Fortune ranked the town as among the 25 best places to retire on a budget last year.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
There’s only one season in Virginia Beach, says the coastal community’s tourism website
Tourism chiefs for Virginia Beach kept it simple when devising their slogan for their oceanfront city.
‘We only have one season. Beach,’ says the tourism board’s website.
Though it’s principally a resort, the city is adored by retirees looking for year-round mild temperatures and fun summers on the sand.
It boasts 35 miles of coastline with serene ocean views and a bustling boardwalk that comes to life at night with live music and entertainment.
There are 200 miles of bike routes and trails through the city — and nature trails in scores of parks and refuges, such as First Landing State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Retirees appreciate the relatively low living and housing costs compared to other coastal hubs. It’s also home to reputed hospitals, including in the renowned Sentara Healthcare system.
With a median property price of $400,000, Fortune ranked Virginia Beach as an affordable place to retire in 2024.
Charleston, South Carolina
Cobblestone streets and pastel-colored houses are among the draws of Charleston, South Carolina
With cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, waterfront views, and many entertainment options, Charleston is becoming a popular spot for retirees to spend their Golden Years.
The city enjoys mild winters and hot summers, when locals take to Atlantic Ocean shoreline at Folly Beach, Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island.
Those looking to break a sweat go jogging at Hampton Park, play golf or join one of the city’s tennis clubs.
Entertainment options include the Gibbes Museum of Art and the Charleston Gaillard Center, as well as seasonal events, such as the Spoleto Festival USA for performing arts and the Charleston Wine + Food festival.
Charleston is relatively affordable and South Carolina’s tax-friendly policies, including no taxes on Social Security income and exemptions on retirement income, help retirees make ends meet.
Still, a surge in demand has pushed property prices up to $629,000 on average.
Jason Husted, of Husted Real Estate, says those relocating here are quickly won over by the ‘laid back lifestyle’.
‘The phrase Southern hospitality rings true here. Strangers will hold the door open for you,’ says Husted.
Middletown, Delaware
The Main Street of Middletown, Delaware is lined with restaurants and boutiques
Those looking for small town charm befitting an all-American movie should look no further than Middletown.
The charming, historic and tax-friendly town boasts a Main Street lined with restaurants and boutiques.
Located between Dover and Wilmington, this town of 25,000 people offers retirees an affordable cost of living and a safe and close-knit community.
Homes change hands for $470,000 on average. It regularly ranks as a great place to live for families and retirees.
Locals enjoy catching movies at the Everett Theatre, farmers’ markets, the annual Olde-Tyme Peach Festival or driving into bigger nearby cities, such as Philadelphia and Baltimore.
A moderate climate makes it easy to enjoy Charles E. Price Memorial Park, golf at Back Creek Golf Club, or watching the shoreline at nearby Augustine Beach.
The absence of state sales and estate taxes and lower property taxes help retirees stretch their savings further.
Coral Gables, Florida
You’ll likely need more than $1 million to get on the property ladder in Coral Gables, Florida
Coral Gables is fast becoming a top destination for affluent retirees seeking a blend of luxury, relaxation and vibrant community life.
‘The Gables’, as it is known, boasts Mediterranean-style architecture, tree-lined streets, a subtropical climate and a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Locals enjoy the tranquil oasis of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, strolling around Matheson Hammock Park or teeing off at the historic Biltmore Golf Course.
Still, this outer suburb of Miami does not come cheap — the median property price is in excess of $1.5 million.
Even so, Florida offers enough tax breaks for retirees to help them balance their budgets.
The Luxury Team, a real estate group, calls it the ‘perfect place to retire’ thanks to the weather, the lack of crime and the quality of healthcare and nearby golf courses.
The university provides continuing education classes for seniors, as well as high-quality health care options through its University of Miami Health System.
Hickory, North Carolina
Retirees in Hickory, North Carolina, can stretch out their savings longer than elsewhere
Hickory has become a top-rated retirement destination for those on a budget thanks to its low taxes and bargain monthly housing costs, which are under $1,000.
The small city of 44,400 people also offers a charming small town atmosphere and breathtaking views of the Appalachian foothills.
Properties here typically sell for less than $300,000, well below the national average of $419,000. That’s one of the reasons that Investopedia ranked Hickory as a budget friendly retirement destination.
And that money goes a long way – including even a red brick 1940s three-bedroom home with a sun room on half an acre of land.
The city boasts great golf courses, walking trails and community centers, as well as a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Bigger cities, such as Charlotte and Asheville, are nearby, with a greater range of amenities.
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Publish date : 2025-02-26 17:06:00
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