8 Best Places to Live in the Southern United States in 2024

Exploring the Southern United States reveals a tapestry of towns, each with its unique charm, offering more than just a place to live—they promise a lifestyle. From the literary streets of Oxford, Mississippi, to the sun-drenched shores of Naples, Florida, this guide unveils eight destinations where safety, culture, and the great outdoors converge. Whether you're drawn to the allure of quaint downtowns, serene beaches, or vibrant cultural scenes, these towns boast the best of Southern living. Discover where low crime rates meet high quality of life, where tax laws favor the resident, and where your next adventure awaits. Welcome to the South, where every town tells a story, and one of them could be your next home.

Oxford, Mississippi

Oxford is home to the University of Mississippi and is considered one of the best places to live in the state, largely due to the low crime rate.  Known as the "Cultural Mecca of the South," it attracts musicians, artists, and writers while retaining its small-town atmosphere. The pristine downtown centers around The Square, where cultural landmarks like Square Books and art galleries can be found.

Culturally, Oxford has a rich literary history. The town has influenced writers like John Grisham and William Faulkner, who used the town to inspire his fictional Yoknapatawpha County. The population is just shy of 26,000 and ranks in the top five of best places to live, best public schools, and best work environment for young professionals, according to the US Census. 

Fairhope, Alabama

Fairhope is a scenic town on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. The Fairhope Municipal Pier extending over the bay is the unofficial "town square." Sunset Pointe at the Fly Creek Marina is a popular seafood restaurant with spectacular sunset views and is popular among locals and visitors.

This quaint resort town ranks in the top ten in public schools and is one of the best places to retire, according to the US Census. Historic homes and oak-lined streets are plentiful, and museums like the Fairhope Museum of History highlight the town's beginnings and growth. This is a small, picturesque town with a low crime rate and minimal tax rates that is popular among retirees and young people alike. 

Naples, Florida

Naples, on Florida's Gulf Coast, is one of the best retirement communities in the South. Popular attractions include the pier, built in 1888, which stretches over the crystal clear water and the downtown area. Downtown is lined with palm trees and offers high-end shopping and sophisticated dining options with spectacular views of the white sand beach.

Property taxes are among the lowest in Florida, with an average property tax of 1.2% of the appraised value. A unique advantage of living in Naples year-round is that it is a "snowbird community." Northerners come to Naples from October through April for the warm climate. During the warmer seasons, traffic is minimal, and the popularly visited areas like downtown are not as busy. 

Wake Forest, North Carolina

Wake Forest, North Carolina, is a pleasant town with southern appeal and is considered one of the nicest towns in North Carolina. The average annual temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a big draw, along with its cultural diversity. Popular attractions include Wake Forest College, the downtown area, and the Museum of Art. 

This town ranks in the top 20 of the best places to raise a family, the best suburbs in North Carolina, and the best location for young professionals, according to the US Census. Wake Forest is one of the safest towns in North Carolina, with a crime rate below the national average. This warm and inviting town has plenty to offer families, like good schools, parks, and a vibrant entertainment district. 

Americus, Georgia

Americus is a small town with southern charm and a cost of living below the average in the state of Georgia. The quaint downtown is popular, includes historic sites like the Rylander Theatre, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other historical events include Charles Lindbergh's solo flight in 1923, and a plaque on the site honors this historic feat.

The property taxes are low, and Americus ranks on the US Census list for the most diverse place to live and one of the most affordable places to live in Georgia. The public school system is sound, and the student-to-teacher ratio is around 17 to 1. Americus is a quiet town with modern comforts and is a safe place to raise a family. 

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island is a small coastal town and one of the best communities in South Carolina to retire in. Landmarks include Harbor Town Lighthouse, which marks the island's western tip, and heritage buildings and gardens in the Coastal Discovery Museum. The Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to wildlife like deer, fowl, and alligators.

Along with the island's natural beauty, Hilton Head Island ranks third on the US Census for best places to retire and ranks 12th in the best public schools in the state. The property taxes are low, ranked sixth according to real estate lenders. 

Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville, home to the University of Virginia, is considered one of the happiest places in the nation. Although it is a college town with modern conveniences, it has retained its small-town appeal. Major attractions include the John Paul Jones Arena and historic sites like Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. 

Charlottesville ranks high as the best town for young professionals and Virginia's best public school system. The taxes are minimal, with a 1% Charlottesville tax and a 0% county tax. There are multiple neighborhoods to choose from, with Greenbrier being considered the best. 

Brentwood, Tennessee

According to real estate companies, Brentwood, a suburb of Nashville, is ranked number one in Tennessee. The historic town is also ranked as the second-best place to live and raise a family in the state. The history dates back 500 years, and original Indian Mounds can still be seen today.

The crime rate is slightly below average, with nine crimes per 1,000 residents being the expected average. The low tax rate also makes Brentwood an attractive place to live, with $.29 per $100 assessed value. Brentwood offers its residents a rural atmosphere and trendy shops juxtaposed with stunning natural scenery.

Find Your Southern Haven in 2024

Whether you want to strike out on your own for the first time or looking for a serene place to retire, the southern US has you covered. From rural towns like Americus to the white sandy beaches in Naples, these eight towns are safe and rank among the best places to live in the South. These towns also have affordable living costs, low property taxes, and good school systems, rating them high on any home buyer's list.